Arthur Beadsworth	Sergeant Arthur Beadsworth lost his life on 09/10/1917 whilst serving in the 7th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment during WW1, Arthur's memorial is located in the Wimerueux Communal Cemetery Husband of Polly Beadsworth, of 44, Derby Rd., Hinckley, Leicestershire. Born in Leicester in 1876 Arthur began United life after he was transferred from Preston North End in October 1902, a forward he scored on his debut against Woolwich Arsenal in 1902. Prior to that he played for Hinckley Town & Leicester Fosse.  His only league goal was the Gunners only blight on their record of that particular season. Arthur played 12 times for the Reds, scoring twice his other goal was an FA Cup goal against Oswaldtwistle Rovers which United won 3-2. Arthur was transferred to Swindon Town, 06/1903.
Oscar Linkson	Private Oscar Linkson lost his life on 08/08/1916, whilst serving in the 17th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment during WW1, Oscar's memorial is located in the Thiepval Memorial, France, (Pier and Face 12 D and 13 B.) Born in New Barnet in 1888 Oscar began United life after he was transferred from Pirates FC in July 1908, a full back for the Reds Linkson made his debut against Nottingham Forest in a 2-2 draw. Prior to United, he played for Barnet & Alston & the Pirates FC.  Oscar played 59 times for the Reds. Oscar was transferred to Shelbourne, 08/1913.
Alexander Turnbull	Lance Sergeant Alexander Turnbull lost his life on 03/05/1917, whilst serving in the Eighth Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment in Arras, during WW1, Sandy's memorial is located in the Arras Memorial, France, (Bay 6) Son of James and Jessie Turnbull, of I, Gibson St., Kilmarnock, Ayrshire; husband of Florence Amy Turnbull, of 17, Portland Rd., Gorse Hill, Stretford, Manchester. Perhaps the most famous of the "United soldiers", Turnbull's career was colorful to say the least with scandal & silverware through out, after being suspended from the game whilst at Manchester City, then United manager Ernest Mangnall acquired the services of Turnbull as well as Billy Meredith, Herbert Burgess & James Bannister. Born in Hurlford, Scotland in 1884, Sandy began United life after he was acquired after being banned from the game from Manchester City in 05/1906, a prolific forward he scored 101 goals in his United career, his 1st on his debut in a 1-0 victory against Aston Villa at United's old ground Bank Street. Prior to United he played for Hurlford Thistle & Manchester City.  Sandy played 247 times for the Reds, scoring 101 times, including the boy hood dream of millions a winning goal in the FA Cup final of 1909 against Bristol City which United won 1-0. Sandy's contract was cancelled in 06/1915

Paschendale
Music by Adrian Smith, Words by Steve Harris from the Iron Maiden Album "Dance of Death"

In a foreign field he lay
lonely soldier unknown grave
on his dying words he prays
tell the world of Paschendale

Relive all that he's been through
last communion of his soul
rust your bullets with his tears
let me tell you 'bout his years

Laying low in a blood filled trench
killing time 'til my very own death
on my face I can feel the falling rain
never see my friends again
in the smoke, in the mud and lead
smell of fear and feeling of dread
soon be time to go over the wall
rapid fire and the end of us all

Whistles, shouts and more gun fire
lifeless bodies hang on barbed wire
battlefield nothing but a bloody tomb
be reunited with my dead friends soon
many soldiers eighteen years
drown in mud, no more tears
surely a war no one can win
killing time about to begin

Home, far away. From the war, a chance to live again
Home, far away. But the war, no chance to live again

The bodies of ours and our foes
the sea of death it overflows
in no man's land God only knows
into jaws of death we go...

Crucified as if on a cross
allied troops, they mourn their loss
German war propaganda machine
such before has never been seen
swear I heard the angels cry
pray to God no more may die
so that people know the truth
tell the tale of Paschendale

Cruelty has a human heart
everyman does play his part
terror of the men we kill
the human heart is hungry still

I stand my ground for the very last time
gun is ready as I stand in line
nervous wait for the whistle to blow
rush of blood and over we go...

Blood is falling like the rain
its crimson cloak unveils again
the sound of guns can't hide their shame
and so we die in Paschendale

Dodging shrapnel and barbed wire
running straight at cannon fire
running blind as I hold my breath
say a prayer symphony of death
as we charge the enemy lines
a burst of fire and we go down
I choke a cry but no one hears
feel the blood go down my throat

Home, far away. From the war, a chance to live again
Home, far away. But the war, no chance to live again
Home, far away. From the war, a chance to live again
Home, far away. But the war, no chance to live again

See my spirit on the wind
across the lines beyond the hill
friend and foe will meet again
those who died at Paschendale

 

Anthem for Doomed Youth
By: Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries for them from prayers or bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,-
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of silent minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

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