A ceremony to re-dedicate the Chesterfield FC War Memorial, in the Memorial Garden at the SMH Group Stadium, took place earlier this week.
The names of five further men were added to the 16 already recognised on the memorial stone as having lost their lives serving the wars of the last century.
The 21 men – 14 from the first war and seven from World War Two – either played for the club or were officials. The players made appearances ranging from 1895 to 1939. The date was picked as it was the 80th anniversary of the death of the 1936 championship captain Allan Sliman. Sergeant Sliman died of wounds after his Lancaster was hit returning from Potsdam.
The ceremony was well supported by the local branches of the Royal British Legion. Wreaths were laid by club chairman Mike Goodwin and Joe Roberts of the Royal British Legion, with the exhortation delivered by Martin Thacker.
In the Ernie Moss Room at the HUB, heritage officer Peter Whiteley spoke with club historian Stuart Basson about the memorial and football in wartime. Biographies of the men commemorated were recounted by some at the event including, CEO John Croot, who served with the Royal Signals and trustee Maria Starkie, who is a reservist with the Intelligence Corps.
Photos take by club photographer Tina Jenner at the event can be viewed by clicking on the ‘play’ button below.