1945-1946 Anecdotes and Press Reports

1945-1946 ANECDOTES

MANCOM 9/7/45

Captain Amor elected Chairman. Austin Higgins captain.

Season tickets increased to £2.2s.0 and admittance to the ground 1/6d. Servicemen and unaccompanied children 6d. Juniors accompanied by adult –free. Ladies membership £1.1s.0.

MANCOM 30/7/45

Only one open date for fixtures reported. Previous provision had been to offer to service sides, and it was agreed that this should be rescinded and the vacancy offered to London Irish. Mrs Gerrard proposed that when Bath were “away”, a second XV fixture should be offered to a service side, or alternatively for a match between two service sides.

Training to start 21^st August with trial 1/9/45. In view of the Rec. being restricted from use until 8^th September, request to write to King Edwards for use of school pavilion and ground.

Mr George Donaldson to be Baggage man.

Unanimous agreement that the official colours of the club for the forthcoming season should be white. Secretary asked to write to the Rugby Union for the necessary coupons for a set of jerseys and a permit for 2-3 balls.

Concern over provision of temporary cover for spectators, possibly utilising scaffolding and tarpaulins. Sub- committee to explore.

Llanelli match proceeds to Alkmaar Fund.

MANCOM 13/8/45

Cup to be donated to the memory of the late Peter Moon. (Bath v Bristol games possibly)

Estimates required for possible travel by coach rather than train.

Committee unanimous that Mr. Barber accept post on Somerset County Union Committee.

MANCOM 27/8/45

Mr. Wass, Hon Sec leaving Bath 31/8/45, Mr. Barber to take on Secretaryship and Bevan-Jones to assist. Proposed they act jointly pending he return of Mr. Victor Smith.

Estimates for installing covered accommodation discussed. Flowerpot stands in a very poor state, 9” x 2” planking could be used for stand platforms. Total cost of materials £850 and this was a problem, and decided to wait until financial position clear. Meanwhile Building Licence to be applied for.

Coach estimates accepted.

R.A.A.F. applied for a mid-week fixture.

Referees expenses to be paid.

MANCOM 3/9/45

£150 expense of building licence approved. Decided to hire the stand for one season, and seek option to purchase at the end of the period.

36 clothing coupons received for jersey purchase.

Mr Slade proposed the formation of a 2^nd XV to operate on a Home only basis.

OFF WITH A RUSH

“It is a truism to say that a side went off with a ‘bang.’ Bristol, it would be truer to say, began with an ‘explosion,’ for within as many seconds as it takes to say ‘Jack Robinson,’ they had stormed the Bath defences, overcome them and scored.

It was one of those characteristic Bristol forward rushes that sent Griffin over for the first try of the afternoon. Fleming however, could not convert.

But for the first 20 minutes Bristol kept piling it on with all their sails set fore and especially aft. Their young players went out flat in the hope of bringing about some early scores and therefore an early decision.

It is not much to say that Bath, beaten in the tight, were nonplussed by these shock tactics, and were often fumbling about to retrieve a difficult situation. Repeatedly the Bristol backs were moving strongly when some-how they were checkmated.

It was, of course, all very thrilling for the big attendance, with many of them old-timers at the game, who remembered dour conflicts of long ago, and the boys of Prior Park College came along to study what finesse there was.

Bristol had the best chance of going further ahead when Jefferies missed quite an easy kick at goal. Two players who stood out in this gruelling encounter were Moores, a full-back, who never shirked with the sternest task, and Joe Bailey, who did wonders behind a beaten pack. It was at least 20 minutes before Bath, recovering themselves, were able to throw out a really strong challenge to the sister city.

BATH’S TURN

Talk about those Christmas pantomime transformation scenes-well that’s what happened here.

The good fairy in white, a little enshrouded in the midst which is already descending, waved her wand, and hey presto! The match swung right round in favour of Bath, and by half-time the local team were leading.

First, Capt. Edwards, making his first appearance, proved a star indeed.

He was right in the passing and ran into the centre, passed to Leahy, who in turn transferred the ball to Trim, and then back it acme from trim to Leahy, and Edwards, who scored a smashing try.

It was about half-way between the posts and the corner flag, and Moores could not make the kick, but soon afterwards he gave Bath the lead with a capital penalty goal. That is how Bath were up on the score sheet at the interval, after looking outpaced and outclassed.

MANCOM 22/10/45

Action to stop boys climbing the railings. Still awaiting Planning permission.

Meal at the Ship for next Saturday’s game.

Mr.Crane to represent the club at Combination meeting 26^th October.

There was news that Combe Down R.F.C. were holding discussions on restarting.

27/10/45 v St. Mary’s Hospital. Away. Lost 7-19. Team:- Moores, Edwards, Steele, Leahy, Trim, Bailey,

Sgt. Major Len Joseph (Swansea), Bainbridge, Barrow, Bullough, Stewart, Hosking, Weiss, Beasley, Higgins.

All the early pressure came from ‘in-form’ St Mary’s, culminating in a try by scrum-half Graham. Soon after, a fine break by Joe Bailey, was followed with a smart try for Edwards which levelled the score. At the re-commencement, Bath fell into arrears when the Medics scored three tries, one of which was converted. Bailey narrowed the margin with a 40 yard drop goal, only for St. Mary’s to touch down under the posts and convert.

SCRUM TROUBLE

There were 20 set scrums from which Bath gained possession 3 times to the visitors’ 17 times. Incidentally, the ball had to be re-presented on 6 occasions. “An inquest has shown, I think, that the two major faults are loose packing and poor shoving. The front row is breaking, the second row is not binding, and the back row-well, you cannot have three wing forwards.” The reporter bemoaned the fact that the Club had been presented with a scrummaging machine – but never used it! Eventually, it was given to the United Services, and they had improved their scrummaging 100 per cent!

“Twice the game was held up in order that ‘worn’ garments might be replaced-and all of them cost coupons!”

“Here is a little human note. Old players, old members, and those who have been supporters for many years, and are now old age pensioners, are entitled to admittance to the matches for 6d. Generally they are known to officials, but they should show their pension book in case of doubt.”

BATH CHRONICLE 17^TH October.

A Protest

“Rugby is a ladder, like education. You must start at the bottom. Thank heaven the public schools are keeping the game so thriving, so untarnished. But contrary to belief in some quarters, you don’t need an old school tie at all.

The problem of playing fields, however, had reached the acute stage, as was expected, now that the Corporation have taken a large part of the ideal Odd Down Playing Fields for prefabricated houses.”

Use of Norwood was suggested: “They are offered a most inhospitable ground just cropped and put down to grass and not even a piece of sheet iron behind which to change, much less to wash.”

“Players will walk up Bathwick Hill for a game, but you cannot expect them to walk down again soaked to the skin.”

MANCOM 12/11/45

Difficulty in arranging fixtures for the United XV.

Complaints regarding unsatisfactory changing accommodation at Norwood Farm. There was no cover and no water on the site.

Thanks to Mr.Colmer for gift of a replacement Club Flag.

Moores sent Trim in for Bath’s try, following “a grand rush,” only for he Saints to respond with the first of their two penalty goals kicked by White. Next, Louis Cannell ran 50 yards for a fine Northampton try.

“Play was held up while a pig, which had strayed on to the field, was chased off. Moores, from his new position, made a good clearance of the obstruction!”

Moores reduced the margin with a penalty and R O Pell scored a late try for Northampton. New find, L.A.C. Rees performed admirably at hooker.

MANCOM 10/12/45

Mr. Fale (Coaches) required a permit to travel as far as Bridgwater and application to be made to Min. of Transport.

Meeting of Supporters 11/12/45

Club to meet with Planning Committee to discuss Temporary Stand and future of Recreation Ground.

War Damage Commission had agreed cost of works payment for North Stand and Recreation Ground Committee were arranging reconstruction.

BATH CHRONICLE 12^th December 1945

Report on the 11^th December 1945, revival of the Supporters Club after the War.  At a resuscitation meeting at the Guildhall. Mrs Molly Gerrard, widow of England international R A Gerrard (she was destined to become the first lady Club President), was elected as a member of their committee, along with Mrs Austin Higgins (the Captain’s wife), Mrs Dark and Miss Allen. It was originally founded in 1921 and disbanded at the outbreak of War in 1939.

A high proportion of the attendees paid their annual subscription of 2/6d.

Apart from these ladies, the others elected were:- Messrs Arthur J Moody, Arthur Payne, Harry Trim, W C Marsh, S Smith, Harry Fiddes, George Brint, G Burden, G W Grosvenor, Harold Crane, W E Hancock, Arthur Lock, W R Marquiss, L Powell, Harry Slade and L Winckworth.

Mr. E Kindersley took the Chair: “He remarked that the club’s object was to promote and foster Rugby football in Bath and district, encouraging clean sport, and make for a greater amount of sociability among Rugby followers generally.  That was a very grand object.”

14^TH December 1945

Announcement that former Bath and Bathavon rugby threequarter, T/ Major C P Morley, Royal Engineers, had been decorated by the King, with a Military Cross for bravery in North Africa. He had been a prisoner of war in Italy. He was a contemporary of R A Gerrard.

15^th December 1945

There were discussions to develop the Rec., by moving the stand much further in so that it could have a dual use for Rugby and Cricket. The plan was to alter the promenade of Spring Gardens, to include tennis courts: “Behind the courts would be the new stand. Facing the river it would include tea rooms and even a dance hall. The Rugby pitch would have to be moved well in because of this, and the stand facing the ground provide for spectators for both Rugby and cricket.”

“The old north stand in such a plan would become redundant, but on the north side some replacement-without offending against any covenant-should surely be possible”

MANCOM 17/12/45

Probable shortage of timber to complete the staging of the temporary stand. Mrs Gerrard to seek permission from the War Damage Commission to use some of the timber from the North Stand.

Mr. Ridley had handed in some clothing coupons.

Supporters Club again in being, with Mr. L. Curtis as Secretary. Request for use of pay box for enrolling members.

MANCOM 31/12/45

War damage Commission agreed for use of North Stand timber.

Town Clerk letter stating that sub-committee appointed to consider provision of suitably equipped dressing rooms on Norwood Playing Fields.

Writing to Rugby Union for permission to purchase two rugby balls. Hon Treasurer authorised to purchase a set of white jerseys.

15^th December 1945

There were discussions to develop the Rec., by moving the stand much further in so that it could have a dual use for Rugby and Cricket. The plan was to alter the promenade of Spring Gardens, to include tennis courts: “Behind the courts would be the new stand. Facing the river it would include tea rooms and even a dance hall. The Rugby pitch would have to be moved well in because of this, and the stand facing the ground provide for spectators for both Rugby and cricket.”

“The old north stand in such a plan would become redundant, but on the north side some replacement-without offending against any covenant-should surely be possible”

MANCOM 17/12/45

Probable shortage of timber to complete the staging of the temporary stand. Mrs Gerrard to seek permission from the War Damage Commission to use some of the timber from the North Stand.

Mr. Ridley had handed in some clothing coupons.

Supporters Club again in being, with Mr. L. Curtis as Secretary. Request for use of pay box for enrolling members.

MANCOM 31/12/45

War damage Commission agreed for use of North Stand timber.

Town Clerk letter stating that sub – committee appointed to consider provision of suitably equipped dressing rooms on Norwood Playing Fields.

Writing to Rugby Union for permission to purchase two rugby balls. Hon Treasurer authorised to purchase a set of white jerseys.

FROM CAPTAIN’S NOTEBOOK

In Praise of Bath

“From Sergt. R.J.Young, who is with SEAC at Penang, I have received the following: ‘The enclosed was written after seeing the Bath Football Club’s fixture list in your weekly paper which has recently caught up with me in my travels.”

How good it is to see a peacetime fixture list!

I think of all the glorious games I’ve missed,

Since serving overseas ‘neath tropic skies;

Those forward rushes, well placed goals and tries!

The season’s half-way through as I write this,

Old Blues on Boxing Day, I’d never miss;

Or for that matter, other fixtures too,

When I return and view the First Fifteen,

There’ll be new faces that I’ve never seen;

Blue black and white our colours in the game.

The players change, the shirts remain the same.

I hope to see next season’s opening match.

To Paddington I’ll go, a train to catch;

And so to Bath, contented, full of joy,

To cheer the team I followed when a boy

.

Epilogue

There’s one thing left I’m sure I’d like to see,

And so in closing may I make this plea?

For hose of tricolour, you wear instead –

Like in days gone by – plain socks of red.”

19^th January 1946, match with Cardiff cancelled due to heavy frost. Loss of gate money was a considerable blow, and emphasised the continued need for a public appeal for funds.

News that Ian Lumsden, who had played against the Kiwis the previous Saturday, was again selected for Scotland and would face Wales at Swansea two weeks hence.

There was continued concern regarding recruitment of young players, as so few schools were playing Rugby at this time. The oncoming schoolboys’ trial, Somerset v Gloucestershire, contained just two Bath lads – winger, Ruddock and centre, Little.

MANCOM 21/1/46

Letter from Mr Curtis of the Supporters Club suggesting a “Shilling Fund.” This was in furtherance of the Club’s urgent need to raise funds.

MANCOM 28/1/46

Mr. Cyril Bailey co-opted to Management Committee.

Agreed to send side to Middlesex 7’s 27^th April 1946. Two Club members, one of who was known to be Mrs Molly Gerrard, guaranteed to cover the total expense of sending a team.

LAMBRIDGE

There was concern that the Bath second XV did not have the use of the Lambridge Ground. It had been taken over by the Home Guard and the War Agricultural Committee for the duration:

“The Home Guard have passed, and the use of the ground for hay making is but a seasonal demand. The Bath club had money in it. It is a pity they could not have it always to build up a second and a Colts team. There have been a lot of rumours about its future. There was talk about a new road going through it linking with the Gloucester Road and the Warminster Road, but that would have affected the car park only.”

GOING LIVE!

Those who went to the Rec. last Saturday found a loud speaker apparatus there, which is operated from the committee hut at the entrance. It is complete with ‘mike,’ so that the various items of interest can be broadcast to the crowd. John Tolman is to do the announcing, and he had made it known to all and sundry who may enter the hut, that the microphone is exceedingly sensitive and when it is in circuit it will unfailingly pick up any remarks that are made ‘off the record’ so to speak.

The public will thereby be deprived of some priceless wisecracks, but John foresees a risk that they might not necessarily be couched in the correct language of broadcasting, as supplied by the B.B.C.

Mr R Sweetman, whose set it is, has readily undertook to bring his apparatus to the ground every Saturday – it broadcasts music, too-without charge-and to show their appreciation the committee have made him a vice-president.”

ADMIRALTY INFLUENCE

“More than once I have stated that the evacuation of the Admiralty to Bath did a great thing in many ways. It brought outstanding sportsmen to the city like Austin Higgins, John Wass, Philip Curtis, and the late lamented Green who died so suddenly in the height of his popularity.”

It was the first time that season, that Gloucester had been beaten by an English side. Bath had last won at Gloucester (5-3) on 19^th November 1938. Bath won the return match 6-5 on February 18^th1939.

Unfortunately, Roy Harris sustained a bruised kidney injury which, landed him in the local hospital, and was to keep him out of the Combined Counties side. He was later transferred to the military wing of St. Martin’s Hospital for further treatment.

MANCOM 18/2/46

Mr Dando’s inability to provide teas discussed, and 30 cups promised within a fortnight.  Also Church Army to be contacted to find if their Mobile canteen could be at ground. Capt Amos offered the Cricket Club equipment.

Clubs view of Norwood to be expressed in Chronicle.

M.A.C. account for materials of temporary stand to be paid from monies received for Shilling Fund, Appeal Fund and Draw.

Recreation Ground Company proceeding with restoration of the North Stand. Also ‘cost of works’ payment in respect of West Stand approved.

Unfortunate accident to Roy Harris during the Gloucester game was reported. Insurance claim to be submitted.

Administration of 2^nd XV needed overhaul. Mr Elliot resigning for business reasons. Agreed Mssrs Anderson and Slade take over secretarial work and that old title of BATH UNITED be used.

MANCOM 25/2/46

Church Army unable to help with teas, as services restricted to Forces only. His application to Food Office for provision of Tea, Milk and Sugar had been refused. Mr Bailey reported that he had an option on an aluminium Urn, and the Chairman very generously purchased this for the Club.

Club Appeal standing at £203.12.6.

Thanks to Mrs. Gerrard for forgoing all professional charges in connection with erection of the temporary stand.

MANCOM 4/3/46

Writing to Regional Food Controller if permit could not be obtained locally. Parcels of tea and sugar had been donated.

Appeal Fund donation of 100gns from Bath Chronicle. Fund standing at £357-8-6.

MANCOM 11/3/46

Letter from Bath Food Officer necessary to obtain a Catering Licence to cover cost of cups required. Application to be made.

Mr H Bristow had offered 30/- a ton for purchase of old timber.

Ball Boy insurance 25/- per annum in order to comply with Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Ex Schools asking to share Horse Show ground next season, which was still requisitioned by Somerset Agricultural Committee and Mr. Longrigg was to be contacted on this matter. Bath promised first offer when ground was freed.

Club Appeal against level of Entertainment Tax.

Further supplies of tea received.

Question of ‘spectators’ in Johnstone Street discussed.

MANCOM 25/3/46

Nothing could be done at present regarding tax relief on gate money.

Food Office Application form received and decided to order 1/4lb tea, 1/2lb sugar, and 5 pints of milk.

Silver Fund  Mr Curtis to be advised of the amount collected.

Cheque for £33 received is respect of the Bath Club’s allocation from the Horse Show Ground.

Ball to be provided for training, with J Arnold responsible for ball.

Christopher Hotel to be approached re provision of teas for Easter games.

MANCOM 1/4/46

Team photo 1896-97 donated to the Club from Mr. A J Seers of Exeter.

Insurance premium of £1-5-0 for ball-boy employed to retrieve balls from river.

JERSEYS IN CRISIS

Bath’s hooped jerseys were in a dreadful state, but they could not wear their white set, as the visitors came in that colour. Such was the shortage of kit, which was governed by Coupon restrictions, that Bath had to borrow the amber and black quarters of H.M.S. Royal Arthur, at Corsham.

HOSPITALITY STARTS

Following this game, the Bath Committee decreed that in future, tea tickets would be issued to visiting clubs.

RUGBY IS OVER

I have not yet referred in more than a passing word to the fact that Rugby is ended. Now the season is over we shall begin to talk about finances, how the season and the appeal have panned out and the annual general meeting.

The Committee have not yet concluded their meetings; they have much to wind up before the business can be put into a report and a balance sheet.

It was in a way a disappointing wind-up to a season which once promised so much, but failed to justify its early success.

After all, it was but a season of transition. It was really a fresh start after wartime break in first-class standards, and while having to rely at the outset on many imported Services men, it was necessary, as we crossed the stream of mid-season, to revert, as they passed out as civilians, to a number of our old players as they returned from the Services.

If some were not fit, or only half fit, you must blame the war for that. They had no time to settle down in football because of the lack of United games, which is to be remedied next season by a full programme.

All in all, it has not been a bad season; we have beaten some of the best teams in the land, even if we have gone down to some who have been regarded as mediocre by post-war standards.

The Clubs, which by virtue of war factory exemptions, kept their young players, have had a pull over those like Bath who have been obliged to fill their team with Service men, for whom war-time Rugby was played and was, in reality, its only justification.”