Eustace Jotham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eustace Jotham
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Jotham as pictured on a cigarette card
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| Born | 28 November 1883 Kidderminster, Worcestershire |
| Died | 7 January 1915 (aged 31) Tochi Valley, North West Frontier, British India |
| Buried |
Miranshah Cemetery, North Waziristan
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1903–1915 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
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| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Eustace Jotham was a brave English soldier. He lived from 1883 to 1915. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth forces. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Who Was Eustace Jotham?
Eustace Jotham was born in Kidderminster, England, on November 28, 1883. He grew up to become a Captain in the British Indian Army. He is remembered for his incredible bravery during World War I.
Early Life and Training
Eustace went to Lucton School for five years. When he was 16, in 1899, he moved to Bromsgrove School. After finishing school, at age 18, he joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous place where army officers are trained.
In 1903, Eustace became a second lieutenant. This is a junior officer rank. He joined the North Staffordshire Regiment and soon traveled to India for his military duties.
Serving in India
Eustace Jotham served with the North Staffords in India until 1905. He then decided to join the British Indian Army. This army was made up of soldiers from India, led by British officers. He officially joined on June 23, 1905.
He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1905. He joined the 102nd Prince of Wales's Own Grenadiers. Later, in October 1906, he moved to the 51st Sikhs. He was known as a "double company officer" there. In 1912, he was promoted again, becoming a Captain.
In 1913, Captain Jotham returned to England for a short visit. On his way back to India, he was on a train that crashed. This was the 1913 Ais Gill rail accident. He helped rescue people and later spoke about what he saw at the accident inquiry.
A Hero's Final Act
When he returned to India, Captain Jotham worked with the North Waziristan Militia. This was during 1914 and 1915. He was involved in military operations in the Tochi Valley area. This region was part of the North West Frontier.
On January 7, 1915, Captain Jotham was killed in action during these operations. He showed amazing courage and bravery. Because of his actions, he was given the Victoria Cross after his death. This is a very special honor for his heroism.
Remembering a Hero
Captain Eustace Jotham was buried in the Miranshah Cemetery in North Waziristan. His name is also on the Delhi Memorial in India. This memorial remembers soldiers who died serving their country.
On January 7, 2015, exactly 100 years after his death, a special memorial stone was placed for him. It was unveiled at St Mary's and All Saints Church in his hometown of Kidderminster. Captain Jotham's actual Victoria Cross medal is kept at Bromsgrove School, where he once studied.
