Born in Huddersfield in 1877, he was educated at Almondbury Grammar School and Ranmoor College. He served as an MNC and then UM minister before Methodist Union in 1932.In World War I he served as a chaplain in the Worcester and Gloucester Regiments and was awarded the OBE for 'distinguished and gallant services' in Salonika. He played for Huddersfield and Yorkshire in the early days of the Rugby League (then the Northern Union) and became an international Rugby League referee, with a reputation for firm discipline on the field. He officiated in the Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Oldham in 1924 and refereed a test match between England and Australia. He gave the first radio commentary of a Rugby League match. He died at Leigh-on-Sea on 2 February 1957. His obituary described him as 'a man of unfailing energy and devotion, with a great love for his fellow-men' who 'was greatly concerned at the gap between Church and the working man'.

Entry written by: RS
Category: Person
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