1940-1941 ANECDOTES

1940-1941 Features:- Players in Services – Died after Air Raid – re-start – Tea Permit –  Death of Green – Spotters – Air Raids – Under the Stand – A Brewer’s lorry – Curly weds – Ref. scores try.

CLOSE DOWN !

MANCOM 12/8/1940

It was decided after some lengthy discussion that in view of the prevailing circumstances the activities of the Club be suspended for the time being, but that the Committee were to remain in their respective offices, with power to act.

Extract from the Chronicle 12^th August 1940. Headline –

BATH RUGBY OFF FOR THE DURATION

——————-

PLAYERS ARE IN THE SERVICES

“There will be no more Bath Rugby football for the duration. This decision was arrived at unanimously at a meeting of the Committee on Monday evening.

The difficulties were found to be insuperable. Nearly all the players are in the Services; if outside players were invited they would be subject to interruption due to military and civilian demands, and the special effort, which put these finances right last season, could not be repeated.

There will be no annual meeting of members as there are technically, no members, and the present Committee will remain in being, in a state of suspended animation, till peace, and the return of Rugby, are assured.

The Civil Service (who were joined with the Bath Club last season) expressed no wish to carry on. Indeed, one of their nominees, seconded the motion to suspend activities for the duration.”

Then followed detail of the financial position – overdrawn at the Bank and a working profit of just £40. “Gates had been about half of a ‘bad’ season, due, of course, to the absence of holiday fixtures and other blank dates caused by severe weather.

The expenses were kept amazingly low, explained the Hon. Treasurer, because of the sporting co-operation of the players.”

NEWS OF PLAYERS

“News came to the meeting of several old members – Jack Arnold is now a Flight Mechanic in the R.A.F.-‘a mender-up of aeroplanes’ as he put it. Leslie Phillips is in the Somersets and Ash, like Lansdown, who assisted the United and Walcot, in an A.A. battery.”  Bert Merrett, Captain of the United XV was joining the Royal Artillery.

DIED FOLLOWING AN AIR RAID

Chronicle 4^th October 1940 reported on the funeral of Mr. Fredk. John (‘Freddie’) Rhymes, the well known, former Bath footballer, who died as result of injuries received in an air raid on a South-West town.

Mr. Rhymes, who lived at 20, Charlotte Street, Bath, was 36 years of age. He was a fine scrum-half and a member of the Bath side for many years. Before that he played for Stothert and Pitt’s XV.

Bath Schools’ Rugby Union suspended official activity, although private games between schools could be arranged.

———————–

MANCOM 17/10/1940

1. A) Letter from Recreation Ground Company with reference to letting of space to the Youth Club movement and possibility of the continuance of the Club. It was decided that the Bath Club had no objection to the Company securing lets, but that in his reply, the Bath Club Secretary should point out, that it is assumed that in the event of the Club wanting the use of the ground, the Club should have first choice.
2. B) Damage at Lambridge was reported, posts, wash basins, and also Club property taken from the Pavilion. Decision to write to Col Rogers, commanding the Home Guard asking for an explanation.

Mr. Wills reported numerous enquiries as to what was being done in Bath to provide rest and relaxation for troops visiting, and he thought the Club should make an effort to restart, if only to provide some entertainment for the troops.

Agreed to make a public appeal for a sum of £250 to be subscribed as a guarantee for the purpose of carrying on Rugby Football on the Rec., the said guarantee fund to be raised in units of 10/- each unit entitling the subscriber to a complimentary ticket in the West Stand. Should the financial situation show a deficit on the Season’s working, the amount of the deficit shall be deducted from the Guarantee fund and the remaining portion to be returned to the subscribers.

Rec. Ground Co. agreed to same terms as last year i.e. 1/3 of net gate.

It was decided to inform enquirers that the Club would probably start again.

After a brief period of uncertainty, Bath’s wartime revival was preceded by a special Welfare game –  a West of England XV v an Empire XV, organised by Bristol’s legendary Len Corbett. A crowd of 3000+ attended this match, with a march past by the band of the Wiltshire Regiment. Proceeds were to go towards providing service units with sports gear. The game did much to hearten the Bath Club to speed up their efforts towards a Fund to Guarantee cost of travel etc. for the large number of visiting sides.

“Let us give the Service men and the public some more good afternoons on the Rec.”

1940-1941 Features:- Players in Services – Died after Air Raid – re-start – Tea Permit –  Death of Green – Spotters – Air Raids – Under the Stand – A Brewer’s lorry – Curly weds – Ref. scores try.

CLOSE DOWN !

MANCOM 12/8/1940

It was decided after some lengthy discussion that in view of the prevailing circumstances the activities of the Club be suspended for the time being, but that the Committee were to remain in their respective offices, with power to act.

Extract from the Chronicle 12^th August 1940. Headline –

BATH RUGBY OFF FOR THE DURATION

——————-

PLAYERS ARE IN THE SERVICES

“There will be no more Bath Rugby football for the duration. This decision was arrived at unanimously at a meeting of the Committee on Monday evening.

The difficulties were found to be insuperable. Nearly all the players are in the Services; if outside players were invited they would be subject to interruption due to military and civilian demands, and the special effort, which put these finances right last season, could not be repeated.

There will be no annual meeting of members as there are technically, no members, and the present Committee will remain in being, in a state of suspended animation, till peace, and the return of Rugby, are assured.

The Civil Service (who were joined with the Bath Club last season) expressed no wish to carry on. Indeed, one of their nominees, seconded the motion to suspend activities for the duration.”

Then followed detail of the financial position – overdrawn at the Bank and a working profit of just £40. “Gates had been about half of a ‘bad’ season, due, of course, to the absence of holiday fixtures and other blank dates caused by severe weather.

The expenses were kept amazingly low, explained the Hon. Treasurer, because of the sporting co-operation of the players.”

NEWS OF PLAYERS

“News came to the meeting of several old members – Jack Arnold is now a Flight Mechanic in the R.A.F.-‘a mender-up of aeroplanes’ as he put it. Leslie Phillips is in the Somersets and Ash, like Lansdown, who assisted the United and Walcot, in an A.A. battery.”  Bert Merrett, Captain of the United XV was joining the Royal Artillery.

DIED FOLLOWING AN AIR RAID

Chronicle 4^th October 1940 reported on the funeral of Mr. Fredk. John (‘Freddie’) Rhymes, the well- known, former Bath footballer, who died as result of injuries received in an air raid on a South-West town.

Mr. Rhymes, who lived at 20, Charlotte Street, Bath, was 36 years of age. He was a fine scrum-half and a member of the Bath side for many years. Before that he played for Stothert and Pitt’s XV.

Bath Schools’ Rugby Union suspended official activity, although private games between schools could be arranged.

Mr. Wills reported numerous enquiries as to what was being done in Bath to provide rest and relaxation for troops visiting, and he thought the Club should make an effort to restart, if only to provide some entertainment for the troops.

Agreed to make a public appeal for a sum of £250 to be subscribed as a guarantee for the purpose of carrying on Rugby Football on the Rec., the said guarantee fund to be raised in units of 10/- each unit entitling the subscriber to a complimentary ticket in the West Stand. Should the financial situation show a deficit on the Season’s working, the amount of the deficit shall be deducted from the Guarantee fund and the remaining portion to be returned to the subscribers.

Rec. Ground Co. agreed to same terms as last year i.e. 1/3 of net gate.

It was decided to inform enquirers that the Club would probably start again.

After a brief period of uncertainty, Bath’s wartime revival was preceded by a special Welfare game –  a West of England XV v an Empire XV, organised by Bristol’s legendary Len Corbett. A crowd of 3000+ attended this match, with a march past by the band of the Wiltshire Regiment. Proceeds were to go towards providing service units with sports gear. The game did much to hearten the Bath Club to speed up their efforts towards a Fund to Guarantee cost of travel etc. for the large number of visiting sides.

“Let us give the Service men and the public some more good afternoons on the Rec.”

1940-1941 Features:- Players in Services – Died after Air Raid – re-start – Tea Permit –  Death of Green – Spotters – Air Raids – Under the Stand – A Brewer’s lorry – Curly weds – Ref. scores try.

CLOSE DOWN !

MANCOM 12/8/1940

It was decided after some lengthy discussion that in view of the prevailing circumstances the activities of the Club be suspended for the time being, but that the Committee were to remain in their respective offices, with power to act.

Extract from the Chronicle 12^th August 1940. Headline –

BATH RUGBY OFF FOR THE DURATION

——————-

PLAYERS ARE IN THE SERVICES

“There will be no more Bath Rugby football for the duration. This decision was arrived at unanimously at a meeting of the Committee on Monday evening.

The difficulties were found to be insuperable. Nearly all the players are in the Services; if outside players were invited they would be subject to interruption due to military and civilian demands, and the special effort, which put these finances right last season, could not be repeated.

There will be no annual meeting of members as there are technically, no members, and the present Committee will remain in being, in a state of suspended animation, till peace, and the return of Rugby, are assured.

The Civil Service (who were joined with the Bath Club last season) expressed no wish to carry on. Indeed, one of their nominees, seconded the motion to suspend activities for the duration.”

Then followed detail of the financial position – overdrawn at the Bank and a working profit of just £40. “Gates had been about half of a ‘bad’ season, due, of course, to the absence of holiday fixtures and other blank dates caused by severe weather.

The expenses were kept amazingly low, explained the Hon. Treasurer, because of the sporting co-operation of the players.”

NEWS OF PLAYERS

“News came to the meeting of several old members – Jack Arnold is now a Flight Mechanic in the R.A.F.-‘a mender-up of aeroplanes’ as he put it. Leslie Phillips is in the Somersets and Ash, like Lansdown, who assisted the United and Walcot, in an A.A. battery.”  Bert Merrett, Captain of the United XV was joining the Royal Artillery.

DIED FOLLOWING AN AIR RAID

Chronicle 4^th October 1940 reported on the funeral of Mr. Fredk. John (‘Freddie’) Rhymes, the well known, former Bath footballer, who died as result of injuries received in an air raid on a South-West town.

Mr. Rhymes, who lived at 20, Charlotte Street, Bath, was 36 years of age. He was a fine scrum-half and a member of the Bath side for many years. Before that he played for Stothert and Pitt’s XV.

Bath Schools’ Rugby Union suspended official activity, although private games between schools could be arranged.

———————–

MANCOM 17/10/1940

1. C) Letter from Recreation Ground Company with reference to letting of space to the Youth Club movement and possibility of the continuance of the Club. It was decided that the Bath Club had no objection to the Company securing lets, but that in his reply, the Bath Club Secretary should point out, that it is assumed that in the event of the Club wanting the use of the ground, the Club should have first choice.
2. D) Damage at Lambridge was reported, posts, wash basins, and also Club property taken from the Pavilion. Decision to write to Col Rogers, commanding the Home Guard asking for an explanation.

Mr. Wills reported numerous enquiries as to what was being done in Bath to provide rest and relaxation for troops visiting, and he thought the Club should make an effort to restart, if only to provide some entertainment for the troops.

Agreed to make a public appeal for a sum of £250 to be subscribed as a guarantee for the purpose of carrying on Rugby Football on the Rec., the said guarantee fund to be raised in units of 10/- each unit entitling the subscriber to a complimentary ticket in the West Stand. Should the financial situation show a deficit on the Season’s working, the amount of the deficit shall be deducted from the Guarantee fund and the remaining portion to be returned to the subscribers.

Rec. Ground Co. agreed to same terms as last year i.e. 1/3 of net gate.

It was decided to inform enquirers that the Club would probably start again.

After a brief period of uncertainty, Bath’s wartime revival was preceded by a special Welfare game –  a West of England XV v an Empire XV, organised by Bristol’s legendary Len Corbett. A crowd of 3000+ attended this match, with a march past by the band of the Wiltshire Regiment. Proceeds were to go towards providing service units with sports gear. The game did much to hearten the Bath Club to speed up their efforts towards a Fund to Guarantee cost of travel etc. for the large number of visiting sides.

Chronicle  November 1940

BATH RUGBY TO START

FIRST MATCH NEXT SATURDAY

“Bath Rugby Club starts its second war-time season on the Recreation Ground at 2-45 on Saturday. An R.A.F. side will be the opposition writes “The Captain”.

This is good news for supporters and people who want a spot of sport on Saturday afternoons to take their minds off the war.

Most of the games will be at home. The guarantee fund will definitely be closed at the first postal delivery on Friday.

Victor Smith is getting the Bath team together. It will be a good one, containing old and new  faces.”

That Tea Permit

“The refusal of the Food Office to give the club a permit to buy a quarter-of-a-pound of tea, a pound of sugar and a little milk to give the players a cup of tea after each game on the Rec. is to be carried further.

Meanwhile four gifts of tea and sugar have been received by the club- three from anonymous donors. One came from a lady at Basingstoke. Two parcels were addressed, ‘The Captain, Bath Rugby Club’. They were delivered all right. The donors can be sure their gifts will be greatly appreciated, and some will be used after the match with Newport at the ec. on Saturday next.”

#

The Home Guard Commander had suggested that an inventory of the damage at Lambridge should be prepared and paid for after the War. Committee found this most unsatisfactory but decided to let the matter drop.

Question of Air Raid alerts was raised and decided to write to the RFU in order to raise the ban on public gatherings at Bath.

PLAYER DIES AFTER GAME

At this point the tragic death of Frederick Leslie Green, aged thirty is recorded. He died at the RUH after enjoying the post match refreshments at the Red House Restaurant. He had captained the Bath side against the R.A.F. XV that day and had chatted jocularly in the committee room, was in good spirits generally and seemed perfectly well.

He was described as “a great  hearted player, a grand sportsman and a delightful companion…He had not played since last season and was not trained for a hard match, though he led his men well, was always in the fray, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the game.”   “His death was a great loss to the club.”

PLAYER DIES AFTER GAME

At this point the tragic death of Frederick Leslie Green, aged thirty is recorded. He died at the RUH after enjoying the post match refreshments at the Red House Restaurant. He had captained the Bath side against the R.A.F. XV that day and had chatted jocularly in the committee room, was in good spirits generally and seemed perfectly well.

He was described as “a great- hearted player, a grand sportsman and a delightful companion…He had not played since last season and was not trained for a hard match, though he led his men well, was always in the fray, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the game.”   “His death was a great loss to the club.”

MANCOM 9/12/1940

Secretary had met the authorities and outlined the precautions necessary if matches were to continue.

1. SPOTTERS Messrs Jones and Anderson be nominated and in the event of an alert should take their places, one at the North Stand and the other at the Flower pot stand to watch the skies. If danger were impending they should blow three long blasts on powerful whistles and play should cease, the public to be informed of this through the programme and by means of a board to be sent round the ground prior to the kick-off.
2. Shelter guides to be on duty throughout the match.
3. Position of Shelters to be indicated on Club programmes and by notices.
4. Shelter to be available under North and West Stands and in the shelter on the ground.

SEASON CONTINUED DISPITE AIR RAIDS.

It might be as well to mention here, that the first bombs had fallen harmlessly on the outskirts of Bath 24/8/1940.

There was a spate of  bombs on the first week in September 1940, which  damaged a road junction, a couple of  Twerton houses and Bath City ground.

A scattering of high explosives was to come in last months 1940, with some property damage.

The fiercest of the 29 Bristol  raids extended from Nov 1940 to July 1941. There were therefore constant air raid warnings in Bath.

The 16/1/41 brought 400^th alert in Bath. Englishcombe Lane took incendiaries. 2 H.E.’s in Twerton High Street and West Twerton School, as single bomber jettisoned.

In this playing season the Dolemeads took 3 or 4 H.E.’s from single bomber on the 11^th April 1941. Such was the spirit prevailing, that the rugby continued, and indeed, a Bath side played an Army XV the next day.

The main Bath Blitz was to come next season on the fateful nights of 24/25 April 1942

3/1/1941 News that R A Gerrard had been promoted to the rank of Major in the Royal Engineers. He had joined the Wessex R.E.’s (T) at the outbreak of war.

“He is still playing football ‘Somewhere in England’ and his Army side has not yet been defeated.

There are a number of Bath players at his service – Lieutenant John Wood, ‘Curly’ Halse, Tom Hicks, and Ron Ascott.”

Announcement of the wedding of Norman ‘Curly’ Halse, to Margeret Melluish at St. Andrew’s Church Bath. The page was Master John Flagg, nephew of the bridegroom. The page wore a white satin blouse and crimson velvet trousers. That page grew up to be 6 foot 5 inch John Flagg of Bath and Old Edwardians R.F.C.  The Rector of Walcot, Preb. Rowland Grant, led the assembled guests in “Lead us Heavenly Father.” The late Norman Halse, was a great scrum half and servant of the Club, and in later years became a Life Member and President.