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 Eddison, John Horncastle MC played for England Internationals: 4 : 1912 W+ I+ S- F+ (1t) John Eddison was born on 25 August 1888 in Edinburgh Played as a Forward for: Ilkley Grammar School, Bromsgrove School, Headingley, Barbarians, Yorkshire Profession: Insurance official for the North British and Mercantile Insurance Co Ltd. He worked in the Leeds office from 1907, the was Resident Inspector at Huddersfield in 1912, local manager at Belfast in 1914, then Aberdeen in 1919, then Newcastle on Tyne in 1927, before becoming Manager for Scotland in 1938. He returned to the company after the 1939-1945 War and retired in 1951. War service: Lieutenant, later Major, Royal Field Artillery, 49th (West Riding) Division; Mentioned in Despatches; MC Gazetted 1 January 1916. Remarks: Played for Yorkshire (0-24) v the 1908-1909 Wallabies. Played for Barbarians: v Leicester (11-15) in 1912; v Cardiff (0-10) in 1913. Referee at County Championship level. He served in the Home Guard during the 1939-1945 War. One of the longest lived international players. He died on 18 November 1982 in Edinburgh
Snippets * 1912 * In its seventh season of international matches there are strong signs that French rugby is making great strides. Their 18-8 defeat by England in Paris was one of their best defensive performances at Test level up to that time. England crossed for four tries however, through centre John Birkett, wings Henry Brougham and Alan Roberts and forward John Eddison. * Medal card of Eddison, John Horncostle Royal Field Artillery Lieutenant Royal Field Artillery Major Date 1914-1920 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/...asp?Edoc_Id=2873042&queryType=1&resultcount=3 * If you were interested enough I wonder if an email here might glean extra information ?? http://www.worksmart.org.uk/company/company.php?id=SC011476#Company_details * Or check out the Archives !! http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=B12769
