1914-1917 ANECDOTES

1914-1917 ANECDOTES

THE CLUB’S JUBILEE
The 1914-1915 season was the 50th year since foundation, and the Committee looked forward to celebrating the event with “SUITABLE REJOICING.”
Sadly, this was not to be.

Features. Jubilee cancelled – Games on the Rec. – Caps – Outbreak of War – Close-down – Schools Union – Rifle Drill – Footballers at War – Canadians – Philip Hope at Front.

AGM REPORTED 1/7/1914
Mr. Vincent Coates suggested an award of blazers with the idea of “bucking up” Bath Football Club players who had appeared in three-quarters of the matches, of which number, three quarters must have been away games. Caps for 1st team players to continue as before, but a cap should also be given to the second team player who played in three fourths of the matches, three fourths of that number being away matches.
It was hoped that these awards would provide an incentive for players’ availability for ‘out games.’

OUTBREAK OF 1914-1918 War

The whole nation was caught up in patriotic fervour. There were War recruitment drives, and somewhere in the region of 11,200 Bath men were to ‘take up arms’, of which 2969 were volunteers.
Death tolls ‘at the front’ were immediate, and approximately 1000 Bath soldiers died and countless more wounded.
It is little wonder that the ‘flower of the nation’s manhood’ could not be spared for sporting activities.
It has proved difficult to establish the names of Bath Club footballers lost in this, the first of two Great World Wars. Where we have found them – we have honoured them, and a list appears at the end of the 1918-1919 section.

A History of the R.F.U lists twenty-six English Internationals lost in this war.
There were many more Club men.
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Bath Fixtures were cancelled for the duration. Nevertheless, the Rec. was still used for VERY occasional Service games.

MANCOM 25/8/1914
To write to Stotherts and St. Stephen’s to see if they were to run in the coming season.
Officials given power to act in any Emergency which might arise owing to the present crisis.

On September 1st St Stephen’s Club resolved to abandon all matches: “Between 12 and 15 of their players have enlisted, and others are likely to follow their example, and in any event, there is much doubt as to whether a number of clubs with whom fixtures have been arranged will be able to fulfil them.”
District soccer was quick to close down. Bathampton F C cancelled all fixtures, with: “no football whatever this year for any young fellows between the ages of 17 and 30, who were eligible to join Lord Kitchener’s “New Army.”

BATH RECREATION GROUND COMPANY
At a meeting of Directors, their Secretary was instructed not to let the ground for any game during the present crisis. This in itself, would not effect the Bath Football Club, who had a lease of the ground. However, their recommendation would be that clubs should suspend games for the present.

From BATH CHRONICLE 1/9/1914
News that, in view of the national crisis, Frome Rugby Club had decided to disband.
Several of their players had either gone, or were on the way to the front.

The Mayor of Bath had written to the Club, stating that he thought football was out of the question and hoped that the Bath would not permit games during the crisis. He felt that all young men should be elsewhere. “No man, he said, would care to play or look on at football while his fellows were sacrificing their lives and time on the Continent.”

MANCOM 1/9/1914
Emergency Committee had met and cancelled the Leicester match scheduled for Sept 5th.
Initially Leicester were disappointed at Bath’s decision. Shortly afterwards, they followed suite by abandoning all fixtures up to Christmas 1914, when they would reconsider the situation.

For the Bath Football Club, Mr G A Roberts moved the following resolution: “That having regard to the grave crisis through which our country is passing and the urgent call to every eligible man to take up arms for Britain’s honour and security, this Committee decide that no matches be played before Christmas and that in December the situation be further considered. The Committee feel sure that the many members of the club will appreciate the patriotic motive inspiring this resolution and will rally to their support when under happier auspices it will be possible to resume club games.”
This was seconded by the Chairman (Mr. Arthur Taylor), and carried unanimously without discussion.

It was also agreed that the action of the officials in scratching the Leicester match be confirmed and a copy of the foregoing resolution be sent in a covering letter to that Club.
Resolved that the ground be kept for the Schools R.U. and that arrangements be made with the Rec. Ground. Co.
Agreed that all property be collected and stored at the Red House.
After all club accounts have been paid, the balance be banked on deposit.

3/9/1914
The Welsh Rugby Union ordered all clubs to suspend their fixtures until further notice, and urged all footballers to place themselves and their grounds at the disposal of the authorities.

4/9/1914
There was a meeting at the Guildhall, with representatives from the Council, the Rugby and Football Clubs, Schools’ Rugby, Bath Cricket and Hockey, the Police, and various Church organisations.
After a full and friendly discussion, the following resolution was passed: “That in the opinion of this meeting, all football and hockey, except among those under the age of 17, should be postponed till Christmas.”

THE BATH CHRONICLE 5/9/1914

RUGBY SCHOOLS UNION
AN ADVANCE SECTION TO BE RUN
Mr George Strong presided over a meeting of the Bath Schools Executive. “It was stated the Mayor had expressed a desire that so far from any cessation of schoolboys football taking place, it was his Worship’s great wish that it should be extended in order to improve the physique of the lads and to teach them pluck and endurance.
It was unanimously decided to arrange the programme for 1914-15, and also to organise a Rugby section in Bath for youths between the ages of 14 and 17.
A proposal was made that the Bath Club should also teach these lads drilling and rifle firing. However, it was decided that it would be undesirable to interfere with the good work of the Junior Citizen’s Corps in this respect, but to encourage youths to join that body.
It was further resolved that the Schools Union Committee and the Committee of the Bath Club continue for the purpose of making the Boys’ Union and the Junior Section effective. A special sub-committee was appointed to approach the Recreation Ground directors for use of that field, and to arrange other preliminaries. Several influential citizens who had urged the abandonment of adult football had written expressing the hope that the game for lads would be encouraged, and promising financial assistance.”

As reported 12th September 1914 –

SOMERSET COUNTY DISBAND
A meeting of Somerset R.F.U. was held at Mr. Alfred Taylor’s camp, Warminster Road. County Rugby was abandoned, and they recommended that all affiliated clubs follow suite. They further recommended that club grounds be placed in the hands of the military authorities, for whatever purpose they found useful and desirable.
All arrangements for the 1914 season to be carried forward to the 1915-16 season.
The County were delighted that many clubs had already cancelled their programmes, and a large number of their regular players had already placed their services at the disposal of their King and country, including nearly all those who had represented Somerset the previous season.
It was further resolved: “That the 4th and 5th Battalions of the Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry having been accepted for foreign service, a sum of £100 from the Union’s funds (£50 to each battalion), be placed in the hands of their respective commanding officers, to be devoted to such purposes as they nay determine fir the benefit of the men under their command.”

BATH CHRONICLE 25/9/1914

FIRE AT THE REC.
Bath Brigade called to a fire at the rear of the grand stand. Flames could be seen from Grand Parade, and the incident attracted a lot of attention.

The article was closely followed by an advertisement –

ARE YOU INSURED? Fire, Life, Endowment, Accident and all other insurances effected at lowest rates.

CHRONICLE ARTICLE 26/9/1914

RUGBY FOOTBALLERS AT THE WAR
BATH CAPTAIN OFF TO THE FRONT

“Messrs Adrian Coates and Norman Coates, sons of Dr. C.M. Coates, of Combe Down, are now members of the motor cyclist corps attached to the Royal Engineers, and Mr. P.P. Hope, captain of Bath Rugby XV, one of their comrades. They expect to be leaving England for the Continent immediately; indeed they may have already gone. Thus two well known Bath three-quarters will be actively employed as dispatch riders in War before many days are past.”

W. FEAR A GERMAN PRISONER
“Mr. W . Fear, of Spa Cottages, Larkhall, on Thursday night received an official military notification that his son William had been wounded in the war and is also a prisoner in the hands of the Germans. The nature of the injuries is not detailed.
W Fear is the well known Bath and Somerset Rugby football half back and went out as a Reservist. In civil life in Bath he was in the employ of Messrs. Whatley, Cheap Street. His host of friends in Bath will hope to hear good news of him. Two of Fear’s brothers are also at the front. Fear was in Lieut. MacBryan’s company of the Somerset Light Infantry.”

A separate unconfirmed report informed Dr. MacBryan, of Kingsdown House, Bath, that his son Lieutenant J.C.W. MacBryan was also wounded and a prisoner.

Both W (Billy) Fear and Lieutenant MacBryan remained prisoners for the duration of the War.

MANCOM13/10/1914
Resolved that 1914-15 fixtures be carried forward to 1915-16 as far as possible.

23/10/1914
REPORT OF BATH RECREATION GROUND COMPANY.
“They had allowed the ground to be used by some of the Territorial Forces, the Engineers, Yeomanry, and 4th Somersets, until they could get grounds. No charge had been made for this, for although they could not loan the ground to be used for parochial drilling without some fees being paid, for National purposes the ground was open and they were very pleased to let it be so used.”

Meeting 3/11/1914
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of Bath Football Club, presided over a meeting to consider inaugurating a movement for Junior Football in Bath. (Ages 14 to 17)
“By playing Rugby Football, the lads would be keeping in training in preparation for the time when they were old enough to enlist, and they would be ready to play football when the war was over.” Representatives were confident that teams could be raised from Stothert and Pitt, Widcombe Institute, Combe Down, Bath Forum and Oldfield Evening School etc. Kingswood School were carrying on with rugby and would be willing to find a side for suitable opposition.
It was resolved to form a Junior Section.

A notice in the Chronicle dated 5th November 1914 announced the following School fixtures to be played on Middle Common, Victoria Park:- Oldfield v St. Stephen’s 11am, St. Saviour’s v Weymouth House 12 noon, and Bathwick v Bathforum at 3pm.

14/11/1914 A Bath XV v Kingswood School on the Recreation Ground. The Bath Club to defray the ground expenses, and the total proceeds to be given to the Belgian Relief Fund.

MANCOM 30/12/1914
Offer from Canadians, mainly Highland Regiment, billeted on Salisbury Plain, to play a match on the Rec. on Saturday January 9th 1914 at 2-45pm. Admission to be 6d and all men in His Majesty’s uniform were admitted at half price. Prior to the match, the visitors were shown over the Roman Baths. After the game, both teams were entertained at the Red House, and then with reserved seats at the Bath Pantomime. Any surplus funds from the match takings were allotted at the discretion of the Bath Club Committee.
Subsequently the ground proved to be unfit and game carried forward to 16th January1915.

MENS’ MINDS ON FOOTBALL?
Adapted from BATH CHRONICLE 4/1/1915
A German military correspondent, writing for “Lokalanzeiger” sought to assuage German apprehension at Britain’s effort to recruit new soldiers. He estimated that 540,000 could be raised, and these would not be battle ready. A realistic figure would be only 200,000 adequately trained men by Spring 1915.
“He concludes that the young men of England take only slight interest in the war which has caused such severe losses to British troops and considers this view to be supported by the fact that at a football match in London only three recruits could be obtained from an attendance of 100,000.”

CHRONICLE 13/1/1915
The Mayor of Bath (Mr. F W Spear) had received a letter from Captain T B Timmins, serving with the Somerset Light Infantry in India. Life was described as pleasant but not very exciting. The battalion was divided between Wellington, Madras and Malaparam, but they hoped to amalgamate in the New Year for field training.
“The men play football, cricket and hockey, and the Y.M.C.A. get up entertainments for their enjoyment.”

16th January1915 v Canadians. (Stationed on Salisbury Plain prior to moving to the Front)A match was played, resulting in a 6-6 draw.
Bath had trouble raising a team: “but with the aid of the 10th Devons (Kitchener’s Army), the side was completed.
Bath Team:- W Porch, Pte C Goodman (10th Devons), Pte H Rees (10th Devons), A Blanchard, Pte. P G Shute (10th Devons), A Hatherill, H Vowles, F G Cashnella (Capt.), Corpl A Ford (R.A.M.C.), Cpl. W Stribling (10th Devons), S Head, E S Cambridge, W B Parker (72nd Canadian Highlanders), C Mannings and R Porch.
Shute scored the first Bath try; in the second half Blanchard went over, and then Bourns and Holmes scored for the Canadians. Private L M Spiers, the Canadian captain (who was an old Scottish international) had the misfortune to put his shoulder out.

There was a sad follow-up to the 16th January game reported in the 3rd April 1915 edition of the Weekly Chronicle:

BATH FOOTBALLERS RECEIVE SAD NEWS

ONE OF THEIR CANADIAN GUESTS KILLED

“A letter received by Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of the Bath Football Club conveys intelligence which will be heard with sorrow by all who took part in the reception of the Canadian Highlanders, who played a Bath team at Rugby football on the Recreation Ground on the 16th January. The letter mentioned that C.B.C. Cream who played forward, has been killed in action, shot through the head. The information comes from Pte. Sceales of the 16th Canadian Highlanders, who himself had a narrow escape. A bullet ploughed through his scalp, and he is now in Rouen Hospital. The writer says: ‘Another eighth of an inch and I should have been under the clay.’ Mr. Sceales says the Canadians have not forgotten their visit to Bath, and often recalled its pleasures when in the trenches.”

BATH CHRONICLE 22/1/1915
Sergt. Ben Hurst of the Wessex Royal Engineers, a Bath Rugby forward, sends a cheerful message from the front to Mr. G A Roberts, the Hon. Treasurer of the Bath Club, dated the 18th inst.: “I hope you managed to beat the Canadians, “he says. “I tried the ‘loose head’ on the Germans last night, and was not penalised. Neither did the whistle go for ‘offside.; Quite fit. Kindest regards to all.” Had the humorous Sergeant been penalized, his fighting and playing days probably would have been ended.”

BATH CHRONICLE 28/1/1915
Former Bath captain Philip Hope reported to have returned to the Front. Just before his last leave, he had a narrow escape when a shell crashed through his motor car bonnet. His driver and companion were injured.

“Mr. Hope was taken, while unconscious, to a house not far away, and the place was being so frightfully bombarded that the only safe resort was a cellar. He lay there for several hours, while hundreds of shells fell on or around the house. He was so prostrated that the next day he was allowed seven days’ leave for rest. His health had suffered so that he endeavoured to get the leave extended, but the application was not acceeded to, and he has returned to the Front.
A friend who saw Mr. Hope says it was apparent that he has gone through nerve-racking experiences at the war.”

30/1/1915 The first regimental Rugby match on the Recreation Ground, between the 10th Devons (quartered in Bathwick) and the 12th Gloucestershires. (Bristol’s Own).
The Gloucesters won 12 points to 5 points.

BATH CHRONICLE 5/2/1915
Reported on Kingswood School v R.A.M.C.. The game was organised by former Kingswood games master Corporal A W Keeley and Sergt. Ford of the Bath Club.
Kingswood won 11-0.

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 22/6/1915
£50 of Club funds invested in War Loan.
Arrangements for wedding present for V Coates.
Also arrangements being made for Schools Union rugby.

BATH CHRONICLE 21/7/1915
Mr. Vincent Coates Married
Quiet Ceremony at Charlcombe Church. “Owing to the war the ceremony was of a very quiet nature indeed; only immediate friends of the families were present………”
“Lieut. Norman Coates managed to get leave from the front and came home in time for the ceremony.”

CHRONICLE 20/9/1915
FAMOUS SOLDIER PLAYERS ON THE REC.
1ST Footballers’ Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment (Perham Down) versus Bath City. Match served as part of an Army Recruitment drive, and visitors included a number of first-class Association Football players. Footballers’ Battalion won 3-2.
In his recruitment speech, Captain Buckley appealed for young unmarried men. “They did not want married men now; they had got too many of them. He did not say the men left behind were shirkers; he thought they were just thoughtless. . They did not realise what they were up against. He asked them not to wait to be branded as conscripts but to join at once. In the Sportsmen’s Battalion they would be sure of a hearty English welcome. He wanted to take word back to his officer that night that he had secured not 50 men but 100. “Knock the conscription bogey on the head, come along and do your bit, “he concluded.”
“Mr. J E Henshaw said the battalion whom they had seen play that afternoon had played for a good many years, and now they were making preparations to play another game in another place. The team they had to meet had no referee (laughter) and did not care about off-sides, fouls or tripping. In France they would play the game like Englishmen, and they wanted more men to come and help them. To-day was as serious time as any during the past 12 months. They had not only to fight an unscrupulous enemy, but to settle differences at home. The matter lay in the hands of the young men of the country. If, in the opinion of the Government and Lord Kitchener, there was not a sufficient response under the voluntary system, the other method would have to be resorted to. Bath had responded nobly to the country’s call, but there were still those left who ought to come along.
The proceedings closed with cheers for the speakers and the singing of the National Anthem.

CHRONICLE REPORT 9/10/1915

TOM WEST KILLED
OLD BATH FOOTBALLER DIES FOR HIS COUNTRY
WITH A RUGBY “PAL” BY HIS SIDE

“Mr. and Mrs. Walter West, of 17 Stuart Place, Twerton, on Saturday night received the sad news that their third son, Rifleman Tom West, of “A” Company 10th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps had been killed in action on the morning of Wednesday September 29th.”
“Tom West, a few years ago was known as a Rugby footballer in Bath. He was born at Twerton, and was 33 years of age. It was in the defunct Oldfield Park Club that he first played Rugby, and from that he came into the Bath XV. He was a wing three-quarter, extremely fast, and as a sprinter, had won several prizes on the running track. In 1907-8 he was captain of the Bath 1st XV……..”

He played in the inaugural Somerset Cup Final against Bridgwater Albion on 23rd March1907, which was never forgotten by those who witnessed the game. Towards the end West seemed to be winning the game for Bath. Centre Dick Meister (who also became a soldier), got away with the ball and passed to West on the right wing, and he looked certain use his superior speed to score. As players ran across to try to cut him off, he made a mistake in dodging inside and was caught. In the first half of extra time, the Albion scored and Bath lost by a goal. There was a protest to the R.F.U. regarding the extra time played in near darkness, and the allegedly unjust sending off, of a Bath player in the first ten minutes. (See1906-7 section.)
West made several appearances for Somerset, but in 1908 left the amateur game to play for the Northern Union to distinguish himself with Rochdale Hornets, who went on to win the Northern Union Cup. He threw in a good job with the Rochdale Corporation Electricity Works to join the Rifle Corps.
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1915-1916 Features :- Famous players on the Rec. – Tom West Killed – Cleveland! – Sgt. Alf Cleall killed –
Jim Godwin died.

CHRONICLE REPORT (Extracts) 11/12/1915

SARGEANT ALF CLEALL’S FATE
OFFICIALLY RETURNED AS KILLED
AFTER A YEAR’S SUSPENSE
HIS “GALLANT AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE”

Sergeant Cleall was killed while trying to hold off a massive German attack. His group was firing as rapidly as possible, with two comrades handing up ammunition. When Cleall took a hit in the throat, Sergeant Gibbs tried to tend to his wounds until, he himself was hit. At first Sergeant Cleall was reported wounded, but it was a long time before any definite information was received by his widow. The War Office communication reported him as missing from 17th November 1914, and the conclusion was that death took place, on or shortly after that day. He was posthumously mentioned in despatches published 17th February 1915.
‘Alf’ Cleall was forty years of age. Along with his mother and brother Wilfred, they had been landlords of the Rising Sun in Grove Street and later the Full Moon in Upper Borough Walls. The brothers later took over a billiard saloon in Union Passage, formerly known as ‘Beaupins.’ On the rugby field, Alf was a popular club member, a speedy half-back or three-quarter. He was ‘A’ XV Captain for several seasons. He was instrumental in a memorable Bath 1st XV win over Bridgwater, in the Semi final of the Somerset Cup. Bath were behind, with just a few minutes remaining, when Cleall broke away, and passed for his winger to score. The try was converted and Bath won. He later served on Committee and was Club Vice Chairman when he was killed.
“Sergt. Cleall was one of the ardent spirits of the regiment. His desire was to ‘get at’ the Germans. The last words he spoke to the writer embodied a hope that he would be soon fighting them. His wish was granted sooner than most expected.”
The deceased possessed the India Frontier Medal and the Queens African Medal.

CHRONICLE 12/2/1916
“Ariising out of the death at the front of Sergt. A E Cleall, of the North Somerset Yeomanry Mr. Graham Simmons applied to the magistrates meeting in petty session, for a temporary transfer of the licence of the Full Moon, Upper Borough Walls, to Mr. Wilfred Cleall, the late Sergt. Cleall’s brother.”

CHRONICLE 11/3/1916
Publication of Mr. Robert Atkinson’s F.R.I.B.A. proposals which included a carriage way carried across from Laura Place to provide approaches to the Recreation Grounds and lead out to North Parade Bridge.

CHRONICLE REPORT 29/7/1916

A FORMER BATH FOOTBALLER
An announcement of the death of Private E (Eddie) L Clarke, killed in action on 8th July 1916. He first played at half-back for the Oldfield Park club, and subsequently Bath ‘A’, with several appearances for the 1st XV. “He was an extremely sturdy performer, and scored many tries.” He had emigrated to Canada, and came over with the Canadian Contingent. His ‘Maple Leaf’ badge was returned to his mother at 13 Brunswick Street, Bath.

CHRONCLE REPORT 30/9/1916
IN THE BIG PUSH
BATH FOOTBALLER’S IMPRESSIONS
Tribute to British Artillery
“A most interesting letter has just been received by Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of the Bath Football Club, from Private Loo Hatherill of the Gloucesters, eldest brother of Alby Hatherill, himself an old Bath forward and a member of the club committee. Private Hatherill was on the staff of Messrs. Horton Brothers, Northgate Street, when he enlisted. It will be noticed that he has seen Mr. P.P. Hope, the captain of the Bath Club, who is still a dispatch rider at the front. Private Hatherill says:
We have beeen in the big push, and succeeded in taking two lines of German trenches and a good number of prisoners. We were told afterwards by the General how pleased he was with the way we went over like one man. It was not a very pleasant feeling waiting for the order to charge, but once you were over the top you forgot everything except that the German trenches are in front. The noise is terrific, what with the artillery and machine guns.

THE BRITISH ARTILLERY
Our artillery was splendid. It lifted as if by magic as soon as we had the first line, and then we took the second. There was plenty of ‘mercy kamerad.’ It was very warm work while it lasted, and then we had to hold the captured trenches, which we succeeded in doing till relieved. Although they attacked us the same night, they had to go back. We had not been out of the trenches very long before we were back again. It rained all the first day, and in places in the trenches the water was up to your knees. All one night we had to keep our gas helmets on, as they were sending over gas shells all night. I was very pleased when we were able to take them off. The first few minutes after putting the helmet on I felt as if I was choking, but I soon got used to it. While we were out of the trenches I am attached to the military police.
IN TOUCH WITH FOOTBALL FRIENDS
One of our fellows from Bath met Dr. Vincent Coates, and he asked him if there were any of the football club in the Gloucesters, if so to remember him kindly to them. He told me he could not think of my name till after Dr. Coates was gone. So I went back the next day to try and see him, but had no luck. But I saw Philip Hope on his motor bike. I think he recognized me as he went past, but he seemed in a hurry. He looked pretty fit and well. We have moved now, so I do not expect to see him again for a bit.
We have a couple of officers in our regiment from the Clifton Club. Captain A.J. Gardner and Captain Sellman. It makes one think of the good old tussles on Westbury Down and on the Rec. I wonder how many of the old brigade will be left when Bath and Clifton meet again!”

MANCOM 23/10/1916
Resolved: “This Committee have heard with the utmost pleasure that Lieut. Vincent Coates R.A.M.C. has been awarded by the King the Military Cross, for bravery in battle; they desire to warmly congratulate him on the honour he has won.” The citation read: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. During an attack he tended the wounded under very difficult circumstances, working without assistance after his orderly was hit. He was under heavy shell fire.”

A copy of the Committee resolution was forwarded to Lieut. Coates.

About the same time 2nd Lt. Noel Symons was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing men from ‘No-Man’s Land.’ He was the youngest son of Mr. E W Symons, Headmaster of King Edward School, Bath.

MANCOM 23/10/1916

Mr Roberts then proposed the following resolution re the late Sergt. A E Cleall:
“At this their first meeting since it was officially announced that Sergt. Alfred E Cleall N.S.Y. was killed in action at Vlamertinghe, Flanders on November 17th1914, the members of the Bath Football Club Committee desire to place on record their sincere sorrow at the loss of an esteemed colleague, who was at the time of his gallant death, was their Vice Chairman. As Captain of the ‘A’ team and as an ever willing player, in the 1st XV Sergt. Cleall rendered valuable services to the Club and was always held in high regard for his sporting and genial qualities.
As a British soldier his bravery was attested by his mention in despatches and the noble nature of his death” (Resolution carried with members standing

/11/1916 AGM of BATH AND COUNTY RECREATION GROUND COMPANY.
There had been a great falling off, of income, with no County Cricket; Rugby Football had been confined to “soldier’s matches.” Tennis income had dropped to £19, due partly to there being fewer men to play. People tended to hire a Sydney Gardens court for an hour, rather than a season ticket at the Recreation Ground.
“During the year the directors had allowed the military stationed at Bath to use the ground for company drills and signallers’ practice.

BATH CHRONICLE 9/12/1916

THE BIGGS BROTHERS
Tragic news conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. John Biggs of the Laurels, London Road, Bath that a second son, Lieut.-Commander Geoffrey Nepean Biggs, had been lost at sea, aged 31. A Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, he had been in some thrilling adventures from the onset of War.
His brother Captain Norman Biggs had been killed by a poison arrow, in Nigeria, some eight years previously.
Norman, Selwyn and Cecil were all Bath Club players; Norman and Selwyn playing for Wales. G Biggs is listed as having played 1 game in season 1904-5. Additionally, Geoffrey had been selected for a Christmas 1906 game, but the match was scratched, due to frosty weather. Most of his rugby was with the United Services where he played in the company of at least eight internationals. A wing three-quarter, he also played for Somerset against Devon in 1907. Another brother, Edgar, played regularly for Richmond. Yet another son, John, quit his medical practice early in the war to serve in the R.A.M.C. in Egypt.

SERGT A. D. WEST – Missing Believed killed.

Sergt. Arthur Douglas West, of the Manchester Regiment had been posted as missing 13th-15th November 1916, and after a letter later received from a fellow soldier, was presumed dead.

An elder brother, P.C. Ernest West had played well for the Bath Club and Arthur showed similar promise in early games. Arthur had a good game in the Somerset trial on September 1912 and was selected to play against the South Africans in Bath. Unfortunately irregularity, according to Rugby Union laws, occurred in connection with the County trial, and West was suspended sine die. The consequence was that he went Oldham N.U. Club.
As his friends in Bath thought, he was not old, or big enough, for the robust N.U. game and he did not play regularly for Oldham”
His cousin, Rifleman Tom West, of Rochdale Hornets and a former Bath Captain, had been killed in France in September 1915.

THE ASCOTTS
Final confirmation that Private Wallace Ascott had been killed in action 8th March 1916. Like several of his brothers, Wallace was a rugby footballer. His brother Richard (“Dick”) Ascott played for Oldfield Park and Bath and subsequently “Went North” to Hull Kingston Rovers. Stan Ascott played for Stothert & Pitt’s XV. Another brother, Bob played mainly for Oldfield Park and occasionally for Bath.

OLD HERMITS GALLANT END
Lieutenant Colonel Gustavus Arthur Perreau of the Indian Infantry, was reported killed in Mesopotamia, aged 43. A clever rugby player, he regularly appeared for the Hermitage School and played for Bath 1st XV on a number of occasions, and particularly when on leave during the 1900-01 season.

BATH CHRONICLE 1/9/1917
The Heaviest Rainfall in Bath
“This August has outdone all previous Augusts, so far as records are available, for excessive rainfall we have had in Bath. During a period of fifty years the August with the heaviest rainfall was in 1878, when 5.78 inches were registered. With heavy rainfall this week the record of over 7.35 inches was reached in August.”
The accompanying Chronicle picture was too poor to reproduce, but shows the weir and old tow path flooded, and one is left but to imagine, the state of the Rec.!

ARMY RUGBY
Bath & Wilts Chronicle and Herald 26/9/1917:
“Rugby football will be played on the Recreation Ground, Pulteney Street, this season by the A.S.C. team, whose matches and practices will take place on the area usually occupied by the Bath Football Club. Should any occasional game be arranged by the latter organization for war charities the A.S.C. will vacate the ground and assist in forming the Bath team. The A.S.C. ought to have a capable XV. They certainly possess a fine stand-off half-back in the person of Private Taylor, who is the Leicester Club performer. The Bath Club goal posts have been hoisted already, and the military begin their matches on Saturday next.”

CHRONICLE 12/1/1918
Bath player and Committee man, Pte Alfred (Loo) Hatherill reported missing while with a Gloucestershire Territorial Battalion. He had previously been wounded by an exploding shell, and had returned to France in June 1917, after months of hospitalisation in Newport.
It was subsequently confirmed that he had been killed.

The Chronicle also reported the death of Sub-Lieut. Frederick Hill, aged 26, in France on Christmas Day.
He had been one of Bath’s cleverest half-backs and was schoolboy international in 1905-1906 season.
He was stand off-half for Somerset against the South Africans in October 1912. That season he emigrated to Canada, and returned as one of the Canadian contingent and obtained a commission in the Royal Naval Division. He had appeared in the Bristol team in1909-10 and came to Bath in the following season.

CHRONICLE 9/3/1918
BATH ‘BOMBING’
Captain A G Henshaw, Royal Flying Corps, son of Alderman J E Henshaw, Bath Football Club Chairman (1896-1901) spent the previous afternoon scattering Bath with War Bond leaflets. “Rarely have Bath people seen aeroplanes in motion at such close quarters, and the ‘bombing’ gave rise to a good deal of excitement.”
Another pilot was not so lucky a day or so later, as he was forced to crash-land near Twerton Round Top, and his aircraft was collected and dispatched back to the factory for extensive repairs.

CHRONICLE 13/4/1918
Lieut-Colonel Lord Alexander Thynne D.S.O., M.P., a Vice president of Bath Football Club, reported injured in France.

CHRONICLE 25/5/1918
Mr Walter Fletcher, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Bath, aged 41 died suddenly on the Wednesday in a London Military Camp. As a Bath Rugby forward, he was a contemporary with Dr J E Long. He also assisted the Post Office team and Oldfield Park Rugby Club when they were at their best. He volunteered for the army two years previously and served as a batman. He had been invalided home suffering from shell shock. He had played in the last CHRONICLE 9/3/1918
BATH ‘BOMBING’
Captain A G Henshaw, Royal Flying Corps, son of Alderman J E Henshaw, Bath Football Club Chairman (1896-1901) spent the previous afternoon scattering Bath with War Bond leaflets. “Rarely have Bath people seen aeroplanes in motion at such close quarters, and the ‘bombing’ gave rise to a good deal of excitement.”
Another pilot was not so lucky a day or so later, as he was forced to crash-land near Twerton Round Top, and his aircraft was collected and dispatched back to the factory for extensive repairs.

CHRONICLE 13/4/1918
Lieut-Colonel Lord Alexander Thynne D.S.O., M.P., a Vice president of Bath Football Club, reported injured in France.

CHRONICLE 25/5/1918
Mr Walter Fletcher, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Bath, aged 41 died suddenly on the Wednesday in a London Military Camp. As a Bath Rugby forward, he was a contemporary with Dr. J E Long. He also assisted the Post Office team and Oldfield Park Rugby Club when they were at their best. He volunteered for the army two years previously and served as a batman. He had been invalided home suffering from shell shock. He had played in the last Old Crocks match.

CHRONICLE 3/8/1918
The Recreation Ground was still very much in use, with an Athletics Day for the No. 7 Observers’ School of Aeronautics, R.A.F.
“ Under the military control, that well known centre of sport has put on a very trim and smart, not to say, ornate appearance and, with many marquees erected and flags flying for this special occasion, the ground was particularly bright and gay.”

11/11/1918 GREAT WAR ENDED
Bath bugler, Sydney Golledge of St. Kildas Road had returned from leave to his Somerset Light Infantry regiment, in time to sound the “Cease Fire” at eleven o’clock
Old Crocks match.

CHRONICLE 3/8/1918
The Recreation Ground was still very much in use, with an Athletics Day for the No. 7 Observers’ School of Aeronautics, R.A.F.
“Under the military control, that well known centre of sport has put on a very trim and smart, not to say, ornate appearance and, with many marquees erected and flags flying for this special occasion, the ground was particularly bright and gay.”

11/11/1918 GREAT WAR ENDED
Bath bugler, Sydney Golledge of St. Kildas R1914-1917 ANECDOTES

THE CLUB’S JUBILEE
The 1914-1915 season was the 50th year since foundation, and the Committee looked forward to celebrating the event with “SUITABLE REJOICING.”
Sadly, this was not to be.

Features. Jubilee cancelled – Games on the Rec. – Caps – Outbreak of War – Close-down – Schools Union – Rifle Drill – Footballers at War – Canadians – Philip Hope at Front.

AGM REPORTED 1/7/1914
Mr. Vincent Coates suggested an award of blazers with the idea of “bucking up” Bath football. Players who had appeared in three-quarters of the matches, of which number, three quarters must have been away games. Caps for 1st team players to continue as before, but a cap should also be given to the second team player who played in three fourths of the matches, three fourths of that number being away matches.
It was hoped that these awards would provide an incentive for players’ availability for ‘out games.’

OUTBREAK OF 1914-1918 War

The whole nation was caught up in patriotic fervour. There were War recruitment drives, and somewhere in the region of 11,200 Bath men were to ‘take up arms’, of which 2969 were volunteers.
Death tolls ‘at the front’ were immediate, and approximately 1000 Bath soldiers died and countless more wounded.
It is little wonder that the ‘flower of the nation’s manhood’ could not be spared for sporting activities.
It has proved difficult to establish the names of Bath Club footballers lost in this, the first of two Great World Wars. Where we have found them – we have honoured them, and a list appears at the end of the 1918-1919 section.

A History of the R.F.U lists twenty-six English Internationals lost in this war.
There were many more Club men.
——————————

Bath Fixtures were cancelled for the duration. Nevertheless, the Rec. was still used for VERY occasional Service games.

MANCOM 25/8/1914
To write to Stotherts and St. Stephen’s to see if they were to run in the coming season.
Officials given power to act in any Emergency which might arise owing to the present crisis.

On September 1st St Stephen’s Club resolved to abandon all matches: “Between 12 and 15 of their players have enlisted, and others are likely to follow their example, and in any event, there is much doubt as to whether a number of clubs with whom fixtures have been arranged will be able to fulfil them.”
District soccer was quick to close down. Bathampton F C cancelled all fixtures, with: “no football whatever this year for any young fellows between the ages of 17 and 30, who were eligible to join Lord Kitchener’s new Army.”

BATH RECREATION GROUND COMPANY
At a meeting of Directors, their secretary was instructed not to let the ground for any game during the present crisis. This in itself, would not effect the Bath Football Club, who had a lease of the ground. However, their recommendation would be that clubs should suspend games for the present.

From BATH CHRONICLE 1/9/1914
News that, in view of the national crisis, Frome Rugby Club had decided to disband.
Several of their players had either gone, or were on the way to the front.

The Mayor of Bath had written to the Club, sating that he thought football was out of the question and hoped that the Bath would not permit games during the crisis. He felt that all young men should be elsewhere. “No man, he said, would care to play or look on at football while his fellows were sacrificing their life and time on the Continent.”

MANCOM 1/9/1914
Emergency Committee had met and cancelled the Leicester match scheduled for Sept 5th.
Initially Leicester were disappointed at Bath’s decision. Shortly afterwards, they followed suite by abandoning all fixtures up to Christmas 1914, when they would reconsider the situation.

For the Bath Football Club, Mr G A Roberts moved the following resolution: “That having regard to the grave crisis through which our country is passing and the urgent call to every eligible man to take up arms for Britain’s honour and security, this Committee decide that no matches be played before Christmas and that in December the situation be further considered. The Committee feel sure that the many members of the club will appreciate the patriotic motive inspiring this resolution and will rally to their support when under happier auspices it will be possible to resume club games.”
This was seconded by the Chairman (Mr. Arthur Taylor), and carried unanimously without discussion.

It was also agreed that the action of the officials in scratching the Leicester match be confirmed and a copy of the foregoing resolution be sent in a covering letter to that Club.
Resolved that the ground be kept for the Schools R .U. and that arrangements be made with the Rec. Ground. Co.
Agreed that all property be collected and stored at the Red House.
After all club accounts have been paid, the balance be banked on deposit.

3/9/1914
The Welsh Rugby Union ordered all clubs to suspend their fixtures until further notice, and urged all footballers to place themselves and their grounds at the disposal of the authorities.

4/9/1914
There was a meeting at the Guildhall, with representatives from the Council, the Rugby and Football Clubs, Schools’ Rugby, Bath Cricket and Hockey, the Police, and various Church organisations.
After a full and friendly discussion, the following resolution was passed: “That in the opinion of this meeting, all football and hockey, except among those under the age of 17, should be postponed till Christmas.”

THE BATH CHRONICLE 5/9/1914

RUGBY SCHOOLS UNION
AN ADVANCE SECTION TO BE RUN
Mr George Strong presided over a meeting of the Bath Schools Executive. “It was stated the Mayor had expressed a desire that so far from any cessation of schoolboys football taking place, it was his Worship’s great wish that it should be extended in order to improve the physique of the lads and to teach them pluck and endurance.
It was unanimously decided to arrange the programme for 1914-15, and also to organise a Rugby section in Bath for youths between the ages of 14 and 17.
A proposal was made that the Bath Club should also teach these lads drilling and rifle firing. However, it was decided that it would be undesirable to interfere with the good work of the Junior Citizen’s Corps in this respect, but to encourage youths to join that body.
It was further resolved that the Schools Union Committee and the Committee of the Bath Club continue for the purpose of making the Boys’ Union and the Junior Section effective. A special sub-committee was appointed to approach the Recreation Ground directors for use of that field, and to arrange other preliminaries. Several influential citizens who had urged the abandonment of adult football had written expressing the hope that the game for lads would be encouraged, and promising financial assistance.”

As reported 12th September 1914 –

SOMERSET COUNTY DISBAND
A meeting of Somerset R.F.U. was held at Mr. Alfred Taylor’s camp, Warminster Road. County Rugby was abandoned, and they recommended that all affiliated clubs follow suite. They further recommended that club grounds be placed in the hands of the military authorities, for whatever purpose they found useful and desirable.
All arrangements for the 1914 season to be carried forward to the 1915-16 season.
The County were delighted that many clubs had already cancelled their programmes, and a large number of their regular players had already placed their services at the disposal of their King and country, including nearly all those who had represented Somerset the previous season.
It was further resolved: “That the 4th and 5th Battalions of the Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry having been accepted for foreign service, a sum of £100 from the Union’s funds (£50 to each battalion), be placed in the hands of their respective commanding officers, to be devoted to such purposes as they nay determine fir the benefit of the men under their command.”

BATH CHRONICLE 25/9/1914

FIRE AT THE REC.
Bath Brigade called to a fire at the rear of the grand stand. Flames could be seen from Grand Parade, and the incident attracted a lot of attention.

The article was closely followed by an advertisement –

ARE YOU INSURED? Fire, Life, Endowment, Accident and all other insurances effected at lowest rates.

CHRONICLE ARTICLE 26/9/1914

RUGBY FOOTBALLERS AT THE WAR
BATH CAPTAIN OFF TO THE FRONT

“Messrs Adrian Coates and
Norman Coates, sons of Dr. C.M. Coates, of Combe Down, are now members of the motor cyclist corps attached to the Royal Engineers, and Mr. P.P. Hope, captain of Bath Rugby XV, one of their comrades. They expect to be leaving England for the Continent immediately; indeed they may have already gone. Thus two well known Bath three-quarters will be actively employed as dispatch riders in War before many days are past.”

W. FEAR A GERMAN PRISONER
“Mr. W . Fear, of Spa Cottages, Larkhall, on Thursday night received an official military notification that his son William had been wounded in the war and is also a prisoner in the hands of the Germans. The nature of the injuries is not detailed.
W Fear is the well known Bath and Somerset Rugby football half back and went out as a Reservist. In civil life in Bath he was in the employ of Messrs. Whatley, Cheap Street. His host of friends in Bath will hope to hear good news of him. Two of Fear’s brothers are also at the front. Fear was in Lieut. MacBryan’s company of the Somerset Light Infantry.”

A separate unconfirmed report informed Dr. MacBryan, of Kingsdown House, Bath, that his son Lieutenant J.C.W. MacBryan was also wounded and a prisoner.

Both W (Billy) Fear and Lieutenant MacBryan remained prisoners for the duration of the War.

MANCOM13/10/1914
Resolved that 1914-15 fixtures be carried forward to 1915-16 as far as possible.

23/10/1914
REPORT OF BATH RECREATION GROUND COMPANY.
“They had allowed the ground to be used by some of the Territorial Forces, the Engineers, Yeomanry, and 4th Somersets, until they could get grounds. No charge had been made for this, for although they could not loan the ground to be used for parochial drilling without some fees being paid, for National purposes the ground was open and they were very pleased to let it be so used.”

Meeting 3/11/1914
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of Bath Football Club, presided over a meeting to consider inaugurating a movement for Junior Football in Bath. (Ages 14 to 17)
“By playing Rugby football, the lads would be keeping in training in preparation for the time when they were old enough to enlist, and they would be ready to play football when the war was over.” Representatives were confident that teams could be raised from Stothert and Pitt, Widcombe Institute, Combe Down, Bathforum and Oldfield Evening School etc. Kingswood School were carrying on with rugby and would be willing to find a side for suitable opposition.
It was resolved to form a Junior Section.

A notice in the Chronicle dated 5th November 1914 announced the following School fixtures to be played on Middle Common, Victoria Park:- Oldfield v St. Stephen’s 11am, St. Saviour’s v Weymouth House 12 noon, and Bathwick v Bathforum at 3pm.

14/11/1914 A Bath XV v Kingswood School on the Recreation Ground. The Bath Club to defray the ground expenses, and the total proceeds to be given to the Belgian Relief Fund.

MANCOM 30/12/1914
Offer from Canadians, mainly Highland Regiment, billeted on Salisbury Plain, to play a match on the Rec. on Saturday January 9th 1914 at 2-45pm. Admission to be 6d and all men in His Majesty’s uniform were admitted at half price. Prior to the match, the visitors were shown over the Roman Baths. After the game, both teams were entertained at the Red House, and afterwards with reserved seats at the Bath Pantomime. Any surplus funds from the match takings were allotted at the discretion of the Bath Club Committee.
Subsequently the ground proved to be unfit and game carried forward to
16th January1915.

MENS’ MINDS ON FOOTBALL?
Adapted from BATH CHRONICLE 4/1/1915
A German military correspondent, writing for “Lokalanzeiger” sought to assuage German apprehension at Britain’s effort to recruit new soldiers. He estimated that 540,000 could be raised, and these would not be battle ready. A realistic figure would be only 200,000 adequately trained men by Spring 1915.
“He concludes that the young men of England take only slight interest in the war which has caused such severe losses to British troops and considers this view to be supported by the fact that at a football match in London only three recruits could be obtained from an attendance of 100,000.”

CHRONICLE 13/1/1915
The Mayor of Bath (Mr. F W Spear) had received a letter from Captain T B Timmins, serving with the Somerset Light Infantry in India. Life was described as pleasant but not very exciting. The battalion was divided between Wellington, Madras and Malaparam, but they hoped to amalgamate in the New Year for field training.
“The men play football, cricket and hockey, and the Y.M.C.A. get up entertainments for their enjoyment.”

16th January1915 v Canadians. (Stationed on Salisbury Plain prior to moving to the Front)A match was played, resulting in a 6-6 draw.
Bath had trouble raising a team: “but with the aid of the 10th Devons (Kitchener’s Army), the side was completed.
Bath Team:- W Porch, Pte C Goodman (10th Devons), Pte H Rees (10th Devons), A Blanchard, Pte. P G Shute (10th Devons), A Hatherill, H Vowles, F G Cashnella (Capt.), Corpl A Ford (R.A.M.C.), Cpl. W Stribling (10th Devons), S Head, E S Cambridge, W B Parker (72nd Canadian Highlanders), C Mannings and R Porch.
Shute scored the first Bath try; in the second half Blanchard went over, and then Bourns and Holmes scored for the Canadians. Private L M Spiers, the Canadian captain (who was an old Scottish international) had the misfortune to put his shoulder out.

There was a sad follow-up to the 16th January game reported in the 3rd April 1915 edition of the Weekly Chronicle:

BATH FOOTBALLERS RECEIVE SAD NEWS

ONE OF THEIR CANADIAN GUESTS KILLED

“A letter received by Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of the Bath Football Club conveys intelligence which will be heard with sorrow by all who took part in the reception of the Canadian Highlanders, who played a Bath team at Rugby football on the Recreation Ground on the 16th January. The letter mentioned that C.B.C. Cream who played forward, has been killed in action, shot through the head. The information comes from Pte. Sceales of the 16th Canadian Highlanders, who himself had a narrow escape. A bullet ploughed through his scalp, and he is now in Rouen Hospital. The writer says: ‘Another eighth of an inch and I should have been under the clay.’ Mr. Sceales says the Canadians have not forgotten their visit to Bath, and often recalled its pleasures when in the trenches.”

BATH CHRONICLE 22/1/1915
Sergt. Ben Hurst of the Wessex Royal Engineers, a Bath Rugby forward, sends a cheerful message from the front to Mr. G A Roberts, the Hon. Treasurer of the Bath Club, dated the 18th inst.: “I hope you managed to beat the Canadians, “he says. “I tried the ‘loose head’ on the Germans last night, and was not penalised. Neither did the whistle go for ‘offside.; Quite fit. Kindest regards to all.” Had the humorous Sergeant been penalized, his fighting and playing days probably would have been ended.”

BATH CHRONICLE 28/1/1915
Former Bath captain Philip Hope reported to have returned to the Front. Just before his last leave, he had a narrow escape when a shell crashed through his motor car bonnet. His driver and companion were injured.

“Mr. Hope was taken, while unconscious, to a house not far away, and the place was being so frightfully bombarded that the only safe resort was a cellar. He lay there for several hours, while hundreds of shells fell on or around the house. He was so prostrated that the next day he was allowed seven days’ leave for rest. His health had suffered so that he endeavoured to get the leave extended, but the application was not acceeded to, and he has returned to the Front.
A friend who saw Mr. Hope says it was apparent that he has gone through nerve-racking experiences at the war.”

30/1/1915 The first regimental Rugby match on the Recreation Ground, between the 10th Devons (quartered in Bathwick) and the 12th Gloucestershires. (Bristol’s Own).
The Gloucesters won 12 points to 5 points.

BATH CHRONICLE 5/2/1915
Reported on Kingswood School v R.A.M.C.. The game was organised by former Kingswood games master Corporal A W Keeley and Sergt. Ford of the Bath Club.
Kingswood won 11-0.

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 22/6/1915
£50 of Club funds invested in War Loan.
Arrangements for wedding present for V Coates.
Also arrangements being made for Schools Union rugby.

BATH CHRONICLE 21/7/1915
Mr. Vincent Coates Married
Quiet Ceremony at Charlcombe Church. “Owing to the war the ceremony was of a very quiet nature indeed; only immediate friends of the families were present………”
“Lieut. Norman Coates managed to get leave from the front and came home in time for the ceremony.”

CHRONICLE 20/9/1915
FAMOUS SOLDIER PLAYERS ON THE REC.
1ST Footballers’ Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment (Perham Down) versus Bath City. Match served as part of an Army Recruitment drive, and visitors included a number of first-class Association Football players. Footballers’ Battalion won 3-2.
In his recruitment speech, Captain Buckley appealed for young unmarried men. “They did not want married men now; they had got too many of them. He did not say the men left behind were shirkers; he thought they were just thoughtless. . They did not realise what they were up against. He asked them not to wait to be branded as conscripts but to join at once. In the Sportsmen’s Battalion they would be sure of a hearty English welcome. He wanted to take word back to his officer that night that he had secured not 50 men but 100. “Knock the conscription bogey on the head, come along and do your bit, “he concluded.”
“Mr. J E Henshaw said the battalion whom they had seen play that afternoon had played for a good many years, and now they were making preparations to play another game in another place. The team they had to meet had no referee (laughter) and did not care about off-sides, fouls or tripping. In France they would play the game like Englishmen, and they wanted more men to come and help them. To-day was as serious time as any during the past 12 months. They had not only to fight an unscrupulous enemy, but to settle differences at home. The matter lay in the hands of the young men of the country. If, in the opinion of the Government and Lord Kitchener, there was not a sufficient response under the voluntary system, the other method would have to be resorted to. Bath had responded nobly to the country’s call, but there were still those left who ought to come along.
The proceedings closed with cheers for the speakers and the singing of the National Anthem.

CHRONICLE REPORT 9/10/1915

TOM WEST KILLED
OLD BATH FOOTBALLER DIES FOR HIS COUNTRY
WITH A RUGBY “PAL” BY HIS SIDE

“Mr. and Mrs. Walter West, of 17 Stuart Place, Twerton, on Saturday night received the sad news that their third son, Rifleman Tom West, of “A” Company 10th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps had been killed in action on the morning of Wednesday September 29th.”
“Tom West, a few years ago was known as a Rugby footballer in Bath. He was born at Twerton, and was 33 years of age. It was in the defunct Oldfield Park Club that he first played Rugby, and from that he came into the Bath XV. He was a wing three-quarter, extremely fast, and as a sprinter, had won several prizes on the running track. In 1907-8 he was captain of the Bath 1st XV……..”

He played in the inaugural Somerset Cup Final against Bridgwater Albion on 23rd March1907, which was never forgotten by those who witnessed the game. Towards the end West seemed to be winning the game for Bath. Centre Dick Meister (who also became a soldier), got away with the ball and passed to West on the right wing, and he looked certain use his superior speed to score. As players ran across to try to cut him off, he made a mistake in dodging inside and was caught. In the first half of extra time, the Albion scored and Bath lost by a goal. There was a protest to the R.F.U. regarding the extra time played in near darkness, and the allegedly unjust sending off, of a Bath player in the first ten minutes. (See1906-7 section.)
West made several appearances for Somerset, but in 1908 left the amateur game to play for the Northern Union to distinguish himself with Rochdale Hornets, who went on to win the Northern Union Cup. He threw in a good job with the Rochdale Corporation Electricity Works to join the Rifle Corps.
———————-

1915-1916 Features :- Famous players on the Rec. – Tom West Killed – Cleveland! – Sgt. Alf Cleall killed –
Jim Godwin died.

CHRONICLE REPORT (Extracts) 11/12/1915

SARGEANT ALF CLEALL’S FATE
OFFICIALLY RETURNED AS KILLED
AFTER A YEAR’S SUSPENSE
HIS “GALLANT AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE”

Sergeant Cleall was killed while trying to hold off a massive German attack. His group was firing as rapidly as possible, with two comrades handing up ammunition. When Cleall took a hit in the throat, Sergeant Gibbs tried to tend to his wounds until, he himself was hit. At first Sergeant Cleall was reported wounded, but it was a long time before any definite information was received by his widow. The War Office communication reported him as missing from 17th November 1914, and the conclusion was that death took place, on or shortly after that day. He was posthumously mentioned in despatches published 17th February 1915.
‘Alf’ Cleall was forty years of age. Along with his mother and brother Wilfred, they had been landlords of the Rising Sun in Grove Street and later the Full Moon in Upper Borough Walls. The brothers later took over a billiard saloon in Union Passage, formerly known as ‘Beaupins.’ On the rugby field, Alf was a popular club member, a speedy half-back or three-quarter. He was ‘A’ XV Captain for several seasons. He was instrumental in a memorable Bath 1st XV win over Bridgwater, in the Semi final of the Somerset Cup. Bath were behind, with just a few minutes remaining, when Cleall broke away, and passed for his winger to score. The try was converted and Bath won. He later served on Committee and was Club Vice Chairman when he was killed.
“Sergt. Cleall was one of the ardent spirits of the regiment. His desire was to ‘get at’ the Germans. The last words he spoke to the writer embodied a hope that he would be soon fighting them. His wish was granted sooner than most expected.”
The deceased possessed the India Frontier Medal and the Queens African Medal.

CHRONICLE 12/2/1916
“Ariising out of the death at the front of Sergt. A E Cleall, of the North Somerset Yeomanry Mr. Graham Simmons applied to the magistrates meeting in petty session, for a temporary transfer of the licence of the Full Moon, Upper Borough Walls, to Mr. Wilfred Cleall, the late Sergt. Cleall’s brother.”

CHRONICLE 11/3/1916
Publication of Mr. Robert Atkinson’s F.R.I.B.A. proposals which included a carriage way carried across from Laura Place to provide approaches to the Recreation Grounds and lead out to North Parade Bridge.

CHRONICLE REPORT 29/7/1916

A FORMER BATH FOOTBALLER
An announcement of the death of Private E (Eddie) L Clarke, killed in action on 8th July 1916. He first played at half-back for the Oldfield Park club, and subsequently Bath ‘A’, with several appearances for the 1st XV. “He was an extremely sturdy performer, and scored many tries.” He had emigrated to Canada, and came over with the Canadian Contingent. His ‘Maple Leaf’ badge was returned to his mother at 13 Brunswick Street, Bath.

CHRONCLE REPORT 30/9/1916
IN THE BIG PUSH
BATH FOOTBALLER’S IMPRESSIONS
Tribute to British Artillery
“A most interesting letter has just been received by Mr. Arthur Taylor, Chairman of the Bath Football Club, from Private Loo Hatherill of the Gloucesters, eldest brother of Alby Hatherill, himself an old Bath forward and a member of the club committee. Private Hatherill was on the staff of Messrs. Horton Brothers, Northgate Street, when he enlisted. It will be noticed that he has seen Mr. P.P. Hope, the captain of the Bath Club, who is still a dispatch rider at the front. Private Hatherill says:
We have beeen in the big push, and succeeded in taking two lines of German trenches and a good number of prisoners. We were told afterwards by the General how pleased he was with the way we went over like one man. It was not a very pleasant feeling waiting for the order to charge, but once you were over the top you forgot everything except that the German trenches are in front. The noise is terrific, what with the artillery and machine guns.

THE BRITISH ARTILLERY
Our artillery was splendid. It lifted as if by magic as soon as we had the first line, and then we took the second. There was plenty of ‘mercy kamerad.’ It was very warm work while it lasted, and then we had to hold the captured trenches, which we succeeded in doing till relieved. Although they attacked us the same night, they had to go back. We had not been out of the trenches very long before we were back again. It rained all the first day, and in places in the trenches the water was up to your knees. All one night we had to keep our gas helmets on, as they were sending over gas shells all night. I was very pleased when we were able to take them off. The first few minutes after putting the helmet on I felt as if I was choking, but I soon got used to it. While we were out of the trenches I am attached to the military police.
IN TOUCH WITH FOOTBALL FRIENDS
One of our fellows from Bath met Dr. Vincent Coates, and he asked him if there were any of the football club in the Gloucesters, if so to remember him kindly to them. He told me he could not think of my name till after Dr. Coates was gone. So I went back the next day to try and see him, but had no luck. But I saw Philip Hope on his motor bike. I think he recognized me as he went past, but he seemed in a hurry. He looked pretty fit and well. We have moved now, so I do not expect to see him again for a bit.
We have a couple of officers in our regiment from the Clifton Club. Captain A.J. Gardner and Captain Sellman. It makes one think of the good old tussles on Westbury Down and on the Rec. I wonder how many of the old brigade will be left when Bath and Clifton meet again!”

MANCOM 23/10/1916
Resolved: “This Committee have heard with the utmost pleasure that Lieut. Vincent Coates R.A.M.C. has been awarded by the King the Military Cross, for bravery in battle; they desire to warmly congratulate him on the honour he has won.” The citation read: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. During an attack he tended the wounded under very difficult circumstances, working without assistance after his orderly was hit. He was under heavy shell fire.”

A copy of the Committee resolution was forwarded to Lieut. Coates.

About the same time 2nd Lt. Noel Symons was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing men from ‘No-Man’s Land.’ He was the youngest son of Mr. E W Symons, Headmaster of King Edward School, Bath.

MANCOM 23/10/1916

Mr Roberts then proposed the following resolution re the late Sergt. A E Cleall:
“At this their first meeting since it was officially announced that Sergt. Alfred E Cleall N.S.Y. was killed in action at Vlamertinghe, Flanders on November 17th1914, the members of the Bath Football Club Committee desire to place on record their sincere sorrow at the loss of an esteemed colleague, who was at the time of his gallant death, was their Vice Chairman. As Captain of the ‘A’ team and as an ever willing player, in the 1st XV Sergt. Cleall rendered valuable services to the Club and was always held in high regard for his sporting and genial qualities.
As a British soldier his bravery was attested by his mention in despatches and the noble nature of his death” (Resolution carried with members standing

/11/1916 AGM of BATH AND COUNTY RECREATION GROUND COMPANY.
There had been a great falling off, of income, with no County Cricket; Rugby Football had been confined to “soldier’s matches.” Tennis income had dropped to £19, due partly to there being fewer men to play. People tended to hire a Sydney Gardens court for an hour, rather than a season ticket at the Recreation Ground.
“During the year the directors had allowed the military stationed at Bath to use the ground for company drills and signallers’ practice.

BATH CHRONICLE 9/12/1916

THE BIGGS BROTHERS
Tragic news conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. John Biggs of the Laurels, London Road, Bath that a second son, Lieut.-Commander Geoffrey Nepean Biggs, had been lost at sea, aged 31. A Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, he had been in some thrilling adventures from the onset of War.
His brother Captain Norman Biggs had been killed by a poison arrow, in Nigeria, some eight years previously.
Norman, Selwyn and Cecil were all Bath Club players; Norman and Selwyn playing for Wales. G Biggs is listed as having played 1 game in season 1904-5. Additionally, Geoffrey had been selected for a Christmas 1906 game, but the match was scratched, due to frosty weather. Most of his rugby was with the United Services where he played in the company of at least eight internationals. A wing three-quarter, he also played for Somerset against Devon in 1907. Another brother, Edgar, played regularly for Richmond. Yet another son, John, quit his medical practice early in the war to serve in the R.A.M.C. in Egypt.

SERGT A. D. WEST – Missing Believed killed.

Sergt. Arthur Douglas West, of the Manchester Regiment had been posted as missing 13th-15th November 1916, and after a letter later received from a fellow soldier, was presumed dead.

An elder brother, P.C. Ernest West had played well for the Bath Club and Arthur showed similar promise in early games. Arthur had a good game in the Somerset trial on September 1912 and was selected to play against the South Africans in Bath. Unfortunately irregularity, according to Rugby Union laws, occurred in connection with the County trial, and West was suspended sine die. The consequence was that he went Oldham N.U. Club.
As his friends in Bath thought, he was not old, or big enough, for the robust N.U. game and he did not play regularly for Oldham”
His cousin, Rifleman Tom West, of Rochdale Hornets and a former Bath Captain, had been killed in France in September 1915.

THE ASCOTTS
Final confirmation that Private Wallace Ascott had been killed in action 8th March 1916. Like several of his brothers, Wallace was a rugby footballer. His brother Richard (“Dick”) Ascott played for Oldfield Park and Bath and subsequently “Went North” to Hull Kingston Rovers. Stan Ascott played for Stothert & Pitt’s XV. Another brother, Bob played mainly for Oldfield Park and occasionally for Bath.

OLD HERMITS GALLANT END
Lieutenant Colonel Gustavus Arthur Perreau of the Indian Infantry, was reported killed in Mesopotamia, aged 43. A clever rugby player, he regularly appeared for the Hermitage School and played for Bath 1st XV on a number of occasions, and particularly when on leave during the 1900-01 season.

BATH CHRONICLE 1/9/1917
The Heaviest Rainfall in Bath
“This August has outdone all previous Augusts, so far as records are available, for excessive rainfall we have had in Bath. During a period of fifty years the August with the heaviest rainfall was in 1878, when 5.78 inches were registered. With heavy rainfall this week the record of over 7.35 inches was reached in August.”
The accompanying Chronicle picture was too poor to reproduce, but shows the weir and old tow path flooded, and one is left but to imagine, the state of the Rec.!

ARMY RUGBY
Bath & Wilts Chronicle and Herald 26/9/1917:
“Rugby football will be played on the Recreation Ground, Pulteney Street, this season by the A.S.C. team, whose matches and practices will take place on the area usually occupied by the Bath Football Club. Should any occasional game be arranged by the latter organization for war charities the A.S.C. will vacate the ground and assist in forming the Bath team. The A.S.C. ought to have a capable XV. They certainly possess a fine stand-off half-back in the person of Private Taylor, who is the Leicester Club performer. The Bath Club goal posts have been hoisted already, and the military begin their matches on Saturday next.”

CHRONICLE 12/1/1918
Bath player and Committee man, Pte Alfred (Loo) Hatherill reported missing while with a Gloucestershire Territorial Battalion. He had previously been wounded by an exploding shell, and had returned to France in June 1917, after months of hospitalisation in Newport.
It was subsequently confirmed that he had been killed.

The Chronicle also reported the death of Sub-Lieut. Frederick Hill, aged 26, in France on Christmas Day.
He had been one of Bath’s cleverest half-backs and was schoolboy international in 1905-1906 season.
He was stand off-half for Somerset against the South Africans in October 1912. That season he emigrated to Canada, and returned as one of the Canadian contingent and obtained a commission in the Royal Naval Division. He had appeared in the Bristol team in1909-10 and came to Bath in the following season.

CHRONICLE 9/3/1918
BATH ‘BOMBING’
Captain A G Henshaw, Royal Flying Corps, son of Alderman J E Henshaw, Bath Football Club Chairman (1896-1901) spent the previous afternoon scattering Bath with War Bond leaflets. “Rarely have Bath people seen aeroplanes in motion at such close quarters, and the ‘bombing’ gave rise to a good deal of excitement.”
Another pilot was not so lucky a day or so later, as he was forced to crash-land near Twerton Round Top, and his aircraft was collected and dispatched back to the factory for extensive repairs.

CHRONICLE 13/4/1918
Lieut-Colonel Lord Alexander Thynne D.S.O., M.P., a Vice president of Bath Football Club, reported injured in France.

CHRONICLE 25/5/1918
Mr Walter Fletcher, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Bath, aged 41 died suddenly on the Wednesday in a London Military Camp. As a Bath Rugby forward, he was a contemporary with Dr J E Long. He also assisted the Post Office team and Oldfield Park Rugby Club when they were at their best. He volunteered for the army two years previously and served as a batman. He had been invalided home suffering from shell shock. He had played in the last CHRONICLE 9/3/1918
BATH ‘BOMBING’
Captain A G Henshaw, Royal Flying Corps, son of Alderman J E Henshaw, Bath Football Club Chairman (1896-1901) spent the previous afternoon scattering Bath with War Bond leaflets. “Rarely have Bath people seen aeroplanes in motion at such close quarters, and the ‘bombing’ gave rise to a good deal of excitement.”
Another pilot was not so lucky a day or so later, as he was forced to crash-land near Twerton Round Top, and his aircraft was collected and dispatched back to the factory for extensive repairs.

CHRONICLE 13/4/1918
Lieut-Colonel Lord Alexander Thynne D.S.O., M.P., a Vice president of Bath Football Club, reported injured in France.

CHRONICLE 25/5/1918
Mr Walter Fletcher, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Bath, aged 41 died suddenly on the Wednesday in a London Military Camp. As a Bath Rugby forward, he was a contemporary with Dr. J E Long. He also assisted the Post Office team and Oldfield Park Rugby Club when they were at their best. He volunteered for the army two years previously and served as a batman. He had been invalided home suffering from shell shock. He had played in the last Old Crocks match.

CHRONICLE 3/8/1918
The Recreation Ground was still very much in use, with an Athletics Day for the No. 7 Observers’ School of Aeronautics, R.A.F.
“ Under the military control, that well known centre of sport has put on a very trim and smart, not to say, ornate appearance and, with many marquees erected and flags flying for this special occasion, the ground was particularly bright and gay.”

11/11/1918 GREAT WAR ENDED
Bath bugler, Sydney Golledge of St. Kildas Road had returned from leave to his Somerset Light Infantry regiment, in time to sound the “Cease Fire” at eleven o’clock
Old Crocks match.

CHRONICLE 3/8/1918
The Recreation Ground was still very much in use, with an Athletics Day for the No. 7 Observers’ School of Aeronautics, R.A.F.
“Under the military control, that well known centre of sport has put on a very trim and smart, not to say, ornate appearance and, with many marquees erected and flags flying for this special occasion, the ground was particularly bright and gay.”

11/11/1918 GREAT WAR ENDED
Bath bugler, Sydney Golledge of St. Kildas Road had returned from leave to his Somerset Light Infantry regiment, in time to sound the “
oad had returned from leave to his Somerset Light Infantry regiment, in time to sound the “