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Thanks Steve

You have been a great help. The story behind Joshua is becoming a little clearer and as I suspected very sad.

Russell

Steve

Thanks for your information so far. Can i ask how you located Joshua's medal card? I drew a blank on the national archives site-found the name in the yorkshire light infantry but a different number.

Thanks

Russell

Sorry! I forgot to add that  the birthplace would be Newcastle!

rmt1

Thanks gadget,

I read the information on the link you gave to St Nicholas', Gosforth. It confirms what I suspected regarding the type of institution that Joshua lived in  for the rest of his life after the war.

Being new to RootsChat I wasn't sure if I was able to use words like 'lunatic' or 'asylum' but I guess it's ok when used in the right context.

As a family we simply didn't know of his existence. It is only through my research of Pte Frederick (Fred) Whitfield (my great-grandfather, who servedwith the 19th battalion of the Norhumberland Fusiliers) that I have discovered Joshua who was his brother.  Fred died in 1943 and until now there has been no mention of Joshua. I have heard of a 'family legend' that says that Joshua attacked an Officer. I know nothing more than this other than his service number 5087 which is mentioned in documents from Fred.

Thanks for your interest. Maybe i need to email you directly, you will have to tell me how to do this though!

regards

rmt1

Hi

There is a tobacconists in Harpenden high street called 'Thornes'-it is still there and has a resemblance to the frontage in the photogragh but I think it has always been called 'Thornes'. I know that's not much help!

Russell