Wigan Old Boys had re-formed in the 1913 -14 season, but those original twenty or so ‘Pioneers’ had their sporting aspirations cut short by events in Europe that ultimately brought our country to war. With no clubhouse at that time to convene at and with no longstanding serving committee or tried and tested administrative system the war was particularly disruptive for this club. Like all other Rugby Union clubs in 1914 following the outbreak of war all games ended and most players joined the colours. Following this tumultuous time the club once again managed to pick itself up and recommence again in 1921. It was only after the Second World War that we finally had a Memorial Roll of Honour in the Prospect Clubhouse, which we know is accurate for the lads lost in the Second World War. The First World War has just one name – Blair which Gordon Unsworth tells me was only included because it was carved on the fireplace at Prospect, a past player lost in the First War, not known to anyone so many years later. This week we can now remember one of our lads Sidney Blair, along with another of our lads William Dobinson MC who was also one of ‘The Pioneers’ in 1913, but with no memorial yet in this club. I suspect there may be other ‘Pioneers’ to be found lost in the mire of war their fate unknown to a nascent Wigan O. B. club at that time. We also remember the sacrifice of the WOB lads in the Second World War.
Please see the following two incredible stories of sacrifice