Season in Hell: British Footballers Killed in the Second World War

Professional football was officially suspended at the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, and many players enlisted in the Armed Forces. Of those who joined up, 80 were to die, including English International Tom Cooper, Alan Fowler, and Herbie Robert. This powerful and evocative memorial book traces the footballing and military careers of these talented men who sacrificed all for King and Country.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Professional football came to a halt with the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939. As their contracts were terminated, players were granted the freedom to enlist in the Armed Forces. By April 1940, a significant number of players had already joined the Army, with 514 enlistments, 84 in the RAF, and 31 in the Royal Navy. Numerous others also contributed to the war effort, with one factory in Oldbury boasting 18 West Bromwich Albion players. Tragically, out of those who joined up, 80 individuals lost their lives. Among the fallen were English International Tom Cooper, who had played for Liverpool, Derby County, and Port Vale, Alan Fowler of Swindon Town, who tragically passed away after D-Day service with the Dorsets, and Herbie Robert of Arsenal. Many of these players were household names, akin to the current superstars Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney. In this poignant and deeply moving memorial book, the author delves into the footballing and military careers of these remarkable men, who selflessly sacrificed everything for their King and Country.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473827134