Total War and Women's Football – The Dagenham Invincibles of World War I

Speaker: Steve Bolton
Sterling Ladies (2)

In this talk Steve tells the story of the Sterling Telephone Factory and the Sterling Ladies football team, often referred to as the 'Dagenham Invincibles', that went unbeaten between 1917-1919 as women's football played its part in the war effort, with many factories fielding their own teams. There is even a local connection with one of those 'Munitionettes' teams being from the Associated Equipment Company's factory on Blackhorse Lane in Walthamstow.

Associated Equipment Ladies FC
Associated Equipment Company (AEC) Ladies

Football historian Steve Bolton is the grandson of international footballer Lizzy Ashcroft, one of the stars of the early 20th century. Steve has an unrivalled collection of memorabilia, ranging from rare postcards and photographs to old leather boots and balls, and hopefully he'll bring along a few items to illustrate his talk.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.

Main Image: The 'Dagenham Invincibles'

Event organiser: London (East) branch
17 June 2027 19:30 to 17 June 2027 21:30
Walthamstow Cricket Tennis & Squash Club, 48a Greenway Ave, London. E17 3QN
Branch contacts
Chris Hunt
(Branch Chair)
Email Chris Hunt
Joy Hunt
(Branch Treasurer)
Email Joy Hunt
Louisa Pawsey
(Secretary)
Email Louisa Pawsey

Other upcoming events for London (East) branch

Cramping His Style Cartoon (Punch 9 April 1919) Thumbnail
15 October 2026

Wartime Cartooning: A Legacy of Laughter

Read more
54 Squadron RAF Football Team (IWM Q9944)
19 November 2026

Sport in the Royal Flying Corps, 1914-1918

Read more
Beaumont Hamel Christmas 1916 (IWM Q 1631)
17 December 2026

Christmas Meeting

Read more
George V And His Army Commanders (Byng On Far Right) December 1918
21 January 2027

Remembering Bungo: The life and career of Field Marshal Lord Byng of Vimy

Read more
RAF FE4
18 February 2027

From Flying Dreadnought to Dogfighter - The Troubled Birth of the British Fighter

Read more
HMS Warspite (Postcard)
15 April 2027

HMS Warspite at Jutland

Read more