Flanagan's Football Files

As we reach this time of year once more, we pause to honour all those who gave their lives in the fight to preserve our freedom. It is only right that we continue to remember them. In that spirit, I’ve chosen to highlight a few footballers who not only served their clubs but also their country.

Many Essex non-league players are remembered for their wartime sacrifices, though the names differ from club to club and through local histories. Players from sides such as Clapton Orient, Southend United, and others across the county are commemorated for their bravery and service during both World Wars.

World War I

Arthur 'Diddy' Jones – A Romford goalscorer who later joined the Essex Special Constabulary. He was killed in action in 1917.

Clapton Orient – Though not strictly a non-league side, they are closely linked with the local football scene. Three of their players, Private William Jonas, Private George Scott, and Company Sergeant Major Richard McFadden, lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme.

Roy Pallett – An amateur sportsman from Earls Colne who represented Ipswich Town FC when it competed in the amateur Southern League, and also played for Essex’s Second XI before being killed in World War I.

Geoffrey Davies – The son of a doctor from Woodford Green, he had completed two years at university before volunteering for the Army. His story comes from an era when Essex cricket and football were still proudly amateur pursuits.

World War II

Billy Busby – Former Southend United half-back who, during the war, made 76 appearances for Portsmouth in wartime competitions before signing for Southampton after the conflict.

Thomas William Bushby – Originally from Shildon, he joined Southend United in 1934 and later signed for Portsmouth in 1939. Although he made no official League appearances due to the outbreak of war, he featured in 76 wartime matches.

These men, and countless others, stood for both sport and service. Their courage on and off the field remains an enduring part of our history. Lest we forget.