On this significant Remembrance Sunday, the city of Manchester and the global football community pause to honor a profound centenary. The stories of valor, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of a city are forever woven into the fabric of its two greatest football institutions, Manchester City and Manchester United. The First World War, a conflict that reshaped the world, demanded immense sacrifice from the people of Manchester, and their football clubs were not spared. This is their story, a poignant chapter that transcends rivalry and speaks to the heart of human courage.
The Call to Arms: A City and Its Clubs Respond
In the summer of 1914, as Europe descended into war, Manchester was a powerhouse of industry and sport. Its football clubs were already establishing legendary statuses, but the call of duty superseded all else. Thousands of men, including players, staff, and supporters from both sides of the city, answered the call. They traded the roaring crowds of the football pitch for the treacherous trenches of the Western Front, a testament to their character and love for their country. The journey from local hero to national hero was one that too many would make.
Stories of Ultimate Sacrifice and Unyielding Courage
The roll call of those who never returned is a somber reminder of the cost of war. The beautiful game lost some of its most promising talents. Arthur Beadsworth, a swift left winger for United, fell at the brutal Battle of Passchendaele. Bernard Donaghey, another United man, lost his life on the Western Front in 1916.
The tragedy touched Manchester City with equal force. Frank Booth, a cup winner with City, succumbed to his war injuries a year after the armistice. Thomas Farrell was killed in action during a brave assault on a fortified village, and the promising young defender Patrick Maguire perished that same year. Perhaps most famously, Alec ‘Sandy’ Turnbull, a star for both clubs who netted the first-ever goal at Old Trafford, participated in a nighttime raid and was never seen again, missing in action. In total, fifteen first-team players from across the two clubs are known to have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Moments of Hope and Heroism Amidst the Darkness
Even in the overwhelming horror of war, incredible stories of hope and bravery emerged to inspire those at home. There was the immense relief of Manchester City chairman John Chapman, who had begun to grieve for his son, Private Harry Chapman, only to receive the miraculous news that he had survived. Then there is the astounding tale of Manchester United’s kit man, Private John Readitt, who was awarded the Victoria Cross—the British Empire’s highest award for gallantry—for his actions that saved his entire battalion in the Middle East. These narratives of survival and supreme courage provided a crucial glimmer of light during the city’s darkest hours.
A Legacy Honored: Remembering Through Rivalry
The legacy of these men is kept alive today. In a powerful feature that underscores the deep connection between the clubs and this history, modern icons like Vincent Kompany, Gary Neville, Marcus Rashford, John Stones, Mike Summerbee, and Luke Shaw have lent their voices to tell these stories. Their participation bridges the decades, reminding everyone that the Manchester derby is more than a game; it’s a meeting of two clubs bound by a shared history that extends far beyond football.
As the two teams prepare to face each other on this most poignant of weekends, the remembrance poppies on their shirts will carry even greater significance. They are not just symbols of national remembrance but personal ones, honoring the specific young men who left their clubs and their city and never came back.
Manchester Remembers: A City’s Footballing Sacrifice
The stories of Manchester’s footballers in the Great War are a powerful reminder that some things are bigger than sport. The courage displayed by these men on the battlefield mirrors the passion we see on the pitch every week. As we reflect on this centenary, we remember the fifteen known first-team players and the hundreds of thousands who stood beside them. Their legacy is a permanent part of Manchester’s soul, a story of sacrifice that every fan of the beautiful game should know. What does this shared history mean to you? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below and explore more deeply researched features like this only on Baji live.
