War Memorial Appeal
Over 70 Rosslyn Park players fell in the Great War 1914-18. In the move from Richmond to the new ground and clubhouse in 1956, the memorial to them was somehow ‘misplaced’. We wish to replace it with a new memorial in their honour.
The first task is to identify the names of the players, as there is no surviving Roll of Honour. Former player Richard Cable and Steve Cooper, Youth Chair, have so far identified some 63 confirmed names, with another 20 or so ‘probables’. They came from India, Australia, Colombia and South Africa, as well as all over Britain to fight. They died in corners of foreign fields in France, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Egypt, Greece, Palestine and Mesopotamia. What they all had in common was their rugby at Rosslyn Park. The work of discovery continues.
You can read their stories at www.rugbyremembers.co.uk
The site also tells the story of the U15s Memorial Tour to launch the appeal, and establish a twinning relationship with French club Compiegne who also suffered grievous losses in the War.
You can donate to the appeal by sending cheques made out to Rosslyn Park FC, to 8 Langside Avenue, London SW15 5QT. Envelopes should be marked ‘Memorial Appeal’, and your name will be added to the website by way of appreciation.
If you have any questions or information, please email info@rugbyremembers.co.uk
Please ensure that these brave men, who did not live to hear the final whistle, are not forgotten.
