We will remember them.
St.Helens’ Round 22 home fixture against Huddersfield Giants came just two days after the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day). Each year, it marks the complete end of the Second World War in 1945 on the 15th of August, and is a time when we can honour the bravery and sacrifices of those who served in the Far East and Pacific during the conflict.
As the teams came out onto the field at the Totally Wicked Stadium just before kick-off, we were honoured to have Leuitenant Colonel Robert Carman and Kingsmen from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, alongside Veterans of the Saints Foundation, in attendance.
MANDATORY CREDIT: Bernard Platt
For editorial use only. Copyright remains property of Bernard Platt
The Saints and the Giants Chairmen, Eamonn McManus and Ken Davy laid wreaths down before The Last Post was played, followed by a moment of silence and then applause in remembrance of all who served.
Both St.Helens and Huddersfield sadly saw players go to war, and not return. Players from both teams held up playing shirts with the names and heritage numbers of those men who sadly never came home. These shirts were then presented at half time to representatives of their families.
MANDATORY CREDIT: Bernard Platt
For editorial use only. Copyright remains property of Bernard Platt
St.Helens R.F.C.’s Roll of Honour with their Heritage Number
- Driver James Leyden [#420]
- Flying Officer William Hough [#436]
- Lance Sergeant Patrick Dullard [#445]
- Lance Corporal Harold Briscoe [#463]
- Sapper Abel Tatum [#485]
- Sergeant Ronald Webb [#559]
- Fusilier Robert Thompson [#578]
Huddersfield Giants’ Roll of Honour with their Heritage Number
- Herbert Sherwood [#355]
- Les Adams [#394]
- Ken Gronow [#415]
- Dai Evans [#419]
The wreaths that were presented and laid on the field by McManus and Davy on Monday morning were taken by Club Chaplain Paul Johnson to the Veterans Garden in St Helens Cemetery, which is managed by the Veterans of the Foundation.
