This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Catcheside, Howard Carston OBE played for England Internationals: 8 : 1924 W+ (2t) I+ (2t) F+ (1t) S+ (1t) ; 1926 W= I- ; 1927 I+ S- Carston Catcheside was born on 18 August 1889 Played as a Wing for: Oundle School, Percy Park, Northumberland Profession: Ship broker/coal exporter War service: Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, from 15 August 1918. Remarks: He scored a most unusual try against France in the 1924 International v France. In the first half he was clear on the right wing with only, Laurent Pardo, the fullback, to beat. On seeing the Frenchman stoop in preparation to tackle him, Catcheside high-jumped over him and scored the try as he landed. Later in the match, the French right wing, J Ballarin, jumped over Bevan Chantrill, the England fullback to score in the same corner of the ground. On one occasion, he submitted his travel expenses for an International to the RFU for reimbursement, and rounded up the £2. 19s 11d railway fare to £3. 0. 0., only to receive a cheque for £2. 19s 11d . For his next International, he submitted a claim for: fare £2. 19s 11d; toilet 1d, total £3. 0. 0. He served during the 1939-1945 War as a Lieutenant Colonel – promoted to Colonel in 1945. OBE (Military) 1945. England selector 1936-1962 (Chairman 1951-1962). He died on ?
Howard Carston Catcheside (18 August 1899 in Sunderland – 10 May 1987 in Wandworth) was an English rugby union player. He was nicknamed 'Catchy'. He won eight caps for England. He played as a wing for Percy Park in Tynemouth and England. He made his England debut on the 19th January 1924 against Wales. That year he became the first player to score a try in each round of the then Five nations championship with two tries coming against Wales. This feat was not equalled by another Englishman until 2002 by Will Greenwood. His final game for England came against Scotland on the 10th March 1927. Between 1932 and 1940 he was honorary treasurer of the Northumberland Rugby Union. Carston "Catchy" Catcheside played on the wing eight times for England, making his debut against Wales in 1924 in the first match of that season's Grand Slam success. He also became the first player to score in all four rounds of the Five Nations, a feat not equalled until 2002. He played twice in 1926 as a fullback, returning to wing for his final outings in 1927. His last game was marred by an injury which led to him having to leave the field in a defeat by Scotland. Between 1932 and 1940 he was honorary treasurer of the Northumberland Rugby Union. http://www.scrum.com/england/rugby/player/3053.html Howard Carston Catcheside Rugby Union Player for England The 1924 England - France game saw two of the most unusual tries ever scored at Twickenham. Just before half-time, Carston Catcheside was sent clear on the right wing. He was not the fastest of wings but on seeing the French full-back stoop in preparation for a head on tackle, Catcheside coolly high-jumped over him and grounded the ball for a try as he landed. The move was catching. Later in the match the French right wing performed the same feat in the same corner of the ground, jumping over the England full-back. In the long history of the old Five Nations Championship, only five players managed to score a try in each match in the course of one season: Carston Catcheside, Arthur Wallace, Philippe Sella, Patrick Estève and, most recently, Gregor Townsend. Father: John James Howard Catcheside b: 1868 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England Mother: Florence Wilson Bush b: 1874 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England c: 27 NOV 1874 in St. Nicholas Church, Newcastle upon Tyne http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/37442/supplements/616/page.pdf
