Norman Leslie Derham at Brighton Beach

Mr. Jim Hatton describing to Derham the ways of certain currents from the beach at Brighton before a practice swim.

Norman Leslie Derham of Southend 1926 to make Channel Swim Attempt soon. Mr. Norman Leslie Derham, the well known Thames Estuary and Southend swimmer, is now in training at Brighton for his attempt on the Channel swim. He put up a splended performance in July when, after 12 hours in the water he was forced to retire owing to heavy seas.

Norman swam the Channel on the 16 September 1926 for one of the financial offers made by the National newspapers after the American Gertrude Ederle set a new record in 1926 from France to England in the time of 14hrs 39mins.

A News of the World reporter observed the swim. His time was 13hrs 55mins. He received £1000 from the News of the World.

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