Main CPGW Record
Surname: WHITHAM
Forename(s): Joseph
Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire
Service No: 907376
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Canadian Infantry
Battalion / Unit: 102nd Battalion
Division: 4th Canadian Division
Age: 30
Date of Death: 1917-04-09
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: B. 19.
CWGC Cemetery: GIVENCHY ROAD CANADIAN CEMETERY, NEUVILLE-ST. VAAST
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Joseph Whitham (born 28 December 1886) was the son of John and Jane Ann Whitham, née Bracewell. John was born at Broughton and Jane at Skipton, Yorkshire. Joseph was the cousin of A/Corporal Ernest Cowgill (2063) (q.v.).
1891 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: High Mill - Joseph Whitham, aged 4 years, born Skipton, son of John and Jane Whitham.
1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: High Mill - Joseph Whitham, aged 14 years, born Skipton, son of John and Jane A. Whitham.
The British Army Service Record for Joseph Whitham (Number: 48 & 628, 6th Bn West Riding Regiment) exists but may be incomplete.
Canadian service records: http://www.baclac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
WHITHAM, Joe, aged 30, Canadian Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitham, Wood Cottage, Skipton, killed in action, France, April 9, 1917.
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Private Joseph WHITHAM
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Canadian Infantry
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 4th Canadian Division
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
John Whitham, the father of Private Joseph Whitham
Courtesy of Graham Nolan
Memorial Chamber of Canada’s Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
In the Memorial Chamber are the eight ‘Books of Remembrance’ that contain the names of more than 120,000 Canadians who gave their lives in the service of Canada
Source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman, Clitheroe)
Page from the First World War ‘Book of Remembrance’: Private Joseph Whitham
Source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman, Clitheroe)
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
27 April 1917
WHITHAM – April 9th 1917, killed in action in France, Pte. Joe Whitham, Canadian Contingent, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitham, Wood Cottage, Skipton, aged 30 years.
27 April 1917
TWO SKIPTON 'CANADIANS' – PRIVATE JOE WHITHAM
Pte. Joe Whitham, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitham, Wood Cottage, who was also serving with the Canadian contingent, is another local lad who is reported killed. In a letter to the parents, a soldier writes:– “I am very sorry indeed to have to write and tell you such sad news as this – that my greatest friend and companion, Joe, was killed on the 9th inst., while doing his duty on the battlefield. He was dressing a wounded comrade when a German sniper shot him through the head. We made it up about a month ago that if either of us was killed in the big drive, the one left was to write to the other’s people and let them know.”
Thirty years of age, and formerly employed on the Skipton Castle estate, Pte. Whitham emigrated to Canada about eight years ago, and up to enlisting had been engaged in agricultural work at Aylesbury, near Regina. He joined a Canadian contingent twelve months ago, and had been in France since November last.
12 April 1918
WHITHAM – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Joe Whitham, 102nd Canadians, who was killed in action, April 9th, 1917, aged 30 years.
“Greater love hath no man than this: ‘ That he lay down his life for his friend.’”
From his loving Father, Sisters and Brother.
WHITHAM – In affectionate remembrance of Private Joe Whitham, 102nd Canadians, who was killed in action at Vimy Ridge, April 9th, 1917.
The love bond that held us together
Will not part us though in death,
For he fought for his dear old country
And died a hero’s death.
From his loving friend Eveline and all at 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.
11 April 1919
WHITHAM – In ever loving memory of my dear friend, Private Joe Whitham, 102nd Canadians, who was killed in action on Vimy Ridge, April 9th, 1917, aged 30 years.
Two years have passed, but none can tell,
The loss of one I loved so well.
From his loving friend Eveline and all at 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.
09 April 1920
WHITHAM – In ever loving memory of Pte. Joe Whitham, 102nd Canadian Battalion, who was killed in action April 9th, 1917, aged 30 years.
‘Tis sweet to know we’ll meet again
Where partings are no more,
And that the one I loved so well
Has only gone before.
From his loving Friend, Eveline, and all at 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.
08 April 1921
WHITHAM – In ever loving memory of Pte. Joe Whitham, 102nd Canadian Battalion, who was killed in action on Vimy Ridge, April 9th, 1917, aged 30 years.
“Time passes but loving memories still remain.”
From his loving Friend, Miss Eveline Bunnett and All at 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
27 April 1917
WHITHAM – Killed in action, April 9th, Pte. Joe Whitham, Canadian Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitham, of Wood Cottage, Skipton, aged 30.
27 April 1917
CRAVEN’S LOSES IN THE WAR – KILLED WHILST DRESSING WOUNDED COMRADE
Pte. Joe Whitham, of one of the Canadian Regiments, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitham, of Wood Cottage, Skipton, is reported to have been killed in action on April 9th. In a letter to Pte. Whitham’s parents, a ‘pal’ writes:– “I am very sorry indeed to have to write and tell you such sad news as this, that my greatest friend and companion, Joe, was killed on the 9th whilst doing his duty on the battlefield. He was dressing a wounded comrade when a German sniper shot him through the head. We each made it up about a month ago, that if either of us was killed in the big drive, the one left was to write to the other’s people and let them know.” Pte. Whitham, who was 30 years of age, went out to Canada about eight years ago to take up farm work. He enlisted about twelve months ago, and had been in France since last November. Prior to going to Canada he was employed on the Skipton Castle Estate.
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