Paxman on BBC1 now at Tynecastle

[bluek]

Telling the WW1 story of recruitment

Didn't know that.

[bluek]

Hearts champions elect. 11 players volunteered for army, persuaded by shareholder George McRae.

Hearts Hibs game McRea comes on pitch with pipe band and 800 recruits!

Hearts also had the most modern stand in world football at the time.

Harry Wattie star player died in action along with 400 of the men.

[Archiebaird]

Aye, just watched that as well.

Very sad

[bluek]

Aye Archie.
Scotland's contribution has been mentioned a few times.
Very interesting watch

[tartanscone1314]

Thirteen players from the greatest team in Hearts history enlisted for duty in the Great War and seven did not come home.


Harry Wattie, Duncan Currie, Ernie Ellis, Jimmy Speedie, Jimmy Body, Tom Gracie and John Allan perished in World War I. Paddy Crossan and Robert Mercer eventually suffered wartime gassing, while Alfie Briggs was crippled in action and unable to play football again. All of them enlisted for duty as Hearts players.

[Yazz]

As a Well fan who lived/worked in the Capital for 20yrs, I was well aware of this very sad yet proud moment in the Club's history.

Respects.

[bluek]

Respect indeed.

[AguyIknow]

I too was aware of the magnificent bravery and sacrifice of those men but not that they were champions elect. Incredible what they did

[IanAberdon]

Adding my respects also.

[DITA]

Respects also to those of McRae's Battalion, and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Borrowed the book off my Jambo Brother-in-law, but still havent had a chance to read it. Promised myself I'll read it this year.