1944-1945 ANECDTES

1/7/1944 Chronicle reported that Lance Corporal Leslie Phillips, Airborne Regiment, was reported missing. He had landed in Normandy on the first night of the invasion. A former pupil of Bath forum School, he graduated into the Bath rugby side from Walcot Old Boys. “He was a tearaway forward who never spared himself or his opponents.”  His death in action was later confirmed.

.EXTRACTS FROM COMMITTEE MINUTES.

MANCOM 17/7/44

J F Wass elected Secretary. Last season’s accounts not yet ready – Auditors short staffed. A purely nominal fee charged.

F C Wills reported that there was little prospect of the Stand being rebuilt for several years after the war, and suggested writing to the leading clubs explaining the position of the Bath Club and point out that although it might not be possible to arrange fixtures immediately, the Club would appreciate the opportunity to renew fixtures at the earliest possible date. R.F.U. to be written for Club addresses and also regarding a set of new jerseys.

Club’s finances not in a satisfactory state, particularly the overdraft. He suggested that the Bath Club holding amounting to 900 £1 shares in the company holding The Horse Show ground might be realised to reduce the deficit. It was thought possible to dispose of these at par. Further consideration before approaching the Trustees.

Proposed a public meeting with a view to re-constituting the Club on a pre war basis and to elect a President, Vice president, Committee and Officers for the forthcoming season, and meeting proposed for 4^th September 1944 at 7pm at the Red House.

Proposed that season tickets should be £2. Ground entrance increased to 2/-. In the event of the Club playing at Lambridge, this would carry admission to the Stand, with the exception of that area reserved for season ticket holders.

Letters to all shareholders explaining Club financial difficulties and appealing for the surrender of shares in exchange for a £2 season ticket.

Gerrard Memorial Fund had been invested in Government securities

£1000 Bath Salute the Soldier Week

£450 Taunton ‘Salute the Soldier’ week. £50 was expected from Major Gerrard’s old unit.

All schools, except Prior Park, had satisfactorily replied to his recent letter. They did not want to be associated with any scheme which might be put forward.

Mr Jones would have liked to see the “Penny on the Ball” reconstituted, which should result in balls being distributed to the schools and thus encourage more rugby.

Several provisional fixtures had been arranged for next season, offers of guaranteed matches from St. Marys Hospital, Middlesex Hospital and Nuneaton. Club willing to pay visitors 50% of the NETT gate money. A fixture arranged with Leicester Barbarians for Easter Monday. First Trial 23/9/44.

It was reported that the Committee might be considering a temporary move to the Lambridge ground

Bath’s plans for possible changes and restoring normal rugby, generated ‘Letters to the Editor.’ A RUGBY SUPPORTER Julian Road: “Surely it would be advisable to hold this public meeting first, so that the Committee would have some idea of the feelings of those people who are staunch supporters of the Club.”

Similar forebodings on a possible move to Lambridge were expressed by G.W.YOUNG of 21 Perfect View, Bath.

26/7/1944 Chronicle reported that Lt. Col. Dick James, a Bath three-quarter had been killed.

He had been promoted from the rank of Major on the field during the Normandy fighting. He rose to be second in command of his regiment.

He was brother-in-law to Sqd. Leader S G U Considine.

Another stalwart, Major Lance Wardle, had been wounded and was in hospital in the U.K.

MANCOM 31/7/44

A SUB COMMITTEE HAD BEEN FORMED TO CONSIDER MOVING to The Horse Show Ground and utilising the former Bath City Football stand (Capacity 800). Recommendation now that the Club should stay on the Recreation Ground and this was carried unanimously.

Proposed to write to the Recreation Ground Co., asking them to approach the War Damage Commission on the possibility of “first aid” repairs on the Old Stand pending re-erection of a new one.

Before any decision regarding the sale of shares on the Horse Show ground, Club should first look at financial status when balance sheet published.

Overdraft at the bank, 3% Defence Bonds to be lodged as security against the overdraft of £400.

Agreement for visits from St Mary’s Hospital and Middlesex Hospital on basis of 50% of the net gate.

Merchant Navy Comforts Fund to stage a charity rugby match, and Club agreed to allocate a fixture.

Question of raising funds for the post war was again raised and a £200 target was suggested. He recommended a further appeal to members to surrender their Stand shares, and it was agreed that the public should be informed that unless financial assistance was forthcoming, the Club was very much in danger of extinction.

Their decision had been influenced by the necessity of restoring covered spectator accommodation, in order to attract first class clubs, and also a sizeable adverse reaction from the public.

The Club would press forward for Government approval, through the Recreation Ground Company, to carry out temporary repairs to the North Stand and erect some sort of temporary make-do stand on the devastated West side.

9/8/1944 News that Pte. E W Holmes, had been killed in action in France. He played at wing forward, mainly for the United, with a few games for Bath 1sts. A product of Walcot School, he had served in the Territorials for 11 years. Added to this tragedy, his wife and two sons had previously perished in the Bath Blitz.

MANCOM 14/8/44

MANCOM 14/8/44

Discussion on best way to find new players. Many good players in the district. Decided to contact Capt. Ledbury and explain ideas, and ask him for co-operation. Also contact last season’s players, who in turn could invite others to the Trial match.

Secretary empowered to carry on securing the best possible fixtures available. Bert Anderson to write.

MANCOM 21/8/44

Balance sheet still not available. Bad attitude of the bank recorded.

** 60 clothing coupons received from the E.R.U. for the purchase of fifteen jerseys. To be handed to JOHN Moore, Argyle Street. Only possible to supply ‘one colour’ jerseys. The Hon. Treasurer has chosen WHITE. Application for two balls sent to E.R.U.

Letter of sympathy for relatives of Lt. Col. R James, died in action in France.

All fixture dates full through to November. 21 games to date.

AGM to be advertised. Agenda to include: Lady members’ voting powers, player insurance and Supporters Club within the Club.

Proposed that free admission to all games be sent to schools. Dec 9^th 1944 and March 24^th 1945 set aside for schoolboy matches.

22/8/1944 News that Sergt. Eric Walter Lavington, Somerset Light Infantry, had been killed in action. He had married into another famed Bathford and Bath rugby family when he had enjoined with Miss Betty Blanchard of Bathford. He left a son, David aged three. He had captained the Bathavon team from 1936 – 1938

29/8/44 Bath Chronicle reported: “ RFU to the aid of Bath FC with 60 clothing coupons for new jerseys. Unfortunately the manufacturers no longer make the colours, so the jerseys will have to be white”

“Fixture tickets are £2. Fixture list contains 21 games at present and hope to add more”

“It is hoped to run a Supporters Club within the framework of the Club”

Chronicle expressed regret at the news that Norman “Curly” Halse had been wounded in the arm and leg, in France.

GENERAL MEETING   MONDAY  4/9/44 HELD AT THE RED HOUSE.

President Scott Reid opened the meeting had been called with a view to re-establishing the Club on its pre-war basis, and to map out a programme for post war football. Club finances were queried and Mr Cashnella expressed the view that the War-Time Management Committee has exceeded the scope of their authority in making use of funds on hand at September 1939, to which Mr Wills replied to the effect that the consent of the Trustees has been obtained.

Minutes of AGM 1939 had been lost.

Proposed: ”That this meeting endorses the action of the War Time Management Committee throughout the past three seasons.”

Mr Wills suggested that the Club should now be reconstituted as at 1939 and resume its activities on a pre-war basis. Proposed and carried.

Agreed that all persons present at the meeting could vote.

Annual subscription to be not less than £1.5.0.

The problem of the blitzed stands was addressed, and Mr. F C Wills (Joint. Hon. Treasurer), was uncertain whether the West Stand could be re-built, as the Corporation wanted a strip of the Recreation Ground to be incorporated into a riverside walkway.

Proposed and carried that ladies should be admitted to membership with Full Voting powers.

In view of difficulty in adhering to the Club rule, it was agreed that the Management Committee would select the Captain for the coming season.

President – Scott Reid

Vice Presidents’ subscription to be £2, but this did not secure a Season Ticket.

Hon Treas. F C Wills, Hon Sec J F Wass, Hon Match Sec A E Anderson.

17 names submitted for 12  vacancies on Management Committee.

Elected: Mrs Gerrard,*  Capt. S L Amor, Messrs B C Barber, R S Chaddock, F Cashnella, R Fear, H Davies, N Slade, H Vowles, G B Jones, H Crane, J Tolman. *(First woman member of Committee)

Bath & Wilts Chronicle & Herald reported 7/9/1944-

BATH RUGBY & LOCAL TALENT

CHIEF AIM OF NEW COMMITTEE

“The old players who have been elected to the Committee of Bath Rugby Club have one great object in view, to produce local talent for the post war team.

As a preliminary they are out to revive it in the schools and foster it where it may have waned.

In this , they have, of course the whole hearted support of the old members of the Committee who had already made overtures to the schools. The new additions to Committee are certainly live wires.

Frank Cashnella played over 600 games in the pack for Bath, for many years for Somerset, and served 32 years on the Committee till he resigned in 1932 having been captain of the club and chairman of the committee. He played his first game for Bath before he was 16 and his last when over 50.

It was at Exeter that he and four other local youths first played for Bath and the team only lost by 8pts to 5. Afterwards, one critic wrote that ‘they did their best, but were not worth their train fares’.

Frank Soane, however, offered ‘Cash’ a regular place in the side subsequently.

The Two Harrys

Harry Vowles, English Schoolboy international was produced from East Twerton School in the regime of R.R. Stephenson. He was the Bath and Somerset scrum half who ought to have gone higher. Harry Slade, the Bath, Newport and Somerset full back and fly half. When ‘Cash’ suggested him for half some raised their eyebrows. Harry however, became a great half-back and made his name chiefly with Newport.

Harold Crane made a reputation for himself with Walcot OB, St. Stephens and Bath ‘A’ as a full back.”

Adapted from Chronicle Report 8/9/43:

 Expenditure had been cut down to the last penny. Players had sportingly paid for the visitors’ teas, and in most cases, their own travelling expenses. He explained that when the west stand was built the club took up half the cost, and the Recreation ground Company the other half.

The Club issued £1 shares to its members with 5% interest per annum whenever it was found possible to pay out this amount.

The other half of the Company agreed to take up on mortgage, provided the Club paid the interest. The Company had been paying off this loan, but as they were hit like the Club the repayment had become slow.

The meeting could see by this that the Club had a loadstone around its neck. Their obligation to the Company had been met, but their obligation to the members who held shares could be wiped out if they would surrender them and accept membership tickets in return.

In Assets the Club had 400 shares in the Horse Show ground Syndicate; 715 shares in the Bath and County Recreation Company Ltd., and £350 3% Defence Bonds. These assets must be held at all costs, and struggle to put the Club in a better financial position, because against the assets there was an overdraft of £369.

Mr H Slade then spoke of the importance of encouraging development of ex-schools football, and every junior player of merit, should be given an opportunity of playing for the Club.

In answer to a question from Mr. Slade, Mr. Wills said he could not say where the west stand would be built of whether it would be built at all. What he did know was that the Corporation wanted a strip of the Recreation Ground to make a riverside promenade, so it could not be erected on the old foundations.

MANCOM 11/9/44

1(b)Confine Rec. matches to Bath Schoolboys. Time not ripe for inter town games at this level.

3. Flt. Lt. D D Evans Captain, thanks to Austin Higgins for last season. (43/44)

5. Delay in repairs to Stand because of difficulty with War Damage Commission. Cashnella proposed re-aligning pitch east to west. It was considered that what remained of the North stand could be utilised. Mrs Gerrard to pursue with Recreation Ground Co.
6. (a) Mrs Gerrrard offers use of her office at 4/5 Bridge Street for 7pm Committee meetings.

(b) Ground admission 1/-, Schoolchildren 3d. Other ranks servicemen and women half price, Officers pay, Hospital Blue free.

(d) To utilise surplus players, organise ‘A’ games with local sides if they were starting up again. Trial 23/9/44.

(e) Approach to Bristol Referees Society to do match duty.

News that Twickenham had sustained damage from a near miss by a flying-bomb. It would be some time before the necessary repairs could be effected.

SERGT. TOMMY HICKS in action.

16/9/1944 The Chronicle ran an account of two Bath men – Lieut. D K Silvester of 53 Combe Park, and Sergt. T W Hicks of 3 Sydney Place, who with fellow sappers, in face of heavy enemy fire, had succeeded in constructing a 680- foot bridge across the River Seine, prior to the British assault on August 25^th. The bridging of the river was a complicated engineering operation- and made all the more difficult by a continual barrage of short range enemy fire. Eventually, the machine gun nests were silenced and the R.E.’s completed the task in three hours. The next day the bridge took a direct hit, but it was repaired and opened again in 2 1/2 hours. It continued to permit a steady stream of armoured vehicles en route to the north of Paris and towards the Belgian frontier.

Lt. Silvester, aged 23, was from King Edward’s School and certainly interested in rugby.

Sgt. T W Hicks was better known as Tommy, the Bath Rugby Club fly-half. His meritorious service was recognised, with a certificate by an appreciative – Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces.

MANCOM 18/9/44

1(a) Recreation Ground Co. did not agree on re-alignment of pitch.

2. Instruction to purchase 2 balls and 3 bladders with permit sent from R.F.U.
3. Cross Baths for Trial 23/9/44.
4. Jerseys stored at Baths. (Less than 2 complete sets) Bring own jerseys.
5. Possible cover for spectators in North and on Flowerpot stands. Sub-Committee appointed.

TRIAL GAME 23/9/44

Prop Desmond Brayley was a player about this time. We are indebted to front row stalwart Tom Smith, for recalling this most memorable character. Brayley was an army captain and at one time, offered to ‘drop’ his Parachute Regiment players on the Rec. for a game. He cavorted around in an open top Bentley. This flamboyant character entered politics and became Lord Brayley, Minister of Defence in Harold Wilson’s Government. He competed in the 1936 Olympic Games as a boxer.

23/9/44 1^st Trial match and 37 players turned up.

Mr. R H Swaffield was organising a Colts XV, and had a muster of 17 candidates, six of whom were passed forward to the Senior’s trial.

26/9/1944 The Somerset County gave the ‘right away’ to all clubs to make immediate preparations to resume football: “They want Rugby to get away to a flying start when the boys come home.”

Bath were particularly proud, as along with Bridgwater, they had kept the flag flying throughout five war years, with constant shortages, and despite the loss of their stands.

“A special application for petrol is to be made in view of the fact that it is allowed for bowling greens, cricket pitches and tennis and croquet lawns.”

Boys’ Rugby football was to be revived and application had been made for use of Lambridge for the ex-Schools. Special arrangements were in hand for the visit of the Royal Australian Air Force XV on October 14^th.

“A special application for petrol is to be made in view of the fact that it is allowed for bowling greens, cricket pitches and tennis and croquet lawns.”

Boys’ Rugby football was to be revived and application had been made for use of Lambridge for the ex-Schools. Special arrangements were in hand for the visit of the Royal Australian Air Force XV on October 14^th.

30/9/44 Final Trial: Bath v Rest organised.

MANCOM 2/10/44

2 (a) R.A.A.F. re Hotel  accommodation. Proposed that individuals put them up in own homes.

(c) Timber to repair the North Stand. Committee asked to donate £1 each.

5. No insurance cover at Trial match and player broke a wrist. Club to pay any reasonable expense.
6. Mr Goldsworthy of Queen Square offered free massage treatment.
7. Only 50 season tickets sold @ £1.5s.0d. £5.5s0d donation from an anonymous lady.
8. Players to contribute 2/- per game.
9. Players attending the Red House for tea should pay 1/3^rd of cost.
10. Committee to make good any deficit on baths and teas.
11. Match duties 7/10/44: 2 at Riverside entrance, 1 for enclosure entrance, 1 for South end of enclosure and 1 for duty near the Pavilion.
12. Loss on programmes 10/- a week
13. Mr Slade proposed that younger members of the Club play in an Ex Schools Boys XV v Prior Park on 7^th October.
14. Purchase of 16 jerseys and 2 balls from Moores Ltd.

Team for opening match 7/10/1944 v R.A.F. Home. Won 16-0. (7 new players mostly “locals”): *Capt. Bailey, T F Trim, Sergt. F Cheshire, P F Moores, P/O. A Beasley, I Lumsden, Lieut.G Raper R.N, Lieut. Patterson RNVR, Chief P/O J Rogers, C P Hosking, N Owen, G Stewart, A Higgins, T Smith, K Weiss.

*(Parachute officer who was in Normandy on D Day.)

A significant newcomer was Tom Smith, aged 16 and just out of City of Bath School. He was to make 20 appearances before National Service in the R.A.F. and returned in 1948 for many years as a front row stalwart, mostly in the company of J W P Roberts.

R.A.F. TEAM:

LAC    I Walters          Newport

CAPT. Cockinos         Norwich

AC      Davies             Neath

LAC    Woodfield       Bristol University

LAC    Davies             Swansea Valley

AC      Gregory                       Wigan

LAC    Glanville          London Welsh

LAC    Morgan                        Cardiff  University

AC      Beckingham    Welsh Secondary Schools

AC      Richards                      Pontypool

AC      Wood              Huddersfield

AC      Webb               Oxford Town

CPL     Morgan                        Swansea

LAC    Hornbin                       Cornwall

SGT.    Petrie               Scottish Trialist.

Bath won by 2 goals, a try and a penalty to nil. Petty Officer Beasley, on the right wing, had a good afternoon scoring 13 of Bath’s points with 2 tries, 2 conversions and a penalty. Trim scored the other try.

MANCOM 9/10/1944

R.A.A.F. instruction for notice in local paper.

Cashnella had written for license for timber as previous plan for £1 each not practicable.

No objections to the use of the Horse Show Ground, provided that the stand and buildings were not used as they had been ‘de-rated’. Grazing tenant (Mr J Sulley, Ashley Wood Farm) has to give permission.

Only 79 season tickets sold. Gross gate receipts £16.15.0. Club share £8.1.9.

Friends of members can be admitted to the members enclosure, provided they have previously paid for ticket.

Donation to St. John’s Ambulance on same lines as previous year.

14/10/44 v R.A.A.F. Home. Lost 5-24. Team (as per programme):- L.A.C. Moors, P Leahy, C H Hodgkins, P/O A Beasley, T F Trim, Flt/Lt. D D Evans (Captain), Lt. R G Raper, F/O Harris, K Weiss, A Higgins, C T Hawkes, W Barrow, C.P.O. J Rogers, Lt. D T Morton and T Smith.

[R.A.A.F. side included Flying Officer Turvey, New South Wales Rugby League stand-off, LAC Schalz (Queensland), Flt. Sgt. Cearney (New South Wales hooker)]

Considered to be the best team selection of the War at the Rec. Bath were beaten by 3 goals and 3 tries to a try by Austin Higgins, converted by Danny Evans.

Takings £22.5.0 Net Gate £16.0.9. R.A.A.F. Benevolent Fund £8.0.5., Bath Club £2.3.5.

Bath Weekly Chronicle 14^th October 1944.

The authorities released information on the Bath bombings. 400 citizens were killed in the “Baedeker” raids during the weekend on April 25-27 1942. The combined figure for killed and injured was officially given as 1272

MANCOM 16/10/44

5. 100 season tickets sold. 14 VP. 28 Stand shares surrendered.
6. Fee for use of Cross Baths for two practice games was waived by Spa Director.
7. Mr Harold Crane proposed Boxing promotion in aid of club funds.

11. A Programme Fund organised by the Bath & District- Supporters Club had been embodied in the general funds of the club. Mr Slade informed that this was not in accordance with correct procedure. A balance sheet would be produced showing that at the outbreak of War, there was a considerable credit balance in the account which should now be accounted for.

MANCOM 23/10/44

Charge for use of Baths to be reduced.

Possible use of Boy Scouts to distribute tickets to schools and scout troops.

Boxing promotion dropped for lack of licence.

Committee made up deficit of 15/- from the Bath Bristol game.

Gross £32.11.0, Nett £23.11.5, Bath £15.14.3. Programme Sales £1.7.8.

Season tickets sold 110

Vice presidents 18

Shares surrendered 28.

50 Stand shares owned by Bath Supporters Club and 150 by Bath Insurance Fund. Both to be approached to see if they would be willing to surrender some of them. This was particularly difficult as neither organisation was in being at that time.

MANCOM 6/11/44

Match deficit 3/3 made good by Committee. Gross gate £17.17.6, Nett £12.19.03/4,

Bath Club share £8.12.83/4. Sale of programmes 17/5d.

Shares surrendered 73. Vice presidents 20. Season tickets 123.

Programmes money to be kept in “Programme Account”.

Re-election of three Trustees: Capt. Amor, Dr Scott Reid and C C Wills.

Letter from Bath & D Combination as to whether Bath wish to join Combination. It was agreed to be affiliated.

Consideration of joining Bath & District Rugby Combination Insurance Fund next season.

MANCOM 20/11/44

Agreed: A game of American Rugby on Rec. 26/11/44.

159 Stand Shares surrendered to date.

Club Dance on 29th March 1945, two bands engaged, combine with Supporters’ Club resuscitation and run jointly.

Messrs Moody and Payne (Secretary and Treasurer) joined meeting representing Bath Supporters Club. All records had been destroyed by enemy action, but there was money and shares in hand. Neither representatives were available to continue in office. However, after discussion, they agreed to call a public meeting in January 1945.

25/11/1944 v Parachute Regiment. XV, Home. Lost 6-8.

Bath had only themselves to blame: “Shocking passing was one of the causes of their downfall.

They relied too much on their captain, Evans, but held their own in a pointless first half. After this the visitors were the better side in the second period and scored a try and a goal. L Moores scored a try for Bath, and D Evans kicked a penalty.”

MANCOM 27/11/44

Addendum to previous meeting, opinion of Sec and Treasurer, that Stand Shares on behalf of the Supporters Club would be surrendered to the Football Club in response to the appeal recently circulated.

Arranged; Bath Schools XV v Downside 9/12/44.

Secretary reported that the lease of the ground was now in his possession.

MANCOM 8/1/45

Mr Slade reported that the Home Guard had taken all the gear belonging to the Bath Club from the Pavilion of the Horse Show Ground including a boiler, goal posts, 6 tin baths etc. Mr Wills remarked that certain items belonging to Mr Edward Taylor were also missing and he suggested making contact with Mr Taylor with a view to submitting a joint claim.

The Bath Recreation Ground Company reported a small profit of £98 on the year ending September 29^th last. The prevailing conditions had made it impossible to repair damage to the Rec., but there was £50 in reserve, for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible. In view of small profit, no dividend was to be paid.

For the sixth year in succession, the Directors agreed to forego any remuneration.

The year just past, had signalled the closure of all the war organisations created in the city. On the last day of the year, the Bath War Hospital committee ceased to function.

Several of these organisations had benefited from collections and fund- raising games on the Rec.

Meeting with Bath Supporters 21/2/45 to discuss officers prior to public meeting.

Request for voluntary services of special constables for remaining matches. A number of people were getting in without paying. Members list to be available at pay booths.

Messrs Chaddock, Cashnella and Vowles had not been attending committee meetings or games. Letter to them asking future intentions, and in the event of them finding impossible to devote the time to the Club, ask them to consider tendering their resignation.

Unanimously agreed that Mr. Lionel Curtis should be asked to become Secretary to the Bath Supporters Club.

Mr Slade produced a list of articles removed from the Horse Show Ground by the Home Guard which Mr. Wills is to submit to Mr. Taylor, who will in turn contact Major Longrigg on the point if necessary.

No reply from Chaddock, Cashnella and Vowles and Mr. Wills proposed that their resignations should be taken as granted. There was no seconder to this proposal and left to next meeting.  Four nominees for committee duty were advised and following a ballot, Messrs Jenkins, Brown and Bevan-Jones were duly elected.

It was agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to Tom Hicks on his award of the Military Medal.

Letters read from Sgt Ascot and Hugh Bradford regarding inadequacy of rugby reports in the press. Decided to write to representative at Rugby Union.

Mr Jones reported that 15 to 20 people were getting through the wires at the Pavilion end and suggested a barbed wire barrier be erected. Decided to write to Spa Committee as he maintained it was their obligation to ask for Police supervision as previously.

9^th March 1945. The Bath Chronicle reported on the military exploits of Bath rugby player and Old Edwardian, Major Roy Harris, of the Royal Engineers on the Burma front landings on the Arakan coast at Ru-Ywa.

The Gunners were ashore before the infantry. Protected by a force of Commandos they set up their gun positions at dead of night, ready to support the morning assault. The previous year the same unit had.

MANCOM 30/4/45

Meeting to discuss further contribution to the Bath & County Recreation Ground Co., and it was agreed to recommend that the Club should make an ex gratia payment of £25.

Proposed Mrs. Gerrard, that any player who had turned out for the club during the past season should be regarded as a “playing member” and be invited to attend the General Meeting.