THEY TOOK THE LEAD
PROFILES OF THE FOOTBALLERS, SUPPORTERS AND OFFICIALS
On the 15 December 1914, a meeting at the Fulham Town Hall would see the formation of the Footballers' Battalion, one of the Pals' Battalions in the Middlesex Regiment. The 17th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment was formed at Clapton Orient had the largest enlistment out of any other club. Over the course of the war over fourty-one footballers, fans and officials enlisted for the war effort. Here are the stories of some of this enlisted. We would like to thank the volunteers for their hard work in researching the footballers.
Please note where possible we have used images of the footballers, in some cases general images have been used. These are credited as such.
Richard McFadden was one of the three players killed in the Battle of the Somme. McFadden was a brave and legendary player who was skilled on the pitch and fought bravely with his Orient team mates.
William Jonas, one of McFadden's life-long friends, was killed in action in 1916. Joining Orient in 1912, Jonas would play three seasons before going off to fight in the First World War.
Sunderland-born George Scott, he joined the O's in 1908 and was a promising and versatile player. Scott was one of the three players who tragically were killed in action during the Battle of the Somme.
James Hugall was unquestionably one of Orient's greatest goalkeepers. Sunderland born Hugall served in the Durham Light Infantry and the Footballers' Battalion.
Lancashire born Nolan 'Peggy' Evans was a left-back for Clapton Orient. His time at Orient saw him make 116 appearances before enlisting to the Footballer's Battalion.
A Scottish-born Carpenter and Trade Unionist, Dalrymple played for Orient for nearly ten years. His football career included time at Plymouth and Rangers.
Fred Parker was the legendary Orient captain. He was one of the first players to enlist for service in the Middlesex Regiment and continued to lead the club after the war had finished.
Eddie King was a Northumberland-born footballer from a coal mining family. He retired from professional football after the war due to injuries in battle and returned to the North East to become a coal miner.
Little is known about Tom Pearson other than the fact that he played as a reserve for the team. Pearson made only a few appearances for Orient and it is unclear when Pearson enlisted and where he enlisted for military services.
Locally-born Freddie Blake was a well known amateur footballer who played for almost every amateur side in East London and Essex throughout his long career. Blake was the war-time captain and upon the war concluding returned to Ilford FC. Blake retired in Chelmsford and became a pub landlord. It is unclear what happened to Blake afterwards.
Jock Rutherford was known for his longevity in professional football. Coming from a long line of sport excellence Rutherford has become a legend. His descendants are still making headlines today with the Olympic gold-medal holder in Long Jump Greg Rutherford.
Peterborough-born Upex was one of the many men who played for Orient during their time as in the Combination League. Generally known for his time at Croydon, Upex had transferred to Orient in late 1915.
Morris came to Clapton Orient from Bury in 1914 after moving down to join the London Met Police, and was initially cover for Hugall. In 1915, Morris went back to Bury to enlist with a local regiment.
Spencer joined Orient in 1913, joining from having a football career in India where he was serving in the British Army. In returning to England, Spencer made his league debut in 1914 against Leicester Fosse and remained a reserve for the rest of the season. Spencer was one of the number of players injured during the First World War and was forced to retire after the conflict ended.
George Beech was an Brighton and Hove Albion player who enlisted for the 17th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. During his time in the military he spent time in the London Combination games at a number of clubs including Crystal Palace and Clapton Orient.
Little is certain about John Lamb. We know that he played briefly for Orient during the London Combination Games.
Shildon-born Forrest grew up in Sunderland where he developed his passion for football. After joining Orient in 1913, Forrest was one of the many players who signed up to serve.
Harry Gibson was born in Hoxton and joined the Os from Hoxton Hall FC. He was an energetic player however, was forced to retire after the war due to injuries. He remained an avid supporter for the rest of his life.
Billy Hind was a notoriously tall player for Orient. He played for Orient for many years and played for Wellington Athletic and Fulham before joining Orient in 1908. He was appointed an assistant trainer in 1920 until he retired in 1925.
Arthur Tilley was with Orient for a short amount of time. He was born in West Calder in Wellingborough and joined Orient in 1912 from Fletton United. Although he had much potential he was released in 1913 and was not signed after.
Charlie Crossley had a short but successful career. Born in Short Heath 17 December 1891, Crossley debuted for Hednesford Town and was an early gem. Crossley played for Orient during the Combination games and then moved to Everton after the war.
William Ashurst, born 4 May 1894, played for Notts City, West Bromwich and Lincoln City. Before his career in football, Ashurst was in the military and played for Orient during the Combination games. Ashurst went on to play for the England National team five times.
Charles Sattherwaite was born in Cockermouth Cumberland and showed potential from a young age. Having played for Arsenal in 1910, when Satterthwaite enlisted he played for Orient during the Combination games.
Nothing is certain about James Jayes. He played for Orient during 1914 - 1915.
Joe Bailey was a legendary Reading player who came to play for Clapton Orient during the Combination games.
It is unclear Jack Gull's role towards Clapton Orient or what his link to the club is other than being on the Roll of Honour.
Norman Holmes was a keen footballer and was the son of nine children. Holmes was the baby brother of Billy Holmes, the famous manager of Orient.
Wanstead born Bert Reason and was a short and stocky player. He was known for his powerful shots from free-kicks, Reason came from Woodford FC. Reason came to Orient in 1905 and played until 1911.
Little is known about George Sanders and his role towards Clapton Orient and the War effort.
Little is known about Robert Evans and his role towards Clapton Orient and the War effort.
Jimmy Gascogine was an amateur footballer who played for a number of different sides in his career. Gascogine played for Orient during the combination games.
Manchester-born Thomas Griffiths was a strong left half. Starting his career at Blackburn Rovers before going on to join Exeter City and then to Orient in 1912.
Walthamstow-born Joe Ing was with Orient between 1915 - 1916. Ing played for Northfleet FC in 1920 and played for Swindon Town after where he retired. It is unclear what happened to Ing.
Clapton-born Leggett was born in 1897. Starting his career as an amateur with Fulham before joining the Os in 1914. Upon leaving orient in 1920 he went on to join Tunbridge Wells FC.
Morpeth-born John Lee joined orient from Morpeth FC in March 1910. Lee made six appearances before going to Exeter City.
Little is known for certain about Gordon Jones.
Albert Norris was one of the trainers at Clapton Orient. He was born locally and was one of the key trainers for the team. After the war was over, Norris returned to his role for a few years before leaving.
Fred Norris, brother of Albert Norris was also one of the trainers at Clapton Orient. He was born locally and was one of the key trainers for the team alongside his brother Albert Norris.
Little is known about Alf Parsons. It is unclear what happened to Parsons after the war.
Jack 'Billy' Reynolds was one of the first goal scorers in an FA cup game. Reynolds only played for one season with Orient and he went on to play for Swindon and Grimsby.
Daniel Wilson was one of the trainers for Clapton Orient. There are few remaining details about Wilson's life.
William Ashkew was one of the groundsmen who enlisted to the military to serve in First World War. Little is known about Ashkew's life.