After the First World War R. S. (Bertie) Walters was elected President and having been a member of the Club since 1893 was one of the outstanding personalities and workers for the game. He rendered fine service to Warwickshire and the Midlands as an administrator and became a Vice-President of the Hockey Association.
During the fifteen years following the war many Sutton players obtained representative honours and the Club consistently won very many more games than it lost.

During the period 1921-1930 E. B. Crockford and P. C. Petrie played for England and the Midlands and in addition R. M. Evans, L. C. Crockford, N. Sharp, L. R. Martin, C. Ellis, R. F. Bennett, G. H. Shaw, C. E. Francis, V. A. Eastwood, L. Wood, R. H. Dickinson, D. G. Foster, D. H. Shaw and H. Hall all played for Warwickshire. A formidable array of talent but without doubt the greatest exponent of the game in the Clubs history was E. B. (Tom) Crockford.
Eric Bertram Crockford played for England fourteen times between 1911 and 1922 and represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 1920 Antwerp, Olympic Games winning a Gold Medal playing hockey.

This was the last Olympic Games when Great Britain and Ireland were one team. He would undoubtedly have received many more caps but for the intervention of the war period throughout which he served his country with distinction.

Enlisting in September 1914, as a Private in the 14th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, he was Gazetted 2nd Lieutenant into the 6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment in August 1915 and subsequently promoted Lieutenant & served in France in 1916 & 1918.

Since these early pages must of necessity revolve around the reminiscences and knowledge that came within the writers (Norman Sharp & Peter Bell), readers will perhaps, forgive references to themself which they believe may be of interest and form part of the club's history.

From the previous chapter it will no doubt have been gathered that Norman became interested in the game at an early age. His first "hockey stick" was an old walking stick of his father's, with which he was more than able to hold his own when playing on the lawn with the boy next door, two years his senior, and who used his uncle's hockey stick. Whilst not advocating any extended use of this method it is believed, in retrospect, that this introduction to the game proved beneficial, to learning the rudiments of ball control and stick-work, and could certainly do no harm to future budding hopefuls. At the age of twelve Norman became the proud possessor of a real hockey stick! Two broken parts left on the ground after a match at Rectory Park were retrieved, and with the aid of screws and glue were restored to the original shape! At fourteen years of age Norman became the youngest boy ever to represent the school (B.V.G.S.).

With the Armistice being signed in November 1918 fixtures were renewed for the following season, 1919/20. A number of pre-war members had lost their lives, but those who survived were keen to resume peacetime activities. The 1st Xl was fortunate that almost all their pre-war team came through unscathed. These included the two Crockfords, R.M. Evans, W. Pollock, J Cond, W. Dewsbury, F. Roberts, so that the nucleus of a strong side was immediately available.

Furthermore, most of the boys comprising the Bishop Vesey's 1st Xl in 1918 left school that year and joined the club, together, with a few from Four Oaks College. Names included F.R. Fletcher, C.E. Francis, C.H. Shelvoke, J.B. Sheldon, N. Sharp, K. Mason, E.M Eardley, V.A. Eastwood (all B.V.G.S.) with A.J. Terry, and F.L. Lavender amongst those from FOC. Most of these played for the 2nd team during their first season and gained valuable experience under the captaincy of A. Leal, who was also the headmaster of Four Oaks College.

The 1st Xl was again led by E.B. Crockford, with L.C. Crockford and R.M. Evans hon. secretary and hon. treasurer respectively. Of the 20 fixtures played, 15 were won and 5 lost, scoring 90 goals against 37. Included amongst the victories were Harborne (10-0), Bournville (11-1), Orientals (5-1), Walsall (5-3), Edgbaston (7-1, & 5-1), and Erdington (8-4). The only severe loss was in the return match at Erdington when the home side won 7-2.

Brevet Colonel L. C. Crockford was born in Vesey Road, Wylde Green on July 4th 1887 – the year of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. His father was Arthur L. Crockford solicitor practicing in 71 Temple Row Birmingham, a member of the Town Council, and subsequently Mayor of the Royal Borough of Sutton Coldfield.

Leslie was educated at King Edward’s High School, Rugby School, and Cambridge University, and joined the profession of a solicitor in his father’s business. He served in the Rugby School Cadet Corps, which was then affiliated to the 2nd Vll (now the 7th Battalion) The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, from 1902-1906, when he joined the Cambridge University Rifle Corps. Here he very soon attracted the attention of the Adjutant, who subsequently recommended him very strongly for a commission in the then newly formed Territorial Army.

He was gazetted second lieutenant in the 9th Bt. The Royal Warwickshire Regiment on Nov. 14th, 1908, and was posted to “Q" Company, then commanded by Captain P. G, Danielson. Promoted lieutenant in 1912, he mobilized with his Battalion on the outbreak of War in August, 1914, and proceeded to France in March 1915. He was very soon selected to act as assistant staff captain, in which he was attached to the brigade staff.

On June 1st, 1916, he was promoted captain, and on August 18th greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Ovillers (Somme), for which he was awarded the Military Cross. Single handed, from behind a bomb stop, with two men loading for him, he poured such fire into the flank of the enemy that he was very largely instrumental in bringing about their surrender.

On Feb. 6th, 1917, he was appointed staff captain to the 143rd (Warwickshire) Brigade, and on June 27th, 1918, brigade major, in which capacities he was present at the operations, on the Somme, in the Ypres Salient, and in Italy. He obtained a brevet majority on June 3rd, 1918. On Oct. 9th, 1918, he was appointed temporary major and D.A.Q.M.G. to the British Forces in Italy, which position he held until his return to England.

He was twice mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Italian Military Cross (Croce de Guerra).
On the reconstruction of the Territorial Army after the War, he rejoined his old unit and resumed command of his former company, " I)," which included (since the introduction of the double company system in 1914) Q " Company, in which he served before the War.
He was promoted to the substantive rank of major on Jan. 19th, 1921, and awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1924.

On Feb. 16th, 1928, he succeeded to the command of the 6th Battalion, on the retirement of Colonel J. L. Mellor, was promoted lieutenant-colonel, and on Feb. 16th, 1932, appointed brevet colonel.

His cheerful disposition won for him the affection of all ranks, and one of the nicest tributes that can be paid to him is to place on record that wherever he went, he was popular not only with the officers of the staff on which he was serving, but also retained his popularity with all the regimental officers with whom he came into contact.
This popularity persists until the present day, so that the severance of his connection with the Battalion in which he has served for well-nigh 25 years is cause for the unfeigned, regret of all who have ever served with him.

Either side of the war Leslie played his cricket and hockey at the Sutton Coldfield Club alongside his father and his younger brother, Eric Bertram Crockford.

President S.A. Taylor

The President, S.A. Taylor, had passed away during the war years and R.S. Walters had been appointed as his successor. R.S. Walters was a man well worthy of the honour and had been associated with the club since 1893, and, though not a player of known outstanding ability, he rendered many services both to the club and the game in general, throughout his life.

The next three seasons followed a similar pattern and many more matches were won than lost (Won 45, Lost 19, Drew 8) scoring over 300 goals during the period. A quite remarkable game was played on the Gorway ground at Walsall in the 1922/23 season. The Walsall Hockey Club, at that time, was exceptionally strong with nearly the whole team comprising the Staffordshire side. F.F Leighton, the England forward and Sutton cricketer, was also a member of the team which had been undefeated for two years. Until just before half time Sutton were leading 4-1, but were completely outplayed after the interval and lost the remarkable match 9-5. Sutton’s goals were all scored by Norman Sharp, an achievement which no doubt assisted in his selection for Warwickshire.

C.A.F. Fiddian-Green, a resident of the Royal Town, played a few games for the club during the university vacations. He was a full back for Cambridge University and represented the East and England. He also opened the innings at cricket for Cambridge and Warwickshire before taking an appointment at Malvern College.

Perhaps a few words on Warwickshire at this time may be of interest. They were a strong side, though ageing, and contained players of the caliber of E.B. Crockford and H.M. Kesterton (both England), P. Murdoch (Ireland), L.W. Lucas, F. Holmes, L.C. Crockford, R.M. Evans, and S. Stafford, (all Midlands). It was perhaps not surprising, therefore, that the writer, playing at inside right, was, in his first match, somewhat awe stricken to find himself in this auspicious company, but as he continued to be selected it is presumed that he acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the selectors.

The following year there were a number of changes particularly in the forward line when Bernard Quaife and Bill Shorting (both Olton and later Midlands and England) and Doug Terry (Cambridge University and England) strengthened the attack.
G.B. Green had become the hon. secretary of Sutton and also undertook that of the county. He was an extremely keen and enthusiastic secretary and a story in this capacity with Warwickshire may be worth recounting. The strong Orientals Hockey Club whose ground was at Yardley was affiliated to Worcestershire. Green went to very considerable trouble to prove that their ground actually came within the Warwickshire boundary, thereby qualifying their members to play for Warwickshire. His efforts were flatly turned down by his committee and the Orientals continued their allegiance to Worcestershire.

By the time the 1923/24 season commenced Sutton's playing membership had increased quite considerably and a 3rd Xl was formed the following year and a pitch was made on the pavilion side of the cricket ground, and though somewhat smaller than full size, the addition at least enabled third team members to obtain regular games at home.

It was however a little sad that at about this time BVGS gave up hockey and association football to turn their attentions to the rugby game, a move which not only restricted boys upon their choice of games upon leaving but also deprived the club of a flow of new members, and it may have been realized that by this time half the 1st Xl was composed of old boys from the school.

At least 14 victories were recorded every season and only in 1922/23 were more than 6 defeats sustained, by 1924 the 1st Xl was beginning to take on a new look. C.E. Francis had been elected captain and he had a young side under him, apart from the two remaining members of the pre-war era, E.B. Crockford and P.M. Evans. Throughout the season the team was mostly selected from V. Eastwood (goal), E.M. Eardley and R.H. Dickinson, (backs), L. Wood, C.E. Francis and H. Hall, (halves), D.W. Hood, N. Sharp, A.J. Terry, G. Shaw, E.B. Crockford, and P.M. Evans, (forwards).

Of the 25 matches played 16 were won and 4 lost, with goals for 104 against 41. Hockey in the Midlands had reached a very healthy state and all clubs, were growing in both membership and strength, but for Sutton the period between the wars could undoubtedly be regarded as the 'Golden Years'. Though most elevens in a club usually follow a similar pattern it is by the results of its 1st Xl that a club is normally judged. Accordingly, it is mainly upon the results of the club's premier side that this chapter is written, and the detailed statistics over the period will be found below.

A 3rd Xl was formed in 1922/23 season and had moderate successes, playing 18 games (Won 6, Lost 6, Drew 6,) providing some good players who graduated to the senior teams.

From 1924 the run of success continued and those largely responsible for this state of affairs, both on and off the field, over the next era were: -

OFFICERS.
President. R.S. Walters.
Hon Secretaries. H.T. Wall, D.G. Foster, N. Sharp, & G.I. Richardson.
Hon Treasurers. N. Sharp, R.H. Dickinson, & C.W. Mann.
Hon Fixture Sec. D.G. Foster, & R.S. Needham.
Hon Team Sec. J. Terry, P.I. Terry, S.D. Collins, & G.H. While.
Captains. C.E. Francis, N. Sharp, F.H. Dickinson, & D.G. Foster.


PRINCIPAL 1st X1 PLAYERS.

Goal. P. M. Whiteley & D.P. Eldred.

Back. R.F. Barnes & C.W. Mann.

Half-backs. E.B. Crockford, C.E. Francis, R.H. Dickinson, D.G. Foster, P.C. Petrie, W.H. Scott, D.H. Shaw, & J. Timings.

Forwards. C. Ellis, G.I. Richardson, N. Sharp, G. Shaw, J. Terry, P.I. Terry, D.H. Twiss, &. W.K. Wyatt.

Of the above Crockford and Petrie were both English internationals, R.F. Barnes and H. Shaw played for the Midlands, whilst Mann, Francis, Dickinson, Foster, E1lis, Richardson, Sharp, Shaw (G), Terry (AJ), Terry (PI), and Wyatt, all played at varying times for Warwickshire.

The following two seasons 1934/35 and 1935/36 were the best ever experienced by the club which suffered only one defeat in the two years. The Club won 41 matches, drew 7 and lost only 1. Scoring 204 goals against 68 by their opponents.

Also, in the 1934/35 season. With three matches to play before the season's end Olton were the visitors to Rectory Park. At the time both Sutton and Olton were undefeated (the earlier fixture at Olton had been drawn 3-3), and, with a considerable amount of build up by the press, this match was regarded as the highlight of the season in Midlands hockey, and attracted the largest crowd of spectators ever seen at a Midlands inter club Fixture. After a tense struggle Sutton emerged winners 4-2.

The next obstacle was against the strong Derby club on the Derbyshire C.C.C. ground, and, if defeat was avoided, the last hurdle was a comparatively easy one. There was no score until, with about ten minutes remaining, Derby netted, a goal which, by general consent, was considered the result of an infringement. However, in the closing minutes, P. Terry put the ball across from the right and Richardson converted, and Sutton breathed again. But their elation was short lived for Terry confessed to a foot infringement which nobody saw, not even the umpire who was very close to the incident, and though at first allowing the goal he had no option but to revoke his decision. This was one of the finest acts of sportsmanship ever to come within the writer's experience. Paul Terry, who was also captain that season, was as keen as anybody to get through with a clean sheet and his disappointment must have been great. But it not only proved him to be a great sportsman, it also did a lot for the name of hockey, for in what other major sport would such an act have taken place?

The commencement of this season was as disastrous as the previous one had been successful. The first match was at Rugby, a strong side which contained two English Internationals and McDonough, the Irish center forward. At half time the home side were leading 5 – 0, a score that provoked a remark by Dickinson during the interval “Thank God we have no undefeated record to preserve this season”, an observation which was generally endorsed. However, a complete transformation came over the game in the second half and a brilliant display by Richardson, who scored five goals, and who was well supported by the rest of the team, Sutton won by 6-5. Subsequently, the team went through the season with 21 victories, 2 drawn, and no losses. Derby was defeated 2-1 in both fixtures!

In retrospect, such achievements, though much satisfaction is gained, are not to be recommended, for the tension towards the end becomes so great that much of the enjoyment of the game is lost.

By 1937 anno domini was beginning to overtake some of the older members. George Richardson, however, had become an indispensable member of the side many goals being the result of his stick-work. S. Hurd had joined upon leaving Ashby-de-1a- Zouch and with W.K. Wyatt and Alan F.T. White (later to become the Worcestershire C.C.C. captain), and Paul Terry, they formed a formidable forward line. Behind them at halfback were P.G. Foster, J. Timings, and the young and promising R.E. Wheatcroft, with R.F. Barnes and C.W. Mann (backs), and L.G. Robinson in goal. Altogether it was a powerful side which continued to maintain the standards set by its predecessors.

During the period 1930 to 1939 R. F. Barnes and D. H. Shaw played for the Midlands and in addition R. H. Dickinson, R. H. Sutton, G. I. Richardson, W. K. Wyatt, L. G. Robinson, P. I. Terry, C. W. Mann, W. S. Hurd and A. F. T. White played for Warwickshire.

But briefly, the supremacy shown by Sutton over its rivals during the seasons between the two world wars is revealed by the following statistics:

Played 455, Won 328, Lost 70, Drawn 57, Goals for 1898 against 842, an average of 95 – 42 per season.

Only on one occasion, which was in the 1931-32 season out of 16 seasons, between 1923-24 and 1938-39 seasons did Sutton suffer more than 4 defeats after the 1922-23 season. Furthermore, during a twenty-year period the side failed to score a goal on only 15 occasions. Orientals and Derby were the only clubs to register slightly more than half the number of victories Sutton gained over them. These statistics speak for themselves.

Norman Sharp had been around for a long time and had been relegated to the 2nd Xl, and, whilst quite content to play with that team, he considered it the wrong policy for the club to select him, and other ex. 1st Xl members, for that side, thereby depriving younger members the opportunity of advancement from the lower elevens. Whilst all will agree that the 1st Xl should be the best available side it is considered the 2nd Xl need not necessarily be the next best - the essential function of this team should be to give experience to potential first eleven players of the future.

So, where does the 'veteran' fit in? Obviously, there are many who do not wish to make an early retirement from the game, they want to continue their enjoyment in surroundings less energetic than those to which they have been accustomed. And again, to play in the 3rd or 4th teams they would be with team mates, many of whom would be comparative strangers in their own club.
With these thoughts in mind a scheme was devised which, it was hoped, would be both the right policy for the club and at the same time keep all members, young and old, happy and active, under the Captaincy of the “PERNNIALS” but with the war removing all competitive hockey between 1939 – 1946, which a shortage of players after hostilities had ceased; Sutton in 1946-47 amalgamated with Erdington HC for the season, so the Perennials side became a thing of the past.

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, these pages, must, of necessity be limited to events which have come within the writer's knowledge and experience. In consequence, since most of his playing career was spent with the senior sides, he did not have an intimate acquaintance with the happenings in other teams.

Nevertheless, it is known that in the two decades under review the 2nd X1 had some very good overall result, and many of the players mentioned earlier graduated through this team, amongst others who did not attain regular 1st X1 status, yet would almost certainly have done so had they played with other clubs were G.B. Green, H.T. Wall, F. Allen, R.M. Wilkinson, R.S. Needham, W. Moore, W.E. Raybould, & co.

An unusual incident in which the writer was the innocent victim may be of interest. In the late 1930's he was playing center half for the 2nd Xl, and was, apparently, having a good game which appeared to be resented by a Harborne back. Ignoring the ball and without warning and to everyone's amazement the latter suddenly took to his heels, ran half the length of the field and flattened his victim on the turf, and who was not near the ball at the time. It transpired the culprit was subject to these mental aberrations, but all was well after an apology.