Leyton Orient: Remembering The Footballers Who Took The Lead In The Great War - Part Three

23/10/2024  -  6.57

Stephen Jenkins

As part of the ongoing commemoration and remembrance of the service and sacrifice of Clapton Orient players in the Great War, a significant event took place in Edinburgh in July 2024.

Heart of Midlothian v Leyton Orient - 2024

Over 1,000 O’s fans travelled up to Edinburgh in July to witness the special match at Tynecastle Stadium, between Heart of Midlothian and Leyton Orient, which was arranged not only as part of Hearts 150th anniversary celebrations, but also to commemorate both clubs’ involvement in the Great War.

Leyton Orient Fans Prior To The Match. Source: Author's Collection

This groundbreaking event had been in the minds of many O’s supporters stretching right back to the late 1990s, following my research concerning Clapton Orient’s major contribution to the Footballers’ Battalion in the Great War. Months of planning had taken place with Peter Kitchen, myself, Alex Hup and Malcolm McCarthy of the O’s Somme Memorial Fund committee - as well as the two clubs, all working hard to ensure the event matched the importance and gravity of the occasion, with special mention of Alex Hup, who had also driven over from the Netherlands on a number of occasions to both the O’s and Hearts to assist with the planning.

A special pre-match parade, which was organised by Hearts and led by the massed pipes and drums, commenced from the war memorial at Haymarket and made its way to Tynecastle Stadium – a distance of over one mile, with over 5,000 people participating, including supporters from both clubs. 

The Maroon Mile. Source: Author's Collection, Courtesy of Malcolm Ross

The 17th Pals’ Battalion Band, under my leadership as bandmaster, also performed in the parade and just as on the Somme, the O’s Somme Banner was proudly carried behind the band. It was an honour to have the families of the three Clapton Orient players killed on the Somme in 1916; William Jonas, George Scott and Richard McFadden, attending this special occasion.

The 17th Pals' Battalion Band On Parade. Source: Author's Collection

It was an emotional sight as the O’s emerged from the tunnel wearing their iconic red chevron shirts and the addition of the Orient mascots proudly coming out onto the pitch wearing a similar kit enhanced the occasion even more.

A short commemoration took place just before kick-off that included the playing of a lament by a lone piper, followed by the 17th Pals’ buglers sounding Last Post. The O’s went on to win 2-1 in front of an attendance of almost 11,000, which was amazing for a pre-season friendly.

It was heart-warming to see supporters from both sides mingling and socialising both before and after the match, as they remembered the incredible and patriotic example set by the brave footballers who served and gave their all in the Great War.

Following on from the wonderful event in Edinburgh, six weeks later a special football tournament took place in France, which also commemorated the footballers who saw action on the Somme, which was organised by the Albert Tourist Board and World War One historian and Leyton Orient supporter, Alex Hup.

Alex and his colleagues on the O’s Somme Memorial Fund committee, have for some time been discussing ways to further promote the Clapton Orient World War One story, and Alex, in his work as a Somme tour guide, has built up many contacts, one of whom is Celine Jasiak of the Albert Tourist Board. Celine mentioned to Alex that the tourist board was looking to arrange a special event in the local area, to help commemorate and promote the major contribution and sacrifice of both Clapton Orient and Linfield FC in the Great War.  Following the installing of memorials for both clubs on the Somme, it was subsequently agreed it would be fitting for a special football tournament to be arranged, that would include the Academy teams of Leyton Orient, Linfield, as well as local side USOAAA.

In their opening game, the O’s under 15s/16s side beat USOAAA and then went on to overcome Linfield, in games that were always keenly contested and played in the right spirit. It is important to underline that whilst the Orient side were delighted to win the tournament, as with the teams of Linfield and USOAAA, thoughts of the fallen were always in mind and of paramount importance.

The 17th Pals' Battalion Band were honoured to be invited by the organisers to perform at the tournament, as well as once again performing in Ypres at the Last Post ceremony held at the Menin Gate and the numerous memorials and cemeteries that were visited by the lads and staff, during the weekend. The O’s and Linfield academy teams laid wreaths during the ceremony at the Menin Gate to remember the fallen of both clubs and all who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The football tournament was a complete success and it is hoped it will be replicated in future years, and might not only include Leyton Orient and Linfield, but also Heart of Midlothian, as well as sides based in the Somme region.  

Lest We Forget

Biography

Stephen Jenkins was born in Walthamstow and has supported Leyton Orient since 1969. He is currently Deputy Chairman of Leyton Orient Supporters Club and is Chairman of the O’s Somme Memorial Fund. Along with the numerous successful projects undertaken by the O’s Somme Memorial Fund committee, Stephen was also thrilled to reunite the families of the three Orient lads killed on the Somme, of which he is so proud.