RIP G.E. ‘Bert’ Green (1930-2024)
British Rowing was sad to hear of the passing of Bert Green, the last boatman at National Westminster Bank Rowing Club on The Hard at Putney, at the age of 93
Bert had a varied career; and was variously a professional lighterman and qualified boatbuilder.
In 1952 he won Doggett’s Coat and Badge (later becoming a Queen’s Waterman) and was one of the first Watermen to challenge for the Wingfield Sculls. The Wingfields had a record entry of 14 that year, and was won by Tony Fox of London RC, who was the GB single sculler at the Olympic Games that year, and had won the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta in 1951.
Bert joined what was then called the Westminster Bank RC as boatman in 1964, quickly overhauling the fleet and keeping the clubhouse – now the home of Dulwich College BC – in good order.
During his time with the club, he gave valuable service in many capacities including coaching both the technique of rowing and how best to use it in racing. He had particular success with the influx of women members in the 1970s, coaching them to wins at several regattas and events.
In 1972, he accompanied the GB single sculler Ken Dwan of Poplar, Blackwall & District RC to the Munich Olympic Games as his coach.
Bluff, cheerful and hearty in manner Bert was at ease in all company but did not suffer fools gladly; you always knew when you had crossed a line! Bert was a loyal servant of the Club and also a friend and mentor to the [often impertinent!] members
In 1993 he looked forward to a long retirement with his wife, Sheila, whom he met in the summer of 1951 ‘while wandering around the Festival of Britain’. Sadly, this was not to be as she passed away in 1994 after which he spent his retirement in Christchurch occasionally coaching local schools.
Bert is survived by his son, Tony; his daughter Carol sadly pre-deceasing him in 2019.
