REPRESENTATIVES from Bolton Wanderers will join members of the Royal Artillery on a trip to Italy to retrace the steps of the famous Wartime Wanderers.

Whites captain Harry Goslin led his players into battle and famously gave a stirring pre-match speech in 1939 urging spectators to volunteer for the military.

The whole team joined him in signing up and they fought in action in France and north Africa as well as Italy and Harry rose to become a full Lieutenant.

Harry was the only one of the Bolton team not to return having been killed by a German shell in 1943. He is buried in the Sangro River War Cemetery close to where he fell.

A contingent of 28 members of the 103 Regiment, Royal Artillery, will travel to Italy this week as part of a field study trip re-tracing the steps of the 53rd Bolton Royal Artillery during their battle actions in 1943.

They will visit the Moro and Sangro river battle sites as well as Monte Cassino, the location of one of the most difficult and deadly battles of the Italian campaign. The 53rd Bolton was absorbed into the 103rd.

The regiment has invited Bill and Matthew Goslin, Harry's son and grandson, to join them on the trip, as well as club chaplain Phil Mason.

It will be an especially difficult trip for Harry's son Bill, as he was five years old when Harry left for the war and eight when he heard his father had been killed in action in Italy.

Bill is now 80 and has never before been able to visit his father's grave.

Captain Craig Roxby is leading the expedition and Mr Mason will officiate at the army's graveside 'sunset ceremony'.

Mr Mason said: "This is a very significant trip in the year 300th anniversary year of the regiment.

"It is important that as a club we remember our history and the inspirational people, like Harry Goslin, who was a leader both on and off the pitch.

"It will be very moving to visit Harry's grave and to be with Harry's son Bill, who will be seeing his father's grave for the very first time.

"The Wanderers at War story is very inspiring and can teach us a great deal about leadership, commitment, dedication and having a passion for the country.

"Harry, like so many others, paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country and he is part of the proud history of Bolton Wanderers."