Category Archives: Clubs

Hercules Ladies Athletic Club

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From the Mitcham News and Mercury, 20th of October 1933, page 1

“Mitcham Odds and Ends”

RIFT IN THE LUTE

I am sorry to hear that trouble has arisen over the decision of the Mitcham Athletic Club at its recent annual general meeting, not to allow members under 16 years of age to vote at their meetings. This has been taken as a slight upon the young ladies who lately have flocked to the club in overwhelming numbers. Unfortunately it has led to the formation of another club, which may tend to cripple both organisations. Mr F.H. Priest, president of the Mitcham Athletic Club, informed me that every effort will be made to consolidate the Mitcham Athletic Club in the interests of young lady athletes.

HERCULES LADIES

Meanwhile, the new club, called the Hercules Ladies Athletic Club, has established its headquarters at Dahomey Road, Streatham. The officers are: Founders, Mr and Mrs R.O. Bale; committee chairman Mr R.C. Parr; honorary general secretary, ,Mr F.J.E. Meymes, 19 Crusoe Road, Mitcham; hon. Treasurer, Mrs F. Meymes; club captain, Mrs Bale; and trainer, Mr Bale. The club colours are navy blue with regulation tunic with scarlet facings. The object of the club, it is pointed out, is “furtherance of womanhood in athletics.” The club committee, in appealing to parents, states ”that Mrs O Bales (formerly Miss A.M. Stone, international runner and winner of many athletic events) is putting her whole efforts in turning their daughters into first class sport swimming, vide the club’s motto Factum non verbum (Deeds not words). “As solid foundations are essential, we feel that very careful attention given to girls under 15 years of age, will assure this being a first-class club eventually.”

THE LAVENDER MAN.

Corporal Dennis Ernest Browne

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Born in 1925, in Greenwich.

His father William John Browne, had served with the RAF during World War 1. (From the Royal Air Force Muster Roll 1918, his service number was 107218)

In the 1939 Register he lived with his parents William John Browne, born 13th January 1883, a printer, lived at 81 Gorringe Park Avenue, with his wife Caroline Alice, born 4th February 1888, and his brother William J.T., born 13th December 1915, a commercial traveller.

He served with the 1/6th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey), service number 14654147.

He died on 8th August 1944, aged 19.

From the Mitcham News & Mercury, 6th October 1944, page 1:

How Cpl. Dennis Browne
Met His Death

Was promoted on field

News of the gallant deed that resulted in the death of Corpl. Dennis Browne, youngest son of Mr and Mrs WJ Browne, Gorringe Park Avenue, Mitcham, whose death in action in Normandy was reported in the “Mercury” in August, comes this week from his company officer.

On August 8th April Browne’s company was ordered to attack an objective. The enemy withheld his fire until the Britishers were 15 yards away and then opened out with machine-gun fire.

“I saw Corpl. Browne run forward alone in an attempt to take the position single-handed. He fell two yards from the position,” writes his officer.

His officer, who recovered Corpl. Browne’s body, add “I trust that the manner of his passing will consolation be of some consideration to his parents, as one and all, from C.O. downwards paid tribute to a very gallant deed.”

Was promoted two days before

This incident occurred two days after Corpl. Browne had been promoted in the field. He had always been keen on soldiering. At 15 he joined the King’s Rifle Cadets, 16 he became a Home Guard and joined the Army before he was 18.

In civil life he was in the wire room of the “Daily Express.”

He was educated at Gorringe Park School, and was a member of Mitcham Boy Scouts.

He is commemorated at Bayeux Memorial, Calvados, France.

Commonwealth War Grave Commission casualty record