The Football Team

In 1922, a small but determined group of soldiers stationed in the dusty outpost of Rawalpindi, India, formed a football team that would become a symbol of camaraderie and resilience during a time of uncertainty and tension. The team was composed of young men serving in the 10th Platoon, C Company—a mix of British and Indian soldiers who had been brought together by their shared love for football, a sport that provided a rare respite from the rigours of military life.

The men came from different backgrounds, with some hailing from the industrial towns of England and others from the rural villages of northern India. The sport, introduced to the subcontinent by the British, quickly became a unifying force among the soldiers. Despite the divisions that often marked the colonial military, on the football field, they played as one team, united by their passion for the game and their desire to excel.

The photograph of the team, taken outside their barracks on a sweltering afternoon, captures their spirit and determination. At the centre of the back row stands the team’s captain, Sergeant George “Geordie” Thompson, a no-nonsense leader from Newcastle. With his tall frame and piercing eyes, Geordie was respected by all for his leadership both on and off the field. He was known for his ability to inspire his men, pushing them to give their best, whether in battle or on the pitch.

Beside him stood Lance Corporal Ali Khan, a skilled midfielder from Lahore who had grown up playing football in the narrow lanes of his hometown. Ali was known for his quick feet and his ability to read the game, often outmanoeuvring opponents with ease. His presence on the team was a testament to the integration of Indian soldiers into what had been, until recently, a predominantly British unit.

In the front row, seated cross-legged on the ground, was Private William “Billy” O’Reilly, a wiry Irishman who played as the team’s striker. Billy’s speed and agility made him a formidable opponent, and his knack for finding the back of the net had earned him a reputation as the platoon’s top scorer. To his right sat Private Mohan Lal, a quiet but reliable defender who had a reputation for his steadfastness and tactical awareness.

The team’s journey was not without its challenges. The harsh conditions of military life, coupled with the cultural differences among the players, often led to tensions. However, football became the glue that held them together, providing an outlet for their frustrations and a sense of normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous time. Their practices, held in the early morning before the heat of the day set in, were a mix of intense drills and light-hearted banter, moments that helped forge bonds of friendship that transcended rank and race.

The highlight of their season came in December 1922, when they were invited to play in a regional tournament against other military units and local teams. The tournament was held in Lahore, a bustling city that had become a hub of football in the region. For the soldiers of the 10th Platoon, it was a chance to prove their mettle against some of the best teams in the area.

In their opening match, they faced a team composed of seasoned British officers. The game was tough, with both sides playing aggressively, but it was the 10th Platoon’s teamwork and determination that saw them through. Bill O’Reilly scored the winning goal in the final minutes, securing a 2-1 victory and earning the team a place in the semifinals.

The semifinal match was against a local Indian team that had gained a reputation for its skill and flair. The game was played in front of a large crowd, with supporters of both teams cheering from the sidelines. It was a fiercely contested match, but the discipline and strategy instilled by Sergeant Thompson paid off. The 10th Platoon won 3-2, with Ali Khan scoring the decisive goal from a beautifully executed free kick.

The final was held on Christmas Day, a fitting culmination of their journey. Their opponents were a team of Gurkha soldiers, known for their toughness both in battle and on the football field. The match was a test of endurance, with neither side giving an inch. In the end, it was a moment of brilliance from Mohan Lal that sealed their victory—a powerful header from a corner kick that sent the ball into the net and the crowd into a frenzy.

As the final whistle blew, the men of the 10th Platoon celebrated their hard-earned victory. The win was more than just a trophy; it was a testament to the bonds they had forged, the barriers they had overcome, and the strength they had found in each other. The photograph of the team, taken shortly after their triumphant return to the barracks, remains a lasting reminder of a time when football brought together men from different worlds, united by a common goal and a shared sense of pride.