Bob Paysour and Ned Barnie preparing to start 1954 Butlin's Race

Butlin’s International Channel Swim, 1954. Cap-Gris- Nez, Pas-de-Calais. Centre of the photo, Bob Paysour, USA, and Ned Barnie, GB, separated by Barnie’s trainer, having just waded ashore to start the race.

Robert Frederic Paysor had two unsuccessful swims both France- England; 14th August 1952,  time 12hrs 15mins. He then swam in the Billy Butlin swim 1954, time 12hrs 40mins.

He swam 22 miles upstream in the Catawba River, 1950.

“What the public doesn’t know”: Ned Barnie of Scotland……first and only man to complete a successful swim in both directions in one year (1951). A Midlothian physician, Barnie is oldest man to swim channel,completing his “doubles” at age of 54. He has swum the channel three times. Has torso that exites admiration. Almost oblivious to cold water. Likes to drink Scotch whisky while in training. Carries white heather from Pentland Hills for luck.

In 1950 at 53 years of age Ned Barnie entered the Daily Mail Race; he finished in 5th place in a time of 14hrs 45mins. His pilot was T. Brockman and the boat was the “Ocean Princess” He was Scotish half mile Champion in 1925. At the time of 1950 he was the only person to achieve a double crossing of the Firth of Fourth from Burnt-Island to Granton, as well as being the first person to get across. He was also holder of the East of Scotland Long Distance Championship.

In 1951 he entered the International “Festival Of Britain” Daily Mail Race. He finished in 17th place with a time of 15hrs 01min. His Pilot was S.T.Liddon, and the escort boat was the”Ocean King”.

In 1951 Ned also swam from England to France in 19hrs 02mins. He was the 7th. person to swim in this direction.

Scottish Science Teacher born Portobello. Died 25/12 1983 aged 87, Edinburgh

A Black and White photograph.From the Sam Rockett Collection.