Exclusive new photographs have emerged showing Sir Alf Ramsey, the legendary manager who led England to World Cup victory in 1966, during his military service in the Second World War. The images, never before seen by the public, offer a remarkable new perspective on the national hero.
A Soldier in Cornwall: The Wartime Alf Ramsey
The collection of photographs depicts a young Alf Ramsey during 1941 and 1942, when he was serving as a soldier with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. The images show him in various training scenarios: manning a powerful Bren gun, participating in bayonet practice, and holding a rifle. These activities were part of his regiment's vital role in protecting Britain's coastal defences against a feared German invasion.
The photos were recently donated to Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum by Keith Slyfield from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. His father, Kenneth, appears alongside Ramsey in several of the images. The museum then shared this historical treasure trove with respected author and historian Grant Bage.
Historical Discovery Sheds New Light
Grant Bage, a 68-year-old honorary fellow of The Historical Association, has just completed a widely praised book on the former England boss titled "The Unseen Sir Alf." He described his reaction to seeing the photos for the first time.
"I received a message from Bodmin Keep... and they asked if I would like to see them? Of course I immediately said 'yes' but I had no idea of their quality," Bage recounted. "When I opened the email I just could not believe my eyes. I immediately shouted out to my wife Jane... I felt ridiculously emotional."
Bage emphasised the significance of the find, stating, "These photos are astonishing and have never been published before. They show Alf in a completely new light." He noted that one military expert confirmed that handling the Bren gun as Ramsey was pictured required significant strength and fitness due to its weight and recoil.
From the Battlefield to the Football Pitch
Among the most poignant images is one showing a smiling Alf Ramsey with his army football teammates. Bage commented, "I particularly love the photo of him smiling with his football team-mates. He looks so happy despite everything and it's obvious he's just getting joy from playing football with his mates."
This early passion for the game would, of course, define his future. Ramsey's wartime experiences profoundly influenced his later managerial style. Alan Ball, the youngest player in the 1966 squad, recalled Ramsey using military analogies in team talks, saying: "A General can't win wars and neither can foot soldiers but together they might." Similarly, teammate Norman Hunter noted that Ramsey "studied his men like an army commander does."
Ramsey's battalion was stationed in several Cornwall locations, including Helston, Penzance, Bodmin, and Truro. The first football team he played for was formed while his unit was building beach defences. He remained the only manager to lead England to success in a major tournament until the women's team won the European Championship in 2022.
Following his sacking as England manager in 1973, Ramsey became a respected Daily Mirror columnist. He was knighted in 1967 and passed away in April 1999. These newly discovered photos ensure his legacy, both as a footballing icon and a dedicated serviceman, is preserved for future generations.
