Joe Proellocks enlisted in 1915 but spent much of his war with bouts of sickness or at Depots in France or England. Proellocks finally reached the field in October 1917, but was killed in action while fighting with the 47th Battalion against the German Spring offensive in France on 30 March, 1918. At the time it was reported he was buried at the Military Cemetery on the Dernancourt Railway Line, but a later audit failed to find the grave.
After his death, a question arose as to where to send his medals. His mother claimed to be his next of kin, with his father having also died, but acknowledged Proellocks had married while in England. A police report requested in 1922 to investigate the widow stated, as summarised by the military adviser in charge of the case, “she is now living with a man who is not her husband.” They referred the case back to the Officers at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, who ultimately chose the mother.
Proellocks appeared on the Toowoomba British Association honour board, with the family associated with the Middle Ridge club.