Tom Watch, trainer, feeding Godfrey Chapman

Tom Watch, the trainer of Godfrey Chapman, giving a feed during a training swim.

Tom Watch, a postman, lived in Weymouth and over many years trained a number of succesful long distance swimmers. Many went on to swim the English Channel. They included Philip Gollop and Mervin Sharp.

Chapman, a member of Weymouth Swimming Club, was the first Englishman home in the 1951 Daily Mail Cross Channel Race, in sixth place, time 12 hrs 56 min’s. He received a silver trophy from President Peron, of the Argentine. He was the first English man to Finish.

He was the winner of the Portland to Weymouth Race in 1950. Winner of all Weymouth Club events 100, 880, 2000, 6000 yards.

From the Sam Rockett collection.