The 1910's: A Summary
Not a bad run for the club, playing finals football in every year except 1913. The club reached four grand finals (1910, 1914, 1915 and 1916) for two flags in 1914 / 1915. This would take Carlton to 5 Premierships within the first 18 years of competition in the VFL, an astounding effort by the Club.One of the saddest aspects of this decade for the club was the loss of eight players lives during Word War I. These players included George Challis, Dave Gillespie, Tommy Hughes, Tom McCluskey, Fen McDonald, Stan McKenzie, Jim Pender, and Alf Williamson. May they rest in peace.
Challis was killed in action in World War 1 on July 15, 1916 as a Sergeant in the 58th Battalion, 1st AIF. Carlton learnt of his death shortly before the 1916 Preliminary Final and as a result the Carlton players wore a black armband as a mark of respect.
Another 33 Carlton players are known to have served in World War I, including: Alf Baud, Les Beck, Edric Bickford, Jack Bristow, Ted Brown, Herb Burleigh, Jack Cahill, George Calwell, Horrie Clover, Clarrie Clowe, Dave Crone, Ernie Dingwall, Wally Don, William 'Mick' Dunn, Harold G. Evans, Morrie Ewans, Rowley Faust, Vin Gardiner, Wally Gibbins, Bill Goddard, Vic Gordon, Frank Hanna, Tom Hanson, Arthur Harrison, Reuben Holland, Charlie Meadway, Richard Moran, George Muir, Bert Parke, Athol Sharp, Les Starr, Sam Stivey, and Frank Triplett.
We thank all of these 41 players for their service and sacrifices. A list of all Carlton servicemen can be found here.