2014 marks the centenary of the start of the First World War and is the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. Whilst the playing of organised hockey was largely suspended during both World Wars, many, if not most, hockey players of these periods were involved in the conflicts in one way or another, be they men or women.
At The Hockey Museum we feel that the stories, actions and heroics of our hockey players should be recorded as part of the rich tapestry of our sport and especially in the anniversary year of 2014.
We are already aware of a few stories, but there must be hundreds, if not thousands, of stories to be told. Please help us to compile this fascinating part of hockey’s history by letting us know of anything that we could include.
It does not have to be bravery on the battlefield, although we hope to hear of some of these. Hockey continued to be played, albeit rather ad hoc. For instance, we know that well over 20,000 copies of the Rules of Hockey were sold during WW2.
Does anyone have recollections of matches played? Did a pitch get bombed? Who cared for the pitches and how? Was any hockey played recreationally in the Services as football certainly was?
By Mike Smith, August 2013
