1933-34 Friendlies

FIRST PRACTICE MATCH :

Club Colours v. Blues

Upton Park

? - ?

12 August 1933

SECOND PRACTICE MATCH :

Club Colours v. Blues

Upton Park

? - ?

19 August 1933

LEYTON

(Away)

1 - 2

28 August 1933

SORRY NO DETAILS or IMAGE

PERU-CHILE XI

Upton Park

2 - 2 (Watson, Wood)

16 October 1933

Rutherford

Chalkley

Walker

Anderson

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Landalls

Watson

Tippett

Morton

Reception given by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool to the Peru-Chile XI and the presentation of flags

The visitors to the Boleyn Ground were a combined Peru-Chile XI, who were touring the country taking on English club sides, expanding their own footballing knowledge. The team was selected from the best players of Peru and Chile, the leading nations on the Pacific Coast of South America. The players have been selected from the “Colo-Colo,” the champion team of Chile, the “Alianza,” the champion team of Peru, and “University,” another of the leading teams of Peru. It was clear the Hammers were anxious to avoid a defeat at the hands of their exotic opponents in a radio-gram sent from on board the steamer “S.S. Alkmaar” of the Royal Netherlands Steamship Co. bound for Liverpool, it read “Expect to arrive at Liverpool on September 26th. Have won games played at Colon by 6-1 and at Curacao by 7-0"

DAGENHAM TOWN

(Away)

1 - 1

11 November 1933

SORRY NO DETAILS or IMAGE

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Reserve Friendly

Upton Park

2 - 5

27 January 1934

COLCHESTER UNITED

(Away)

3 - 3

3 Match 1934

SORRY NO DETAILS or IMAGE

ROYAL AIR FORCE : Reserve Friendly

Upton Park

6 - 2 (Graves 3, Deacon, Tippett, Hymas [og])

8 March 1934

TILBURY

(Away)

0 - 1

18 April 1934

SORRY NO DETAILS or IMAGE

WEST HAM UNITED XI v. WEST HAM & EAST HAM J.O.C. XI

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

Upton Park

2 - 0

30 April 1934

Other Matches Played at the Boleyn Ground

WEST HAM BOYS V. LEYTON BOYS

English Shield Third Round

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

Upton Park

? - ?

2 December 1933

WEST HAM BOYS v. SOUTHEND BOYS

Robert Johnson Cup (Semi-Final)

Upton Park

2 - 1

2 December 1933

WHB: Wood, Wilkinson

SORRY NO IMAGE

Upton Park

2 - 1

21 April 1934

EAST HAM BOYS v. SWANSEA BOYS

English Shields Semi-Final Replay

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

Upton Park

1 - 2

28 April 1934

LEYTON v. WIMBLEDON

London Senior Cup Final

Image courtesy of Nigel Turner

Upton Park

? - ?

12 May 1934

WEST HAM BOYS v. EAST HAM BOYS

Robert Johnson Cup Final

Upton Park

1 - 1 (aet)

14 May 1934

West Ham United Club Tour in Switzerland 1934

Recorded by Mr A.C. DAVIS (Director)

Several invitations having again been received from the Continent, Switzerland was accepted, and at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8th, our party left Victoria Station en route for the Playground of Europe. There was a little excitement, as no less than eight of the players had never seen a foreign country, and crossing the channel was anticipated with mixed feelings.

Those included in the tour were : G. Watson, A. Chalkley, A. Walker, L. Anderson, J. Barrett W. St Pier, J. Musgrave, J. Cockroft, J. Wood, J. Morton, T. Tippett, E. Fenton. L. Goulden, J. Ruffell. J. Tonner W. Moore, J. R. Rooff, W. J. Cearns, F. R. Pratt and A. C. Davis.

The sea was very kind and all arrived at Boulogne in best of spirits and entrained for Basle, where we arrived at 6 a.m. The usual customs formalities over, we left at 7 a.m. for Berne and after travelling through beautiful scenery we arrived at 8.40 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9th.

Berne, with its old arcades and fountains, is like a medieval town, although it is the capital of Switzerland. Three magnificent steel bridges span the swift-running River Aare at a height of 115 feet above water level, and the eyes are gladdened by the sight of well-kept green terraces and beds of coloured flowers on both banks of the river.

The town presents a beautiful picture when seen from the Parliament House terrace. In the distance rise, row upon row, the majestic snow-clad peaks of the High Alps, while lower down stretches of picturesque hilly country are spread out to view.

Over an hour was spent at the famous Bear Pit, the only one in a public thoroughfare in any part of the world. The large bears arc magnificent animals and amusing beggars, whilst the three small ones are pleasing the crowd the whole day long with their wrestling efforts.

The evening was spent at the Alhambra Theatre, where several good variety turns were in the programme.

BERNE (Switzerland)

Away

2 - 2 (Tippett, Barrett)

10 May 1934

Watson

Chalkley

Walker

Anderson

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Morton

Tippett

Goulden

Ruffell

THURSDAY, MAY 10th.

Ascension Day and a public holiday. Our first match of the tour was fixed for 5 p.m.; during the morning we were again sightseeing and a very interesting monument was observed in the terrace gardens; it is a fine piece of work, done to commemorate the forming of the International Postal Union.

A good crowd was present to witness the first game of the tour, and the proceedings were enlivened by music played by a boys' band, and their conductor is to be congratulated on the ability displayed in rendering the various numbers. The Berne Reserves were playing when we arrived at the ground and they ran out winners by nine goals to three.

At 5 p.m. the teams for the big match turned out as follows :—

Berne: Treuburg, Hannis, Steck, Gerhold, Hoper, Kohler, Bossi, Townley, Billeter, Bosch, Vaccani.

West Ham: Watson, Chalkley, Walker, Anderson, Barrett, Cockroft, Wood, Morton, Tippett, Goulden, Ruffell.

Tippett scored after 15 minutes but was injured in the effort and had to leave the field. Berne equalised just before half-time. The home team took the lead after twenty minutes' play, in the second half, but Barrett equalised, and a rather poor game ended in a draw, 2—2.

After dinner we were invited to the Kursaal, where fortune fluctuated, some of the party having no luck at the tables.

FRIDAY, MAY 11th.

A walk through the town gives the impression, when in the Bundesgasse, of being in a modern city, and a few minutes later to be back in the Middle Ages, so varied are the buildings and monuments that come to view.

A trip was made to Gurten, which commands the finest view of the surroundings of Berne.

At 2 p.m. the officials of the Club arrived with a number of motor-cars and we were soon on the road to Interlaken, which is one of the famous Swiss resorts, and after an enjoyable afternoon we were back in Berne about 6.30 p.m. The evening being spent at the Casino.

SATURDAY, MAY 12th.

Up early, and breakfast over, we left Berne by motor-coach at 9.30 a.m. for Kreuzlingen, and after a three hours' run through ever-changing scenery we arrived at Zurich, and lunch was taken at the Carlton Elite Hotel, where we met Dr. Bensemann, one of the best known German football officials, who we first met in Nuremburg ten years ago.

Leaving Zurich at 2 p.m. we arrived at Kreuzlingen at 4.30 and were welcomed at the hotel by Norman Smith and the officials of the local club. After dinner we visited Constance, Germany, the frontier being only five minutes' walk from our head-quarters. Across the main road is a white line, which denotes the frontier, and the military officers are on each side. Going into Germany you have to declare that you have no paper money or gold coins, and also to show, on occasions, how much silver you have, as the allowed amount is 65 Swiss francs.

I was surprised that there was no military display in Constance; except for an occasional brown uniform the absence of police, etc., was remarkable.

Constance, one of the oldest cities in Europe, goes back to pre-Christian days. Two thousand years B.C., the first settlement was established. About the year 1000 the foundation was laid for the splendid cathedral, the building of which was carried on for generations. Nearly all the emperors of the Roman Empire have lived within its walls.

The City's period of greatest splendour was from 1414 to 1417, when the Grand Council of the Roman Catholic Church was held there, the only one ever to take place on German soil.

Many famous men have come from Constance, among them Count Zeppelin, and the City can look back on a great past whose fates have left their impress on many ancient buildings. Some time was spent on the splendid promenade watching the Dornier flying boat on its pleasure jaunts.

Players and officials outside Hotel Helvetia

Luggage Label

SUNDAY, MAY 13th.

The weather is kind as the sun is shining brilliantly. We are to play our second game of the tour today in Kreuzlingen, a small town of only 9,000 inhabitants, and it says much for the keenness and sportsmanship of the officials of the club that they arranged and guaranteed our tour through Switzerland, and the local people have one of the best sportsmen that it has been my privilege to meet in Mr. Schleur. At 4 p.m. the teams turned out as follows :-

KREUZLINGEN (Switzerland)

Away

9 - 2 (Barrett 2, Musgrave 2, Ruffell 2, Wood 2, Fenton)

13 May 1934

Watson

Tonner

Walker

St Pier

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Musgrave

Fenton

Goulden

Ruffell

The home side put up a very stubborn game during the first half and it was 30 minutes before a goal came, and the second was scored just on half-time. After the interval our boys put up a very fine exhibition of football, and delighted the spectators, by scoring seven more goals, and ran out winners 9-2, the goals being scored by Wood (2) Barrett (2), Ruffell (2), Musgrave (2), Fenton.

After the game both teams and officials dined together, and Mr. Otto Binswanger, in welcoming our Club, said :-

"As president of the association for friends of football, and in the name of the Kreuzlingen Football Club, I have the pleasure to greet you officially and wish to express our thanks that you came to our village, Kreuzlingen, which, I am sure, is the smallest place you have ever played at. The number of spectators this afternoon has shown you, in comparison to the 9,000 inhabitants of Kreuzlingen, that football over here is not only a matter of interest for sportsmen, but also for the whole population. But at present we are only at the beginning, and it is therefore of great value for us to be able to show the public a team which comes from the mother country, not only of football, but of mostly all other sports.

"Our aim in having West Ham United here was to show the public what football demands of each individual player physically and psychologically, and 1 am glad to say we have succeeded. I thank you again." To the health of West Ham United.

Mr. Frank Pratt replied on behalf of the visitors and a very pleasant surprise was sprung upon us when Mr. Hans Truninger presented a wrist watch to each member of our party.

MONDAY, MAY 14th.

The morning was spent in walks along the well-kept promenade on the Bay of Constance. At 2 p.m. we were again the guests of the football club, who had arranged to take us to Frederickshafen to witness the landing of the Graf Zeppelin, which was timed for 4 p.m.

The motor coach was taken across the lake by ferry and, after a delightful drive, we arrived at the Airship Station just in time to see a glider leave the ship, and after several stunts the glider made a perfect landing.

The Zeppelin, after manoeuvring over the town for some time, descended and was on the ground exactly at 4 o'clock. The time we were told over the telephone, and the organisation is a great piece of work as the Airship, after landing, was taken in hand by the landing crew and within seven minutes was safely anchored inside the shed, and we were allowed to inspect the ship and look inside the cabins. A move was then made to the building sheds, where the construction is going on of a ship considerably larger than the Graf Zeppelin.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16th.

Leaving Kreuzlingen at 11:30 by coach, en route for Zurich, where we play the Swiss International team at 8.30 p.m. by floodlight. Following the river Rhine we arrived at Schaffhausen at 12.30. Lunch over, we paid a visit to the Falls of the Rhine, the most magnificent in Europe.

Opposite the Castle of Worth the mighty stream, 180 yards wide, hurls itself over the rocks from a height of over 80 feet. Seen at close quarters the spectacle is a most impressive one. After a stay of two hours we proceeded to Zurich. At 7.45 we arrived at the Stadium, where the people were pouring in for the floodlight match:- Switzerland v. West Ham.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL TEAM (Switzerland)

Image Courtesy of Nigel Turner

Sportplatz Hardturm Stadium, Zurich

1 - 3 (Musgrave)

16 May 1934

Watson

Chalkley

Walker

St Pier

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Morton

Musgrave

Goulden

Ruffell

Swiss teams final warm-up game before the 1934 World Cup Finals in Italy

There were 15,000 people present and the light was extraordinarily good, and very fine football was played by both teams, Musgrave scoring after 30 minutes, and half-time arrived with the " Hammers " leading 1-0.

We sat talking, and it was fully 20 minutes before the players came out for the second half, and it was then observed that several new players had been put into the Swiss side, which undoubtedly put more go into them. The football displayed by both teams continued to be of high standard and after 20 minutes' play the Swiss outside-right received the ball in a position quite two yards offside and a goal resulted. This inspired the National team and after some excellent play on both sides, during which the " Hammers " hit the posts four times, the game resulted in a win for Switzerland 3-1.

As a contrast to the reception given us at Berne and Kreuzlingen we are sorry to record the want of courtesy on the part of the football officials here, as we did not see or meet anyone connected with the Swiss F.A. either before or after the game, hospitality being con¬spicuous by its absence.

THURSDAY, MAY 17th.

At breakfast we were surprised to hear that the grandstand at the stadium, where the match was played the previous evening, had been burnt to the ground, the destruction taking place about 2 a.m. Our first wet day of the tour was spent indoors with bridge parties and picture shows.

FRIDAY, MAY 18th.

The sun was shining again and we were out early to see the attractions of Zurich, which is the largest town in Switzerland. Zurich is favoured by its position on the borders of a charming lake at the foot of the Alps and by its standing as the centre of industry and sports.

The old parts of the town, built on both sides of the River Limmat, have retained their picturesque appearances, while the modern part represents the character of large cities of the present day.

Loveliness and variety are distinctive features of Zurich's surroundings, hilly pastures interspersed with orchards, pine and beech woods extend around the town and lake on all sides. In the evening we attended a boxing show and a very fine bill was staged; every one of the eight contests were fast and interesting fights, but owing to regulations that small gloves should not be used a knock-out did not come.

ST. GALLEN (Switzerland)

Away

0 - 1

19 May 1934

Watson

Tonner

Walker

Anderson

Barrett

St Pier

Wood

Musgrave

Fenton

Goulden

Ruffell

SATURDAY, MAY 19th.

We left Zurich for St. Gallen at 1 p.m. for the fourth game. The local ground is very bad from a playing point of view and our players would not take any risks and were beaten 1-0.

After the game we proceeded by coach to Lucerne, arriving at eleven p.m., everyone being ready for dinner.

SUNDAY, MAY 20th.

Lovely Lucerne. Weather glorious. Looking from the veranda of the Hotel Des Alpes a panorama of indescribable beauty unfolds itself as you gaze around the lake. The winding water's lapping the splendid quays; Mount Pilatus on one side rearing its head heavenwards, and the famous Rigi on the other present to the town a reflection of picturesque shores and soaring heights.

After lunch a visit was made by steamer to the Lido, a beautiful spot on the lakeside. The bathers in scanty costumes of blazing colours, enormous sunshades in rainbow designs over the refreshment tables, and hundreds sunbathing, made up a picture hard to describe.

In the evening a visit was paid to the Kursaal, where a variety show of exceptional merit was staged, a number of turns often in the bills of London music hall programmes were seen. After the show a flutter on the roulette tables.

Luggage Label

MONDAY, MAY 21st.

We started at 10.30 for Alpnachstad, the ascent of Mount Pilatus where the railway begins; it is claimed to be the boldest mountain railway in the world and is no doubt a wonderful feat of engineering. The view from the summit is overwhelming in its grandeur and is difficult to adequately describe. After lunch a climb up to the highest point was made, a snowball battle taking place en route.

At 1.45 p.m. an unusual phenomenon was observed, the moon, nearly two-thirds full, was right over our heads. The 4 p.m. car took us down and a pleasant and interesting afternoon was enjoyed by all.

LUCERNE (Switzerland)

Away

9 - 2 (Musgrave 6, Ruffell, Wood, Goulden)

22 May 1934

Watson

Chalkley

Walker

St Pier

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Morton

Musgrave

Goulden

Ruffell

TUESDAY, MAY 22nd.

A quiet morning sightseeing and a rest after lunch.

At 5.30 p.m. we left the hotel for the new Lucerne Stadium, a modern enclosure amidst magnificent scenery with a background of green slopes and the Alps towering above.

The turf was in perfect condition and the " Hammers " gave a splendid exhibition of football, and, to the delight of the small British colony present, ran out winners 9-2, Musgrave scoring six, Ruffell, Wood and Goulden one each.

New Sports Centre, Lucerne

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23rd.

Leaving Lucerne at 9 a.m. by motor-coach we arrived at Rochnach about 1 p.m., and after the usual Customs visit we boarded the boat to cross Lake Constance. The trip takes 70 minutes and lunch had been arranged to be served en route, and quite a good one it was.

A lot of formalities have to be gone through before landing, including a declaration as to the amount of money each visitor is taking into Germany. This is noted on your passport and you are not allowed to leave the country except with a proportionate reduction of the amount, according to the number of days you stay.

A visitor to Germany who intends to stay more than one day can obtain Reichmarks cheques at the various banks outside the country, by which you save about 20 per cent, on the cost of your visit, but marks purchased in this manner are no use outside Germany.

Arriving at Lindau, which is a pleasant little town on Lake Constance, we were met by quite a number of people, who, seeing a special coach waiting at the pier, had heard that West Ham United were coming over on the boat and the usual crowd of schoolboys wanted autographs.

We had to visit the local bank and the officials must have thought they were being raided when fifteen of our party entered together. It is quite a job before the money is handed over, each passport being examined and checked against advice forms.

We were not long in Lindau, but one could observe the ancient houses which are relics of long ago, when Europe was young and Lindau a free city and trade centre for all parts.

Leaving about 2.30 p.m., and after a ride over undulating country for nearly five hours, the coach landed us at the Konigshof Hotel, Munich, at 8.30 p.m., where we were welcomed by the British Consul (Mr. Phillips) and the officials of the Sports Club 1860.

SPORTS CLUB 1860 (Germany)

Away

2 - 0 (Barrett, Musgrave)

24 May 1934

Watson

Chalkley

Walker

St Pier

Barrett

Cockroft

Wood

Morton

Musgrave

Goulden

Ruffell

THURSDAY, MAY 24th.

A quiet morning, in view of the last game of the tour, and one which the players, owing to the results of the Derby County games, were keen to win.

The kick-off was fixed for 6.15 p.m. and there were about 9,000 present when the teams turned out, both sides lining up in the centre of the field and giving the Nazi salute. The Munich side included four internationals. A fast and interesting first half only produced one goal, a fine drive by Musgrave beating the German keeper.

At half-time the Ober Burgermaster (or Lord Mayor) and Deputy, in uniform, visited our dressing room and officially welcomed us to Munich.

The second half produced more good football and Barrett scoring - the " Hammers " won 2-0 and received a great ovation on leaving the field.

The football shown by West Ham highly pleased the local football officials and we were immediately asked to stay over Saturday to play another game versus Bayern F.C., but were reluctantly compelled to decline owing to all arrangements for returning on Friday being completed.

A visit to the famous Hofbrauhaus, where 6,000 people can be seated and beer is the only beverage sold, was made before bedtime.

Players and Officials at the City of Munich War Memorial

FRIDAY, MAY 25th.

A sightseeing tour of the City; at 10 a.m. we left the hotel by coach and an interesting three and a half hours were spent. Arrangements had been made to place a wreath on the City of Munich War Memorial at 11 a.m. and quite a number of people were present. The Memorial, of solid slabs of stone, is unique, being built in a pit sunk in the Museum Gardens, and the names of over 13,000 men from the City who were killed and cut in the stone around the sides. It was an impressive moment when our party descended the steps, German officials standing to salute for two minutes.

The wreath, a very large one, was ordered to have the German and British Colours affixed to it, and we, were surprised to find the British colours were red, orange and blue. We questioned the correctness of the ribbon and the people immediately proved they were right by showing us the book of " Flags of All Nations."

Leaving the War Memorial we were taken to the Deer Park, where the animals in large numbers come and ask you for food, and they are not at all timid.

After lunch it was packing, and at 5.10 we left Munich for London, the British Consul and officials of the local club being on the platform to say " au revoir."

We settled down for a 17 hours' train journey to Ostend, where we arrived at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26th.

Crossing on the boat was a little choppy and only half our party sat down to lunch, but on reaching Dover all were smiling, and tea served en route to London was a relief to those who had missed their lunch. We arrived at Victoria at 4.45 p.m. after concluding the best and most pleasant tour we have ever made.

Our hearty good wishes and thanks for the trouble and time placed at our disposal go out to Mr. Hans Truninger, who arranged the tour, to Mr. O. Kleiner, Dr. Binswanger and Mr. Norman Smith, of Kreuzlingen, Mr. Reiser Ellis, of Lucerne, Mr. L. Townley and officials of Berne, Dr. V. Mazzocco, Mr. A. Lohmann and the British Vice-Consul, Mr. C. J. Phillips, of Munich, and last but by no means the least, Mr. Schleur, of Kreuzlingen.