Edgar Mobbs

Edgar Roberts Mobbs (1882–1917) was an English rugby union footballer who played for and captained Northampton R.F.C. and England. He played as a three quarter. Mobbs is commemorated in the Ella–Mobbs Trophy, first competed for by the Australia and England rugby union teams in the 2022 series.

Early life and family

Edgar Roberts Mobbs was born on 29 June 1882 in Northampton, England, the son of Oliver Linnell Mobbs, an engineer and managing director of engineering works, and his wife Elizabeth Ann (née Hollis).Northamptonshire Church of England Baptisms, St Giles, Northampton: Edgar Roberts Mobbs, baptised 28 July 1882.England Census, 1891, St Giles parish, Northampton, household of Oliver Mobbs. He was baptised at St Giles' Church, Northampton on 28 July 1882.Northamptonshire Church of England Baptisms, St Giles, Northampton: Edgar Roberts Mobbs, baptised 28 July 1882.

Mobbs grew up in Northampton in a large family. His siblings included Arthur Noel Mobbs and Herbert Mobbs, both of whom later worked as engineers.England Census, 1891, St Giles parish, Northampton, household of Oliver Mobbs. His brother Noel Mobbs (1878–1959) later became the founder of Slough Estates.

He was educated at Bedford Modern School, where he distinguished himself in sport; one of the school's houses is later named in his honour. After leaving school he entered business and by 1911 was working as the manager of a motor garage, Pytchley Auto Car Company), living in Olney, Buckinghamshire.England Census, 1911, Olney and Warrington, Buckinghamshire: Edgar Mobbs.

In August 1909 Mobbs was also appointed captain of the first Northampton Roller Skating Club to become affiliated to the National Skating Association of Great Britain.Northampton Daily Echo, 1909.

Rugby career

Mobbs began playing rugby for Northampton Saints in 1902 and soon established himself as one of the leading three-quarters in English rugby. After only a short time at the club he was appointed captain and led Northampton between 1906 and 1913.Northampton Mercury, 30 May 1913. During this period he became one of the most influential figures in the club's history and was widely regarded as an inspirational leader on the field.Leicester Evening Mail, 29 November 1911.

Mobbs also represented the East Midlands and served as captain of the side.Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper, 3 November 1912. In addition he was selected for England, earning seven international caps between 1909 and 1910.

Contemporary accounts described Mobbs as a powerful and determined runner who combined speed with strength and an effective hand-off, making him one of the most dangerous attacking backs of his era.Midland Mail, 10 August 1917.

In 1911 it was reported that Mobbs intended to retire from active rugby owing to increasing business commitments, a decision that was widely regarded as a significant loss to both Northampton and the East Midlands side.Leicester Evening Mail, 29 November 1911. He later stood down as Northampton captain in 1913 and was honoured by the club with a testimonial presentation marking his seven years as skipper.Northampton Mercury, 30 May 1913.

Military service At the outbreak of the First World War, Mobbs volunteered for military service but was initially rejected for a commission.[https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/remembering-edgar-roberts-mobbs Remembering Edgar Roberts Mobbs at Englandrugby.com Undeterred, he personally raised a company of volunteers, his own "sportsman's" company, which became known as “Mobbs' Own”. The group joined the Northamptonshire Regiment and formed part of the 7th (Service) Battalion.Northampton Mercury, 11 September 1931. Having enlisted as a private he rose rapidly through the ranks to command his battalion (7th (Service) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment) with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

During his service he was wounded on several occasions but returned to duty each time.Northampton Mercury, 11 September 1931. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the 1917 New Year Honours.

Death Mobbs was killed in action on 31 July 1917 during the opening day of the Third Battle of Ypres near Zillebeke, Belgium.Edinburgh Evening News, 14 August 1917. During fighting in Shrewsbury Forest his battalion was held up by a German machine-gun position known as Lower Star Post. Mobbs led a small party forward in an attempt to silence the position and was killed during the assault.Northampton Mercury, 11 September 1931.

His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres.

Legacy

Mobbs was widely mourned in Northampton and a public meeting was soon held to organise a memorial fund in his honour.Edinburgh Evening News, 14 August 1917. A bust of Mobbs was later erected in Northampton and he is also commemorated at the battlefield near Zillebeke.

In 1921 the first Mobbs' Memorial Match was held between the East Midlands RFU and the Barbarians at Franklin's Gardens. In 2008 the Barbarians played Bedford Blues in the Mobbs Memorial Match at Goldington Road81st Mobbs Memorial Match confirmed and did so again in 2009. The final Mobbs Match to feature the Barbarians took place in April 2011 against Bedford. The fixture continues to be played with the Army Rugby Union facing Bedford and Northampton Saints in alternate years and the game helps to raise money for youth rugby in the area.

Mobbs is also commemorated locally by Edgar Mobbs Way, a road near Franklin's Gardens in Northampton. A band from Northampton have named themselves The Mobbs after Edgar Mobbs. Mobbs is also commemorated with a bust in Northampton. He is also commemorated in the woods around Zillebeke with a cross and a remembrance plate.

Edgar Mobbs

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