Click here to return to the main site entry page
Click here to return to the previous page
Kay Collins, 2008
George Sail - part 1
George Sail was born in 1922 at 39 Crabb Street. His father was also called George, and already had a son Eric and daughter Ada.
His sister Ada Sail kept a diary from 1931, and mentions her little brother several times.

After serving in the war, he worked as a storeman in a boot and shoe factory.
He married Nancy Stapleton on March 27th 1948 at Park Road Baptist Church.

George in the Boys' Brigade in 1935 George the football player Shortly befor he joined up George & Nancy
George in 1935
George in 1937
George in 1939
George & Nancy about 1947

Two of the telegrams sent on their wedding day - from the family at Long Eaton where they used to visit and from Ilfracombe - to the reception at the Band Club.

From an undated newspaper clip probably 1945.

George Sail, the Rushden footballer, who has signed full professional forms with Notts County. Sail whose home is at 39 Crabb Street, Rushden, is still serving with the B.A.O.R. He has previously played as a professional for Greenock Morton, the Scottish Club.

Kettering Football Club Programme 1947

Inside right

George first started Soccer with Rushden Baptists in the Wellingborough S.S. League, and then joined Rushden Amateurs, being a member of their team that won the league in 1939.
George the soldier
George in uniform - 1940
On joining the Royal Corps of Signals, he was lucky enough to be in the same unit as Scottish Internationals Billy Steel, Tommy Walker and Jimmy Carabine and whilst stationed in Scotland assisted Morton, the First Division Club, after signing professional forms.

Major Frank Buckley, then manager of Notts County, secured his transfer even though still in the Army. Soon after Invasion Day he went into France and then to Holland and Germany, playing for several B.A.O.R. representative sides at football and cricket. He also assisted Rushden Town as a guest player when on leave in his home town.

Demobbed in November 1946, he returned to Nottingham, and was never given much chance to appear in the League side. He asked for a transfer and the Poppies secured his signature against strong efforts from Peterborough United and Rushden Town.

George, 24 years of age is a more than useful cricketer and billiards player.

Corby Football Club Programme 1954

Left Half or Inside Forward

This wholehearted player has been a definite asset to the Club, both as captain of the Reserves and utility man for the first team. A full ninety minutes player who will always give all he has no matter where he is playing. A good club man and an excellent sportsman on whom we can depend.

 Cartoon of George Sail, by George Boston
Cartoons by George Boston
The programme cover with a George Boston cartoon.
click here for George Sail - part 2

Click here to see another Poppies Player - Gordon Inwood


Click here to return to the main index of features
Click here to return to the People & Families index