Grimsby and District Football League War Memorial Plaque

A rectangular metal memorial plaque commemorating members of the Grimsby and District Football League who made the “supreme sacrifice” in the Great Wars of 1914–18 and 1939–45.

The plaque features raised, painted lettering and four fixing holes, one at each corner. Its heavily weathered and oxidised surface gives it a distinctive aged appearance. The inscription reads:

ERECTED IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GRIMSBY AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE GREAT WARS 1914–18 AND 1939–45

The Grimsby and District Football League was an important part of local amateur football for more than a century. Thousands of local players, clubs, referees and officials were involved during its long history. The League was affiliated to the Football Association from 1896 and, after 120 years, finally ceased operating in 2016.

The original location and date of erection of this memorial are currently unknown. It is possible that it was displayed at a League-associated venue, but this remains a subject for further research.

This plaque is therefore not only a memorial to local footballers who lost their lives in the two World Wars, but also a surviving artefact of the long history of the Grimsby and District Football League.

Provenance: Original location unknown. Subject: Grimsby and District Football League; First World War; Second World War; football memorial.

Can You Help Us Find the Story Behind This Memorial? We have this fascinating memorial plaque, erected in grateful remembrance of members of the Grimsby and District Football League who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great Wars of 1914–18 and 1939–45. But there is a piece of its history we haven't yet been able to establish: Where was this memorial originally located? The Grimsby and District Football League was a major part of local amateur football for more than a century. Thousands of local players, clubs, referees and officials were involved in its history, from its early years in the 1890s until the League finally ceased operating in 2016. Was this plaque displayed at a football ground, clubhouse, League meeting place or another local venue? Perhaps a former player, referee, League official or member of their family remembers seeing it. Maybe there is an old photograph showing it on a wall, or a programme, handbook or newspaper report that mentions it. If you recognise this memorial, or have any information about where it was displayed, we would love to hear from you. Even a small clue could help us discover the story behind this fascinating survivor of Grimsby's football history.