Billy Moore was born in his Grandmother’s sweetshop at Greenmeadow Terrace, Llangeinor on the 17th February 1908. He resided with his parents there, Bertram and Lily Moore. His Grandmother was Fanny Moore, a Widow. Bertram was a Coal Miner, born in Bettws while Mam Lily was a Housewife. The family had previously lived in nearby Tynyrheol.
Billy was a keen sportsman who excelled at both Rugby and Boxing. After leaving Tynyrheol School he worked as a Quarryman. It is said that he trained for Boxing upstairs in a Boxing ring at the Green Meadow public house.
He played for Bridgend RFC and Glamorgan County before gaining his solitary cap as a Lock forward for Wales against Ireland at Ravenhill Park, Belfast on 11th March 1933 in a team that contained some star names in Wilf Wooler, Ronnie Boon, Viv Jenkins, Archie Skym and the legendary Maurice Turnbull. Wales lost the game by 10 points to 5.
The International matches against Ireland in the 1930’s were notorious for mass punch ups between the packs. Tough as teak Billy had no fears here as he was an accomplished boxer who the legendary Jack Petersen had failed to stop in a non title bout at Weston Super Mare.
Jack Petersen was British Heavyweight Champion on two separate occasions and had won every one of his first twenty five fights but found Billy Moore a formidable opponent.
Billy signed for Rochdale Hornets Rugby League Club soon after. He also played for the Wales Rugby League side and therefore became a “Duel Code” International
Oldham signed him from Rochdale Hornets in 1937. His first game for Oldham was against Hull Kingston Rovers on 20th November 1937 playing prop forward in the number 10 shirt. His last game for Oldham was against Salford on the 26th December 1947 again at prop wearing number 10. He played a total of 158 matches scoring 5 tries.
He later signed for Oldham RLFC and between 1937-38 and 1947-48 played 158 times for Oldham scoring five tries.
He died in Oldham on 31st March 1976.
My grandad, what a lovely gentle giant
Missed so very much, would like to know where his cap ended up though
Grandad w j moore
Thank you for this lovely write on our Grandfather William John Moore (Billy).
As our sister has pointed out he was truly a gentleman a gentle giant who is truly and sorely missed by us all.
Our grandfather without doubt was and also played with an amazing amount of talented players too numerous to mention.
As your piece was kindly posted September 2020 we are now hopeful someone reading this could help us with the present whereabouts of our grandfathers cap.
We were aware at some point it was in Bridgend . But unsure where it went from there.
As our extended family is still involved in the Rugby it would be so nice for them to view the cap if we can find its whereabouts.
Anybody needing any further information please feel free to get in contact.
Cont’d
Yvonne & Christine Bowden
William J Moore Grandchildren
I believe that Billy John’s cap was framed on the wall of the Green Meadow in Llangeinor. I saw it there many years ago. My sisters Jane Down and Jan Herd are much better at detail than me, but cousins David and Philip Moore, and Ann Bissel might know more. All grandchildren of Arthur Moore of Llangeinor through Bryn, Vernon, and Bob.
I will ask.
Phil may know where his cap is. I will ask him.
I have two lovely photographs of Will Moore….one as a boxer.
Arthur was Bertrum’s youngest brother. Fanny Moore was mother to Bertram, Charles and Arthur. Charles was killed in WW!. However I do not know who Fay Moore was. I do not know of the connection to Bowden family. I was told that Will John had two daughters but I know nothing else.
If I can find a way of posting up the photographs soon I will do so. The family have always been extremely proud of William John Moore both as a boxer and a rugby player.
Bertram and Lily’s grave in Bettws churchyard needs putting back together. All the pieces are there and we made sure they were stacked closely together but the grave pieces need cementing back together as they have fallen apart.
To Yvonne and Christine my best wishes. I am Janner Herd, sister to Jane and Andrew. If anyone can point you in the right direction my sister can.
Hi
thank you so much for this, i am fay j bowden youngest daughter to fay moore, i have 2 other sisters Yvonne and Christine
the names mentioned above ‘Bertram & fanny’ i seem to remember mum writing these names down and are definitely part of the family, my mother was the daughter of Ada and Billy Moore and had another daughter called June (so yes they did have 2 daughters)
green meadow ? is the cap in the green meadow inn ? sorry not sure of the area, if you have any more info that would be great
think mums maiden name was allingan
regards