Alison Pullinger, granddaughter of our former player James Ross, described an 'incredibly special day’ as she was presented with her grandad's war medals and Legacy Number certificate at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
The Club acquired the medals at auction and Alison and her family were invited pitchside to receive the medals and Legacy Number certificate #247 before our Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
"You know something is part of your family history, but that's all it is, but then, suddenly, you can touch it, it's real," said Alison. "I don't just mean the medals, but the visit, coming to the stadium today and being welcomed, it all helps me to fit my grandad into his place. It's not just something you read about, it's something you feel and experience.
"You know from the medals and certificate that's Jimmy the soldier and Jimmy the footballer. But to me he was Jimmy, my grandad, and he was very special to me, so to be able to come and represent him, it's incredible special.
"I just wish my dad was here as well, unfortunately he's passed away, but at least I've done it. I'm immensely proud.
"It's my first time here, and my impression is 'wow'. Goodness me, the stadium has an aura about it! It's so lovely to have been invited. We're part of the Spurs family, and that's something special."
Ross, known as Jimmy, joined us as a half-back from Raith Rovers in April 1920, having attested for the Royal Army Medical Corps and serving with them during the Great War on the Western Front from May 1915.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment on 26 March 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the final push to victory in the Forêt de Mormal near the France/Belgium border, whilst serving on attachment with the 10th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment.
Such awards are announced in the London Gazette and, in the newspaper dated 4 October 1919, Ross was mentioned as follows:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and good work during the fighting in the Forêt de Mormal on 4 November 1918. His company was held up and his company commander was wounded. He assumed command, and owing to his coolness and ability the advance was properly continued and two field guns were captured with personnel complete.’
The medals – described by The Saleroom auction house as a Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of six – consisted of the Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals; Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45.
The medals were purchased at auction by Daren Burney – whose vast collection of Spurs memorabilia is often loaned to the Club for public display – and made available for the Club to present to the family.
Ross was born in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland, on 16 March 1896. After a spell with Raith Rovers, he signed professional forms with us and first appeared in our colours for a London FA Charity Cup semi-final with Clapton Orient in April 1921. It was almost two years later before he made his senior debut, becoming Legacy Number 247 when he started our First Division fixture at Manchester City on 14 March 1923.
He stayed with the club until April 1925, making a total of seven league appearances, before quitting football altogether. Ross saw further service during the Second World War in the Cameronians from 26 November 1940, being advanced war substantive Lieutenant on 2 April 1941, and temporary Captain on 17 June 1942. He passed away at Whittington Hospital, London on 8 August, 1964.