It aimed to fill the gap left in English football by the suspension of the FA Cup during the Second World War.
To reduce traveling distances for clubs, after 1942 the competition was split into north and south sections, each with its own final.
The standings in the North Football League table after ten matches determined the 32 qualifiers for the competition proper.
137 games (including replays) were played to get to the final of the inaugural Football League War Cup.
Thanks to a 40th minute equaliser from Arsenal's D. Compton in the game at Wembley, this was the first final of the tournament to go to a replay.
The third competition in 1942 saw the final switched to a two-legged format with each team playing one leg on their home ground.
The northern winners were decided over two legs, while the southern finalists met in a one-off Wembley final.
The score in the final was tied at 1–1 but due to transport restrictions and bombing threats, a replay was not held and the game ended a draw.