This weekend, Midsomer Norton RFC will remember the seven members of our club who lost their lives during the Second World War.
The club was still in its infancy when war began in 1939. In the years leading up to the war, MNRFC had been strengthened by soldiers from the Devon Regiment stationed in Midsomer Norton, whilst servicemen returning home on leave were always welcomed for a game. When war broke out, players from our fledgling club were called into action. Sadly, not all would return.
This year’s commemorations are particularly significant, as two additional names have been added to the club’s Roll of Honour: Sjt William Koomen and Plt Officer Donald Harvey DFM.
For decades, the club believed that five of its members had lost their lives during the war. However, former player Graeme King has spent the past couple of years researching the impact of the conflict on our club and has uncovered records of two further members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We are hugely grateful to Graeme for his considerable efforts in ensuring these men are properly remembered. His research into all seven members will be available to view at the club throughout the weekend.
As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will be observed before our matches on Saturday, whilst our Minis and Juniors will hold a silence at 11am on Sunday.
Serving club member Ethan Hawkins will also lay a wreath on behalf of the club at the Midsomer Norton War Memorial as part of the town’s commemorations.
For our tomorrow, they gave their today.
