Man City Military Veterans Official Supporters Club and City in the Community Veteran Footballers are doing a physically and mentally challenging charity event. 2023 marks 80 years since 1943. In remembrance of this year. Members will Walk, March (carrying 19.43kg) or run 19.43km on the morning of 4th Nov.

1943 holds significance as it saw many British service personnel engaged in significant battles that are often overlooked in major WW2 Remembrance events. While events like Dunkirk, Arnhem, and D-Day are well-remembered, the campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Sicily in 1943 involved many British service members in battles such as Kasserine Pass, Battle of Sidi Bou Zid, Battle of Medenine, Operation Baytown (Salerno), and the Battle of Mareth Line.

Manchester played a crucial role in supporting the war effort during 1943, with its factories producing aircraft, munitions, and uniforms. The city was also a target for Luftwaffe bombings. Despite the challenges, competitive football continued with the Football League replaced by regional leagues, showcasing resilience amid adversity. Many players were serving in the Armed Forces or civil defence roles like air raid wardens, fire watchers, and first aiders. Guest players often had to be drafted into regional league matches. One notable player during this period was Frank Swift, City goalkeeper, who served as an Air Raid warden and enlisted in the Army as a professional footballer at the Army School of Physical Training. Even with his Armed Forces and Civil Defence duties, Frank managed 134 Wartime league appearances for Man City. Tragically, he lost his life in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, aged 44, after reporting on the match against Red Star Belgrade.