Alec arrived at Loftus Road from Charlton Athletic in February 1938 and went on make 19 appearances up to 2nd September 1939.
After becoming an officer, Alec then made 28 intermittent appearances for the R’s up to the 1945/46 season, whilst also guesting for Bath City and Bristol City.
It was reported in December 1943 that Lieutenant Stock was to be married to Miss Marjorie Filer, a schoolteacher, at Single Hill Methodist Church.
Alec was in an armoured unit and stationed in the North.
News emerged in July 1944 that his wife had received news that Alec had been wounded in Normandy and was in hospital in South Wales.
He had been flown back after being wounded by shrapnel in the back and legs.
His injuries were described as “rather severe”, but he is “still as bright as ever” and said that he would like to get back again with his unit to have another “crack” at the Nazis.
Alec had been the patrol leader of a recce unit of tanks when his own one had been wrecked. He had been riding on another tank and was wounded after it had been hit.
For 48 hours he was literally crawling about in ‘No-Man’s-Land’, not knowing whether he was in the British lines or the enemies!
He then found himself in front of a machine gun nest and luckily, it was British!
After making several visits, Marjorie had spoken, “very encouragingly of the progress he was making, though he may be some time in hospital.”
Then, a local Somerset newspaper reported on 8th March 1946 that: ‘Returning home from Yeovil in the coach with the Bath City team on Saturday was Captain Stock, who had just been appointed Yeovil’s new player/manager.
Captain Stock, who is expecting demobilisation next month, will take up his duties immediately upon his release. He is 28 and has been in the Forces for over six-and-a-half years.’
Alec returned as the Rangers manager in August 1959.
Steve Russell
Thanks to Colin Woodley for his assistance and also to Gordon Macey (RIP), as always. The press photo is from my collection
I was told once that Alec was the only one who made it out of the tank alive……..
Ron Phillips always said that it was thanks to Alec that he got the club secretary job. Alec and Jim Gregory were the interviewers. Jim wasn’t convinced – no previous football experience. Alec was convinced he was the man for the job. He was right of course.