1923-24 Friendlies

PRACTICE MATCH : Blues v. Reds

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

0 - 2

16 August 1923

BLUES

Hampson

Henderson

Horler

Bishop

Carter

Tresadern

Kelly

Brown

Watson

Proctor

Ruffell

REDS

(Barrett, Yews)

Kaine

Hodgson

Hebden

Collins

Eastman

Cadwell

Yews

Fletcher

Barrett

Howlett

Williams

PRACTICE MATCH : Reds v. Blues

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

5 - 0

18 August 1923

REDS

Moore 2, Watson 2, Brown

Hufton

Henderson

Hodgson

Bishop

Kay

Tresadern

Richards

Brown

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

BLUES

Kaine

Hebden

Horler

Collins (Hayward)

Eastman

Cadwell

Edwards

Fletcher

Barrett

Proctor

Thirlaway

MAIDSTONE UNITED : Reserves

Athletic Ground 1 - 5 (Williams) 1 September 1923

Anderson, Winter, Young, Burchall, Eastman, Pascall, Anderson, Neil, Barrett, Williams, Sweeting

HAKOAH VIENNA (Austria-Hungary)

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

0 - 5

3 September 1923

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Allen

Carter

Cadwell

Kelly

Brown,

Barrett

Proctor

Richards

AUSTRIANS GIVE CLEVER DISPLAY

The Austrian team, Hakoah, proved too good for the West Ham players opposed to them at Upton Park, and ran out winners by five goals to love. West Ham had cut a fairly strong side, which included Brown, Henderson and Hampson. Before the game commenced the Hakoah players were presented to Mr. F. J. Wall, the secretary of the Football Association. About 8,000 people were present, the majority being of the Jewish community.

Nemes, the visitors' right winger, was the outstanding personality, and he obtained three splendid goals. West Ham were inclined to take things leisurely at the outset, but when the Hakoah players settled down they quickly claimed the attention of the Hammers' defence. Nemes was much too fast for Young, and he opened the scoring after 30 minutes with a fine goal. Five minutes later he added another following good work on the left. Names was also responsible for the third point, which Hess obtained just before half-time.

Play in the second half was all in favour of Hakoah, and within five minutes Names scored another goal, making his individual total three. Katz obtained a fifth goal for the visitors from Vienna, and this concluded the scoring. In all departments of the game the visitors were Superior, and their passing was equal to any seen at Upton Park for a long time. West Ham played up strongly, but except for a few attempts by Brown, rarely looked like scoring.

George Carter and Albert Cadwell

ABERDARE ATHLETIC

Athletic Ground, Aberdare 3 - 1 (Fletcher 2, Proctor) 17 September 1923

Hufton, Henderson, Hebden, Bishop, Kay, Tresadern, Edwards, Brown, Fletcher, Proctor, Richards

MILLWALL : London Professional Charity Cup Final

SORRY NO IMAGE

The Den

0 - 2

8 October 1923

Hufton

Henderson

Young

Carter

Kay

Mackesy

Kelly

Brown

Williams

Robinson

Ruffell

MEDALS FOR MILLWALL

A weakened West Ham team were beaten by Millwall in the London Professional Charity Fund match at New Cross by two goals to nil. West Ham were without Watson, Moore and Yews, all injured, but had much the best of the opening half. The forwards, however, led by Williams, the schoolboy international, kept the ball much too close to be effective, and Keen opened the scoring for the Lions after twenty-five minutes from a well-placed corner by Gore. A quarter of an hour after the interval Mackesv collided heavily with Keen, and, sustaining a bad cut on the left eye, took no further part in the game. From this point West Ham were seldom dangerous, and Hufton had a busy time in the visitor's goal. Lane scored a brilliant goal ten minutes from the end following fine work by Gore.

Millwall:

Lansdale, Redford, Hill, Pemberton, Gomm, Amos, Kingsley, Keen, Moule, Lane, Gore

MAIDSTONE UNITED : Reserves

Upton Park 3 - 0 (Barrett 2, Julian) 10 October 1923

Hampson, Hebden, Hodgson, Morris, Dudley, Collins, Smith, Julian, Barrett, Gilmore, Robinson

CHELSEA : Reserves

Upton Park 4 - 1 (Fletcher 3, Thirlaway) 1 November 1923

Kaine, Horler, Moss, Collins, Eastman, Cadwell, Edwards, Fletcher, Ord, Williams, Thirlaway

GRAYS : Reserves

New Recreation Ground 4 - 1 (Hodges, Robinson, Williams, (1 unknown)) 7 November 1923

Hampson, Hebden, Horler, Allen, Eastman, Cadwell, Kelly, Robinson, Hodges, Williams, Proctor

STOKE CITY : First XI

SORRY NO IMAGE

Victoria Ground 0 - 1 12 November 1923

Hufton Hebden Young Carter Bishop Cadwell Edwards Fletcher Richardson Williams Richards

A friendly match arranged in connection with the transfer of Frank Richardson, took place at the Vivtoria Ground, and a game that was characterized by more dullness than brilliance ended in a 1-0 win for the Potters.

Stoke played a reserve defence in order to rest first team players, but the Hammers forwards found it far easy to make progress against the good defensive play by the halves – Jordan, Depledge and Rouse.

The brothers Broad were in their best form, and it was a fine run by the speedy right winger that led to Smith opening the scoring after seven minutes. Later the same player hit the upright.

Stoke did most of the attacking in the second half and though the visitors were occasionally dangerous their centre-forward Richardson, was quite subdued by his former colleagues. Thiralway, the left winger, was the most progressive forward.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Reserves

Upton Park 3 - 1 Robinson 2, Barrett) 15 November 1923

Kaine, Hodgson, Horler, Hodges, Eastman, Dudley, Kelly, Robinson, Barrett, Proctor, Thirlaway

LONDON UNIVERSITY : Reserves

Upton Park 7 - 1 (Williams 2, Allen, Carter, Hillier, Kelly (1 unknown) 15 November 1923

Kaine, Hodgson, Allen, Carter, Tresadern, Kelly, Collins, Watson, Williams, Hillier, Proctor

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : Reserves

Upton Park 3 - 2 (Proctor, Richards, Richardson) 1 December 1923

Hampson, Hebden, Horler, Collins, Eastman, Mackesy, Kelly, Robinson, Hodges, Proctor, Richards

GILLINGHAM : Reserves

Upton Park 2 - 0 (Goalscorers unknown) 15 December 1923

Hampson, Allen, Hodgson, Collins, Eastman, Mackesy, Kelly, Barrett, Cohse, Robinson, Williams

GILLINGHAM : Reserves

Priestfield Stadium 3 - 1 (Barrett 2, Fletcher) 5 January 1924

Kaine, Hodgson, Hebden, Allen, Eastman, Mackesy, Kelly, Fletcher, Barrett, Collins, Richards

TORQUAY UNITED : Reserves

Plainmoor 0 - 2 12 January 1924

Kaine, Hebden, Horler, Allen, Eastman, Mackesy, Hodges, Fletcher, Barrett, Collins, Richardson

R.F.A. WOOLWICH GARRISON : Reserves

Away 8 - 2 (Proctor 3, Panther 2, Richardson 2, Fletcher) 20 February 1924

Kaine, Hebden, Horler, Allen, Eastman, Mackesy, Hodges, Fletcher, Barrett, Collins, Richardson

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : First XI

Upton Park

1 - 1 (Collins)

23 February 1924

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Carter

Eastman

Cadwell

Yews

Brown

Collins

Moore

Richards

FOLKSTONE "A" : Reserves

Cheriton Road Stadium 0 - 1 23 February 1924

Kaine, Hodgson, Horler, Tresadern, Hebden, Hodges, Kelly, Fletcher, Barrett, Proctor, Thirlaway

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Dockland Settlement

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

1 - 1 (Young [pen])

17 March 1924

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Bishop

Kay

Cadwell

Edwards

Collins

Campbell

Moore

Ruffell

Tottenham Hotspur:

Maddison, Clay, Forster, Smith, Sage, Poynton, Thompson, Osborne, Lindsay, Elkes, Handley

On this occasion the patrons were honoured by the presence of H.R.H. the Duke of York, who, according to a newspaper report of the event "was heartily cheered by the crowd when he drove up to the ground in his motor."

The play was much above the average usually seen in "friendly" encounters with the two centre-halves George Kay for the Hammers and Sage of Tottenham being prominent. In the first half West Ham did most of the attacking with the Hammers' wingers Edwards and Ruffell showing their skills. However, much against the run of play the Spurs took the lead just before the interval following a free-kick.

In the second half Tottenham played some crisp football and although the Hammers' had some chances they could not reduce their arrears until two minutes from time when Jack Young equalised from the penalty spot following a foul on Billy Edwards.

To commemorate the occasion the Royal visitor presented the two teams with gold medals. After the game the ball was auctioned and Mr. W. White, the Chairman of West Ham United paid 50 guineas for it and presented it to the Settlement. The gate receipts of £385 were added to by our north London visitors who made the amount upto £450.

GLASGOW CELTIC (Scotland)

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park 2 - 2 (Gibbins, Moore) 10 April 1924

Hampson Henderson Blake F. Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Watson Gibbins Moore Ruffell

St. Anne's Young Men's Club should benefit considerably from the visit of the famous Glasgow Celtic team to Upton Park. Some 13,000 people assembled in spite of the inclement weather, being rewarded by extremely interesting game, whidh ended in draw of 2 goals each. Gibbins and F. J. Blake, Of Clapton, assisted West Ham, while Celtic had the services of Puddefoot, late of West Ham, and now Falkirk. The match though contested in a friendly spirit, afforded splendid example of the difference style adopted by English and Scottish footballers. Despite the very heavy ground. Celtic gave glorious exhibition of the close game, with Gallagher end Cassidy prominent with splendid dribbles, ana Puddefoot was responsible for many characteristic dashes the Celtic attack proved very dangerous. West Ham adopted more open methods, and like their opponents, would have scored more often but for the great work of the goalkeepers. Gibbins headed through a centre from Edwards to give West Ham the lead. Cassidy equalised, scoring a tame goal, the home defenders appealed for offside; but in the second half, Moore placed West Ham ahead again, only for Puddefoot to make the scores level once more.

LEICESTER CITY : Reserves

Upton Park 0 - 2 18 April 1924

Kaine, Hebden, Fletcher, Collins, Eastman, Mackesy, Kelly, Robinson, Richardson, Proctor, Gibb

LEICESTER CITY : Reserves

Filbert Street 0 - 0 21 April 1924

Kaine, Hebden, Horler, Hodges, Eastman, Proctor, Kelly, Collins, Richardson, Barrett, Thirlaway

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Reserves

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

White Hart Lane

2 - 1 (Goalscorers unknown)

26 April 1924

Kaine

Hebden

Horler

Tresadern

Carter

Mackesy

Edwards

Robinson

Barrett

Fletcher

Thirlaway

FULHAM : Jimmy Torrance Benefit

SORRY NO IMAGE

Craven Cottage 2 - 1 (Edwards, Thirlaway) 28 April 1924

Hampson Henderson Horler Carter Kay Tresadern Proctor Fletcher Barrett Williams Thirlaway

NORWICH CITY : Norfolk & Norwich Hospital Cup

SORRY NO IMAGE

The Nest 4 - 3 (Watson 3, Campbell) 5 May 1924

Kaine Henderson Young Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Watson Campbell Moore Ruffell

West Ham United Club Tour in Germany, Switzerland and France 1924

Recorded by Mr A.C. DAVIS (Director)

Anything that may have been in the minds of our party as to the manner in which the German people would receive us was quickly dissipated, as right from the opening of our tour in Cologne to the Friburg match there was never any sign of feeling or hostility. Everything passed off without a hitch, and the reception of our party was everywhere most cordial. Very little external poverty was to be seen, but the wages paid are extraordinarily low, the average for both skilled men and labourers being 3s. 4d. per day. Tramwaymen’s wages are down to 18 marks per week.

All our party were greatly struck with the cleanliness of the people, especially the children. A remarkable long programme of sight-seeing had been arranged by the officials of the various Clubs, and although the heat on most of the days was very great, the tour was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

ABOARD THE LUGGER

Leaving, Liverpool Street Station at 8:30 pm on May 8th, we boarded the s.s. “St. George at Harwich at 10:00 pm, in company with the Aberdeen F.C., who were travelling to North Germany.

Our party included Messrs. J.W.Y. Cearns, W.J. Cearns, A.C. Davis, G.F. Davis, Frank Pratt, E.S. King, A. Searles, T. Hampson, W. Kaine, J. Young, W. Henderson, J. Hebden, G. Kay, J. Collins, S. Bishop, G. Carter, A. Cadwell, W. Edwards, T. Yews, V. Watson, L. Robinson, J. Campbell, W. Moore, W. Williams, J. Ruffell, and C. Paynter.

After a fine sea passage we arrived at the Hook of Holland at 6:00 am. The usual Customs’ search being finished we settled down in our reserved compartments for a five hours’ journey to Cologne.

COWS WITH OVERCOATS

Passing through Holland one noticed the care taken with the cattle grazing in the fields, a large proportion being covered with a kind of overcoat. Queries were raised as to why this was done, Robby suggesting that it was to keep the milk hot for coffee, whilst frank Pratt was keen to know who was the tailor.Nothing of note occurred during the remainder of the journey to Cologne, where we arrived at 1:30 pm, being met at the station by officials of the city clubs and Sergt Le Crerer, the football editor of the “Cologne Post,” which is the paper published by the Rhine Army. During the afternoon the shopping centre was visited, but prices were very high, and the rate of exchange was against us.

In the evening our party was invited to the Cavelu Theatre, which is an entirely different concern from anything seen in London, the audience being seated at small tables, where food and drinks are served while the performance is going on. The show was one of the best. There were two English turns on the bill – Walker’s Academy Girls and Miss Elsie Terry.

SATURDAY 10 MAY - COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

The morning was spent in visiting the Cathedral, and we were fortunate in securing as our guide the services of a priest who spoke English well. The erection of this wonderful structure was commenced in the year 1248, and it was not completed until 1880 – over 600 years. The towers are 460ft high, and the length of the building is 400ft. the windows are magnificent works of art. Nearly all of them were removed during the war, placed out of reach of damage, and returned to their positions after hostilities had ceased. Every piece of wood in the choir stalls has been carved by hand, and the general effect is wonderful. The lighting of this portion of the Cathedral is, however, quite modern, over 1,5000 electric lamps having been installed.

COLOGNE (Germany)

Cologne

2 - 0 (Moore, Ruffell)

10 May 1924

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Bishop

Kay

Cadwell

Edwards

Watson

Campbell

Moore

Ruffell

THE FIRST MATCH

In the afternoon we repaired to the British race meeting with more or less success at finding winners. Leaving before the last race we drove through Cologne to the football ground on the other side of the river. Among the spectators were the Commander-in-Chief (General Sir Alex Godley), Sir Hugh Clifford, Mr. J. Piggott (British Commissioner), and a large number of officers.

The team was received with enthusiasm by the crowd, and called before General Godley, who addressed our boys, welcoming them again to Cologne. Then occurred an act that made all the German people present gasp with astonishment and unbounded delight, for the Commander-in-Chief of the British Rhine Army addressed the Cologne players, and shook hands with the whole team.

Short speeches were made by the officials of both Clubs; then Mr. Stengel, of Cologne, presented to the West Ham Club a silk banner to commemorate our visit.

The match was quite interesting, and resulted in a two-goal victory for the Hammers, Ruffell and Moore scoring. After the game both teams dined together. Some fine musical numbers were rendered by members of the Cologne Opera Co., and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Before the conclusion of the banquet Mr, Stengel made an impressive appeal for a better and closer understanding between Great Britain and Germany, which he hoped the visits of English football teams to Germany would do much to foster Mr. G. Davis responded on behalf of West Ham.

General Sir Alex Godley

SUNDAY 11 MAY - ANOTHER WIN

Leaving Cologne at 10:00 am we arrived at Gladbach at noon. Lunch was served at the Hotel Lennartz. At 4:00 pm we arrived at the ground to find a sports meeting in full swing. There was some very fine performances by the German champion sprinter Houben.

MUNCHENGLADBACH (Germany)

Gladbach

6 - 1 (Campbell 2, Moore 2, Watson, Carter)

11 May 1924

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Bishop

Carter

Cadwell

Edwards

Watson

Campbell

Moore

Ruffell

Muncen Gladbach is a town of 150,000 inhabitants and its principle industry is textile cotton. Owing to the charge for admission having been increased by 200 per cent, the ‘gate’ was not up to expectations. The kick-off was timed for 6:00 pm, but it was nearly 6:30 o’clock before the preliminary speeches and presentations were through, President Herr Von den Hedgt urging the need for a better understanding between Germany and Great Britain.

The West Ham players gave a fine exhibition of football, and ran out 6-1, Campbell (2), Moore (2), Watson and Carter scoring. The refereeing in the game by Herr Dauwoens was first-class. We were entertained at a banquet and dance after the match, and it was early morning before the party broke up.

MONDAY 12 MAY

We left Gladbach at 1:40 pm, a large number assembling at the hotel to see us off. Arriving at Cologne again, we boarded the electric train for Godesburg, a small village a few miles from the university town of Bonn. We were booked at one of the best hotels on the Rhine, and the magnificent scenery viewed from the windows overlooking the river was enchanting. After dining, some of the party wanted some German beer, but could not find a suitable beerhouse. It appeared rather funny when the principle waiter at the hotel walked through the village street to show us the way to a “pub” and incidentally to show us how to drink!

TUESDAY 13 MAY: “BLACK SOLDIERS IN A BEAUTIFUL CITY”

The weather was glorious. Breakfast over, walks through the town of Bonn were made, and one felt hurt to see black soldiers in such a beautiful city. It is not to be wondered at that the German people feel bitter against the French for their action in stalling the Algerians in a city comparable to Oxford or Cambridge.

Another reason why the German people hate the French in the Rhineland is that the French, in operating the railways, are refusing to accept German money for railway tickets, making travellers get the money changed into francs at a discount office which they operate, charging heavily on each transaction.

Some of our party went to the top of Godesburg Castle ruins (the building was destroyed by the French in the year 1600) and had some fine views of the country. Lunch was taken early, and at 1:30 pm. We boarded a motor launch, and were conveyed to a very nice resort called Konigswinter, which is at the foot of the Drakenfeld Mountain. Going ashore, we were immediately surrounded by men offering carriages, horses and donkeys to take us to the top. These and the mountain railway were patronised by various members of the party.

Arriving at the top we were rewarded by one of the most magnificent sights to be seen almost anywhere. It was gloriously clear, and with field glasses a range of fifty miles could be compassed with the Rhine winding its way north and south. Leaving Konigswinter at 5:30, we followed the banks of the river to Remengen, where we arrived at 8:00 pm. Passing the whole journey of 2½ hours in an express train, admiring the changing panorama of the Rhine on one

side, and the intensive system of vineries formed upon the slopes of the hills for hundreds of miles. Dinner at Remengen was served in the open outside the hotel, and we were informed that, owing to the local industry of wine-making, no beer or mineral waters were to be sold in the town.

WEDNESDAY 14 MAY

Another fine day in view as the sun was shining into the windows at 5:00 am. After breakfast in the open air we again embarked on a launch for Bingen en route for Mannheim, where we were to play our third game that evening. Arriving at 1:45 pm. We were met at the station by officials of the Mannheim Clubs and taken to the Park Hotel. Lunch was served, and at 6:00 pm we arrived at the football ground.

MANNHEIM (Germany)

Mannheim

4 - 0 (Robinson, Watson, Williams, Yews)

14 May 1924

Hampson

Hebden

Young

Carter

Kay

Collins

Yews

Robinson

Watson

Williams

Ruffell

The Mannheim team played a good game, but were eventually beaten before ten thousand spectators by 4-0, the goal-scorers being Watson, Williams, Robinson and Yews. Returning to the hotel, a fine dinner was served, after which most of the party had a stroll through the city.

An instance of the rather brutal manner in which the French are enforcing their views upon the Germans was witnessed by our party. We were in a tramcar crossing the Rhine, when French soldiers boarded it, and made ladies turn out their handbags and market baskets – for what purpose none of us could see.

THURSDAY 15 MAY: LOOKING AFTER THE TAXES

Some of the party were up early and had a motor tour around the city. Again we found the French soldiers posted with barbed wire fencing at each end of the industrial district. No vehicles were allowed to pass without being searched and materials checked for tax. After breakfast we were taken to Heidelburg, the university town of Germany, and were struck with the large number of students in the streets, and the shapes and colours of the college caps, as well as the large number of lads who, judging by the scars on their faces, had evidently engaged in duelling.

Heidelburg is a beautiful place, built in a valley, the hills rising each side from 1,500ft. to 1,800ft. high, with the river Necker flowing into the Rhine. The town has been the centre of European hopes and ambitions, troubles being recorded as far back as the time of Charlemagne. The castle, the beauty of which can be still seen, was destroyed by the French nearly four hundred years ago.

A walk through the town and along the banks of the river brought us to a ferry. Although the water is always running in one direction, by means of a fixed overhead wire and two large rudders it can proceed quickly without any power in either direction. Crossing by the ferry, we were taken to one of the most ancient hotels known for lunch. This place, which is finely fitted out, was built in the year 1592. In the afternoon we made the ascent of the mountain with more wonderful views of the Rhineland. Returning to Mannheim for dinner, we were later invited to the Apollo Music Hall, and saw an exceedingly good show.

FRIDAY 16 MAY: THE BIRTHPLACE OF MARTIN LUTHER

The weather was still very fine, and we had another stroll through Mannheim, being taken to see the Palace of Schloss, which is claimed to be the largest in Europe, having a frontage to the building alone of 1,800 feet. One particular feature of this town is the enormous number, and the systematic planting of the trees.

Leaving at 11:00 am, we arrived at Frankfurt-on-Maine at 1 pm. Frankfurt, the birthplace of Martin Luther, Goethe, Schiller, and other famous men, is a beautiful place of 500,000 inhabitants. We were welcomed by the officials of the city clubs, and then conducted to the Royal hotel, the manager of which, Mr. Harry Rinehart, was a former East Ham resident, having lived in High Street South for fifteen years. Immediately after lunch we were taken by motor to Staalburg Castle, which was built by the Romans, and is in a splendid state of preservation. The route chosen was via Homburg, a fine watering-place much admired by the late King Edward. Returning to Frankfurt for dinner, the evening was spent in sight-seeing.

SATURDAY 17 MAY

Another beautiful morning, but most of the party late risers. At 10:30 am the officials of the Frankfurt Club arrived at the hotel to take us for a round of sight-seeing. Motors were provided, and we were driven round the city. There are splendid avenues of trees everywhere. A stop was made at the Palm Gardens, which are claimed to be the most gorgeous in Europe, and the wonderful blooms seen were envied by all lovers of flowers. The buildings of this city are very fine, special note being taken of the railway station, which has 26 lines. A business call was made at the British consulate by the writer, and every assistance required was readily given by the Consul (Mr. A. J. Percival Butler) and the staff.

FRANKFURT (Germany)

Frankfurt

4 - 0 (Robinson 4)

17 May 1924

Kaine

Henderson

Hebden

Carter

Kay

Cadwell

Yews

Robinson

Watson

Moore

Williams

A visit was paid to the old town, which dates back 1,250 years, and numerous ancient buildings are to be seen, including the Town Hall, where twelve German Emperors were crowned between 1262 and 1692. A pleasing incident occurred before the commencement of the game with Frankfurt. A little girl, walking on to the field, accompanied by a page, presented each of our players with a spray of carnations.

The game started at 6:30 pm, before a large crowd, but the German players could not tumble to the off-side rule, and were eventually beaten 4-0, all the goals being scored by Robinson. It was 10 pm before the banquet started both teams dining at the Weinhaus Riedling. As our party entered the hall the orchestra struck up “God bless the Prince of Wales,” and after the first course Mr. Hermann Schoendube proposed the toast of “The King,” which was received with musical honours. The second course disposed of, Mr. L. Johnson gave the toast of “the German Nation,” which was responded to with enthusiasm. Later Mr. White accepted on behalf of West Ham, a bronze tablet suitably framed, as a memento of our visit to the city.

SUNDAY 18 MAY: A LICKING

We had to be up a 6:00 am, being booked to leave Frankfurt at 7:00 am for Friburg. A six hours’ train journey in tropical heat, the late night at the Frankfurt banquet, and turning out to play with a burning sun and a referee who was not up to the class of those controlling the previous games, resulted in the first defeat of the Hammers during their tour on the Continent.

Image courtesy of Simon Lord

Officials and Players on a trip to the Black Forest

FREIBURG (Germany)

Friburg

2 - 5 (Campbell, Watson)

18 May 1924

Kaine

Henderson

Hebden

Collins

Kay

Cadwell

Yews

Robinson

Watson

Moore

Williams

Friburg, who are a good thrustful side, won by 5-2, two of the goals being glaring cases of the off-side infringement. The Hammers had the ball in the net in the first few minutes, but the goal was disallowed. The football ground in this town is set in one of the number of beautiful pictures we were privileged to see in South Germany, and it is impossible to aptly describe the view from any part of it.

After the match we were taken to an open air cabaret on the edge of the forest, and a very happy evening was spent, the German club being proud of being the first Continental team to beat the Hammers.

MONDAY 19 MAY

Our Friburg friends had apparently laid themselves out to give us a fine time. For on motor cars arrived at the hotel at 10:00 am, and the whole party, with a number of the Friburg officials, were taken for a circular drive of nearly 80 miles through some of the grandest scenery in the world. Passing Gunterstal, the main road took us to Fredrichof, a favourite holiday resort. Going by Kybfelsen, the highest peak of the range, and the old-world villages of Ebner, Karten and Himmelrasch, all in the valley with pine-covered mountains, each side of the road for a distance of 40 miles we reached a famous health resort called Lake Titisee; this is a splendid sheet of water over a mile above sea level. To arrive at Titisee the road winds like a snake up the mountains and at many points is on the edge of the cliffs, but if one felt timid at times when negotiating sharp curves, compensation was derived from the panorama of grandeur unfolded at every turn of the road.

Leaving Titisee, we proceeded to St. Marfgen, where lunch was served and after visiting points of interest we continued on to St. Peter, where a halt was made for our party to see the church, nestled in a small village among the mountains. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of the interior – it leaves one thinking as to why such magnificent work was expended in such a small place. Again boarding our cars, we started on the downward journey to Friburg, where we arrived after passing through more of this lovely country.

OFF TO SWITZERLAND

As we were booked to leave for Berne, Switzerland by the 6:00 pm train all had to pack their bags right away and proceed to the railway station, where we found a large number of persons assembled to give us a send-off, which made it almost impossible to think that only a few years had elapsed since our countries were fighting on the field of battle instead of the football field. The journey to the Swiss frontier only occupied an hour, and we were left with 30 minutes to get through the German and Swiss Customs and cross the town of Basil to the Federated Railways. The Customs’ officers passed us without trouble as soon as they were told we were a football team travelling to Berne. Taxis were obtained, but owing to some difficulty with the passport of a traveller who was between some of our players, there were several minutes’ delay. Arriving at the Swiss station, the change office had to be visited, with the result that 11 of our party missed the train. Those left behind were just making up their minds that the evening would have to be spent in Basle, when they were informed that a special or excursion train would obtain a connection that would land them in Berne before the ordinary train. Thus, those who were left reached Berne first to tell the others when they came along that they had boarded the wrong train!

TUESDAY 20 MAY: THE SNOW-CLAD ALPS

The morning was bright and clear, and the view obtained from the terrace of the Parliament House was one of impressive grandeur – the lovely city with its background of hills, and the massive snow-clad Alps in the distance. Walks through the town to inspect points of interest, a raid for straw hats, and visits to the cathedral and beer-garden were made. The afternoon was spent quietly, and at 5 pm we were motored to the ground for the sixth game of the tour. Whether the purchasing of straw hats was unlucky or not, a lot of leg-pulling was indulged in, for just as the game commenced rain began to fall, and in a few minutes those of us who were in the grand stand witnessed the unusual spectacle of a football match in progress whilst forked lightning was flashing, thunder roaring, and there was a tropical deluge of rain and hailstones.

BERNE (Switzerland)

Berne

1 - 0 (Yews)

20 May 1924

Kaine

Hebden

Young

Collins

Kay

Bishop

Yews

Watson

Campbell

Moore

Williams

The referee stopped the play after a quarter of an hour, but a few minutes later a resumption was made, and then occurred one of the most farcical games of football ever seen by any of our party, as there was quite six inches of water nearly the whole length of one side of the playing pitch and a small lake in front of the goals, with the result that the ball was floating and water polo instead of football became the order.

The game was completed with the Hammers winners by 1-0, Yews scoring the only goal. After the match the teams and officials dined with the Berne Club, and the meal was not finished until nearly midnight.

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY

Out at 6 am, to observe the spectacle of sunrise over the Alps, and a magnificent picture it was; a walk along the banks of the River Aar, and then back to the hotel for breakfast and packing in readiness to catch the mid-day train for Paris.

After breakfast some of us made the trip to the top of the hills by the funicular railway, and were rewarded with a magnificent view of the Alps with the sun shining brilliantly, whilst after a few minutes we were enveloped in the clouds. A walk around the top of the hill revealed to us some of Nature’s handiwork in the making, and we were pleased not to have missed the object lessons obtained by such a short and easy journey.

IN FRANCE

One o’clock saw us leaving Berne en route for Paris. Passing some hundreds of miles of beautiful kaleidoscope scenery, and such interesting places as Lake Neuchatel; we arrived at the frontier town of Pontarlier, where a visit had to be paid to the French Customs for inspection of luggage. The impression one gained in passing through the countryside towards Paris was that the German farming is far better than that of the French, as the appearance of the land and crops cannot compare in any respect with those in Germany. It was midnight when we arrived in Paris, and all retired after a tedious 13-hour journey.

THURSDAY 22 MAY

Breakfast over, some of our party motored to Versailles, and every one was unanimous that the visit was an incident in a lifetime – one to be remembered. The magnificent paintings depicting French history from early times, wonderful decorations and splendid halls – everything made a lasting impression upon one and all. Returning to Paris, lunch was taken, and then to the Stadium for our last match of the tour. We had been booked to meet the French International team, and eight of the players who turned out against us were in the team defeated by England last Saturday. The game was quite interesting, and eventually resulted in a win for France by two goals to one. Henderson, by sending the ball into his own goal, won the match for the Frenchmen.

FRANCOIS (France)

Paris

1 - 2 (Yews)

22 May 1924

Hampson

Henderson

Young

Collins

Kay

Cadwell

Yews

Robinson

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

It is probable that never before has an English League Club played in front of such a critical crowd, as no less than twenty international teams were present, including those from America, Egypt, Holland, Czecho-Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Esthonia, Sweden, Turkey, Algeria, Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria and Hungary – all in Paris ready for the Olympic Tournament, which commences on Sunday next, the first game being Spain v. Italy. Previous to the start of the game George Kay placed a large wreath on the war memorial erected in the sports ground, this act being appreciated by the spectators. After the match we returned to the Hotel Moderne for dinner, the evening being filled by a visit to an international show, where we were entertained with a variety programme by first-class artistes in a manner quite different from anything seen in London.

FRIDAY 23 MAY

Another fine day in prospect, and we were early astir. Visits were made to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, Town Hall, Place de la Concorde, The Louvre, Luxemburg Palace and other interesting places in the city. After lunch everyone was bent on shopping, and the obtaining of reparations for absent relatives and friends.

Dinner was taken at 7.pm, and one hour later the last stage of the tour was commenced. Leaving Paris at 8.45 o’clock, the party travelled via Dieppe-Newhaven, arriving at Victoria at 6 am on Saturday May 24th, completing a most successful round trip of nearly 3000 miles, with pleasant memories of every place visited by our party, and playing seven matches, five being won and two lost as follows:-

Saturday, May 10th. - West Ham 2 Cologne, 0.

Sunday, May 11th. - West Ham 6 Gladbach, 1.

Wednesday, May 14th. - West Ham 4 Mannheim, 0.

Saturday, May 17th. - West Ham 4 Frankfurt, 0.

Sunday, May 18th. - West Ham 2 Friburg, 5.

Tuesday, May 20th. - West Ham 1 Berne, 0.

Thursday, May 22nd. - West Ham 1 France, 2.

The visit to Germany, Switzerland and France will long be remembered, and in conclusion I would like to record the courtesy and attention paid to us by the officials of the German clubs, especially Mr. Stengel, of Cologne, Mr. Engels, and Charlie Gilraith, of Gladbach, Mr. Hermann Schoendube, of Frankfurt-on-Maine, and Sergeant W. Lecrerer, of the “Cologne Post.”

Other Matches Played at the Boleyn Ground

CLAPTON v. SOUTHEND UNITED :

FA Cup (5th Qualifying Round)

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

1 - 3

1 December 1923

Att: 14,000

CLAPTON

(Earle)

Lineup unknown

SOUTHEND UNITED

(Goodwin 2, Davis)

Lineup unknown

A goal by Davies and two by Goodwin put Southend United into the sixth round of the competition at Clapton's expense. Only ten minutes had gone by when Davies, taking advantage of a misunderstanding in the Clapton defence, shot into an empty net, and after many efforts had failed, Goodwin, with a cleaver overhead kick put on a second goal. In the second half Goodwin put on a third goal for the Shrimpers, and the amateurs could only respond with a penalty goal, scored by Earle. The match was played on West Ham's ground before 14,000 spectators.

WEST HAM BOYS v. EAST HAM BOYS :

Corinthian Shield (Third Round Replay)

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

2 - 0

14 February 1924

Att: 12,000

WEST HAM BOYS

(Brown, Moule)

Whymark

Park

Burley

Bailey

Male

Smy

Scales

Moule

Brown

Rickett

Murphy

EAST HAM BOYS

Headings

Higdon

Cameron

Goldsmith

Warman

Sheppard

Gerhard

Salter

White

Miller

Rowland

Playing by far the more consistent and combined game, the West Ham Boys beat the East Ham Boys by two goals to love at Upton Park in their replayed tie in the third round of the Corinthian Shield. It was a good game to watch, for the speed of both sides was excellent, and much of the midfield work would have done credit to seasoned players. The winners finished better than their opponents, and Whymark in the West Ham goal, had a comparatively easy task. Brown and Moule were the scorers. both goals coming in the second half. There were 12,000 spectators.

WEST HAM BOYS v. WILLESDEN BOYS :

Corinthian Shield (Final)

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

Upton Park

2 - 2

19 April 1924

Att: 16,000

WEST HAM BOYS

(Moule, Murphy)

Lineup unknown

WILLESDEN BOYS

(Bellows, Lawton)

Lineup unknown

The final tie for the Corinthian Shield, which is really the London Schools' Championship, the teams are West Ham Boys and Willesden Boys, who met last season in the "Sun" Shield final, when the former gained the verdict 3-1.

On this ocassion before 16,000 spectators. A Miskick enabled Lawton to score for the visitors after five minutes. Moule equalised. A brilliant shot by Murphy in the second half gave West Ham Boys the lead. Willesden finished strongly, and Bellow brought the score level.

CLAPTON v. DULWICH HAMLET :

London Charity Cup Final

Upton Park

1 - 1 (aet)

8 May 1924

Att: 7,000

CLAPTON

(Earle)

Lineup unknown

DULWICH HAMLET

(Kail)

Lineup unknown

At West Ham 7,000 spectators saw a thrilling game between Dulwich Hamlet (holders) and Clapton end in a draw of one goal each after extra time in the final the of the London Charity Cup. Clapton fielded the side which proved successful in the Amateur Cup, but Dulwich were without Coleman, their International goaleeper. Clapton's goal was obtained ten minutes after the start, Earle easily dodging Pilkington, who had left his goal. The equaliser was not secured until a quarter of an hour from the end, when Kail, gaining possession in midfield, scored from long range. Extra time failed to produce a goal.

1922-23 Friendlies Season 1923-24 1924-25 Friendlies