As the UK marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of WWII in Europe, Football Remembers WWII is releasing four films. In each film, posted on the Premier League website, Academy players interview WWII veterans who also played professionally for their respective clubs.
Alongside the films, youth players from across the country have sent their messages for the nation’s WWII veterans which are being shared on social media, spearheading a national call to action.
The Veterans
Arthur House played in goal for Southampton FC during World War II. He served in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. While on service Arthur injured his arm, ending all hopes of a return to football after the war. Arthur passed away on 28 July 2019. He was 99 years old. You can watch the film here.
‘Arthur House with academy players from Southampton FC’
Josser Watling served in the Royal Navy during World War II and was part of the Russian convoy. After the war, Josser signed for Bristol Rovers and devoted his entire career to the Club. You can watch the film here.
‘Josser watching his Football Remembers WWII Film with Southampton FC historian, David Bull’
Gordon Astall played for Plymouth Argyle, Birmingham City, Torquay United and England. During the war he served in the Royal Marines and was stationed in Plymouth. Today, Gordon is living with dementia but he still enjoys talking about football. You can watch the film here.
Earlier this year Football Remembers released the film of Watford FC Academy players meeting Tony Collins. Tony signed for Watford FC twice and also played for Crystal Palace FC. He went on to become the first black-heritage manager in the English Football League at Rochdale and later was scouted for Manchester Utd and England. You can watch the film here.
Send a message
Dozens of academy players have written poems, drawn pictures and paid tribute to WWII veterans in the build up to VEDay75, and spear-heading the public call to action.
Everyone is welcome to share their message for our World War II veterans. Use the hashtag #FootballRemembers #VEDay75 #GetInTouch or by uploading it here
‘Joe from Sunderland AFC with his message for the nation’s veterans’
Football Remembers WWII is a partnership between the Premier League through the Education Programmes and Big Ideas. Find out more about VEDay and how you can take part in the national commemorations at home here. More Football Remembers films will be released to mark VJ Day 75 – the end of the war in Japan – and in the build up to Remembrance Sunday in November.