Tuesday 16th November 2021
A SPECIAL memorial event was held at Dumbarton Cemetery on Saturday to remember Joe Wilkinson, a young Dumbarton goalkeeper who passed away 100 years ago this weekend.
Joshua Wilkinson, know as Joe, was a young man with a bright future in front of him when he died at the age of 24.
A local lad, he attended Dumbarton Academy before achieving an MA with honours from the University of Glasgow. He was a Royal Navy reservist for three years in the later stages of the first World War.
Having completed his studies, he joined Dumbarton in May 1921. He immediately became the first choice goalkeeper and made his debut against Kilmarnock in August of that year. He played every game prior to Dumbarton playing Rangers at Ibrox in November.
Joe was injured during the game but managed to play on. At home later that evening he began to feel unwell and contacted Dumbarton manager Pat Travers.
Travers arranged a visit from Joe’s GP and the GP arranged for him to be transported to the Western Infirmary in Glasgow.
On the Sunday he underwent an emergency operation for Peritonitis (or a perforated bowel). He never recovered from the operation. He died on Monday, November 14.
Thankfully he is the only player in the 149-year history of Dumbarton to die directly as the result of an injury sustained on the pitch.
These events took place 100 years ago this weekend. That is why we were there on Saturday to remember Joe Wilkinson.
Dumbarton Football Club