Sad memory: reading FC remembers players killed in World War I

Members of the Reading Football Club are expected to honour former teammates who lost their lives in World War I.

At Saturday’s home game against Norwich, nine men’s names will be read before a minute’s silence.

Information about 40 of the club’s Great War veterans has been uncovered during research for a BBC documentary.

Among them is Allen Foster, a great striker. His passing was described as “hitting Reading like a thunderclap” by the Reading Observer in 1916.

Manager Brian McDermott and several club officials and former players recently came to northern France to see the cemetery where Pte Foster is buried.

Mr. McDermott continued: “When you consider what we are part of at home, I may be manager of the football club, but to come to a place where one of our former players is buried just seems incredible.”

The team is preparing a more permanent tribute to the players who lost their lives in combat at Madejski Stadium.

According to club spokesman Craig Mortimer-Zhika, “The inquiry process has begun.

“Our supporters will get the opportunity to pay their respects and ensure these chaps are never forgotten.”

Mud, Blood and Biscuit Men is on BBC Radio Berkshire on Sunday at 1105 GMT and on BBC iPlayer.

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