Originally the works team of Peter Hooker Limited, which manufactured engines in conjunction with the French Gnôme and Le Rhône Engine Company, the club was formed during the First World War, although it could not play competitive football until 1919, when it joined the South Essex League and the Middlesex Senior League,[1] winning the latter by remaining unbeaten until April.

In 1923, manager Harry Curtis left to take charge of Brentford,[5] and the club changed its name to Walthamstow Town;[6] without company backing, it also had to move ground.

Before the 1927–27 season, the club changed its name to Walthamstow Borough, as a result of the district applying for a charter of incorporation, which was not in fact granted; but the news came too late for the club to withdraw its name change request.

[7] However that season it finished bottom of the London League with just 3 wins, and disbanded part-way through the following season;[8] at the time, the club was bottom but one of the second tier of the London League, with 8 points from 10 games.

[9] The club wore white jerseys with dark shorts and socks.