Dumbarton Football Club are attempting to trace the relatives of a former player, who died as a result of an injury picked up playing for the Sons.
November 14 this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Joshua Wilkinson – known as Joe.
The 24-year-old, who had joined Dumbarton from Renton, served for three years in the Navy during the First World War – before returning to dry land and signing for Rangers.
Following a season at Ibrox and another at Renton, he joined his hometown side Dumbarton in 1921, quickly establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper whilst studying for a master’s degree at the University of Glasgow.
On November 12, the Sons travelled to Glasgow to take on Wilkinson’s former club, Rangers, with reports saying that the keeper complained of feeling unwell pre-match.
Despite this he produced an inspired performance, helping Dumbarton to secure a 1-1 draw.
However, during the match the pain that Wilkinson was in became worse, and following the game he was taken home by Dumbarton boss Paddy Travers, before being examined by a doctor who immediately diagnosed peritonitis.
Medics believe that he ruptured his bowel during the match, potentially after being barged into the net as Rangers scored.
He underwent an emergency operation the following day, but died at the Western General on Monday, November 14.
As a mark of respect, Rangers paid for his headstone and Joe is buried in Dumbarton.
Last year the Sons’ programme editor Graeme Robertson arranged for Wilkinson’s grave to be tidied by local businessman Chris McColl of Forget Me Not Memorials, however this year they are hoping to trace his family to mark a century since his untimely death.
Graeme told the Lennox: “We’re looking to hold a short memorial service to mark the anniversary of one of the most tragic stories in Dumbarton Football Club’s history.
“We are hoping to hold a small ceremony with the club chaplain, management and directors, perhaps the club captain and keepers – although nothing has been decided yet.
“It would be nice if we could get some of Joe’s descendants there but unfortunately we haven’t been able to trace any yet.
“If anyone who is a relative of Joe’s is still living locally - or further afield - then we’d be very keen to hear from them.”
If anyone has a connection to Joe Wilkinson they can contact the club via dumbarton150@gmail.com.
