Tom Watch (trainer), Godfrey Chapman & Sam Rockett

Tom Watch, trainer, Godfrey Chapman, swimmer,and Sam Rockett, race organiser

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.

Sam Rockett swam in the 1950 Daily Mail race and was the fourth man  to finish. He was Supervisor for the 1951 Daily Mail Race, an International race held in the “Festival of Britain year” and was also supervisor for the Billy Butlin races from 1953 to 1959, and the Sir Billy Butlin long distance walk from John O Groats to Lands End.

He played County Water Polo for a number of Counties. He was author of the book “its Cold in the Channel”

From the Sam Rockett collection.