Every year, nearly 100 club members gather in the clubhouse on Remembrance Sunday to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
It is a simple and sometimes moving gathering designed for all. All faiths and those with no faith are welcome.
Attendance is the most important thing so the dress is casual, including rugby kit if you have been playing that morning. Whilst not essential, veterans and service personnel are encouraged to wear regimental ties and medals.
We have grown the numbers over the years and would like to continue that trend - please do come along.
Timings 2026: 1300 arrival for 1320 start. At 1415 there is a free curry buffet following service for all attendees.
Date: This year we are gathering on 8 November 2026.
Theme: The service in 2026 will be themed around TBC and as always, we will be doing a ‘Rugby at War’ address
Players & Members of Aylesbury Rugby Football Club Called up to Serve in the Two World Wars
With thanks to article author: Peter Bannard (2025)
Captain G.L.T (Tom) Robinson* joined the 10th Royal Hussars during World War I. He was awarded the Military Cross (M.C.) for his bravery in battle and returned home after being wounded at Gallipoli. His eldest son J.M.(Mike) Robinson* joined the Royal Engineers at nineteen and was sent to Persia and Iraq.
Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars – 1914
William (Bill) A. Nelson* and Tom Garside was commissioned into the 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry on the 1st September 1939, captured in France he returned on the 10th May 1945. Bill later worked as an area representative for a corn merchants and millers’ firm, but no further information is available about Tom.
Bill Marshall served in the Royal Artillery ultimately commanding a regiment. Afterward he returned home and later relocated to Durham.
Robert (Bob) Mathews was Vice President of the Club for many years and served in the Intelligence section of the 1st Bucks Battalion. Captured in 1940 and imprisoned at Knurow, he befriended fellow prisoner Tim Mahoney and together they escaped. After losing touch upon returning to England, they reunited in 2000 as reported by the Bucks Herald.
(Picture Right) Bob Matthews (bottom), with Tim Mahoney in the Knurow prison camp
Derek (‘Chuck’) Thrower served as Club Captain in 1948. He was a recognized player in the rugby field representing Roslyn Park and participating in a trial for England. Thrower taught at Queen’s Park then moved to the Grange School. He became the Headmaster at Misbourne School in Great Missenden. During the war he served in the R.A.F. he was captured by the Germans and held in a P.O.W. camp. He was released at the end of the war and returned home.
Claude Davey was called up for service. After the war he worked for Aylesbury Electricity. Occasionally he was allowed time off work to play for Aylesbury. His employer did not give him time off to play for London Welsh except when it came to his international duties for which he was always granted leave.
Joe Hill was a RAF Warrant Officer in the Catering Corps at RAF Halton at the beginning of the War.
He was also stationed in various parts of the United Kingdom and Scotland, where he organised catering operations for military camps during the Second World War, ensuring effective provisions for the troops. Additionally, he served in Nairobi and Aden. He retired after approximately 30 years’ service.
Joe and his wife resided on Pound Street in Wendover, where they raised five daughters. His granddaughter continues to live in Wendover and her ex-husband and son actively involved with the Club. Other grandchildren also participate in Club activities.
Peter Deavin – Lieutenant 132063 Royal Engineers - MC : joined the 249 Field Company of the Royal Engineers Territorial Army and was mobilised at the start of World War II. He attended the Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) in December 1939 and was commissioned in May 1940 and became a Lieutenant. Although initially posted to France he did not go to France as Dunkirk was being evacuated. He then worked on defences in England. On the 24th/25th October 1942 he was transferred to El Alamein in the Middle East and served in the Western Desert until the conclusion of the North African Campaign. During this time, he was wounded twice and awarded the Military Cross (MC), and he was also mentioned in despatches. He was later sent back to England where he served as an OCTU instructor.
Lt Deavin - Military Cross Citation El Alamein 1942 – 24th / 25th October 1942
Award: Awarded Military Cross., The London Gazette, 4 February 1943.
Action for which commended:-
On the night 24th/25th October 1942 this officer commanded the party detailed to clear the southern gap in the minefield. His party came under heavy shell fire before the minefield was reached; two of his carriers receiving direct hits. When clearing operations started, heavy machine gun and mortar fire was experienced and further casualties were inflicted, including both Sgt’s of the party. When setting up lane markers and lamps, the party was sniped. Lieutenant Deavin, with great courage and coolness, continuously reorganised his parties despite the loss of 3 NCOs and kept work going. Finally, completing his gap, he carried out a recce to locate on the enemy side of the minefield. Without this officer’s personal leadership and devotion to duty, the task could not have been carried out.
Other Club Members & Players Called Up:-
Percy Black, Laurence Viney (Son of Oscar Viney), Bill Armitage, John G. A. Lucas M.C, Geoffery P. H. Lucas, Chris Batchelor, N. S. Banks, F. E. C. Child, T. M. Meyer, John Meyer, R. Pollard, E. F. Poole, C. A. Stroud, Jimmy W. Robins*, R. E. Wilkins, G. T. O. Jones, P. L. Parrott, N. Parrott, A. W. Tobbs, R. C. Batchelor, Allan Claude Wallace*, K. Coster, V. G. Stubbs, Mervyn Snipper, Rev Fred Britnell, Ted Britnell, John Harrison, John Newman and Frank Phillips. * = Aylesbury Rugby Football Club Life Member
The Second World War plaque at Twickenham was unveiled on the 28th April 1951 by H.R.H Princess Elizabeth. It commemorates all rugby players who lost their lives during the Second World War.
During the Second World War Ron Ostler managed the Rugby Club’s administrative tasks. He held the position of Vice-Chairman until 1960 and was then appointed Chairman.
Towards the end of World War II several Welshmen moved to Aylesbury to work at International Alloys and other factories. They played rugby at Aylesbury Rugby Football Club mainly competing against the RAF.
Aylesbury XV 1945 – 1946 at Baggett’s Field
Back Row: Mr. Garside (Ref), Canerford, Thompson, Morris, Henry, Price (Linesman), Hillesden, Sharpe, Fountaine, Jackman, Morris, S. Baggott.
Front Row: Kingsbury, Davies, Beale, Williams, Barry, Williams.
