Lieutenant George Latham appointed Acting Captain with the 7th Battalion, The Royal Welsh Fusiliers whilst serving in Palestine.

 21st November 1917 - ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

Lieutenant George Latham appointed Acting Captain with the 7th Battalion, The Royal Welsh Fusiliers whilst serving in Palestine.

George Latham was a Welsh International football player and coach. During his career he played for Newtown (his home town), Cardiff City, Liverpool, Stoke and Southport Central. As well as being a talented footballer he was a high courageous soldier and of-ficer. He had served in the ranks during the Boer War in 1900 and was commissioned in-to his local Territorial Battalion, the 7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, on 4th August 1915. He arrived in Palestine in July 1916 and served the rest of the war in Egypt and Palestine with 7RWF winning the Military Cross and bar for his bravery and leadership in combat. He led the 7RWF Football team to many victories in the inter-unit competitions held within the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. He was demobed on 15 Jun 1919 whence he returned to his career in football. He was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in 1936 and this forced him to give up his coaching career. He passed away 9th July 1939, at the age of 58, in his home town, Newtown. Newtown Football ground is named Latham Park in his honour.

His full military service can be seen below:

Latham G. Lt MC

George Latham had served in the ranks in the Boer War. He was commissioned 2/Lt (4/8/15) to the 7th Bn, and served first with the 3/7th. Promoted Temp Lt (2/3/16), he joined the 1/7th in Egypt Jul 1916 and served in Palestine. Was promoted Lt (1/6/16), Was in the first battle for Gaza when he cleared the Cactus Gardens under heavy enemy machine gun fire 27 Mar 1917. Was MiD from Gen. Sir Archibold Murray, and awarded the MC. He was awarded a Bar to his MC 6 Nov 1917 for the action at Tel el Khuwelfeh. Then gazet-ted A/Capt (21/11/17). He served with the battalion throughout the war, then left the bat-talion 15 Jun 1919 for demob.

MC Citation :- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After taking part in the final assault of the enemy's position, he pushed forward with the remainder of his platoon and men of other units, under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, and cleared and consolidated a position of great tactical value. With the help of another officer he captured a number of enemy staff and prisoners, showing exceptional capability and great gallantry throughout.

MC Bar Citation :- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When our line had been penetrated on the right flank, he at once went to the spot and helped rally the men of various units. Shortly afterwards, during a fog, the enemy appeared within a few yards, and he personally led forward a portion of these troops against them, and succeeded in driving them back, accounting for several of the enemy himself.

MC (LG 16/8/17).

MC Bar (LG 18/2/18 and 18/7/18).

MiD (LG 6/7/17).