Frank Costello signed for West Ham United on 1 March 1909 from Southampton in an exchange deal that saw Jack Foster join the south coast club.
He made his debut at the Boleyn Ground against Kent side New Brompton (now Gillingham) in a 1-0 defeat on 6 March 1909. Two days later, he scored his first goal against Swindon Town.
Birmingham-born Costello’s stay in east London did not last long, as he moved to Bolton Wanderers three months, 12 appearances and three goals, later.
By 1914, he joined his hometown regiment, the Royal Warwickshire, with whom he saw action in northern France at the Battle of Le Cateau.
On 19 December 1914, 32-year-old Costello was killed in action. Sadly, he has no grave but is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing, in Hainaut, Belgium, alongside 11,385 others.
Sydney Hammond
Born in Woolwich, London in 1882, Sydney Hammond was a commercial clerk by profession.
The defender joined West Ham United as an amateur in 1904 and made his first-team debut against Tottenham Hotspur in January 1905.
His Boleyn Ground career stretched to 34 appearances, spread over four seasons. Living in Twickenham Road, Leytonstone at the outbreak of the First World War, Hammond enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery in Romford.
When he died on 18 October 1917, Hammond was recorded as being in ‘C Battery’ 242nd Brigade, who at the time were fighting in the Passchendaele region. Hammond is buried in La Clytte Cemetery, Belgium.
William Kennedy
William Kennedy (above, left) joined West Ham United in 1910 and marked his Hammers debut in style, scoring a goal in Hammers 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Upton Park.
In two seasons at the Boleyn Ground, Kennedy averaged a goal every other game for the Irons.
A knee injury sustained in an FA Cup replay with Middlesbrough in February 1912 effectively ended his football career.
Although not considered fit enough for the rigours of professional football, he was, however, given the all-clear to fight for his country.
Kennedy joined the London Scottish 14th Brigade and it is believed he died on 13 October 1915, aged just 24. He has no grave but is listed on the Loos Memorial, Loos-en-Gohelle in France alongside 20,609 other British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Frederick Griffiths