Bill Evans (left) and Allan Baylis (Captain and Best & Fairest 1942) . Note: Wartime Jumper worn by Allan


Once again war was on the horizon as the new decade began. The call was out—all men who were physically able were needed to assist in quelling the threat emanating from Germany. The motherland needed defending.

Chelsea commenced the season in a better manner with three wins from the first six games but, with many players signing up for military service, the numbers were thinning out rapidly and after six rounds, the club was forced to withdraw its team.
The season finished early after only 14 rounds. As expected Moorabbin, who had been undefeated, remained so throughout the finals and claimed the prize.

The Federal Football League (newly named in 1935) was able to maintain a competition for one year by dropping back to a single grade and making it available to those not yet signed up for military service and those too young to enlist. Chelsea was able to enter a team and achieved moderate success finishing fifth with six wins for the season but as the war raged and spread to the Pacific, the competition was reduced to an Under 18 grade thereby providing a junior revival after a nine year gap. In a six team competition, Chelsea finished third in 1942 but was, as a result of their own atrocious kicking for goal,  eliminated by Mentone in the first semi-final.

In the following year, the Seagulls took another step forward as they battled their way through the finals only to be beaten by Mordialloc in a high standard final. Things were looking up and, once again, it was the young players who were showing the way when at last, in 1944, Chelsea was back in the winner’s circle. After two years of being in contention the Seagull’s youngsters came through in an unbeaten run that extended throughout the entire season.

Following the withdrawal of it's Senior Team in 1940, Chelsea's weekly matches were promoted as below: 

CHELSEA TEAM'S BIG FIXTURE

CHELSEA V GERMANY

The point is that Chelsea no longer has a football team. Of the 19 members, 17 have enlisted. The 18th man failed on his first medical examination, but is going to have another try, and the 19th is only a lad, too young to enlist.

Ref: “The Herald” - 1940.’