Object of the Month: February2023

Chosen by: Pete Muggleton (William Dalby’s great-great-nephew)

Collection: Regimental

Object Name: William Dalby Rugby Cap

Velvet, silk, silver thread, 1912

This is a Midlands Counties rugby cap awarded to my great-great-uncle, William Dalby, on 9th November 1912 when he was 24 years old. It was awarded to him when he played as a flank forward in the Midlands Counties select team against South Africa. He scored his team’s only try, but unfortunately, they lost the game.

Sadly, William was killed in action during World War I at the Somme in France, whilst serving in the Leicestershire Regiment.
The cap has William’s name stitched inside and despite its age, this cap has been preserved incredibly well.

Donated by Mrs Susan Hooke (William Dalby’s sister) to the Royal Leicestershire Regimental Association, 1965.

The Object of the Month can be seen in person throughout February at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.