Wigan Album
Wigan Rugby Players
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Photo: Keith Bowen
Item #: 2662
Left to right. Percy Moxey (died in a Halifax bomber in 1941), Gwynne Williams (brother of the famous Rugby Union star Bledwynn Williams) Gwynne while serving in the War was shot through the head but survived, he continued to lead a normal life after the War but naturally it finished his Rugby career. Ike Jones, was signed from the London Club Streatham after it folded. The legendary Jim Sullivan, when this photo was taken Jim had already completed 17 full seasons at Wigan, he had another 7 or 8 to go, although in the war years he played for different teams. Jack Bowen, joined Wigan in 1938 and finished playing in 1949 with Leigh, after completing his 10 year contract with Wigan, 3 years of which were lost to the War. In 1950 became landlord of the Crispin Arms and from 1956 until 1974 was landlord of The Wellfield Hotel, Beech Hill. Born in Llanelli in 1915, Jack married a Wigan girl, Phyllis (nee Brown) who lived in Clarington Grove, Higher Ince, he still lives in Wigan although Phyllis passed away in 2001 just days after they celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary. Next is Roy Francis, who the legendary Harry Sunderland (the Australian manager at the time) quickly moved on, it is alleged that Harry was something of a "red-neck" and did not take to black players. Roy continued to have a successful Rugby League career and created a landmark in the game by becoming the first black manager in the game.
Funeral of Pilot Officer P L Moxey
The funeral of Pilot Officer Percy Leslie Moxey, the third son of Mr. Wm. Moxey, and the late Mrs. Moxey of King St. Yarmouth, took place on Thursday week at Gorleston Cemetery following a service at St. Mary's Church, Southtown.
Pilot Officer Moxey was a member of Norwich City Police Force and brother of Column-Officer Arthur Moxey of Yarmouth NFS. He volunteered for the RAF just over a year ago. He formerly played for Wigan in the Rugby League ans was a Welsh International.
The funeral procession was headed by an RAF guard of honour, six flight sergeants were bearers and the coffin was draped with the Union Jack. A detachment of Norwich City Police also paraded.
The service at St. Mary's was conducted by the vicar of Southtown (the Rev. C H Blois-Bisshopp), assisted by the Rev. J W J Cartner (RAF Chaplain). At the Cemetery volleys were fired over the grave and the Last Post sounded.
The immediate mourners were the widow, Mr. William Moxey, (father), Messrs, William, Arthur and Idris Moxey (brothers), Mrs. W Moxey and Mrs. A Moxey (sisters-in-law) and Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds of Norwich (father-in-law and mother-in-law).
Also present were the Cheif Constable of Norwich (Mr. J H Dain), Mr. H E Wittard (chairman of the Watch Committee), Sgt and Mrs. A G Hatch, Mr. and Mrs. A Goodge, Divisional-Officer Fisher, NFS, Company-Officer J Edwards, Fireman M Press (Mobilising-Officer), Mr. E A Wilson, Mr. J H Hayes and Mr. Bayne.
Unfortunately there was no photograph but it brings vividly to life the funeral of a man who was obviously well loved and respected. A little bit more digging this afternoon revealed that P/O Moxey joined Wigan from Llanelli Rugby Union Club in 1938 and played for them until 1941 when he joined the RAF. He made 37 appearances for Wigan and during that time he scored five tries.