Bill Pickering, with Ray Scott.

Bill Pickering after his 1955 record swim from England to France in 14 hrs 6mins.  Left side, Ray Scott, Chairman of Channel Swimming Association. Bill Pickering. Bob Pickering (father). Lewis Latham (trainer)

William Pickering 1955. A 34 year old Bloxwich baths manager weighing 15 1/2 stone. He made just one attempt on 27/8/1955 and took Florence Chadwicks fastest time record.

He swam St. Margarets Bay to Cap Blanc Nez in a time of 14 hours 06 minutes, piloted by Jack Burwill. His trainer was Lewis Latham.  

Black and White photograph.From the Sam Rockett Collection