Wednesday, April 03, 2013
MY DAD - CHAMPION SWIMMER
Seen here in 1937. Jim won many swimming titles in the Royal Navy and as an amateur swimmer when he resided in South Devon before the war. Unlike his son, Jim was an extremely modest athlete and I recall a story my mother related to me. Jim had come home for recuperation leave after being wounded and had turned up at a swimming gala in Chudleigh to 'have a go' and perhaps earn a few bob (there were money prizes in those days and you wouldn't necessarily lose your amateur status). He was recognised by an official who had hurried up to Jim and asked him if he could possibly not swim that afternoon in order to 'give the locals a chance' ! Jim didn't want a fuss and returned home. Looking at this photo, I can see where my athletic talent, such as it was, came from.
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