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 Grylls, William Michell (‘Tiny’) played for England Internationals: 1 : 1905 I- William Grylls was born on 9 January 1885 Played as a Lock for: Haileybury and Imperial Service College, RMA Sandhurst, Redruth, The Army, Cornwall Profession: Indian Army; commissioned on 5 August 1905. In 1912 he was assessed as being “A very promising officer in every way”. War service: Captain, 52nd Sikhs, Frontier Force, Indian Army, from 22 September 1914. From 29 July 1918 he was Second in Command of the 52nd Sikhs. Remarks: A fine cricketer and first class centre-half at hockey. He reached rank of Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the 2nd Sikhs, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, from 1930 to 1934; his final report assessed him as “An excellent battalion commander in every respect”. His father, Henry Grylls, was the founder of Redruth RFC. He died in April or May 1963.
Extracts from The Times 17th December 1904 showing him playing for "The South" Also from 3rd August 1903 listing him playing cricket for Hailerybury
Different date of death according to Scrum Full name - William Mitchell Grylls Born - January 9, 1885, Redruth Died - December 2, 1962 Wokingham aged 77 Major teams - England Position - Lock The 1905 Home Nations Championship was the twenty-third series of the rugby union Home Nations Championship. Six matches were played between 14 January and 18 March. It was contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Wales won the Championship and the Triple Crown for the fourth time. Nine months later the 1905 Wales team faced and beat the touring New Zealand team, in a match dubbed 'The Game of the Century'. WM Grylls (Redruth) played for England in the Ireland vs. England game February 11th 1905 ... Ireland won 17-3 ! Really dark photo ... but a photo nonetheless !!
