Members of the recently formed Salford RLFC Supporters' Trust are to lay a wreath as part of the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on the Crescent next Sunday 12th November.
"Our Club has its own story and connection with the two World Wars" states the Trust "Remembrance Sunday is a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. It would be great to see fans of all ages coming together on this important day."
The Trust has posted a history of Salford Reds involvement in the two World Wars, written by Devil In The Detail's Paul Whiteside, showing how, after winning the Championship in 1913-14, the Reds were wound up and re-formed, only to struggle on during the First World War...
Thirty-two Salford players volunteered to fight, and seven were killed - Jimmy Cook, E Brown, Fred Hope, Dave Preston, George Thom and N Shaw, along with assistant trainer J Hopkins.
Team captain, Thomas Williams, who made 140 appearances for the Club, also died in the War...
"Born in Cardiff and then a resident of Pendleton, when war broke out Williams, 40 years of age, joined the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry as a sapper and went with his regiment to Egypt" writes Paul "He died in hospital at Alexandria in October 1915."
Before the Second World War, Salford Reds were again resurgent, setting their highest ever attendance of 26,470 in February 1937, beating the touring Australian team in the same year and winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1938...
"On 3rd September 1939, the Second World War began and the 193940 season was abandoned" writes Paul "A wartime Emergency League was organised but, at the beginning of January 1941, Salford decided to cease playing, due to poor gates. In November 1942, Lance Todd [former legendary team manager] was tragically killed in a car crash. He was serving his country in the Home Guard.
"Today we think about these men and their families along with everyone who fought in conflicts around the world some making the ultimate sacrifice" he concludes.
The Remembrance Service and wreath-laying commences at 10.30am on Sunday 12th November at The Cenotaph on the Crescent. If anyone would like to attend representing Salford RLFC Supporter's Trust email salfordrlfcst@gmail.com for further details.
To read the full Salford Reds war history see the Trust's website click here
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