A decade that was torn apart by the events of the Second World War.
During the war years, rugby at Oakham was suspended, but the spirit of the club endured. In 1940, Oakham RFC loaned £50 to the War Effort, receiving a letter of thanks from Whitehall that read:
“The Chancellor of the Exchequer is very grateful for your generous action in lending the country free of interest the sum of £50.
Sir Kingsley Wood asks me to say how greatly he appreciates your contribution to the national effort.”
It was a simple yet powerful act of support from a small club with a big heart.
Five Oakham members made the ultimate sacrifice:
D. Creighton
J. Dane
S. Emmerton
F. Gore-Graham
J. Sharpe
Their courage and service will forever be remembered as part of our club’s proud history.
After the war, rugby took time to return. Many Oakham players joined forces with Melton RFC to form a combined Melton & Oakham side. In 1948, Melton proposed renaming the clubs — but Oakham’s chairman objected, ensuring the Oakham RFC name and identity lived on.
By the end of the decade, Oakham RFC had once again re-established itself, with the Railway Inn as its clubhouse and matches played at the old Agricultural Showground, just across the road from what many still remember as “The Old Showground.”
The enhanced and colourised photograph below, believed to be from the 1950/51 season, was taken at Barleythorpe Stable Yard — presumably before a match. Three names on the lineup remain unknown (did they have “ringers” even back then?!), but the spirit is unmistakably Oakham RFC — proud, determined, and united.
Though the war years silenced the pitch, they strengthened what Oakham RFC has always stood for — teamwork, respect, and belonging.