On Saturday 3 March 1934, the women’s teams of England and Wales met for an international hockey match at Merton Abbey, London. Reports promised excitement with England undefeated against Wales since their first match in 1914. Yet, amongst the rivalry and goals, perhaps the more interesting headline wasn’t the score – England’s 6-2 victory – but the clash of colours in their uniforms.

Picture it: two teams, both proud to play for their country, united in their official uniform of red stockings. With England donning cardinal red tunics (sometimes known as ‘gym-slips’) with white blouses and Wales sporting navy blue tunics with red blouses, the shared stockings blurred team distinctiveness, creating a sea of red chaos that left umpires squinting and spectators guessing. The modest red stockings sparked discussions over tradition, honour and practicality.

The Welsh team of 1932 in uniform matching what would have been worn in 1934. Imagine the players in navy blue tunics with red blouses and stockings. Photograph from Hockey Field and Lacrosse magazine.

Nelson’s Jolly Book For Girls, published 1934. The girls wear blue tunics of the style worn by the Wales and England international players in 1934. From The Hockey Museum library.

According to Marjorie Pollard, the Welsh were first to adopt red stockings as part of their official uniform. In the spirit of compromise, the All England Women’s Hockey Association’s (AEWHA) enthusiasm for correct uniform was demonstrated. A letter to the England players reveals that the AEWHA considered a simple change to black stockings unsuitable to resolve the lack of distinctiveness between the teams. Instead, they made the decision for England to wear green tunics borrowed from the Southern Counties’ Women’s Hockey Association, paired with black stockings and the three roses badge. For that match in 1934, the field transformed into a display of not only athletic prowess, but also a scene of red and green. If only the game had been played in December, it would have been a rather festive-looking match!

Letter to England international Beatrice Jane Dickenson from the All England Women’s Hockey Association’s (AEWHA) Hon. Secretary, Wilhelmina Baumann, explaining the resolution for the uniform clash, February 1934.