J
FAMOUS REFEREES SERIES
THE CHINA MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 1956,
JOHN BASHAM -A WARRIOR BOTH INSIDE AND OUT OF THE RING
By C. B. THOMAS
The simple wooden headpiece to the grave in the cemetery at New- port bears the name John Michael Bagham.
Underneath that greensward lles the man they nicknamed "The Happy Warrior," ex-Sergeant John Basham, one of the greatest fistic heroes of my lime, who became Welterweight Champion of Great Britain and the British Empire, later adding the Middleweight Championship to his honours.
He lald other claims la Joned the gymnastic staff
al, feet.
But, wonderfully good Driscoll
and Astic Immortality when winning Aldershot.
had been naturect
happy-go-lucky the Lonsdale Beit outright as a promoted 4 Regimental Ser though he wos. Johnny" neither Wellerweight by defeating geart-Majer. Johnny was only forgot nor forgave one particu- the redoubtable Johnny Sum- a sergeant,
Har Bight verdiet that year. The Johnny mery in alte rounds, Toin Me-
could Ladoner Matt Wells was holl- Cormick in 13
and take advantage of their co-daying in Swansea when it was ronds Edelle Beattle in 19 rounds
vadeship. ant
arranged that he would fight the Newport man. If I had pul Besham's gravestone
up
I
have added these Ince
dessunnel
he
wha
theg
at away Johnny calmly
while his good was would garettes
doing exererBEN,
Along come RSM Jim, and If he was beaten le earth, without
his Ince well, what's that?
shouted:
smoking He'd come up with a smiling Sergeant Basham!”
face:
It was nothing against him to
be kmeked down flat. But to Be there would have
been disgrace! The harder he was hit, why,
the higher he botanideal He was protid of a blackened
vyo.
For it wasn't the fact that he was heked that counted, did he fattat and But forw
why?
THE JOKER
u smile 1422
"You He
The contest took place near Swansea docks, and when Wells entered the ring he looked none to it. But in the seventh round down went Bashain, claiming to have been hit low. The referee, "Yes, Jim.“ replied duluny, amid a terrific rumpus, counted "Will you have one?"
that
him out,
Basium
never forgot Driscoll unmediately ordered fight and accepted with olocrity to place the ser- júä offer made three years later two soldiers
and escort gemal under anest
to
Wells over fifteen rounds, He won on points. at to the guardroom.
1." think of
kuld
Nothing would satisfy Basham Hashant by me, throwing nas
und he had completely proved At weight about because he was on
his ascendancy over Wells. hus old pal RSM nick pullater
the Holborn Stadium, London, -tist for sanokuut $1 In November of 1019. before Wells's own townsmen, Basham a wonderful performance Kave to win ugam.
olgarett!"
Busham
new ampers in the streets always A WARTI
was, Newart.
forked He
Hworly both in and out of the 10. Für | nourished, but, he was always he spent the biggest part of his strong atre! wiry unet he from has earnings life serving in the Army.
migmented his "paper pitch" by boxing in Jack Cage's both on the fair- ground at Rodney Parkie,
Then
Whimsical, witty and a prae ileal Joker, Johnny was always suling whether in adversity or prosperity.
1 wak
at a Jim Driscoll testimonal fund tourna
Ag
Jack Scarrolá, well- known boxau: promoter, looked dutiny over and offered him a purse of IS to fight on up-and- ment once when Johnny fold motor tandons, dor Curley. this tie mory against himself: During the First World War Johmy and his pal Jim Driscoll Bod record!
Too Many Mares
Are Sold To The U.S.
12
with The Londoner ramie
and a pistation for toughness, but Basham dis- puses of him at seven rounds with
left hoult to the inv. FA This surne devastating punca Torrent Whя to spell drun many more fighters.
Says Richard Baerlein Wrexham.
Taga
That contest was almost on par with the eple ballje between Johnny and Ted "Kid" Lewis.
A SENSATION
CL
For nilater
rounds the arabence pelled with delight and encouragement. Then the nineteenth
Basisoin down for a short count,
int
went
Then there was pandemonium as, usunished, both fighters and audience realised that the flight was over.
Astounded ringslders heard [ referee Eugene Com tale that the timekeeper, J. W. Thwaites, had counted Basham 'out. Thwaites.
in turn, was equally (emphatic that the referee had
stopped the contest,
on points
of
never
The French trainer Francals Mathet, who won the Oaks the
But Johnny's favourite jet $148 other week with Stearate,
never take its toll with made a great impression on the could british publie with his statementine fighter. "Badger Brien, of Two-year-olds Cardiff, "Badges," henchman and to lim to become er spurring partser
Driscoll, deßed Johnny's efforts to pul him out for the count.
HIS EARLY DAYS
According to reliable critics, Johnny Basham, in his early
Basham was in good condition days training in the Army, continue and was well ahead was fortunate in palling
at the time of with Councillor Bli Dodman, of amazing mix-up!
a Jopl
Bosham, sportsman
happy warrior who guided him to the top of both regiment and ring,
could resist a joke. During the the fistle ladder,
arly days of the First World War, he fought Dal Roberts, the second-best. welter in Grent a1 Liver- Britain. The bout was pool and when Johnny left for The contest his hometown band gave him a great sindoff.
But mngine the surprise when ducked through the Jehtiny Three times they fought. The ropes at Liverpool, to be greeted carly by the full band of his regi- on the failure of our three-year Busham's rureer and the "Bad-ment, the Royal Welch Fusiliers, with "See, the conquering hero comes!"
that we run vur
for throm often classic three-year-olds
In the next few months there will be plenty of post-mortens test
s this reason.
occasion
One important ger" stopped factor is the selling of so many rounds.
of the best mares
ม
of England
Was
Basham
in two
40
Johnny knocked out Dal
Dal seven rounds. Afterwards, himself laughed about the un- nerving joke played upon him. Poor Dal was later killed Ypres.
at
100
ARMY SPORTS
PARADE
It is often said among Army folks that the troops in the New Territories seldom get a chance to see the big occasion as far as sporting events are concerned.
Thero is of course a great deal of truth in that but there are also many reasons why It is so. There is an almost complete absence of suitable stadia north. of Kowloon and it is therefore inevitable that the crowd pulling sports, or those that require specialist facilities, should be held where these exist.
However the unlia in the New Terliandos wi have an out-of- season and connewhat unexpected opportunity to see an important football match at Sekt Kong on Tuesday, July 3, when the Army will me
meet the Portuguese Army from Macao In the second leg of the struggle for the Macao Military Club Cup.
The occasion will also mark the offlelal opening of the new Garrison Grotand at Sck Kong red ills Excellency The Com- mander British Forces, LÁ. Gen. W. II. Stratton, will be present
to perform the opening cere many and meet the players of
both teams.
Dive
the now
playing point
RECORD.WRECKER
Former night fighter pilot .
gambler
"music"
and the greitent all-round cricketer in history. That's Kelt? third of his Tigers of Sport series HARRY ANDREW throws the the many facets of this remarkable athlete,
EVEN BRADMAN COULDN'T TAME THIS REBEL
By HARRY ANDREW
Far and away the strangest character of all the real Tigers of Sport is that giant from "Down Under", Keith Ross Miller the greatest all- rounder cricket has ever seen,
At the moment Keith is playing his 50th Test match and doing his darndest to see that England a land he loves almost as much as Aus- tralia gets a hammering.
J
His grand spell of bowling at Trent Bridge the other week when he took his 150th Test wicket, testifies to that.
According to the information
A year or two ago. Johnson's No cold figures could give balls, then defeated Simpson, in so far available to me it seems
more than a hint of the cricket- ja flash. the England score had (texan, Victoria, set about Millor most of the possible Sponsors
*ing genius of this mercurial retreated do 194 for four That for pt they were worth, bowling are keen that the competitions man. Yet they are remarkable was the turning point of the bumpers at him Keith: saw a should be open to all
ranks enough,
In match goodness knows.
picture of himself duciding one and I think that anyone who Tests, he has scored 2,723 runs Then Müller walked calmly with Johnson at second, alip
He has collected 36
has any ambitions about win at an average of 39,40. He has back to resume als chat with amiling broddy, ning the tile would not want taken 151 wickets, averago just the boundary spectators!
Miller got va:copy" zat: the it otherwise
Yes, a strange character, te picture and gent it to Johnson will sit for hours in entranosi with this messge: ITO Ian enjoyment of classical music: Johnson-I will return ** He will just as happily and ra Ever since it is probable that enthusiastically spend as many Ian has wished his alle hadret hours playing pontoon!
been no broa
is u
that there will be some enter tairing aquities at Victoria Poo! frorn 4 p.m. onwards, The Royal Annual Army Medical Corps Gala will be in progress,
even quicker to lough.
Clown,
dark
war
to say, he says dü-regardless, If on Lindwall's shoulder he makes up his mind to a mid:
nothing will course of action. away him from it.
DIFFERENT
IDEAS
and
"Take a good look at it, co ber. It's the last time we'll be paying goodbye to It
players."
Lost vedr the name of 'Keith beforehand Ross Miller appeared. In the
Ta 12 any comments about darts over 22.
catches. amort the Services In the Colony mention must be made THAT CONSTITUTES À RE- of the excellent sport and CORD WHICH MAY NEVER entertainment already being BE EQUALLED. AND IT IS dcrived from the League STILL NOT COMPLETE.
Miguel
He will travel any distance to by San sponsored
TOUGH EXTERIOR first-rate But much, much
re attend a race meeting. more Brewery. This
He la than Miller competition and provides many markable
the equally happy playing golf-and For all his rather tough 1 Miller the very good golf he plays, 100. exterior. Miller is a man of an interesting evening as well record-Wrecker understood that caborate
A law anto
He has never man.
himself,
believed that considerable feeling. As their as many a thrilling game. arratgements are being made to
resentful silence is golden, nor that dis-ship left Forth for this present I hope to have more news wilful, unpredictable,
better about new kneek-cut champion of restriction, quick to anger velour. If Keith has something bg back. Then he put his hand the occasion is a
cretion is the erro that
part of tour, he stood at the rati look- menwrabla one and it is antici-ships in the near future and I pated that many high ranking om sure the sponsors, whoever
FIGHTING MILLER officers will be prezent,
they may turn out to be, will At the moment
not be disappointed
the Ira
There is the furious, fighting playing pitch looks to be in
respouse, they will receive from Miller. The "couldn't-care-less" exedient condition and once it soldier 'dead-eyes' In Hongkong. Milier. There 19 Miller the has been cropped and rolled It
Miller the Gambler, of should
the provide
In the second Test at Lords in If you are at a loose end this Miller' the Music Lover. An finest turf surfaces in the
said 1948, Miller afternoon may I remind you endless, infinite variety of Millers Colony.
that he would be it to bat. Honours List. He was made a ull
them fcr
me, but nat to bowl his fast stuff. Member of the British Empire DIFFICULT TASK
erchanting.
However, his skipper, Brad for his services to cricket. From the
Miller fought for Britain in
had man, obviously
different I cannot the
think of anybody view our chosen representatives
days, flying Ideas, will face a dimeult task when
Mosquito night fighters. Through
more deserving anybody the After
Ray Lindwall hnd
mass of cricketers wõuld rather they troop on the field to meet
most of his cricket career he has bowled the Brst over, Bradinan honoured, their it and strong opponenis
What's the matter with our been handicapped by a back in-
Despite the things he might from Macao.
The visitors will swimmers? Arc they
his acro-, walked up to Miller and handed jury sustained when
Keith took it, do to English cricket before this. come with a two goals advan- becoming short distanco men? plane crashed. But it is im-im the ball.
and handed summer is.over! tuge from the first meeting but As a change from the usual run possible to persunde him to dis-examined it
back to the captaina? Again the underfoot conditions on this of open events at regimental cuss the matter. occasion will be much more to swimming galas
the Royal That, too, is typical.
Of the top English players, the ilking of our players than Army Pay Corps decided that It was inevitable that Keith
closest in character to Kelth the hard, bumpy, uneven ground this year they would include a Miller should be i fighter pilot.
Miller is Denis Compton, and it on which the first game wus 4 x 100 yanka relay race, How- He looks it, every inch of his
Bradman had to call up B is not surprising that the two aver, in the face of comments lithe six-feet played
odd. And his It is anticipated
Johnstone to bowl the next byer, are the greatest of friends. that while from several different quarters character matches his lools.
Miller and Comptori orice met the same players will be avall- they
decided have now
10 He loves a strap. He hates an
As you might expect, Miler in India when Compton was able for Hongkong it is almost change this to 4 x 1 length easy thing.
hates fuss, anobbery and all stationed out there and his pal Back in 1948, he was playing forms of officialdom. certain that after the tarnishing relay and entries for that event
Cara bo forwarded to Capt H. against Essex at Southend. The tour, an offical rang him early Australiam Services touring team. On one was on his way home with the suffered by, some repulations at Macro there will be important Phoenix, RAPC at the Com-wicket was dead easy, the
the morning and said: "Willer. Compton, was batting against the changca and some now fuces mand Pay Office, The date of Aussies were on the way to this is to tell you that you have Aussies when the field was in- may be seenDI
record (they scored more than been selected to represent the vaded by claiers. in action. may
This the gas is July 18. Kryes
twofold purpose of
100 runs in one day). Waiting to Australian cricket team at the MOTOR CYCLE TRIALS ▾ it allows
bat, Miller played cards with launching of the course is
the Army
On account of the climatic 10 900 selectern
his pals some of the conditions the Army sports pro talent which will be avaliable next season time allows the newcomers
obky
there
Bradmon
It
tried, but this time Miller simply side stepped and walked away to his place in the
frld.
Azeri-next
work."
Miller, said: "Is that so? Shall I tell you something?"
The official asked: "What?" Milter replied: "I'm going
not
He didn't, ofther,
For mil this, Keith Miller
It looked ugly." However, when the leader of the ripters reached Compton ho said, most politely:Mr. Compton, youvzűré I very
good player, but you must
Miller has
has never forgotten
that. And pverything (Compton has
in
When his han ame, the score more than 400 for two at the same stamme is generally very much was and
Keith aid he didn't to restricted during the hot season wick
So wickets. in the slimmer {
want to bat, lle didn't like. get an early look at Colony yet include!
events there are some of the taking candy from kids."
His foolball.
most exacting and thrilling of captain, Don Bradman, said he I is understood that the the whole year.
These are the had to.
sinoo' gone! to the wicket Within twelve months the pair and Ireland to America.
honour of refereeing the game motor cycle trinis organized by So out marched Keith, refused one of the most likable man against the Australians, Keith will be given to Sergi Major the various formations and lead to take The sale of stallions can be had fought twice more, over 20
guard, lifted his bat in bir cricket. His Dals call greets him with the words: "Mr Dawson although gorous enough in itself bul newland 15 rounds, and
of 7th Hussars This ing progressively to the Army over his shoulder s Trevor him "Nugget He and Ray Compton you pre a very good Basham failed to have his full
is an execlent choice and with trials in the autumn. There are Bailey came not necessarily be crippling.
up to bowl and Lindwall, who could be such player, but you must go." Since the war
one of the Colony's star officiain number of effect with the magic left hook
very few soldiers who do not kept it
ta ho
calmly rivals are in fact the closest of will in control
Then he does everything neither team high-class
have mures
been he was a clear points winner.
enjoy riding a motor cycle and watched the ball hit 9 stumps. lands.
They share rooma have any cause for
his power to make complalal
of them welcome the Then he marched back in again, whenever
mure that essing the Atlantic and this is
misd many
possible
Denia does as quickly pa The arrangements for traffic opportunity to compete in the picked up his cars and get on will do anything for the other. equivalent to relling the the Comet to the
and spectators are being made trials where only those with
possible. with the other game. Americana for
by Major C. D. Erick.
He and his present captain, the high degree of skill.... the Comats
(London rather
than selling
and
Only Keith Miller could have!
Im Johnson,
niso good ΣΑ Army after they have been made here
Secretary, in co courage can hope to get get away with that, operation with the Staff at HQ Inter the prize lists..
But how different is Miller friends, but when the two op 48 Gurkha
or the field, Infantry Brigade In recent years we have had the incomparable match-winner. paso cach other and I hope to be able to give the pleasure of watching some He
gloves come 'off with a as ruthless, be you full particulars next week brilliant riding n meeting determined as at en victory vengeance.. Note the
V... Tuceday, which were also memorable för [03 any, man who ever lived July, 3
the excellence of the organisa-
MATCH "BUMPERS” tlors and general arrangements.
He has been bosed more than With this in mind it is not sure'
By 1912 Basham seemed toles at rest.
plus have the boxing world at his
I would like to see a list of the
which mares
have
Lo gone America in the last five years printed and it would certainly ahake the blood-stock industry. which is silli being bled steadily
DOWN GOING
Within д few years the general standard of mares at the stud has gone down and is go- Ing down further which must make it harder to breed a Derby winner.
How much truth is there in Mathet's statement?
old
Two-year-
racing flourishes 11 Erg land in D grand scale and prizes are numerous.
rich
the
whole they attract a differzni .type of animal to that which is
to be trained for the classlos the following year.
Mathci "made his statement after the Oaks, a race in which there were 10 English-trained nilies.
.It
In their two-year-old days is unlikely that the trainers of Gerden State 'ar Pharoah's Daughter expected them to com pela in the classics and Garden State on six times as a two- year-old and Phardal's Daughter ran four
Of the others, Honeylight ran six times last season, Piller Patter and Huste ran twice. French Polish, Following Breeze and No Prelender ran once; while Mythical, and Fairy Grove did not run at all. No one can say, that these filles were over- raced
London Express Service):
(COPYRIGHT)
RON BARTON OUTPOINTED Clapton, London, Jino 10. Gordon Wallaco. of Canada won the vacant British Empire Heavyweight fitto when gipted Toni Barton of
tonlaht
15 rounds T
י
Now, the Happy Warrior
(COPYRIGHT)
HER COMEBACK TRAIL
-Mrs Juno Paul (who is making a return, to, athletics she was formerly June Foulds), won this heat of the 100 Yards in hop Women's Southern Counties Athletic Championships at Chiswick on Juno. 9. She was beaten in the final by 15-yar old Madeleine Weston in an inches finish. Hul Tine huis)}); already brought down the British Women's 100 Yard* * record to 10.7 seconds on her comebackoj
Central ProFROLO,
d'ate
GOOD RESPONSE
qualified officials,
Con
tho
45
"This
one
his
Last week I mentioned theprising to hear that some of the once for bowling Test match arrangements for running a formations have already started bumpers." A polke guard stood ecurse. for basketball referets planning this season's events by to escort him off after and stressed how important and it is understood that 48|| storm at Nottinghim in 1940. was to have a big list of duly Guricha Infantry Brigade, has Incidentally, it was while set nside August 10 for the being boord in that match that The response has been quite Brigade Trial while news has he held up the game to demon astonishing and it is abfolutely just
the intrate to the spectators just how came to hand that Comet to say that SMI Harris, Divisional Artillery Trial.
the batsmen should · .al.
hook the deling DOPT has been ways one of the most popular of bowling! overwhelmed by the number of these events.
There was another Occasion will be held on applications he has received.
in Sydney" 1050 when Eng- 7. Friday, September These, have far outnumbered
Both events are certain to at land seemed on the way to a the vacanefes available, but in tract a big entry and I shall be fo
|big jacore. They had made; 130 order that none of the forty odd gloxi to give due publicity to the former Miller was fielding en candidates should bo dis
the boundary, and chatting Idly Brrangements for there and aty to spectators. Then unexpected- appointed it has now been 10 other trials which may be plany his captain, Lindsay Hasselt, cided to run two cources and nec ini months ahead. provide instruction for them all. ] ****
...
altogether a Boo efforts
the ever grewing popularly of bnyketball among British soldlora.
SOCCER FUTURE!
aced him to bowl.
Up came, Miller, hurled the Kot and another good example of According to information ball dawn like, the wind,
reached the slution and Compon, in three Colony it is mileipated that, big- news will soon be Heard; rezidi ing the soccer future
the former Army and Reeves, the Colony
as the tarif Southampton's attack,k
The news is that” Ted Drake
DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP · · Some weeks ago 'I. reported | the fact, that there was a grow- ing demand for some sort”. DI
now ward,
DTE
cach
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Pen Ein Zlost Batches at C FROCIFICE CEC, Tukog,
O feeling, &CM For
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Chelac nolleed by several people and scoring puch to the
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Choleca the tion to help
bamic balance back by PETLADY, League: I know that already one com-
thousanda'st pounds, E
Sand Freyhee pany has been giving serious con- that for a blavor, they all YMCA zidoration to the matter and have had for nothing, whời NS", miy" "make their Intentions ratumed to the United Kindom known In the
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ryod making Him a definite
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Poker
Senior
CCC neu y pac LỚ
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