During the War years Haydock closed as a racecourse and was used as a Prisoner of War camp.

HAYDOCK PARK 1941-45

Bert Trautmann was interned at the POW Camp in the proximity of Haydock Park racecourse. He was goalkeeper for St Helens Town before playing for Manchester City. He famously broke his neck during the Cup Final but carried on. He was a member of the Luftwaffe.

Evidence of a football match between the POWs and Haydock in April 1947 is shown below courtesy of Gerald Tinsley. He also provided evidence of the nearby POW camp at Garswood.

Paul Almond has managed to find a diamond shaped Hitler Youth badge, complete with black swastika in the centre, while walking with son Jake through the site of the old POW camp. (Scan of badge to follow).

His claim to fame is that his late father played football against Bert Trautmann.