A SPECIAL war memorial dedicated to Leyton Orient footballers who lost their lives in the First World War is to be unveiled on Remembrance Sunday.

The plaque is to be put up in Coronation Gardens, off High Road, Leyton, which backs onto the current O's stadium.

Steve Jenkins, who is the deputy chairman of Leyton Orient Supporters' Club and has also written a book about the team's history during the First World War, said: “This involves the Leyton Royal British Legion and Waltham Forest Council as well.

“The memorial recognises the Orient's service in the Great War.”

The O's were the first football team in the UK to join a regiment during the First World War, with the whole team joining up.

A total of 41 players and staff joined and three were killed at the Battle of the Somme, which was one of the largest battles throughout the war.

The first professional footballer to join up was Fred 'Spider' Parker, who was a midfielder and captain of the team.

He joined the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment at a specially organised meeting at Fulham Town Hall in December 1914.

Mr Jenkins said: “I've made two trips to the Somme in 2006 and 2008 with supporters. We're very proud to be part of the club's history.

“The footballers who went to war inspired other football clubs to join up as well.”

Funds are also currently being raised towards setting up a similar memorial in France.

“We need to raise £20,000 for another memorial acknowledging the club's efforts during the war,” Mr Jenkins said.

The plaque in Coronation Gardens, made of black marble and inlaid with gold writing, will be unveiled during a special ceremony at 9.30am on November 8.

It will include standard bearers, bagpipers and a performance from the Leyton Orient Supporters' Club Buglers.