World Footy News

I have just finished ready a new book by author Nick Richardson which looks at an amazing football match played at Queens in London in 1916 where two teams of Australian soldiers faced off against each other prior to their journey to the Western Front. Six of those players never came back, paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Players such as South Melbourne superstar Bruce Sloss and Collingwood captain Dan Minogue and Essendon player Bill Sewart and other well known VFL players of the era played for the Third Australian Divisional Team. Sloss was captain. Playing for the Australian Training Units Team were Essendon player Clyde Donaldson, Collingwood’s Harry Kerley and South Melbourne’s George Bower.
The game was an exhibition match, organised by Lieutenant Frank Beaurepaire (former Olympic swimming champion and later Lord Mayor of Melbourne) and decreed by Sir John Monash. A crowd of 3000 people watched the game at the venue better known for its pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The book itself deals with the triumphs and tragedies connected to war as these soldiers faced fears or displayed bravado before going into battle. Yet, the book does so around the central theme of a simple football match.

For those wanting more information, read this review: http://lessercolumn.com.au/2016/07/06...ichardson/ . There is also an interview with the author at the following website: http://www.insidehistory.com.au/2016/...rld-war-i/ .

Anyone interested in securing a copy can go to the Pan McMillan site to order: http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781743536667

The book is an emotional, yet uplifting account of the horrors and fears of war from a perspective of soldiers waiting to go into battle. The football match provided a necessary distraction, yet at the same time it was an honourable endeavour to represent their country and military in a game that was so important to those at home whilst their loved ones were away at war.

Pictures: The Lesser Column