Description

Book Synopsis

The compelling story of how American football was used to boost morale and inject camaraderie between the Allied forces in wartime London.

In December 1943, as London faced a fifth Christmas of blackouts and no sign of World War Two ending, a chance encounter at an English pub between a Canadian and an American officer led to the staging of a football game: the Tea Bowl.

A few weeks later, 30,000 Canadian and American troops, as well as some confused British spectators, were gifted respite from the devastation. The game involved players who had paused their football careers back home to serve their country in foreign lands.

The Canadians won, so a rematch was arranged in front of 50,000 at London's White City Stadium. They called it the Coffee Bowl. A few ringers were even drafted from the NFL, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tommy Thompson.

With first-hand accounts and detailed reports of the games, this is the first time the fascinating tales of the Tea and Coffee Bowls have been shared in one place.



Trade Review

"An impressive story, well told. Rating: 9/10."

-- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

The Greatest American Football Story that has

    Product form

    A Hardback by Anthony Wootton

    £16.99

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    RRP £19.99 – you save £3.00 (15%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 11 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Pitch Publishing
      Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
      Published 12 February 2024
      ISBN-13 9781801506779
      978-1801506779
      ISBN-10 1801506779
      Also in:
      Sport American football

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The compelling story of how American football was used to boost morale and inject camaraderie between the Allied forces in wartime London.

      In December 1943, as London faced a fifth Christmas of blackouts and no sign of World War Two ending, a chance encounter at an English pub between a Canadian and an American officer led to the staging of a football game: the Tea Bowl.

      A few weeks later, 30,000 Canadian and American troops, as well as some confused British spectators, were gifted respite from the devastation. The game involved players who had paused their football careers back home to serve their country in foreign lands.

      The Canadians won, so a rematch was arranged in front of 50,000 at London's White City Stadium. They called it the Coffee Bowl. A few ringers were even drafted from the NFL, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tommy Thompson.

      With first-hand accounts and detailed reports of the games, this is the first time the fascinating tales of the Tea and Coffee Bowls have been shared in one place.



      Trade Review

      "An impressive story, well told. Rating: 9/10."

      -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

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