Herbert Amos: Local Hero

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Prominent Hertfordshire Footballers

Mr Herbert Gilbert MacLachlan Amos

Mr H.G.McL.Amos is well known to Hertfordshire footballers, as a former prominent member of the Hitchin team. Mr Amos originally played the Rugby game, but his brother, the International [Andrew Amos], would not allow him to handle the ball, and he took to the Association Code.
He was one of the first members of the Cambridge Granta club, and played for Cambridgeshire on more than one occasion. He also played for Caius College, Cambridge, in the days when Pawson was captain of the eleven. On proceeding to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, his abilities both as a footballer and cricketer soon gained recognition, and he was made captain of both elevens. In one match, R.M.C. v. R.M.A., Woolwich, he scored no less than seven goals. His services have been requisitioned by the Casuals on more than one occasion.
He played for Hitchin for about four years as centre forward, and during this period he kicked a good many goals for his team. What would not Hitchin give to have him now? The north Hertfordshire combination have apparently fallen upon evil days, and a man of Mr Amos's sterling worth, would prove its salvation. Unfortunately, in 1889, Mr Amos had the misfortune to break his jaw, and he has seldom been seen in a football match since.
Herts Advertiser Saturday 7th February 1891

Captain Herbert Gilbert MacLachlan Amos, D.S.O., was born in London on 28th April 1866, son of the Reverend James Amos, of St Ibbs, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. He entered the West India Regiment on 15th October 1890; became Lieutenant,West India Regiment, 29th April 1892; Lieutenant, King's Own Scottish Borderers, 7th June 1893; Adjutant, KSOB, 25th July 1898; and Captain, KSOB, 24th January 1900.
He served in South Africa 1900/1902; operations in Orange Free State, February to May 1900; Paardeberg, 16th to 26th February; actions at Poplar Grove and Karee Siding, 29th March; actions at Yet River, 5th and 6th May; Zand River, 10th May; operations in Transvaal, May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesberg and Pretoria; operations in Transvaal, east of Pretoria and west of Pretoria.
He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette, 27th September 1901).
'Herbert Gilbert MacLachlan Amos, Captain, King's Own Scottish Borderers. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa'.
He was invested by the King on 18th December 1901, and was twice mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 10th September 1901, and 29th July 1902). He retired and became Honourable Major in the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment (Special Reserve). Major Amos married in 1893, Kate Isabella, daughter of General W.A.Stratton, and then had one son and one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC & DSO Book)

Sadly, Herbert's son Gilbert was killed in action early in the First World War. Commemorated on the St Ippollitts War Memorial:
Gilbert Stratton Amos. 2nd Lieutenant, D Company, 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action 14th September 1914, aged 18. Born Yorkshire. Son of Major Herbert Gilbert McLachlan Amos, D.S.O. and Kate Isabella. Buried in Vauxbuin French National Cemetery, Plot II. Row C. Grave 16.

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Who knows why Andrew Amos would not allow his brother to handle the ball? But just as well for Hitchin as it turned out!

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In Hitchin Tennis Club's second tournament, on Saturday 14th July 1888 at the Cricket Ground, Herbert and his partner, L.D.G.Ryder beat W.L.Hall and H.W.Perks in the final of the gentlemen's doubles.
Hertford Mercury Saturday 21st July 1888