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Post by QPR Report on Nov 9, 2008 11:16:06 GMT
Edit: This was from two years ago. But obviously doesn't matterOn this Remembrance Sunday, a nice piece by Chelsea/Vital Football www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=511177 A Pause For Thought.......... Warning: this article is as much about history as it is about football. Remembrance Sunday is a time which mustn't be forgotten. By the time the First World War concluded, 885,138 British servicemen had lost their lives fighting. It is massively important that we never let their sacrifices slip from memory. Football should be a massive part of this. Millions of people watch, week in and week out and, as such, football has a responsibility to help remember those who have passed. This article pays tribute to just a small number of those who fought in the war, from the footballing community, who should also not be forgotten. Obviously it is difficult to track everyone who signed up from the footballing community. From the Chelsea side of the time, I could only find specific mention of one name: Vivian Woodward. Woodward joined Chelsea in 1909 and remained on Chelsea's books technically until 1915, though he signed up at the very start of the war. Unfortunately Woodward, who was also a very talented footballer on the National stage, with two Olympic Gold medals to his name, was hit in the leg by a hand grenade, ending his footballing career. Another England star of the time, Frank Buckley, who had played as a centre half for both Manchester sides, also signed up and was in the same battalion as Woodward. Frank had been a regular soldier previously and was given the rank of Major in the new 'Footballers Battalion'. Their battalion was involved in the Somme, where Thomas Brewer and Evelyn Lintott, at the time QPR players, were both killed. Buckley was hit with shrapnel, puncturing his lungs. Naturally, he was then taken from the front where he remarkably survived and returned in 1917 to the front. He was yet another who could not return to his previous life after the war. Newcastle United were also represented, with George Pyke fighting in the same battalion. He did survive and returned to his previous life after the war. The last individual I will mention was Walter Tull, a player who represented Rangers, Spurs and Northampton. He was again a member of the footballers battalion and was also there at the Somme. He suffered from Trench Fever, however, and had to be sent to recover. After his recovery, he became the first black combat officer in the British Army. In 1918, however, Tull was shot whilst leading his men across No Mans Land and despite the best efforts of those around him to drag him to safety, he died on the battlefield. And no article writing about football and the first world war could possibly forget the bravery of the members of the then Clapton, now Leyton, Orient team who joined up as a group of 41. 3 of the team were killed at the Somme - including Richard McFadden, who even before the war, had proven his bravery twice already - once saving a drowning boy, once rescuing a man from a burning building. And it should be mentioned that the Footballers battalion was made up of 600 men. 122 were footballers. The rest made up of fans who wanted to fight alongside their heroes and they of course deserve mention also. So there it is; a brief summary of football's contribution to the First World War. There are obviously going to be people I've missed and for that I apologise but finding information on the subject isn't easy. I would hope that none of us need convincing that Remembrance Day is important but I felt that it would be right to show the link between the war and our beautiful game. Lest we forget...
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Nov 10, 2008 9:18:21 GMT
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Nov 10, 2008 10:08:06 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 10, 2008 13:11:43 GMT
Thanks for this
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 10, 2008 14:05:28 GMT
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Nov 10, 2008 14:09:35 GMT
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Post by londonranger on Nov 10, 2008 15:05:35 GMT
Lots of interesting stuff havent had time to watch film. Only thing I can add is the grounds. Park Royal where they played was taken over by the Army in 1914 A. POTTED HISTORY.
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 11, 2008 9:26:44 GMT
And Telegraph - By Brendan Gallagher 11 Nov 2008 - on some of the sportsmen (not just footballers) who died (not to mention the millions of others from all walks of life, who died or were wounded)
Greats of sport who were taken before their time on a World War One battlefield
England's former rugby captain and wing Ronnie Poulton-Palmer – who scored four tries against France in 1914 – was killed at Ploegsteert Wood on May 5 1915, one of 26 England internationals to perish in the so-called 'War to end all Wars'.
Another, Arthur Harrison, received a posthumous Victoria Cross for his deeds at Zeebrugge in April 1918.
An extraordinary 30 Scottish rugby internationals lost their lives in the conflict, 23 Test players from France perished, 14 from Wales, 12 All Blacks died, nine from Australia and Ireland and four from South Africa. The carnage spared none. Of the All Blacks the most notable was Dave Gallaher, the totem around whom the 1905 All Blacks were formed. He saw action at Ypres and was killed during the Passchendaele offensive on Oct 4 1917. He is buried at Nine Elms Cemetery, Poperinge, where his gravestone bears the silver fern.
Rugby also raised one of the most notable of all the sporting battalions, 'Mobbs' Own', comprising rugby enthusiasts from Northamptonshire and Bedford. This was the idea of England back Edgar Mobbs, who was honoured with the Distinguished Service Order but never returned home.
Football's equivalent was Hearts FC, who enlisted en bloc on Nov 26 1914. Three of the Hearts team – Harry Wattie, Duncan Currie and Ernie Ellis – were killed on the first day of the Somme offensive.
Another, Paddy Crossan, was so badly injured that his right leg was marked for amputation. Crossan pleaded with the German surgeon not to operate in the hope of saving his career and his leg was spared but he later died as a result of the gas poisoning he suffered on the front.
Football's proud VC was Second Lieutenant Donald Bell, a full-back for Bradford Park Avenue who took part in the Somme offensive in 1916. On July 5 he stuffed his pockets with grenades and attacked an enemy machine-gun post. When he attempted to repeat this act of bravery five days later he was killed.
Most military historians are agreed that only the close proximity of the acts of valour – and the fact that the first Victoria Cross had not even been awarded when he died – prevented Bell receiving an extremely rare second VC. Bell's letters to his wife – they married the day before he left for France – are among the most poignant literary memoirs from the war.
Walter Tull, who was a professional at Northampton Town, is another footballer who will never be forgotten. The first ever black infantry officer in the British Army, he proved a notable leader of men, but having survived six of the war's major battles he was mown down on March 25 1918, at Favreuil in northern France.
New Zealand, having lost so many rugby players, suffered another grievous blow in the world of tennis when Tony Wilding was killed at Neuve Chapelle on May 9 1915.
Wilding, who was engaged to a Hollywood starlet, won four consecutive men's titles at Wimbledon (1910-13) as well as a bucketful of doubles titles.
From the world of rowing Frederick S Kelly, a member of the gold-winning team at the London Olympics in 1908, fought at Gallipoli in 1915 and won the Distinguished Service Cross for conspicuous gallantry. He was killed at Beaucourt-sur-Ancre on Nov 13 1916.
Of the 210 county cricketers who answered the call, 34 did not return home, including Percy Jeeves, an all-rounder killed at the Somme in 1916. He was allegedly the inspiration for Bertie Wooster's man servant of the same name, created by PG Wodehouse.
Kent's Colin Blythe, who took 100 wickets for England in 19 Test matches, was another to fall, killed at Passchendaele in Nov 1917.
Alas, you could fill an entire newspaper with their stories.
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 11, 2008 9:39:02 GMT
And from Scotland The Scotsman - Gatherings remember those who fell in wars The scene at the Heart of Midlothian Memorial service at Haymarket. By ALAN McEWAN THEY gathered around the Heart of Midlothian Memorial at Haymarket as the Capital fell silent in memory of those who lost their lives while serving their country. A crowd of more than 500 people assembled to pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony and watch the poppy wreaths being laid. Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo and player Christophe Berra represented the club, while city councillors and team supporters Eric Milligan and Steve Cardownie were also in attendance. The defender read out a moving letter sent by a soldier on the frontline during World War I to his family back in Edinburgh. The club delegation were joined by servicemen and women, past and present, to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of 1914-1918 conflict. A small procession by the Salvation Army Band from Dalry Road to Haymarket Junction proceeded the two-minute silence at 11am, which was broken by the traditional firing of the One O'Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. The silence was also observed during a ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers before a bugler and a piper played the Last Post, Flowers Of The Forest and Reveille. First Minister Alex Salmond then laid a wreath at the memorial before joining a church service at St Giles' Cathedral. A number of other events were due to be held across the city yesterday, including ceremonies at the Corstorphine War Memorial and the cenotaph in South Queensferry. The Heart of Midlothian War Memorial was built by the Gorgie club in 1922 to remember the team's footballers who had signed up to fight in the Great War. Cllr Milligan said: "I've been attending the service at the Hearts memorial for a good number of years and I was very pleased that so many people turned out. "In the 60s and 70s, attendance at these events fell away slightly but there has been a recent upturn of interest in remembering those who died in war. "Any football supporter believes there is something that makes their club a bit special. The sacrifice that the Hearts players made in 1914 by joining up is one that should always be remembered." Derek Watson, chairman of the Hearts Supporters' Trust, said: "I think it's very important to keep the memory alive and I was glad that several hundred people came along to help do that." Lord Provost George Grubb and Alex Fergusson MSP, the Scottish Parliament's presiding officer, were among around 400 people who gathered for the Stone of Remembrance ceremony alongside the First Minister. Mr Salmond said: "It is the sacrifice of all those who have served in the forces which preserved our values and enabled us to enjoy the freedoms which so many of us take for granted today." Right Rev David Lunan, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "Remembrance Day gives each of us, from all walks of life, from every cultural background, and from every corner of the nation, the opportunity to stop, and reflect, and give silent thanks." news.scotsman.com/scotland/Gatherings-remember-those-who-.4676847.jp |
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 11, 2008 9:40:39 GMT
And this Stars to celebrate life of black footballer and war hero Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com Stars of film, TV and sport will come together for a night of entertainment celebrating the life of one of Britain's first black footballers, Walter Tull. BBC sports presenter Garth Crooks, Kidulthood actress Red Madrell, Paul Canoville the first ever black player to play for Chelsea and former West Ham player Bobby Barnes are set to attend the evening, which marks the 90th anniversary of Walter Tull's death. Tull's great niece Rita Humphrey is also set to attend. The grandson of a former slave, Tull started life in a Methodist orphanage but went on to enjoy a highly successful football career playing for Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur. He was also the first black officer in the British Army as well as the first black officer to lead white troops into battle in the First World War. For his bravery, he was recommended the Military Cross and died a hero in the last Battle of the Somme in 1918 aged 29. The evening, which is to be held at the grand Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, will see the opening of a national exhibition based on the life of Tull. A musical based on the role model's life will also be performed by pupils from St Vincent De Paul primary school in Westminster. It is one of a series of activities in the 'Crossing the White Line' project for which Westminster Council's Archives was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of almost £50,000. Funding was also provided by Professional Footballers Association and Kick it Out 'Weeks of Action'. Councillor Audrey Lewis, Westminster's cabinet member for customers and neighbourhoods, said: "We are grateful for the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and this performance and exhibition will take Walter Tull's story to the wider audience that it deserves. "Tull showed extraordinary courage often in the face of great adversity and is undoubtedly an inspirational role model for the young people of today." The Crossing the White Line project aims to celebrate the short but historically significant life of Walter Tull, broaden people's understanding of Britain's multi-ethnic past and attract interest from a wider cross-cultural audience. Four other Westminster schools - St Matthew's, St Saviour's, St Barnabas and St Peter's Eaton Square - are also involved in the project. The performance at Methodist Central Hall starts at 6pm on 10th November. The exhibition is open from 5pm For more information on the Crossing the White Line project visit www.crossingthewhiteline.comThose wishing to attend the event should email City of Westminster Archives project officer, Camilla Bergman, on camillawebb@googlemail.com or call 020 7641 5180 www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2008-11-10-Stars-to-celebrate-life-of-black-footballer-and-war-hero |
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Nov 11, 2008 11:36:06 GMT
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Post by cpr on Nov 11, 2008 11:59:25 GMT
Watched the service from the Senataph this morning. Only three surviving soldiers now.
EDIT: Just said, three of the remaining survivors, apologies.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Nov 13, 2008 21:36:33 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 7, 2009 9:15:13 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 8, 2009 10:31:42 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 8, 2009 10:34:50 GMT
And what the children "Know" UK Press Association Hitler was a footballer, say pupils (UKPA) – 2 days ago One in 20 UK schoolchildren thought Adolf Hitler was a coach of the German football team, a survey has revealed. And one in six youngsters said they thought Auschwitz was a Second World War theme park while one in 20 said the Holocaust was a celebration at the end of the war. The survey for a veterans' charity also found one in 10 thought the SS stood for Enid Blyton's Secret Seven, and one in 12 believed the Blitz was a European clean-up operation following the Second World War. Scottish-based charity Erskine, which provides nursing and medical care for veterans, said it would now take part in a nationwide scheme to educate schoolchildren about the two world conflicts. The charity questioned 2,000 children between the ages of nine and 15 about their knowledge of the key people and events of the two wars. While a quarter admitted they did not think about the soldiers who died in the conflicts, and 40 per cent said they did not know when Remembrance Day was, 70 per cent of all those surveyed said they wanted to learn more about the two wars in school. Major Jim Panton, chief executive of Erskine, said: "Some of the answers to this poll have shocked us and it has shown that Erskine, amongst others, has a part to play, not just in caring for veterans but in educating society as a whole." The charity said it wanted some of the 1,350 veterans it cares for every year to share their experiences of the war with younger generations. Erskine will work in partnership with Their Past Your Future (TPYF) project, a partnership of the Imperial War Museum, the Museums, Libraries and Archives England, the Northern Ireland Museum Council, the National Library of Wales and the Scottish Museums Council, to help schoolchildren learn more about the conflicts. Andrew Salmond, a project manager for TPYF in Scotland, said: "This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to inform young people about the experiences of war - both at home and abroad." www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iNK4m_4fHfX4UZGPMp5hOxwlrwaw |
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 8, 2009 10:37:01 GMT
Footballers Killed in World War IIList Includes (NOT Comprehensive) Great Britain * Norman Catlin – played for Southampton (1935–1937). He lost his life in the controversial sinking of HMS Gloucester off the coast of Crete in May 1941.[1] * Jo Coen - played for Luton Town (1934–1939). Died on 15 October 1941, in a training accident while serving with the Royal Air Force.[2] * Tom Cooper - played for Port Vale (1924–1926), Derby County (1926–1934) and Liverpool (1934–1940), as well as 15 appearances for England. Died serving the Royal Military Police in England on 25 June 1940 after his motorcycle struck a lorry.[3] * Haydn Dackins - played for Swansea Town (1934–1935) and Port Vale (1935–1936). He was killed in action on 2 August 1943, serving in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.[4] * Bobby Daniel – played for Arsenal. Served in the RAF, disappeared in action on a bombing raid over Berlin on 23 December 1943.[2] * Alan Fowler – played for Swindon Town. Killed in action with the Dorsetshire Regiment shortly after D-day on 10 July 1944.[2] * Harry Goslin – played for Bolton Wanderers (1930–1939). Served with the Bolton Artillery, mortally wounded in action in Italy and died 18 December 1943.[2] * Sid Gueran – played for Southampton (1936–1938). He was killed in action 18 September 1944 in the Battle of Arnhem.[5] * Sam Jennings - played for several clubs, including Reading (1921–1924), Brighton & Hove Albion (1925–1928) and Port Vale (1929–1931), and was manager at Rochdale (1937–1938). Died in battle on 26 August 1944, at the age of 45.[6] * Leslie Lack – played for Arsenal. Served in the RAF, killed by friendly fire while returning from a mission in his Spitfire.[2] * Herbie Roberts – played for Arsenal (1926–1937). He died of erysipelas on 17 June 1944, while on active duty with the Royal Fusiliers.[2] * Charlie Sillett – played for Southampton (1931–1938). He was killed in a U-boat attack on an allied convoy while serving with the Royal Navy in 1945.[7] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_footballers_killed_during_World_War_II
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 10, 2009 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by londonranger on Nov 10, 2009 20:06:56 GMT
If you havent already,read All Quiet on the Western Front, to get a first hand experience of what life in the bunkers was really like.
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 10, 2009 20:08:29 GMT
Never did read it. Saw the film of course.
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Post by londonranger on Nov 10, 2009 20:16:23 GMT
Erich Maria Remarque, a German totally against the folly of war, during and after the experience.
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 11, 2009 8:35:14 GMT
Football League - Help for Heroes
DONATE DIRECTLY TO H4H DONATE DIRECTLY TO H4H Following the successful launch of the new partnership between The Football League and Help for Heroes, the charity have created us our very own donations page for football fans to give money directly to our heroes and watch the tally grow. Since being launched in 2007, Help for Heroes has raised on average £1m per month for members of the Armed Forces injured whilst serving their country - a total of £30m over the two years - and in order to increase this incredible total, the organisation has been selected as the official charity partner of The Football League for the 2009/10 season. Already this season a large number of League Clubs from across England and Wales have held and begun organising Help for Heroes events to keep the money rolling in but now football fans can donate directly on the page which includes a running total of how much supporters have raised. "Your support will make a huge difference to some incredible Heroes, said Help for Heroes cofounder," Bryn Parry. "The Football League will help us provide direct and practical support for our injured service personnel. We may not be able to prevent our blokes from being wounded, but together we can help them get better." Donating on the page couldn't be easier, quicker or more secure. All you have to do is follow the link at the bottom of the page which shows the amount raised and gives you a chance to add whatever you can to the ever-growing total. And don't forget if you are a UK taxpayer then tick the Gift Aid box and give your consent to ensure that Help for Heroes automatically receives an extra 25% at no cost to you. "I am delighted to have Help for Heroes as our Official Charity Partner," said Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney. "The Football League is dedicated to helping good causes and the work done by Help for Heroes is hugely relevant to our lives today. The Football League's unprecedented reach across the UK will assist Help for Heroes to raise awareness, funds and provide Armed Forces with the opportunity to see live matches. "Help for Heroes has always been an organisation that I and our clubs have supported in practice and I am thrilled that The Football League is working to help such a great cause." Click here to go straight to the donations page www.bmycharity.com/V2/footballleaguewww.football-league.co.uk/officialcharity/helpforheroes/news/donate-directly-to-h4h-20091110_2269991_1872578
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Post by cpr on Nov 11, 2009 10:55:49 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Nov 11, 2009 12:59:24 GMT
Good... QPR Official Site - DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Training at the Club's Harlington Complex came to a halt for two minutes today as Jim Magilton, his coaching staff and the playing squad remembered those who lost their lives in war.At 11am on this day, 11th November, the country paid their respects to fallen heroes. Magilton was keen to make sure this moment was also remembered during this morning's training session. www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1872722,00.html |
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Post by Macmoish on Nov 11, 2010 8:23:54 GMT
Bump...November 11
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Post by Macmoish on Nov 10, 2011 8:21:44 GMT
Bump another year
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Post by cpr on Nov 10, 2011 8:31:28 GMT
Never did read it. Saw the film of course. I watched it a couple of days ago, it was the afternoon matinee, as it were. |
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Post by haqpr1963 on Nov 10, 2011 9:14:23 GMT
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Post by haqpr1963 on Nov 10, 2011 9:30:48 GMT
And another very informative site on football in the First World War. www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWfootball.htmWilliam Joynson Hicks established the 17th Service (Football) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment on 12th December, 1914. This group became known as the Football Battalion. According to Frederick Wall, the secretary of the Football Association, the England international centre-half, Frank Buckley, was the first person to join the Football Battalion. At first, because of the problems with contracts, only amateur players like Vivian Woodward, and Evelyn Lintott were able to sign-up.
As Frank Buckley had previous experience in the British Army he was given the rank of Lieutenant. He eventually was promoted to the rank of Major. Within a few weeks the 17th Battalion had its full complement of 600 men. However, few of these men were footballers. Most of the recruits were local men who wanted to be in the same battalion as their football heroes. For example, a large number who joined were supporters of Chelsea and Queen's Park Rangers who wanted to serve with Vivian Woodward and Evelyn Lintott. Charlie Buchan, A Lifetime in Football (1955)
Out in France I could never escape from football. I did not want to. Rather I was glad of an opportunity to play. My first game was behind the Somme front, just after the big push in July 1916, at our camp in Marie-court, a little north of Albert.
From the playing field we could see the spire of Arras church.
Legend had it that when the statue of the Virgin Mary, hanging at right angles, fell, the war would end. We devoutly wished it would fall right then.
No sooner had we started than German shells began to drop perilously near the field. So we packed up and restarted on another pitch. The game had to go on.
We fielded a Grenadier Guards team and I had the job of getting the side together-I had been promoted to sergeant by this time.
One of our officers was the outside-left. When I went to his tent to tell him about the game, he was not there, so I spoke to his batman. He was our goalkeeper, Harry Jefferies, who played for Queen's Park Rangers and Bristol City.
I persuaded Harry to let me have one of the officer's shirts. Mine were in such a verminous state it was impossible to wear them.
Just as I got the shirt, I saw, through the flap of the tent, the officer approaching. Hastily I tucked the shirt up the back of my tunic. I gave the officer the message and as I was going out he said:
"Oh, Sergeant, you might tuck your shirt in, it looks unsightly." The arm of the shirt was hanging down like a tail.
Our keen rivals were the Scots Guards. In their ranks were Sammy Chedgzoy and Billy Kirsopp who, before the war, had been Everton's right-wing in many League games. It was strange that later I partnered Chedgzoy in inter-League games against the Scottish League.
Well, I got through the Somme, Cambrai and Passchendaele battles without a scratch. Then I came home and was posted to an Officers' Cadet School, at Catterick Camp, for three months training.Major Frank Buckley kept a record of what happened to the men under his command in the Football Battalion. He later wrote that by the mid-1930s over 500 of the battalion's original 600 men were dead, having either been killed in action or dying from wounds suffered during the fighting. Lest We Forget... |
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Post by haqpr1963 on Nov 10, 2011 11:00:28 GMT
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