The Army Years

The 1954-55 English football season had only just been confined to the record books when Duncan Edwards received his call-up papers to join the Royal Army Ordnance Corps dropped through his letterbox.

So off he went to Nesscliff Central Ammunition Depot, near Shrewsbury to tackle the drills and army disciplines with the same energy and enthusiasm as he would deal with his many football challenges.

The worst part was the travelling as he combined his army stint with his blossoming Manchester United career. Instead of jumping on a Manchester Corporation bus, or his trusty bicycle for Old Trafford, it was now a much longer journey by whatever means possible in order to meet up with his team mates and pull on the red shirt.

Another player who was to find himself alongside Duncan during those army days was the familiar figure of Bobby Charlton, who related the story of how he was met by his United team mate upon arrival at the camp. 

“Duncan was a year older than I was and he took charge of me the moment I arrived at the army camp. He had my billet arranged and everything. When he showed me to the billet, he noticed there was a spring sticking out of the bed, and said to me ‘we can’t have that."

“It was a great big iron bed, but he hoisted it over his shoulder, mattress, frame and all and went off in search of a better one for me.”

The routine for Duncan and Bobby was usually playing for the Army team on a Wednesday and Manchester United on a Saturday. On returning to their Shropshire base by train they often missed their train stop at Shrewsbury and end up at Ludlow Station because they were so worn out.

As 1955 moved into its final months, Duncan was well integrated into army life and had become a regular member of the army football team as well as fulfilling his obligations to United.

It was not uncommon for Duncan to be playing two, sometimes three games per week. Since his debut in the Army National Team he had featured regularly and his performances at this level were as special to him as those in the Football League while wearing the red of United. 

The army often laid first claim to his services and on one occasion he was refused leave to play for United unless he helped his camp team progress in what was seen as a prestige cup-tie by the powers that be. 

On 6 June 1957 Duncan finally walked away from Nesscliff Central Ammunition Depot after two years.

He had played in almost 100 games of football for the Army, numerous International games and made 80 First Team appearances for Manchester United as he helped them to win consecutive First Division Championships in 1955/56 and 1956/57.