Richard McFadden facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Richard McFadden | ||
| Date of birth | 1889 | ||
| Place of birth | Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 23 October 1916 (aged 27) | ||
| Place of death | near Serre-lès-Puisieux, France | ||
| Height | 5 ft 7 in | ||
| Playing position | Striker | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1910–1911 | Blyth | ||
| 1911 | Wallsend Park Villa | ||
| 1911–1915 | Clapton Orient | 137 | (66) |
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Richard McFadden was a Scottish footballer born in 1889. He became a famous striker for Clapton Orient, now known as Leyton Orient. He was their best goal scorer for four years in a row, from 1911 to 1915. Sadly, Richard died during World War I in 1916, at just 27 years old. He was known for his bravery both on the football field and in real life.
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Early Football Days
Richard McFadden moved from Scotland to Blyth when he was a boy. He started his football career in November 1910 with a team called Blyth Spartans. This team played in the Northern League, which was a football league in the north of England.
After playing for Blyth, he moved to another team called Wallsend Park Villa. In May 1911, Richard joined Clapton Orient. He scored a goal in his very first game for them on September 2nd, against Derby County. What a great start!
Becoming a Star Striker
Richard quickly became a key player for Clapton Orient. In his first season, he scored 19 goals, which was a new record for the club! He broke his own record in his last season, 1914–1915, by scoring 21 goals. Even in the years between, he was always Clapton Orient's top scorer.
In November 1914, Richard played for a special team called the Southern XI against the England national team. He scored the only goal in that game. A reporter from the Daily Express newspaper said that Richard was the "outstanding player on the field." This means he was the very best player there.
A Hero Off the Pitch
Richard McFadden wasn't just a hero on the football field. He also showed great bravery in his everyday life. In 1912, he saved an 11-year-old boy from drowning in the River Lea. For this brave act, he received a special medal from the Mayor of Hackney.
Even before joining Clapton Orient, Richard had risked his life to help others. He bravely rescued a man from a burning building. These stories show that Richard was a truly courageous person.
Serving in World War I
When World War I began, professional football games were stopped. Many players decided to join the army to fight for their country. Richard McFadden was one of them. He joined the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. This special group was known as the "Footballers' Battalion" because it had about 40 other players and staff from Clapton Orient.
Richard was a very good soldier and rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. This meant he was a leader for many other soldiers.
Battle of the Somme
During the terrible Battle of the Somme in July 1916, Richard saw his childhood friend and teammate, William Jonas, die. Just a few weeks later, Richard himself was injured. After he got better, he bravely went back to the front lines. He even earned the Military Medal for his courage.
However, on October 22, 1916, Richard McFadden was badly hurt by an explosion from a shell while leading his men. He died from his injuries the next day in a field hospital. He was only 27 years old.
Remembering a Hero
Richard's death was a sad loss for the football world. Other clubs, like Arsenal, mentioned his bravery in their official programs. The Manchester Football Chronicle newspaper wrote, "In civil life he was a hero, and he proved himself a hero on the battlefield." Richard McFadden is buried at Couin British Cemetery in France.
