This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who died during 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 Poeydebasque, Jean François played for France Internationals: 2 : 1914 I- W- François Poeydebasque was born on 7 January 1891 in Bayonne Played as a Centre/Scrum half for: Bayonne War service: Sergent, 249ème Regiment d’Infanterie He was killed in action on 21 December (?) 1914 on the Aisne.
The French Federation says he died 21st September 1914 François POEYDEBASQUE International number: 104 Date of birth: 07/01/1891 Date of First Selection: 01/01/1914 against Ireland Was Captain: No Selection Number: 2 Club: Rowing Bayonnais Position: Center Height: 1m74 Weight: 74kg Comment: also played a half opening Sergeant Infantry Regiment Fell to the enemy in the Aisne 21-09-1914
Thought this maybe of interest - the Basque Monument- 249ème Regiment d’Infanterie is remembered there ! http://www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_chemin_29.htm
His casualty record doesn't help - it looks like he was killed on 21.14.14! The middle number certainly doesn't look like a 9. Other references simply say he died in the 1914-1918 War. Gareth
