The outbreak of World War I in 1914 spelled the beginning of a dark period for St Kilda.

The club entered a period of recession during 1916 and 1917, but not before changing their official colours to red, yellow and black to disassociate themselves from the colours of the German Empire.

It was also a sign of solidarity for Allied Force, Belgium, who stood with Australia and had several current and former St Kilda players fighting in their country.

Fourteen Saints were killed in action during the bloody war, which claimed the lives of over 40 million people.

Ten more Saints paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, including best-and-fairest Harry Comte, who fell at the Battle of Tarakan.

We pay our respects to the 286 former St Kilda footballers who served in the two world wars.

Lest we forget. 

St Kilda Honour Roll

Paul Bell (d. Balikpapan, 1945)
Arthur Caldwell (d. Malta, 1918)
Harry Comte (d. Tarakan Island, 1945)
Claude Crowl (d. Gallipoli, 1914)
Adam de Ross (d. France, 1917)
Bill Downie (d. Japan, 1943)
Jim Farnan (d. Pozières, 1916)
Bob Flegg (d. Feuersbrunn, 1944)
Horace Griffin (d. France, 1916)
Lou Holmes (d. Gallipoli, 1915)
Bill Hudson (d. New Guinea, 1945)
Stuart King (d. Coral Sea, 1943)
Otto Lowenstern (d. France, 1917)
Bill Madden (d. Bullecourt, 1917)
Paddy McGuinness (d. Le Treport, 1918)
Wallace Mills (d. Babinda, 1943)
Hector Mitchell (d. Singapore, 1917)
Bert O’Connell (d. Broodseinde Ridge, 1917)
Harold Parker (d. Lille, 1917)
Hugh Plowman (d. Fleurbaix, 1917)
Beres Reilly (d. Crete, 1943)
Albert Roberts (d. New Guinea, 1942)
Ralph Robertson (d. Aboukir, 1917)
John T. Shelton (d. Tobruk, 1941)
John P. Walker (d. Pozières, 1916)