With the declaration on war in 1914 and 1939, the game was suspended in this country, with regional leagues being played, while some grounds were taken over by the war effort or played with reduced capacities.  Guest players serving in the forces turned out for local sides, thus crowds could see big names play for their teams, even though they might never have the opportunity to sign them permanently.

with the advent of the guest player, some clubs became successful because of their proximity to Army, Navy or Air Force bases.  Aldershot were very strong during the wars with the Army Barracks nearby.

Spurs used about 70 guest players during World War II, while Tottenham players away on duty played for other clubs in the areas where they were stationed.

When League Football resumed in August 1946, some Spurs players were still serving for the forces and only resumed their footballing duties when their military service was over.

LEAGUES

In World War I, league football continued until the end of the 1914-15 season, with regional leagues organised, leading to Spurs playing in the London Football Combination. 

Things were slightly different in World War II and Spurs were placed in the Southern Regional League, which they won in 1943-44 and 1944-45. 

GROUNDS

White Hart Lane was closed during World War I, as it was taken over by the War Office and the club played their home games at Homerton (Clapton Orient) or Highbury (Arsenal).

During the Second World War, White Hart Lane was kept open, as Highbury was closed by the War Office.  Thus Arsenal shared the Lane as their home ground, but not all the stadium was allowed to be used, as there were restrictions on large gatherings and also because parts of the ground had been commandeered to store the belongings of people in the local area who had been evacuated out of Tottenham. 

Highbury was being used as a First Aid Post and an Air Raid Patrol Centre, while the dressing rooms were utilised as a clearing station for casualties.  In the main stand, there was also a Warden's reporting post established.

At times during the Second World War, White Hart Lane was used as a mortuary and as an arms store.