War-time stars are recognised with West Brom caps
Harry Kinsell and Jack Sankey clocked a combined 300 appearances for Albion and the pair were among the latest to be celebrated at The Hawthorns last Sunday.
Their families were awarded caps in homage to their relatives’ contributions to the Albion during the war-time era and were treated to a celebration on the pitch as the Baggies won 5-1 against Swansea. Kinsell made 158 appearances for the Baggies over a decade with the club while Sankey turned out 147 times in Albion colours.
Sankey was part of the Albion side that reached the FA Cup final against Sheffield Wednesday in April 1945. But, the half-back was on the losing side that day as the Baggies fell to a 4-2 defeat to the Owls.
It was one of his last appearances for the club, as Sankey moved to Northampton Town in October 1945.
Having signed professional terms with Albion at 16, Kinsell had to wait for his debut as the Second World War put a stop to competitive football.
However, the full-back didn’t quit playing and even made two appearances for England, first against Ireland and then Wales in 1945. He eventually made his Baggies bow in a 3-2 away defeat to Swansea Town in 1946 and was instrumental in the Albion side that gained promotion to the First Division in the 1948/49 season.
The Cannock-born defender’s Albion career came to an end as Kinsell signed for Bolton for a then club-record fee of £12,000.
