This morning, a short service of Remembrance was held at The Memorial Stadium at The Memorial Gates in a tradition began by Bristol Rugby Club and one that has continued by Bristol Rovers even though the Rugby Club now play at Ashton Gate.
Hopefully this short article provides you with a little background information to the origins of the service.
On Remembrance Day, or a day near to it, each year there is a short service held at The Memorial Gates to remember those who gave their lives in the First World War and the many conflicts since.
The Memorial Stadium itself is a permanent War Memorial and my understanding is that the gates are ‘listed’ and will need to be incorporated into any redevelopment of the stadium.
The Memorial Ground was built on the site of Buffalo Bill’s Field, named after William Cody’s (Buffalo Bill) Wild West Show after it was performed there in 1890. It was taken over by the Ministry of Agriculture and used as allotments during the First World War.
Acquired by the Sherriff of Bristol, Sir Francis Cowlin, at the end of the War, he then donated the ground to the trustees of Bristol Rugby Club as a permanent memorial in the form of a sports ground and as a tribute to Bristol’s 300 rugby players who died in the war.
The inscription on the main pillar supporting the gates reads as follows; ‘1914-1918 in proud and grateful memory of the services rendered to their country in the Great War by the rugby football players of Bristol, this ground was established in 1921.’
A second inscription was added after the Second World War, and that reads; ‘1939-1945 And in the World War of 1939-1945 the rugby football players of this city gave their services and their lives. To them, also, this ground is a memorial.’
Those officiating at the service today were; Father Michael Healy, Reverend Richard Evans, Reverend Wayne Massey and Colonel Jane Thompson. The sounding of the Last Post was followed by a two minute silence before Reveille was sounded.
This preceded the laying of wreaths at the gates. As always, Bristol Rovers Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club representatives laid a wreath and they were followed by 
representatives of many other clubs – predominantly local rugby clubs, naturally.
George Friend laid the wreath from the Football Club and Byron Anthony was also in attendance. Clive Marshall and Keith Brookman represented the Supporters Club.
Wreaths were also laid by a number of other groups; Bristol Rovers Supporters Club, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, Bristol Rugby Supporters Club and pupils from one of the local schools among them. There are too many to mention here, but at least 40 wreaths were laid at the gates.
For the first time I can recall, though I stand to be corrected, the Bristol City Former Players Association were also represented by a group of former players and Club President Marina Dolman, MBE.
Those of you attending tomorrow’s game against Lincoln City will see the wreaths as you pass through the Memorial Gates and you will also be able to pay your respects to the fallen as a short Act of Remembrance will precede kick off.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Photos courtesy of Ben, Bristol Rovers FC