Rye Boys School Soccer Team 1931
This photograph of the Rye Boys School (Mermaid Street) soccer team of 1931 was kindly loaned by Frank Igglesden.
It was taken at a Cinque Port League match at New Romney.
He has named every player. They are, from left to right :-
Frank Birchall, Frank Igglesden, Fred Stonham, ‘Uncle’ Doug Pierce, Jim Hollands, Bill ‘Blower’ Pierce,Charlie Edwards, Alf Care, Albert Manktelow, James Brown and Whistle Cutting.
Frank Birchall was killed in Belgium with the B.E.F. in 1940.
RYE OLD BOYS F. C.
In this second photo loaned by Frank and taken in 1936, Mr. Allnut’s Rye Old Boys F.C. team are :-
Back Row F. Mushett, J. Morphey, S. Bourne, F. Weller, L. Bryant, J. ‘Scotchie’ Smith. (Lost on H.M.S. Kandarhrin in the Med.)
Front Row F. Igglesden, A. Underdown, L. Edwards (killed at Monte Cassino), D. Bone, C. Catt (one armed player at both soccer and cricket).
Rye Old Boys F. C. played their matches at the Cricket Salts and at New Road in the Hastings League, The Weald of Kent League and also the East Sussex League. Mr. Allnut was Secretary and Mr. Bill Martin held the position of Treasurer.
Frank Igglesden remembers many others who played for the Old Boys, among them were Joe Vincent, Stan Wainright, Jim Jones, Doug Ades, Bert Small, Les Small, ‘Nuts’ Selman and Bob Selman (killed in North Africa).
Rye Old Boys amalgamated with Rye Town F.C. in 1938 and became Rye United.
Frank, who is the only survivor among the lads in the photograph and he wanted these pictures published, not just for himself but in memory of the lads who did not survive the war and those who have passed on since.
I am pleased to print your pictures Frank – As a small boy in the years immediately after the War I followed every Rye United home and away match with my father and grandfather. Many of those pictured or mentioned, you included, were my idols. (Editor)
Rye’s Own December 2002
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