Sir Alf Ramsey: How the Army Shaped Him

Grant Bage considers the military service and formative experiences of World Cup-winning football manager, Sir Alf Ramsey.

Alf Ramsey (1920-99) is best remembered as the extraordinary tactician who led the England football team to World Cup victory in 1966. Less well known is his service with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry during the Second World War (1939-45) – an experience that he described in 1952 as ‘one of the greatest things which ever happened to me’.

Conscripted in 1940, Ramsey spent most of his Army career on home defence duties. He also played football regularly, captaining his battalion’s team. His talents were spotted by Southampton FC, who signed him up - first as an amateur in 1943, then as a professional towards the end of the conflict.

In this talk, Grant Bage will explore Ramsey’s wartime experiences and the valuable lessons in discipline and leadership that would underpin his extraordinary career. 

About the speaker

Grant Bage is a writer, researcher and educator. He is also an Honorary Fellow of The Historical Association and holds a PhD in History. His latest book, ‘The Unseen Sir Alf: A Different Kind of Hero’, delves into the life and career of England’s most successful football manager, Alf Ramsey.