Robert Hargraves Megson

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Ant Stewart

10^th September 1887 – 23^rd April 1917. Manchester Regiment (16^th Battalion)

Robert Hargraves Megson was a former Manchester FC player who was killed during the Great War. Born in Didsbury in 1887, Megson grew up on Holme Road, the son of James and Isabella Megson. He went to Edinburgh for schooling, attending the esteemed Fettes College, before returning to Manchester to become a chartered accountant with Messrs. Ashworth, Mosley, and Co.

He played for Manchester FC for several years, usually turning out at full back. In the game against Broughton Park in January, 1913, Megson put in a fine display, saving “many rushes of the opposing forwards.” During the following season, he served as part of Manchester FC’s player’s committee. That year, he was once again a fixture in the Manchester line-up, and played full-back in the team’s final match before the war, against Old Leysians.

Megson was commissioned as an officer in the 16^th Manchesters – a Pals Regiment – as soon as the war began. The following year, he started overseas service, and would recover twice from wounds whilst on duty. However, on the 23^rd April 1917, Megson was killed during the Second Battle of Scarpe, part of the Arras offensive.

Megson is remembered at the Arras Memorial, Faubourg d’Amiens, British Cemetery, Bay 7.

SOURCE
Manchester Guardian
World Rugby Museum
Craven’s Part in the Great War
Fettes Roll of Honour