hartlepool history logo
close button

1908 - British Lions in Australia & New Zealand

What we know about this image :

Frederick Ernest Chapman, then a Westoe player but later playing for Hartlepool Rovers from 1912 , is in this group, second row up, third from right. 

This British Isles XV was drawn from only English and Welsh players only as Scotland and Ireland declined to take part owing to disputes over monies concerned with touring sides in the UK., but the tour is still seen as a “Lions” tour as they played tests against New Zealand.

F S Jackson, a “Cornishman”, who played for Leicester and England and had played against Durham County for Cornwall in the 1908 County Final when they ran out winners by 17 – 3. He was declared a professional whilst on the tour and ordered home, he however left the ship in South Africa to return to New Zealand where he married into the Maori , their children going on to represent the All Blacks and become prominent in Maori affairs.  Jackson’s true identity remains a mystery, he is believed to be also “John Jones” who had played Northern Union for Swinton and possibly also called “Gabe” when a Swansea player?

 

Top to bottom, left to right

Row 1

  1. J. P. Jones,
  2. W. L. Oldham,
  3. R. B. Griffiths,
  4. F. Jackson,
  5. T. Smith,
  6. J. F. Williams,
  7. H. Archer 

Row 2

  1. : G. F. Kryke,

  2. P. J. Down,

  3. J. A. S. Ritson,

  4. E. Morgan,

  5. R. K. Green,

  6. G. R. Hind,

  7. L. S. Thomas

Rows 1/2

  1. Second row: H. H. Vassall,

  2. R. A. Gibbs,

  3.  Arthur Harding (captain),

  4. G. H. Harnett (manager),

  5. P. F. McEvedy (vice-captain),

  6. R. Dibble,

  7. F. E. Chapman

  8. Front row:

  9. W. Morgan,

  10. J. C. M. Dyke,

  11. G. L. Williams,

  12. J. Davey,

  13. H. Laxon,

  14. E. J. Jackett,

  15. J. P. Jones

Date (of image) : 1908

Donor : Hartlepool Library Service

Location


Related items :