Three years ago, on the way back from Anderlect away in the Europa Conference League with Hornchurch Coaches, Season Ticket Holder Ian Morgan saw a road sign for Ypres.
Being a keen First and Second World War historian, Morgan set about enquiring with his fellow fans if they would be interested in a West Ham-themed trip to the Ypres Salient, the scene of several battles and a major part of the Western Front during the First World War, to remember the West Ham Pals.
The Pals were the 13th (Service) Battalion of the Essex Regiment, an infantry unit of 1,000 local men draw from across the East End, many of whom were West Ham’s first generation of supporters, and a number of whom played for the Club.
Accompanied by a guide named Patrick, Morgan has led trips to lay wreaths at their graves, accompanied by 1980 FA Cup hero Geoff Pike and long-serving Academy Director Tony Carr MBE.
On the trips, the group laid wreaths at the Menin Gate in Ypres, at the grave of former Hammer William 'Sunny Jim' Kirby, and at the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing, in Hainaut, which includes former player Frank Costello among the 11,386 names etched upon it. The group also visited the Essex Farm cemetery and the site of the famous ‘Christmas Truce’ of 1914.
Morgan said: “The visits and wreaths not only show respect to our former players but to the famed West Ham Pals battalion of the Essex Regiment.
“Over 75 different fans have now made what has become the yearly pilgrimage to Ypres to pay their respects and to sing our famous anthem 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' in memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The group are planning to visit Normandy in 2025 and the Somme in 2026.
Morgan, who runs E13 Tours, continued “It’s the most moving experience and leaves a mark on everyone who attends. It’s an honour to share this memory with great people, remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Also having Geoff and Tony with us made it that little more special. One of our group, Ted, even managed to find a relative’s grave at Passchendaele, and for him to be able to do this was just such a touching experience not only for him but the whole group.”
Should you wish to join an E13 Tours trip to France, please email Ian Morgan at [email protected].
