During World War II, it became popular for football clubs to entertain the troops abroad as a way of keeping the game alive with so many men away fighting.

The practice continued after the war ended and in October 1945, it was the turn of these Glasgow Rangers players to head out to Hanover in Germany.

It was an unusual match, and a far cry from the usual Saturday game the team would have been used to.

The men were flying out on board a military transport to play a ‘friendly’ to entertain the British troops in occupation of the Rhine.

The Scottish club played the BAOR (occupation force British Army of the Rhine) who beat them resoundingly by six goals to one in front of a massive crowd of 50,000 fans.

Club legend Willie Waddell, who went on to become manager, scored the Ibrox team’s solitary goal.

Music on the day was provided by the Pipes and Drums of the 6th Battalion The Seaforths.

There were two Scotsmen in the opposing side – Peter McKennan, of Partick Thistle, who scored a...