Season 2011-12 Fan Articles

In Grateful Remembrance

On Friday, 11th November at the eleventh hour, Evertonians and others will gather to pay their respects to an exceptional group of young men, players from here and from Chile who gave their lives in the two World Wars. The service will begin at 10.40 at the Plaque based at the Park End at Goodison Park. All are welcome.

Research on the seven who feature on the Plaques ? an identical one in Spanish is destined for the Sausalito Stadium in Viña del Mar, home of Everton Chile ? was carried out by Dr David France, Dr John Rowlands, Paul Wharton, John Shearon, Frank Gorman and Linda Lines. The names were carved with impeccable skill by master mason John Smith of Crosby Memorials. The plaques were paid for by Elizabeth France, wife of Dr France, who is currently in poor health; we wish her a speedy recovery.

The following all played for Everton FC: Brian Atkins, Airman and gunner killed on duty in 1944, Thomas Gracie, who also played for Liverpool and fought with the Royal Scots, Leigh Richmond Roose a charismatic goalkeeper killed on the Western front in 1917, Bill Sumner, a winger and pilot who died in an accident in India in 1944 and Wilfred Toman, who died fighting with the King?s regiment on the Western Front. Frank Boundy and Malcolm Fraser, were founder members of Everton Chile in 1909and had British roots which drew them from Chile to Europe to volunteer; they both died at the Somme in 1916.

Some were barely out of their teens, heroes on the pitch and certainly on the battlefield. This is why Dr France and the Everton Shareholders? Association decided to create a lasting memorial.

The service at Goodison will be conducted by Reverend Harry Ross and taking part will be representatives of the Club and the Shareholders? Association as well as representatives from a number of regiments for whom the seven fought.

On the other side of the world, at Chile Everton?s Sausalito Stadium, a similar service of dedication and commemoration will take place on Sunday, 13th November (11:00 local time) with John Shearon representing the Shareholders Association, The Ruleteros Society and Evertonians generally. Here, the service will also be attended by members of the British community, Club officials as well as Everton supporters groups.

Download a pdf copy of the Full Memorial Booklet [2.5 MB]

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