The following “Call to Arms” poem, written by Edward Oppenheim, encouraging footballers to take the King’s shilling, appeared in many newspapers during November 1914.
TO LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS
LEICESTER NOVELISTS MESSAGE
Heroes of worsted, gods of the ball,
From the fields to the clouds lift your heads for the call.
The splendour of muscle, the sweat of your brow,
A greater than football is needing them now.
Look over the Channel where glory is bought.
What keeps you in flannels whilst battles are fought?
Ask your soul where the triumph of counting your goals,
When across the grey waters the passing bell tolls
For those who are fighting your battles, whilst you
In safety and comfort your pastimes pursue!
Will you wait till your women are shrieking with fear?
Will you caper in flannels for Germans to jeer.?
Your cheap fame will perish, be counted as nought
To the glory your comrades have splendidly bought.
Don the khaki, my lads—to the trenches and fight
For God and your country, your women and right.
For you who play football whilst others seek fame
The knickers of sport are the garments of shame!
E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM. November 21st, 1914. [Published by “permission: copyright in U.S.A.]
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Edward Phillips Oppenheim, born in Leicester on October 22, 1866, was a prolific novelist, known as the “Prince of Storytellers.” He was the son of a leather merchant and started his career in the family business before dedicating himself to writing. Oppenheim’s literary journey began with the publication of his first novel, Expiation, in 1887, but he achieved significant recognition with the release of The Mysterious Mr. Sabin in 1898.
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Throughout his career, Oppenheim penned more than 150 novels, many of which were thrillers and espionage tales, captivating the imaginations of readers worldwide. His works often featured sophisticated protagonists embroiled in international intrigue, reflecting the growing fascination with spy fiction in the early 20th century. Notable titles include The Great Impersonation (1920) and The Double Traitor (1915).
During World War I, Oppenheim served in the British Ministry of Information, enriching his writing with authentic insights into the world of espionage. Despite his success, he remained a private individual, residing in Monte Carlo and later in Guernsey, where he continued to write until his death on February 3, 1946. Edward Phillips Oppenheim left a lasting legacy in the realm of thrilling, suspenseful literature.