The sons of Joseph and Rosannah Skitt, Joseph was born in Wolverhampton in 1894, and Noah was born in 1880. Their mother died in 1899. In 1901, Joseph and Noah were living with their widowed father and siblings William, Clara, Rosannah and Arthur, at 28 New Street, Portobello, Wolverhampton. On 31 May 1903, Noah married Ellen James at St Stephen’s Church, Willenhall. By 1911, the couple were living at 50 High Street, Portobello, with their three children – Albert, Susannah and Joseph. Noah was a coal miner – pike man. By 1911, Joseph and his brother, Arthur, were living with their widowed father in Short Heath. Joseph had become a coal miner – lodder.

Joseph enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (number 11786). He first served from 21 September 1914, but was killed in action on 1 November 1914, following a battler on Messines Ridge near Ypres. His family home at the time was in Brickkiln Street, Portobello. He is buried at the Artillery Wood Cemetery in Belgium.

Noah enlisted in the South Staffordshire Regiment (number 9534), first serving in France from 17 December 1914. He became sick, and was discharged on 1 March 1919. On 15 July 1920, he was awarded the Silver War Badge (number 494187)

Noah died on 22 December 1945 at the Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton. The value of his effects was £274 1s. 7d. Both men are remembered on the Portobello Roll of Honour as local men who served during the First World War.