Everton History Harry Williams — Death of a Mascot Aside from the iconic Toffee Lady, Everton supporters in the 1930s also possessed two unofficial mascots. Harry Williams of Westminster Road, Kirkdale, was one. Rob Sawyer 31/05/2017 6comments | Jump to last Aside from the iconic Toffee Lady, Everton supporters in the 1930s also possessed two unofficial mascots. Harry Williams of Westminster Road, Kirkdale, and his near neighbour, William Jones, would “play up” for Blues fans both home and away. Williams would wear his trademark mock policeman's uniform, decorated with the club colours whilst Jones would don a blue and white chess-board suit. In the days before fences and enclosures, the firm friends were often permitted to “conduct” the crowds from the cinder path bordering the pitch. Harry Williams in a policeman's uniform at Pear Tree StationWhen Everton travelled to St Andrew's on 11 February 1939 for a FA Cup 5th round fixture against Birmingham City — the “blues brothers” were determined to entertain fellow fans and be entertained by the champions-elect. Press photographers captured Harry Williams in his trademark bobby outfit (with the number 9 emblazoned on the lapels) but, sadly, tragedy would strike. The Liverpool Evening Express described how 44-year-old Williams was walking with a crowd towards the stadium when a Birmingham supporter snatched his helmet from his head. Williams turned to give chase and, in doing so, was struck by a passing Birmingham Corporation bus. He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. William Jones was oblivious as to the fate that had befallen his pal until advised inside the ground. Nevertheless he was urged by the crowd to put aside his distress and perform, what the Evening Express described as, “his usual antics”. This he duly did. “I shall give up at the end of the season,” Jones told a reporter afterwards. The match itself ended in a 2-2 draw, with Everton's diddy men — Stevenson and Boyes - getting the goals for the visitors. The inquest into Williams' death was held the following Wednesday, the same day that Everton beat their opponents 2-1 in the Cup replay staged at Goodison Park. Article continues below video content In what must have been a poignant moment for harry William's friends, Everton returned to the Midlands a few weeks later, for the Cup quarter final against Wolves. There would be no happy ending, however, as Stan Cullis and co. won 2-0 on a muddy Molineux pitch.With thanks to Billy Smith (Blue Correspondent) for the images and newspaper transcript. Follow @EvertonHeritage Share article: Reader Comments (6) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Philip Braithwaite 1 Posted 31/05/2017 at 20:29:05 A word to all you new/semi-old Everton supporters. Just look at the thousands of blues fans, seemingly, without a negative thought in view. Oh how it is so different from today. Let's be positive in this, hopefully, exciting time...ps: I am not as old as the fans in the picture. Stan Schofield 2 Posted 01/06/2017 at 08:48:58 Philip, in my opinion, people don't really change, mate. The organisation of them changes, but not people themselves. I recall when Alan Ball hit a spell of bad form after the '70 World Cup, a fair few people in the crowd were barracking him. You get narks in all eras. John Raftery 3 Posted 01/06/2017 at 11:03:15 Very true, Stan. Less than 18 months after he scored the winning goal in the '66 Cup Final, Derek Temple's name was booed by the crowd before a home game against Leeds. Martin Nicholls 4 Posted 03/06/2017 at 08:11:57 Nice article. RIP Harry! Gerry Quinn 5 Posted 17/06/2017 at 15:24:03 Very poignant article, Rob...may Harry RIP.And for all those who gave their lives in the wars, our club is asking for us all to visit those graves of fallen Everton players (and fans) wherever we can worldwide next year – lovely thought, nice one Everton...http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/06/16/blues-to-remember-war-heroes Paul Rigby 6 Posted 30/06/2017 at 20:43:38 The blue-and-white-Harlequin tradition endured post-WWII. Here's a glimpse of Everton's away support at Chelsea in the 4th round of the FA Cup in January 1949: http://youtu.be/fRXiiTsadws?t=93William Jones' successor? Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads © Rob Sawyer. All rights reserved.