Watford and the 'Great War' 1914-1918

Watford FC’s contribution to the ‘Great War’ effort was one to be proud of…

Troops playing on the Cassio Road pitch 1914

Several Watford players signed up to serve in the ‘Great War’ 1914-1918 and the Cassio Road ground was used for billeting troops on their way to the combat in France and Flanders (indeed, three of the ground’s stands were broken up for firewood for the soldiers).

The Ultimate Sacrifice

While no ‘current’ Watford players died during the conflict, four ex-Watfordians made the ultimate sacrifice ‘for King and Country’:

George Badenoch – Killed in Action

Private 19169 George Badenoch (KIA) Played for Watford FC 1903 to 1906. George was serving in the 1^st Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment when he was killed on 15th June 1915, during the Second Action of Givenchy. He was participating in the Canadian attack on the North-West of La Bassée when a shell detonated in his trench. He has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.

Jimmy Chalmers – Killed in Action

Private 8266 Jimmy Chalmers (KIA) Played for Watford FC 1901/02. Serving in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, Jimmy died on 12^th July 1915 after receiving wounds in the Battle of Achi Baba, Gallipoli. He has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Helles Memorial.

Albert Farrow – Died from trench related illness

Private 27375 Albert Farrow (Died from illness contracted in service) – Bert served as a private in the Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and South Staffordshire Regiments. He contracted tuberculosis in June 1916 while on active service and was discharged two months later on 8th August. Bert sadly died a month later at the age of 29. A versatile footballer, who was used by Watford at half-back (midfield) and on the wing, he didn’t quite make the grade and only made 9 appearances before being released at the end of the 1908/09 season.

ES Household batting for West Herts at Cassio Road, 1915

Second Lieutenant 8172 Ernest Household (KIA) – Never made a 1st Team appearance for Watford FC, but made many reserve appearances. He was a prominent cricketer for West Herts and played in the same team as John Goodhall. ‘Ernie’ died from wounds received in France on 21st July 1917 and is interred in the Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun.