Corporal Joe Whitworth
15th Battalion , Sherwood Foresters
(Notts and Derby Regiment)
29/10/1917
Born at Nottingham. Husband of Hetty L. Whitworth (nee
Cleal), of 16, Kensington Place, Jersey.
Killed in action, aged 39 years
NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Wednesday 7
November 1917
Roll of Honour. It is with sincere regret
that we have to chronicle the death which occurred during
the recent push on the battlefield somewhere in Flanders
of Corporal Joe Whitworth, a well known and highly respected
townsman. Mrs Whitworth, who resides at 16 Kensington
Place, this morning received a letter from one of the
deceased's comrades in arms containing the information.
The letter, which was dated 1 November, stated that
Corporal Whitworth had been granted special leave and
was to have left for home the following morning. Details
as to how he met his death are not given, but the writer
says that the Captain of the Company, his batman and
Corporal Whitworth were all killed outright. The late
Corporal was born in Nottingham and entered the service
of Boots Ltd some 23 years ago, he was transferred to
Jersey for a very short period, and then to the sister
Island where he remained for some 10 years. He will
always be remembered as a prominent footballer and whilst
in Guernsey played for the Rangers, though a serious
accident prevented him reaching Muratti honours for
the Sarnians. He was also a splendid cricketer and frequently
played here for Guernsey teams. Nine years ago he was
transferred back to this Island and joining the Jersey
Wanderers was one of the stars of the team, his clean
and clever performance in defence being amongst the
most pleasing memories of pre-war soccer days, he also
represented this Island in several Muratti games and
was a member of the Jersey Cricket Club. At the outbreak
of war he joined the 3rd Battalion RMIJ on permanent
duty and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. Keen
on taking a more active part in the sterner game he
would not shelter behind age or family but joined the
Notts & Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) during
August 1916. He proceeded to France some 8 months ago
and now has made the supreme sacrifice as mentioned
above. The late Corporal was 39. To the widow, who has
two young sons, we tender our heartfelt sympathy and
feel sure that in this expression of sympathy we are
joined by all our readers. Joe was one of the best and
by all his sterling qualities endeared himself to all
he came into contact with.
Notice of Death appears
in Jersey Evening Post of Friday 23 November 1917
Commemorated on:
All Saints Church Memorial, Jersey
St Peter Port Parish Memorial, Guernsey
Commonwealth
War Graves Commission Record
