Delville Wood 2016
Sunday 24th July was to be the final day of the tour, but it was to be another special day. Having checked out of the hotel, everyone set off for Longueval and Delville Wood, a place that, like Thiepval, is always on the itinerary due to its Orient connections with William Jonas. Firstly a full wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Football League Memorial after which the band paraded the short distance to Delville Wood where a special time of words, prayer and song took place lead by the O’s chaplain Neil Kinghorn. What made this occasion very special was that Barry Galvin had arranged to sing the song ‘The Greater Game’ that was written by Andy Gilson and Steve Jenkins live in Delville Wood.
The Greater Game tells the story of the brave Clapton Orient lads who served and died on the Somme and in particular the special friendship that grew so strong between Richard McFadden, William Jonas and George Scott. It was indeed a very moving occasion with some grown men moved to tears. The band played and marched in Delville Wood – this was another extremely proud occasion for all involved.
