1934-35 Friendlies

CLUB COLOURS v. BLUES
First Public Practice Match
Upton Park
9 - 1
11 August 1934
Att: 8,000

COLOURS (Fenton 3, Inns 2, Tonner [og], Wood)

Rutherford, Tonner, Inns, St Pier, Young, Musgrave, Wood, Morton, Fenton, Goulden, Ruffell

Note: Both forward lines changed sides at half-time, reflected in the scoring list.

BLUES (Gall 2, Foxall)

Conway, Collins E., Betts J., Boyd, Walker R., Anderson, Gall, Green, Mills, Foxall, Graham

REPORT:

CLUB COLOURS v. BLUES
Second Public Practice Match
Upton Park
4 - 1
18 August 1934

COLOURS (Fenton 2, Goulden 2, Morton)

Conway, Chalkley, Walker A., Collins, Walker R., Cockroft, Wood, Morton, Fenton, Goulden, Ruffell

BLUES (Green)

Watson G., Collins E., Betts J., Boyd, Young, Anderson, Gall, Green, Mills, Graham, Jardine

REPORT:

A.I.K. STOCKHOLM (Sweden)
Upton Park
6 - 1 (Watson 2, Barrett [pen], Foreman, Goulden, Morton)
26 November 1934

Conway

Chalkley

Walker A.

Fenton

Barrett

Cockroft

Foreman

Morton

Watson

Goulden

Ruffell

REPORT:

Directors copy

COLCHESTER TOWN
Layer Road
8 - 1 (Foxall 5, Musgrave, Tippett, Wood)
16 February 1935

Watson G.

Tonner

Wallbanks

Collins

Young

Musgrave

Wood

Graham

Foxall

Tippett

Gall

REPORT:

EAST HAM & WEST HAM J.O.C.
Upton Park
5 - 3 (Fenton 3, West W., Fogg)
23 April 1935

Turner B.

Inns T.

Newell R.

Clarke W.

West J.

Stevens L.

Fogg L.

Bunce G.

Fenton B.

West W.

Pearson J.

Annual Junior match versus the local J.O.C.'s proved a very pleasant affair both sides giving real good football.

FAIRBAIRN HOUSE OLD BOYS
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Graham, Watson)
29 April 1935

Rutherford

Young L.

Inns

Collins J.

Anderson

Boyd

Graham

Foxall

Watson V.

Green

Gall

The Hammers fielded a very strong XI against a team composed of old Fairbairn House Boys who have made good in first-class football. Vic Watson lead the lead the forward line. This may be his last match. It was our original intention to play a full first XI, and allow Barrett and Fenton to wear Fairbairn House colours, but the present League position prevents our risking players with so much at stake.
Reserve prices will be charged for this match, and the proceeds go to swell the funds of Fairbairn House Club, which is part of the Mansfield House University Settlement.

L.G.O.C. BROMLEY GARAGE
Gresford Colliery Disaster
Upton Park
8 - 0 (Fenton 5, Tippett 2, Kirk)
1 May 1935

Turner B.

Clarke N.

Newell R.

St Pier W.

Luchford R.

Walker

Kirk W.

Butterworth F.C.

Fenton B.

Tippett T.

Bunce G.

Almost a century ago one of the worst disasters in the history of British mining occurred at the Gresford Colliery, owned by the Westminster and United Collieries Group. The accident in the small mining village of Gresford in the Wrexham County Borough of Wales occurred in the early hours of Saturday 22 September 1934.

The colliery explosion, followed by extensive fires happened around 2am, at a time when many of the miners who had started their night shift at 10pm were taking their mid-shift break.

The mine operated in two main sections, the 'Dennis Main Deep' and the 'Slant'. The explosion caused by a build-up of gas occurred in the former, one of the deepest pits in the North Wales coalfields, one and three-quarter miles deep at its furthest point. The explosion was of such exceptional force and magnitude, the vibration was felt all over the district from the colliery. More than 300 men reached safety, the rest were cut off by a searing wall of flame.

Rescuers’ battled for forty hours against flame and increasingly frequent explosions and heavy accumulations of poisonous gas, reluctantly the decision to abandon rescue work was reached and the shaft was sealed.

The dead comprised 266 men and boys, some 800 children lost their fathers and more than 200 women lost their husbands and sweethearts. A larger number of men than is usual on a Friday night were down the mine at the time of the disaster in order to attend the Third Division match between Wrexham and Tranmere Rovers; they chose to work all night. Just before the Wrexham kick-off on the Saturday afternoon, the players and officials from both sides observed a two minutes' silence as a tribute to the victims.

As well as making a donation at the time to the victims’ families, on the 1 May 1935, a Hammers’ team comprising Reserve and ‘A’ team players opposed the local London General Omnibus Company at Bromley Garage at the Boleyn Ground to further boost the funds. The West Ham side triumphed 8-0 with Benny Fenton, brother of former manager Ted, scoring 5 of the goals.

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BARKING TOWN
Vicarage Field
5 - 1 (Foxall 2, Graham, Tippett, Wise)
2 May 1935

Rutherford

Tonner

Inns

Anderson

Young

Walker

Tippett

Foxall

Wise

Graham

Gall

REPORT:

WEST HAM UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB TOUR IN SWEDEN 1935

Recorded by Mr. A. C. DAVIS

After the visit of the A.I.K. of Stockholm to Upton Park last season we received an invitation to tour Sweden and, on Saturday. May 11th, our party, which included H. Conway, A, Chalkley, A. Walker, A. Tonner, J. Collins. E. Fenton, J. Barrett, J, Cockroft, J. Foreman. J. Morton. J, Marshall,

D. Mangnall, L. Goulden, J. Ruffell. C. Paynter, W. J. Cearns, F. R. Pratt, P. A. Enders, J. H. Rooff and A. C. Davis, boarded the Swedish Lloyd Turbine Steamer Suecia for Gothenburg.

The trip was a pleasant one till about 11 p.m, when we ran into a head wind, and from that time until early on Monday, May 11th hardly anyone was seen about. However, after an excellent breakfast, we landed at Gothenburg about 8.30 a.m., where we were welcomed by Mr. Linburg and other officials of the Football Alliance.

The arrival of the boat had been delayed and, with very little time to spare, taxis were taken to the railway station and we entrained for Stockholm.

As a contrast to the weather in England, we were only a short while on the journey when intermittent snowstorms were encountered which continued all the way, and we learned upon arrival that snow was unknown in May over a very long period.

A large number of Football Officials were waiting to welcome our party to the capital and introductions being completed, we proceeded to the Carlton Hotel which was our headquarters during the stay at Stockholm.

We were disappointed to hear that all Variety Shows were restricted, and as the snow showers continued, the evening was spent at Cinemas - the King's jubilee Processions being the prominent feature.

TUESDAY 14 MAY

The weather was much brighter, and a walk was taken through the old Town across Norrbro Bridge, on the right of which are the Houses of Parliament, while behind the Parliament buildings is the National Bank of Sweden—the oldest Bank in the world.

The Royal Palace, facing the bridge, is one of the finest; not only on account of its architecture, but also by reason of its associations and contents.

Stockholm is a beautiful city. Its situation is excellent, placed as it is in Lake Malar, in which more than 1,200 islands are to be found, and on its shores more than 200 Castles and Manors, and 106 Churches. Partly built on seven islands connected by bridges, the city rises in the middle of the stream formed by the outlet of the lake into the Baltic Sea.

It seems almost impossible to think of a more charming picture of a town than Stockholm presents. Nature and civilization have created a gem in a mixture of lake, stream, forest and wild cliffs.

The people of Stockholm almost entirely live in flats, as among a population of 500,000 we were informed that there are less than 100 private houses.

Our first match of the tour was fixed to take place this evening, and we left the hotel for the Stadium at 5.30 p.m. Snow showers were again in evidence, but this did not prevent the people turning out to witness what proved lo be a very exciting game.

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A.I.K. STOCKHOLM (Sweden)
Away
5 - 4 (Fenton 2, Morton 2, Marshall)
14 May 1935

Conway

Chalkley

Walker

Collins

Barrett

Cockroft

Morton

Marshall

Fenton

Goulden

Ruffell

The game started before 17,000 spectators, and after some delightful football Marshall scored with a very fine shot. Morton scored a second goal from the wing, the ball going into the net off one of the A.I.K. men. The Swedish players, however, made great efforts to turn the tide, and a ding-dong game resulted in seven more goals being scored before the final whistle went. The "Hammers" were victors by 5-4, our other goals being scored by Fenton (2) and Morton.

The Officials had the pleasure of being presented to Prince Charles upon his arrival at the Stadium, and at half-time His Royal Highness went on the field and shook hands with each of the players.

A Banquet was given after the match, the company including Messrs U. Salcho (President of A.I.K.). Berger Nielson, Capt. Rebenson (Secretary of the Swedish F.A.), and Mr. Bluett (of the British Legation). During the evening speeches were made by Mr. Salcho of the A.I.K. and W. J. Cearns of West Ham, emphasizing the great work football is doing in promoting friendship among nations, Mr. Bluett followed with a very fine resumé on trade relations and football, mentioning by the way a match he saw in Singapore between Malays and Royal Artillery in which the Malays, with bare feet, beat the Military in boots by 11 goals to 2.

Prince Charles is presented to the

players at half time

James Marshall scoring the first goal against AIK in Stockholm

WEDNESDAY 15 MAY

The Officials of the A. I. K. arranged a tour of Stockholm and, with an English-speaking guide, we left the hotel in a saloon coach. The principal building, and the one the Stockholm people are very proud of, is the Town Hall. We were shown over all the various rooms, and some wonderful effects were disclosed. Most lavishly developed is the facade towards Lake Malar, within which are situated the banqueting rooms, while nearest the lower end is a room containing expensive tapestries.

The largest room is the Golden Hall which occupies the entire length of the building, the walls being decorated with marble mosaics in which over four million pieces were used.

Continuing, we eventually arrived at the Djurgarden (Deer Park), and lunch was taken at the Bellmansro Restaurant, from the balcony of which a fine view of Stockholm is obtained.

Lunch over we had a look around the Zoo, and at 2.45 p.m. we left for a visit to the Tennis Hall, where King Gustave and the Crown Prince were in opposition on the Court at 3.0 p.m. The visit was semi-private, as very few people knew that the game was on. Our party was interested not only with the fact that Royalty were in opposition, but in the manner in which the King, who is 77 years of age, was playing like a young tennis expert.

Mr. Frank Pratt had not been very well and had been attended by Dr. Jim Marshall, who diagnosed that it was appendicitis. A specialist was called in and he ordered an immediate operation. Mr. Pratt was taken to the Serafimen Hospital where the operation was carried out at 6.0 p.m.

THURSDAY 16 MAY

Weather cold. We were invited by the firm of Ericsson & Company, telephone makers, to lunch, and at 11.30 a.m. a coach arrived to take our party to a restaurant where an excellent meal was served.

We were afterwards taken to look over the largest Automatic Telephone Exchange in the world, constructed by Messrs. Ericsson for the Swedish Government. Our party were conducted over the various parts of the building by Mr. Hedin, the Superintendent of Exchanges and Mr. G. Klemming (of Messrs. Ericsson's) who explained the working of the various parts, and it was uncanny to watch a section operating as the calls were coming through. The exchange is for 40,000 subscribers and only requires eight men to handle the whole place during 24 hours.

In Sweden there are over 1,500,000 telephones installed in a population of less than 7,000,000, owing, no doubt, to the very low rates charged, the lowest rate being £2 0s. 0d. per annum for 1,200 calls. Trunk calls are very cheap, for to ring up Gothenburg from Stockholm, a distance of 250 miles, only costs 9d.

Thanks are due to Messrs. Ericssons for arranging the visit, which was an education to all our party.

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NORRKOPING (Sweden)
Away
3 - 2 (Fenton, Marshall, Morton)
17 May 1935

Conway

Chalkley

Walker

Collins

Barrett

Cockroft

Foreman

Marshall

Fenton

Goulden

Morton

The second game of the tour was played at Norrkoping. a town of 65 000 people and termed the Manchester of Sweden. Norrkoping is situated on the banks of the Motala River. The journey - made by motor coach - was through delightful country. Passing en route a large number of beautiful lakes, a stop was made at Nykoping for lunch. After another 90 minutes' run we arrived at the Standard Hotel at 4.0 p.m. The kick-off was billed for 7 p.m.,

A fast and interesting game resulted in a win for the "Hammers" of 3 goals to 2, Marshall, Fenton and Morton scoring.

After the game dinner was taken at the Stromsholmen Restaurant, a popular summer resort, and we started our journey back to Stockholm at 11.0 p.m., arriving at the Carlton Hotel at 3.0 a.m. A welcome interlude on this journey was when the Stockholm Wireless Station closed down at 11.30 p.m., and a well-known voice announced that Roy Fox was playing in London; we had thirty minutes dance music and then Big Ben striking midnight.

SATURDAY 18 MAY

Raining, and all the party late rising. An invitation was accepted to visit the Trotting Races, and several of our party came away winners, A visit was later made to the Atlantic Restaurant in company with our Swedish friends.

SUNDAY 19 MAY

The weather showed some improvement. Most of our party went to the Races, while two or three preferred to watch the match between A.I.K. and Helsingborg, a fast and exciting game ending in a draw - 3 all.

MONDAY 20 MAY

A trip was arranged to Saltsjobaden, the fashionable suburb for wealthy Stockholmers, and it is indeed one of the most beautiful pleasure grounds in Europe. Hills and valleys shaded by old trees, quiet romantic paths, and views of wonderful beauty of the Lake and the picturesque hills beyond.

The boat trip takes about one hour through ever-changing scenery, passing under the largest concrete bridge in Northern Europe.

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STOCKHOLM COMBINED XI (Sweden)
Away
1 - 0 (Barrett [pen])
21 May 1935

Conway

Chalkley

Walker

Fenton

Barrett

Cockroft

Morton

Marshall

Mangnall

Goulden

Ruffell

The last day in Stockholm and the date of our game versus a combined side of the City.

The game was a very poor one, neither side displaying anything like good football, and the result was a 1-0 win for West Ham, Barrett scoring from a penalty.

The teams and Officials dined together after the game, the Chairman being Mr. Anton Johansson (President of the Swedish Football Association). Other guests included Captain Gustav Rubensson (Secretary, F.A.). A very enjoyable evening was spent during which Mr. Johansson presented the players and Officials with medallions of Stockholm, and during his speech expressed the wish of all continental football Officials that Great Britain would soon re-join the International Federation.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

An early breakfast as we were due to leave by the 8.45 train for Gothenburg. Several of our Swedish friends were on the platform to see us off and the weather having changed for the better, we settled down for the six hours' run from the East to the West side of the country.

Arriving at 3.0 p.m. we found a battery of Press cameras waiting, but we were soon at the Palace Hotel and had a general clean up. A visit was paid to the Liseburg Gardens - a " White City" run by the Municipal Council - and a very enjoyable evening was spent by all, Conway winning the cannon - throwing championship with six bulls-eyes consecutively.

THURSDAY 23 MAY

Palace Hotel luggage label

Brilliant sunshine. Gothenburg is the second largest town in Sweden, with a population of over 240,000; it is the shipping centre of the country. From 1730 to 1840 the Head Offices of the East India Company carried on extensive business from here.

The railway station is situated in the North section of the town, and passengers arriving come out on the Queen's Square where a number of tramway lines converge. Going across the square we reach Hotelplattsen where the Palace and Grand Hotels are located, and close by is Brunnsparken. The street life of Gothenburg is concentrated here.

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GOTHENBURG (Sweden)
Away
4 - 1 (Fenton, Foreman, Marshall, Morton)
23 May 1935

Conway

Chalkley

Walker

Collins

Barrett

Cockroft

Foreman

Marshall

Fenton

Goulden

Morton

A very good display of football was served up, the " Hammers" scoring twice in each half through Marshall, Fenton, Morton and Foreman, to Gothenburg's once.

An enjoyable time was spent with our Gothenburg friends after the game, the President of the Alliance presenting us with an inscribed cabinet to commemorate our visit.

FRIDAY 24 MAY

An excursion was arranged to Trollhattan, a town of about 15,000 inhabitants. Lunch was taken at the State Hotel and we were afterwards, by the courtesy of the Officials, allowed to see the inner working of the great Electric Power Station.

The fame of Trollhattan is due to its mighty waterfalls around which the town has developed, and to the magnificent wild scenery which makes the rocky canyon so attractive. The combined height of the falls is nearly 100 feet, and the length of the rapids about 2500 yards.

Owing to the increased requirement of power, the river channel has been deprived of a great deal of water, but on the other hand the imposing power plant and canal water arrangements have introduced two fresh attractions into Trollhattan which strike visitors with admiration,

The Trollhattan Power Station owned by the Swedish Government is the largest hydro-electric plant in Sweden, producing an installed turbine effect of 193,000 horsepower.

Visitors will be keenly interested in the efforts made at different periods to navigate boat traffic past the falls. Three canals have been built at different periods, the latest in 1916, which possesses the largest flight of locks in Europe.

SATURDAY 25 MAY

A busy morning shopping, as it was our last day in Sweden. Lunch over, we packed and sent our baggage to the S.S. Britannia. After a cordial leave-taking of our Gothenburg friends the ship left the quay at 6.30 p.m. en route for home.

SUNDAY 26 MAY

Glorious sunshine. The S.S. Britannia was filled to capacity. Among the passengers were Princess Helena Victoria, Prince Arthur of Connaught, Lady Patricia Ramsey and Colonel Thornton (Aide-de-Camp), who were returning to London after the Royal wedding at Stockholm. Some of our party took part in the various deck games during the day, whilst at night various other amusements were indulged in.

Very slow progress was made during the day owing to fog, visibility being restricted to 100 yards. However, the ship must have a large margin in the time allowed for the trip, as we arrived off Tilbury at 6.0 a.m. on Monday, May 27th and a very successful tour was completed, thanks to the following Swedish gentlemen who gave a lot of time and assistance to make our stay an enjoyable one:-

Messrs, Gosta Josephson, IL Salcho, Berger Neilson, J Jonason of Stockholm ; and Messrs, A. Linberg and J, Gibson of Gothenburg,

We also desire to record our appreciation to the Matrons and Nurses of the Serafirmin Hospital, Stockholm, for the attention paid to Mr. Pratt during the time he was in their care.

S.S. Britannia

OTHER MATCHES at UPTON PARK

WEST HAM BOYS v. HESTON & ISLEWORTH :
English Schools Shield (2nd Round Replay)
? - ?
?? October 1934

WEST HAM BOYS (?)

Line-up Unknown

HESTON & ISLEWORTH (?)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. ACTON, BRENTFORD & CHISWICK
Sun Shield Semi-Final
0 - 0
16 February 1935

WEST HAM BOYS

Line-up Unknown

ACTON, BRENTFORD & CHISWICK BOYS

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. WALTHAMSTOW
E.C.C. Semi-Final
5 - 0
13 April 1935

WEST HAM BOYS

Line-up Unknown

WALTHAMSTOW

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

PRODUCT WORKS v. WOODSTONE ATHLETIC : East Ham Hospital Cup Final
? - ?
19 April 1935

PRODUCT WORKS (?)

Line-up Unknown

WOODSTONE ATHLETIC

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

MESSERS CEARNS Ltd v. GROSS, SHERWOOD & HEALD :
London Commercial Football League Trophy
? - ?
4 May 1935

MESSERS CEARNS Ltd (?)

Line-up Unknown

GROSS, SHERWOOD & HEALD (?)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

HAY'S WHARF v. PORT of LONDON :
Charity Match for Alderman Devenay's Poplar Hospital Bed Endowment Fund
? - ?
6 May 1935

HAY'S WHARF (?)

Line-up Unknown

PORT of LONDON (?)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. EAILING : ESFA Trophy (Divisional Final)
? - ?
Date Unknown

WEST HAM BOYS (?)

Line-up Unknown

EAILING (?)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

1933-34 Friendlies

1934-35 Index

1935-36 Friendlies