List of England rugby union footballers killed in the World Wars facts for kids

This page lists brave rugby players from England who played for their country and sadly lost their lives during the two big global conflicts, the First World War and the Second World War. These players were known for their skills on the rugby field, representing England in international matches. Each player's name is listed, along with how many times they played for England (called "caps"). Sometimes, you'll see a second number, which means they also played for the British & Irish Lions team.

Rugby Heroes of the World Wars

Players Lost in the First World War

During the First World War, 27 rugby players who had represented England tragically died. Here are their names and some details:

• Harry Alexander; (7 caps) He passed away on October 17, 1915, at 35 years old.
• Henry Berry; (4 caps) He passed away on May 9, 1915, at 32 years old.
• Henry Brougham; He passed away on February 18, 1923, at 34 years old, due to injuries from the war.
• Arthur James Dingle; (3 caps) He passed away on August 22, 1915, at 23 years old.
• George Eric Burroughs Dobbs; (1 cap) He passed away on June 17, 1917, at 32 years old.
• Leonard Haigh; (7 caps) He passed away on August 6, 1916, at 29 years old.
• Reginald Harry Myburgh Hands; (2 caps) Known as "Reggie Hands," he passed away on April 20, 1918, at 29 years old. He was from South Africa and played both cricket for South Africa and rugby for England.
• Arthur Leyland Harrison VC; (2 caps) He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. He passed away on April 23, 1918, at 32 years old.
• Harold Augustus Hodges; (2 caps) He passed away on March 24, 1918, at 32 years old.
• Rupert Edward Inglis; (3 caps) He passed away on September 18, 1916, at 53 years old.
• Percy Dale Kendall; (3 caps) He passed away on January 21, 1915, at 34 years old.
• John Abbott King; (12 caps) He passed away on August 9, 1916, at 32 years old.
• Ronald Lagden; (1 cap) He passed away on March 3, 1915, at 26 years old.
• Douglas Lambert; (7 caps) He passed away on October 13, 1915, at 32 years old.
• Alfred Frederick Maynard; (3 caps) He passed away on November 13, 1916, at 22 years old.
• Edgar Roberts Mobbs; (7 caps) Known as "Mobbsy," he passed away on July 29, 1917, at 37 years old.
• William Moore Bell Nanson; (2 caps) He passed away on June 4, 1915, at 34 years old.
• Francis Eckley Oakeley; (4 caps) He passed away on November 25, 1914, at 23 years old.
• Robert Pillman; (1 cap) He passed away on July 9, 1916, at 23 years old.
• Ronald William Poulton-Palmer; (17 caps) Known as "Ronnie Poulton," he passed away on May 5, 1915, at 25 years old.
• John Raphael; (9 caps for England, 1 cap for the Lions) He passed away on June 11, 1917, at 35 years old.
• Reginald Oscar Schwarz MC; (3 caps) Known as "Reggie Schwarz," he passed away on November 18, 1918, at 43 years old. He also played cricket for South Africa and rugby for England.
• Lancelot Slocock; (8 caps) He passed away on August 9, 1916, at 29 years old.
• Francis Nathaniel Tarr; (4 caps) He passed away on July 18, 1915, at 27 years old.
• Alexander Todd; (2 caps for England, 4 caps for the Lions) He passed away on April 21, 1915, at 41 years old.
• James Henry Digby Watson; (3 caps) He passed away on October 15, 1914, at 24 years old.
• Charles Edward Wilson; (1 cap) He passed away on September 17, 1914, at 43 years old.
• Arthur James Wilson; (1 cap) He passed away on July 1, 1917, at 29 years old.

Players Lost in the Second World War

During the Second World War, 15 rugby players who had played for England sadly died. Here are their names:

• Brian Black (10 caps for England, 5 caps for the Lions)
• Lewis Alfred Booth (7 caps)
• Paul Cooke (2 caps)
• Vivian Gordon Davies (2 caps)
• H.D. Freakes (3 caps)
• R.A. Gerrard (14 caps)
• W. G. E. Luddington (13 caps)
• Robert Michall Marshall (5 caps)
• John Selwyn Moll (2 Lions caps)
• Alexander Obolensky (4 caps)
• Ernest Ian Parsons (1 cap)
• Henry Rew (10 caps for England, 4 caps for the Lions)
• Christopher Champain Tanner (5 caps)
• Derek Edmund Teden (3 caps)
• N.A. Wodehouse (14 caps)

See also

• List of international rugby union players killed in World War I