After the outbreak of war and a directorial decision to close Exeter City down during the state of emergency, St James Park found itself adapting to the dynamics of war.

Both the Home Guard, and later the US military, used the ground for training purposes, which ended up drawing crowds of locals to watch the forces prepare for action.

Meanwhile, the home of the Grecians also became the home of the European Baseball Championship final in 1945, as well as hosting a variety of American Football matches between US military teams during the war years.

St James Park remained as integral to the war effort as it has been to Exeter City FC throughout its history..