Eights 1936

BUMPS CHARTS

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 New College 77 86 Magdalen 2 Oriel 72 85 New College 3 Magdalen 72 73 Oriel 4 Balliol 66 60 Brasenose 5 Christ Church 56 57 Christ Church 6 Brasenose 49 57 Balliol 7 Trinity 48 46 Trinity 8 Worcester 43 44 S.E.H. 9 S.E.H. 42 41 University 10 University 41 39 Exeter 11 Exeter 35 32 Corpus Christi 12 Keble 33 32 Worcester 13 St John's 33 30 St John's 14 Corpus Christi 30 29 Keble 15 Jesus 25 25 Merton 16 Pembroke 24 25 Pembroke 17 St Catherine's 22 21 Jesus 18 Merton 22 20 Lincoln 19 Lincoln 20 19 Queen's 20 Queen's 19 16 St Catherine's 21 Wadham 18 15 St Peter's 22 Hertford 17 14 Hertford 23 St Peter's 15 13 Wadham

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=ranking Crews Bps Avg New College 4[ 2] 11[ 1] 2.75[ 1] Magdalen 5[ 1] 10[ 2] 2.00[ 2] Brasenose 3[ 4] 9[ 3] 3.00[ 3] S.E.H. 3[ 4] 8[ 4] 2.67[ 4] Pembroke 2[13] 6[ 5] 3.00[ 5] Christ Church 3[ 4] 5[ 6] 1.67[ 6] St Peter's 2[13] 2[ 7] 1.00[ 7] Balliol 4[ 2] 2[ 7] 0.50[ 7] Corpus Christi 1[22] 1[ 9] 1.00[ 9] Trinity 2[13] 1[ 9] 0.50[ 9] Merton 3[ 4] 0[11] 0.00[11] St John's 2[13] 0[11] 0.00[11] Exeter 3[ 4] -1[13] -0.33[13] Queen's 2[13] -1[13] -0.50[13] Keble 3[ 4] -2[15] -0.67[15] Oriel 3[ 4] -2[15] -0.67[15] Lincoln 2[13] -2[15] -1.00[15] University 3[ 4] -3[18] -1.00[18] Wadham 1[22] -5[19] -5.00[19] Hertford 2[13] -8[20] -4.00[20] Jesus 2[13] -8[20] -4.00[20] St Catherine's 2[13] -9[22] -4.50[22] Worcester 3[ 4] -14[23] -4.67[23]

Notes

• 6days: Thu 21 – Wed 27 May 1936
• Record 60 entries and also the first appearance of a 5th crew (Magdalen)
• Divisions raced at 3, 4, 5 and 6:15 pm.
• On the fifth day there were no bumps in Div I.

• The Times Thu 21 May, from Our Rowing Correspondent

  Summer Eights Prospects
  It is generally expected at Oxford that Magdalen will go Head in Summer Eights, which will be begun to-day. This would be the first occasion since 1923 [actually since 1932 — correction in Friday report]. Sixty crews are entered and Magdalen have entered a fifth boat, which is a record in these races.

  Magdalen certainly are very much the best looking crew in the University; and there are many good looking crews; although the standard of the first division as a whole is more uneven than usual. Magdalen are, in fact, the best looking crew there has been at Oxford for a good many years and the way in which they are rowing augurs well for Oxford rowing generally. Their pace, however, is certainly not so great as their appearance suggests, because they are not really together. They have been thoroughly well coached by Mr. E. D. Horsfall and Mr. G. O. Nickalls, who have taught them, with one exception, to use their legs in a way that no Oxford College crew had done since the Christ Church crew of 1925. This crew is really trying to row as the best Oxford and Leander crews used to row in days gone by, and as the Zürich four rowed at Henley last year.

  The Virtue of Sturrock
  Garton, the stroke, is a nephew of Mr. A. S. Garton and he drives the crew along though he sits up more at the finish as he gets tired. Morell [Morrell] backs him up well at No. 7. It was his recent move down from the bows that has delayed the crew getting together. The real virtue of this crew, however, lies in Sturrock, who is far more at home at No. 6 here than ever he was in the University crew. Now there is no hint of unsteadiness in his rowing, and he has taught everybody else to attack the water as he does. Providing this crew shake together during the racing they should unquestionably be fast enough to go Head.

  Oriel are by no means a crew to be despised. They have five of last year's crew rowing bow, No. 3, No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7. They have recently changed strokes. Like Magdalen, they get well on to the beginning. They row in the very exaggerated crouching style that was more popular with Tideway clubs five years ago than it is now, but they are superbly together, as might be expected with so many of last year's crew.

  It does not seem likely that New College, for all their three Blues in the stern and the courageous stroking of Hope, will be fast enough to catch Oriel. The crew are on the short side, both Hope and Ashby being apt to clip the finish. Mynors is rowing well again at No. 6, but the crew has not got the stride that their crew that did so well in the Head of the River race at Putney possessed. Dumas, at No. 4, is a man worth watching. Balliol are too light and short to retain their position so high in the First Division. Balliol crews have, all this century, tended to be sluggish and ponderous. This crew, however, is exceedingly lively and well together.

  After Magdalen come Christ Church, stroked by Lewis [Lewes], the new President, with Barker, the son of Mr. H. R. Barker, the old Blue, who is coaching them, at No. 7. They are well together and slide more steadily than most crews on the river, but they do not appear to command a high rate of striking. They are hardly strong enough to keep away from Trinity and Brasenose, who follow them. Trinity, admirably coached by Mr. MacNabb in the Third Trinity manner, are, after Magdalen, the best looking and probably after them the fastest on the river. They are stroked by Waldron, the Shrewsbury Freshman, who but for measles would almost certainly have rowed No. 4 in the University crew.

  Promise of B.N.C
  Brasesnose are rowing in faultless fixed pin style on swivel rowlocks. They are a fast and taking crew and there is little to choose between them and Trinity. Indeed, it is probable that, for three minutes (an important period in bumping races), Brasenose are the faster. Lumb, of Huron University, a Trial Eights man, strokes them. Cherry is rowing beautifully at No. 7, and Wood is rowing well, too, at No. 6. It is, indeed, to be remarked how much better than usual this year's Blues are rowing in Summer Eights. The Brasenose crew are long in the water, and it seems certain that they will follow the Trinity crew up one or two places.

  Of the others St. Edmund Hall, who start eighth, have a good leg-drive and should keep their place for two nights at least. St. Peter's Hall, who start 24th, are a similar crew and should go up. Both use swivels and their bladework is very clean. University College, with the ex-President, Sciortino, at No. 7, start 10th, but they are very badly together and do not look like keeping their place. Corpus, stroked by Winser, can scarcely be expected to go up six places again after their quick rise under his leadership the last two years.

  Garside is rowing well in the St. John's crew, who start 12th, behind Corpus, and these two should go up two places or so together. Exeter, the sandwich boat, are well stroked by a Thames Rowing Club man and there is another at No. 4.

  Of the second crews, New College are a good deal the fastest.

  Order of Starting [...]

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 21 May, by G. C. Drinkwater

  Strong Rival Crews

  Although the standard of rowing at Oxford is far from high, plenty of exciting racing is promised in the Summer Eights which begin this afternoon and continue until next Wednesday.

  Oriel start head of the river for the third time in succession, and he would be a bold man who prophesied with any certainty that they will lose their position. Owing to illness they were unable to complete their crew until the end of last week, but from the moment they were able to row in their proper order, they made remarkable progress.

  Coached originally by Mr. Page, the captain of Thames R.C., who was assisted by Roland George, they rowing with good length in the water, and are very well together. If they were starting a place or two below the headship I do not think they would be good enough to achieve premier honours, but with the advantage that theur position gives them, they should retain it if the men who have been indisposed are fit enough to go the whole course.

  It is a question whether their greatest rivals will prove to be New College, who start second, or Magdalen, who start fourth. New College, coached by Col. J. L. Philips, have three Blues in the stern, Hope at stroke, Ashby, this year's Oxford bow, at No. 7, and Mynors at No. 6, with Dumas, a trial eightsman, at No. 4.

  Not Fast Enough at Start

  They are rowing with swivels, but have not yet learned to make the best use of them. They are well together, and powerful, but do not seem to be able to row a fast enough stroke at the start. They will undoubtedly be most dangerous towards the end of the course.

  Balliol, coached by R. C. Sherriff, are another crew who are rather slow off the mark, and though they have power, they will be hard put to it to stave off the challenge which Magdalen are likely to make.

  Magdalen, through rather rough, have been well grounded by E. D. Horsfall and G. O. Nickalls. They can row a proper racing stroke. Stroked by Garton, the Eton freshman, who missed a chance of a Blue this year through academic studies, they have Sturrock at No. 6 and the son of an old Blue [C. L. Baillieu] Baillieu, at No. 4. If they had a little more balance over the stretcher they would be invincible, for they can row with ease.

  Christ Church, coached by Harold Barker, are not likely to cause Magdalen much trouble, though they have the president of the O.U.B.C. [J. S. Lewes] at stroke. They may, indeed have to fight hard to keep away from Trinity, who are being well stroked by Waldron, the Shrewsbury freshman, with J. MacNabb, the old Cambridge Blue, in charge on the bank.

  Brasenose, who start behind Trinity, have Cherry at No. 6, and are, undoubtedly, one of the faster crews on the river. Winser, of Corpus, will find it difficult to continue his victorious career much further up the river. Exeter have a chance to improve their position, and Wadham should gain a few more places, having had the advantage of Mr. Pazott's [Pazolt] help.

  Of the crew lower down one can prophesy at least a glorious week for New College II, one of the best second crews I have seen for a very long time. Order of starting [...]

• The Times Fri 22 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Summer Eights were begun at Oxford yesterday, when 60 crews — a record number — competed in the five divisions. The overcast sky and bitter north-easterly wind which prevailed in the morning had an effect on the attendance, which was much below the average. The weather, however, improved somewhat later on, the wind, which had dropped considerably, swinging round to the south-west. Oriel retained the Headship without unduly extending themselves, finishing well away from New College, who had some difficulty in escaping Balliol before the latter were overtaken by Magdalen, whose crews thus made four bumps in the afternoon. Magdalen, incidentally, were last Head in 1932, and not 1923 as stated yesterday. Nineteen bumps were recorded in the five divisions, only three being made in the First Division.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's II, Christ Church III, Keble III, St. Edmund Hall III, New College IV, Oriel III, Magdalen IV, Merton III, Pembroke II, University College III, Balliol IV, Magdalen V. St. Catherine's II got away very badly and lost a lot of ground at the start which they never recovered. They were caught by Christ Church III before reaching the Weir's Bridge. Keble III had a hard struggle with St. Edmund Hall III, who made ground in Iffley Reach and were right on to Keble coming through the Gut. Keble made a determined spurt and recovered some ground, but St. Edmund Hall came again and made their bump near the University Boathouse. New College IV paddled over and were well away from Oriel III when they were caught by Magdalen IV at the Willows, the latter making up a lot of ground after leaving the Gut. Merton III made a very bad start and were quite unable to withstand the challenge of Pembroke II, who caught them halfway between Haystack Corner and the Weir's Bridge.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— St. John's II, New College III, Jesus II, Lincoln II, St. Edmund Hall II, Hertford II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Exeter III, Worcester III, Brasenose III, Christ Church III. There was a determined race for the leadership between St. John's II and New College III. The latter gained considerably up Iffley Reach and about a length separated the boats on coming out of the Gut. St. John's spurted hard along the Willows, but New College drew up again after passing the Boathouse and made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. Lincoln II soon had the measure of Jesus II and overtook them near the Free Ferry. Hertford II made a very bad start, Magdalen III making their bump after rowing for less than a minute. St. Peter's Hall II paddled over lengths in front of Balliol III who were, however, well away from Exeter III. Worcester III and Brasenose II had a sharp struggle in Iffley Reach which ended in favour of Brasenose near the Weir's Bridge.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Merton I, Oriel II, Balliol II, Merton II, Christ Church II, University College II, Brasenose II, Keble II, Exeter II, Worcester II, Trinity II, Queen's II, New College III. Merton maintained their position without any difficulty and finished fully two lengths ahead of Oriel II, who were a similar distance in front of Balliol II. Merton II, however, proved no match for Christ Church II, who gained rapidly at the start and overtook them near the Free Ferry. Brasenose II, getting off well, were soon in striking distance of University College II, and made their bump at the Weir's Bridge. Keble II made a bad start, one of their men catching a crab, and Exeter II overtook them at Haystack Corner. Worcester II only got halfway up Iffley Reach before being bumped by Trinity II, and Queen's II were caught by New College III near the Free Ferry.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Exeter, Keble, Pembroke, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Wadham, Magdalen II, Lincoln, New College II, Queen's, Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Merton. Exeter retained the headship without difficulty and finished three lengths ahead of Keble, who were being pressed by Pembroke. They in turn had Jesus close behind them. Jesus made a fine but unsuccessful effort at the finish, and, while Keble reached home with nearly half a length to spare, Jesus got to within less than a quarter of a length of Pembroke. Magdalen II had the pace of Wadham in Iffley Reach and made their bump coming through the Gut, and just after passing the Free Ferry New College II bumped Lincoln. A wide gap separated Queen's from Hertford. Merton caught St. Peter's Hall at the University Boathouse, the latter being well up on Hertford at the time.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, Trinity, Brasenose, St. Edmund Hall, Worcester, University College, Corpus, St. John's, Exeter. Oriel retained their position at the head of the river without being at all hard pressed and passed the post fully a length ahead of New College. Balliol were always in difficulties with Magdalen, who eventually caught them at the end of the Green Bank. Christ Church, Trinity, and Brasenose provided a most interesting race. Half a length separated each at the Boathouse, and there was three yards between them at the finish. Worcester were bumped by University College just before the Free Ferry, leaving Corpus to paddle through, while Exeter caught St. John's before getting into to Gut.

• The Daily Telegraph Fri 22 May

  Oriel remain at Head: Four Magdalen crews do well

  There was a record entry of 60 crews for the Oxford Summer Eights which began yesterday. Oriel, the head boat, easily held their position at the head of the river. A feature of the racing was the success of the Magdalen crews, four of whom made bumps. There were 19 bumps, which are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Sat 23 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Oxford University Summer Eights were continued yesterday, and although it is still far from being summerlike the weather had greatly improved. The wind had swung round to the south-west and it was not enought to cause discomfort either to oarsmen or spectators.

  The racing was more interesting, although bumps were not so plentiful, 16 being recorded in the five divisions, as against 19 on Thursday. The First Division racing again brought success for Oriel, who maintained the headship without great difficulty. After bumping Balliol the previous day supporters of Magdalen were expecting another success over New College, but though they gained up to the Boat House, New College held them along the Wall and finished in safety. Worcester, who had come down the previous evening, provided Corpus with their first success.

  St. John's easily held Keble at the head of the Second Division, which provided one of the most interesting finishes, Pembroke and Keble having a tremendous tussle all the way up from the Bridges to the winning-post.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Christ Church III, St. Catherine's II, St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III, New College IV, Magdalen IV, Oriel III, Pembroke II, Merton III, University College III, Balliol IV, Magdalen V. Having secured the headship the previous afternoon, Christ Church III had an easy task to retain it, St. Catherine's II, who followed, falling victims to St. Edmund Hall III as the boats were coming through the Gut. Keble III, New College IV, and Magdalen IV provided a good race. Keble III lost ground to New College IV rapidly after coming out of the Gut, but Magdalen IV, rowing much the faster stroke, had the measure of New College IV along the Willows and coming up fast along the Wall made their bump just before reaching the Magdalen Barge. Oriel III were outpaced by Pembroke II from the start and had to give way before reaching the Weir's Bridge, while Merton III fell victims to University College III at the Ferry. Balliol IV and Magdalen V paddled over, the latter being tailed off.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's II, St. John's II, Lincoln II, Jesus II, St. Edmund Hall II, Magdalen III, Hertford II, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Exeter III, Brasenose III, Worcester III, Christ Church III. A great race resulted for the headship between Queen's II and St. John's II. St. John's II went off in great style and made up a lot of distance in Iffley Reach. Coming through the Gut they were only a quarter of a length behind. Along the Green Bank Queen's recovered a little, but they fell away again at the Wall and St. John's were within a few yards at the Cherwell. Until the finish it was an exciting race, but Queen's held on to their lead and passed the post three yards ahead. Lincoln II rowed over. Jesus II were victims to St. Edmund Hall II at the Weir's Bridge, Magdalen III having gained considerably on the latter at the time. Hertford II were soon in difficulties, being overtaken by St. Peter's II at the launch works. Exeter III struck their colours to Brasenose III, and Christ Church III, going up fast from the start, overtook Worcester III just before reaching the Weir's Bridge.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Brasenose II, University College II, Exeter II, Keble II, Trinity II, Worcester II, New College III, Queen's II. Oriel II, gaining steadily on St. Peter's Hall in Iffley Reach, were well up on them coming out of the Gut, and, spurting hard along the Green Bank, made their bump at the end of the Willows. Christ Church II made ground on Balliol II over the first half of the course, but the latter drew away again and finished two lengths up. Merton II had a hard task to keep clear of Brasenose II, and coming out of the Gut the latter were well up. Merton II, however, held them along the Green Bank and, finishing strongly, eventually led home by half a length. Exeter II, going up fast from the start, caught University College II before reaching the Free Ferry, Keble II being well within their distance at the time. Trinity II, Worcester II, and New College III were all together in Iffley Reach, where one of the Trinity crew caught a crab but escaped disaster. New College III bumped Worcester II just before the Weir's Bridge.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Keble, Pembroke, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Magdalen II, Wadham, New College II, Lincoln, Queen's, Hertford, Merton, Oriel II. St. John's retained their position without being unduly pressed, finishing a length in front of Keble, who had a hard task to escape Pembroke. Pembroke after being a length behind at the bridges made ground steadily and ultimately finished within two yards of Keble and well away from Jesus. Magdalen II bumped St. Catherine's at the end of the Willows, and soon after entering the Gut New College II caught Wadham. Queen's made a determined effort to overhaul Lincoln without success, the latter holding their own and finishing half a length ahead. Hertford fell to Merton just after coming out of the Gut.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Christ Church, Trinity, Brasenose, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Worcester, Corpus, Exeter, St. John's. Oriel again held their position without much effort, for although New College gained some distance halfway Oriel passed the post with a length in hand. Magdalen caused New College anxiety over the first half of the course, but the latter held their own all along the Wall and finished a third of a length in front. Balliol followed a long way behind, and had to row hard all the way to escape Christ Church, who got within a quarter of a length at the finish. Brasenose and Trinity had a hard struggle, which ended in favour of Brasenose, who made their bump at Talboy's Barge. St. Edmund Hall came through some lengths ahead of University College, but Worcester were overtaken by Corpus just after reaching the Free Ferry.

• The Daily Telegraph Sat 23 May

  New College again fail to catch Oriel

  Oriel again rowed over, when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued yesterday. They kept their distance from New College, who slightly lost ground to Magdalen. New College, however, resisted their challengers.

  There were 16 bumps in the five divisions. New College III made their third bump in two days. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Mon 25 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Oxford Summer Eights were continued on Saturday, and although the north-easterly wind made things somewhat unpleasant there was a large number of spectators, especially at the First Division racing. Eighteen bumps were recorded in the five divisions, and once again Oriel rowed up Head of the River, although they did not have such an easy task as on the two previous evenings, New College finishing within half a length of them. Brasenose, improving on their two previous efforts, caught Christ Church within 50 yards of the winning-post. Trinity experienced some difficulty in escaping St. Edmund Hall, and Corpus made a fine but unsuccessful effort to overhaul University College.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Worcester III, St. Edmund Hall III, St. Catherine's II, Keble III, Magdalen IV, New College IV, Pembroke II, Oriel III, University College III, Merton III, Balliol IV, Magdalen V. St. Edmund Hall III went up on Worcester III from the start and although the latter held their own in Iffley Reach St. Edmund Hall made a determined spurt after passing the Ferry and made their bump just before reaching the Long Bridges. It was much the same with St. Catherine's II and Keble III, the latter being well up at the Ferry and overtaking St. Catherine's coming through the Gut. Magdalen IV rowed over, but New College IV were soon in difficulties, Pembroke II following up their previous successes by bumping them just before reaching the Ferry. Oriel III proved no match for Univerity College III, who went off at a tremendous pace and caught them at the Launch Boats [sic]. Oriel failed to acknowledge the bump and University College, rowing on, crashed into them and smashed their own bows. Merton III fell an easy prey to Balliol IV at the end of Iffley Reach and Magdalen V paddled through.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's II, St. John's II, Lincoln II, St. Edmund Hall II, Jesus II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Hertford II, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Exeter III, Christ Church III, St. Edmund Hall III. Queen's II, who had narrowly escaped defeat on Friday at the hands of St. John's II, showed much improved form and held their own all the way up to the finish with a length and a half in hand. Lincoln II were soon losing ground to St. Edmund Hall II, and were barely clear of the Gut when the latter bumped them. Jesus II made a very bad start and Magdalen III, getting away well, made their bump just before the Weirs Bridge. St. Peter's Hall II paddled through, Hertford II providing Balliol III with their first success just before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Christ Church III went up for the third time, bumping Exeter III at Haystack Corner. St. Edmund Hall III tried hard to make an overbump on Brasenose III but just failed.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Oriel II, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, University College II, Keble II, Trinity II, New College III, Worcester II, Queen's II. Oriel II had no difficulty in maintaining their position at the head of the division and finished two lengths ahead of St. Peter's Hall, who only just escaped Balliol II. Three lengths separated Christ Church II from Merton II and there were wide gaps between the latter, Brasenose II, and Exeter II. University College II again went down, enabling Keble II to regain the place they lost on the first afternoon, Keble making their bump just before reaching the Weir's Bridge. New College III continued their upward career and made short work of Trinity II by catching them between Haystack Corner and Weir's Bridge. Worcester II kept well away from Queen's II all up Iffley Reach, but Queen's gained rapidly along the Green Bank, and after a strenuous race eventually made their bump opposite the Hertford Barge.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Keble, Pembroke, Jesus, Magdalen II, St. Catherine's, New College II, Wadham, Lincoln, Queen's, Merton, Hertford, Oriel II. St. John's lost ground to Keble, but were never in any danger of being caught and had a length to spare at the finish. Keble, however, were hard pressed by Pembroke, who were within half a length at the Willows. They gained further ground until reaching the Cherwell, from which point Keble held them and got home by a bare quarter of a length. Jesus were bumped by Magdalen II opposite the New Cut. New College II, getting away very smartly, bumped St. Catherine's between the Weirs Bridge and Free Ferry. There was a good race between Wadham and Lincoln over half the course, Wadham reaching the Willows before being overtaken. Merton and Queen's provided a most interesting race, Merton coming out of the Gut half a length behind. Queen's, however, had a quarter of a length to spare at the finish. Oriel II had no difficulty in improving their position by bumping Hertford just below the Weirs Bridge.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Christ Church, Brasenose, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, Worcester, Exeter, St. John's. New College gained on Oriel, but the latter were never in any danger of being caught, and passed the post a full half length ahead. New College in the meantime were being hard pressed by Magdalen, who finished within a quarter of a length New College, Balliol following a long way in the rear. After a magnificent race Brasenose caught Christ Church opposite the Brasenose Barge and there was another good struggle between Trinity and St. Edmund Hall, the latter getting within a quarter of a length. A similar distance separated University College from Corpus, but Worcester were caught by Exeter.

• The Daily Telegraph Mon 25 May

  Oriel again kept their place at the head when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued on Saturday. There were 18 bumps in the five divisions, which are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Tue 26 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday, when the weather was more pleasant than it had been on the previous days. Oriel retained their position at the Head of the River without fully extending themselves. There was an unusual occurrence in the fifth division, University College III being unable to get their boat, which had been badly smashed on Saturday, repaired in time, and they were unable to take up their position before the signal gun fired.

  In the second division, after St. John's had rowed in well ahead, Keble, Pembroke, and Magdalen II came up the Green Bank all together. The Keble cox signalled a bump, and the Pembroke cox did likewise at identically the same time. The three crews will re-row this morning at 11 o'clock.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— St. Edmund Hall III, Worcester III, Keble III, St. Catherine's II, Magdalen IV, Pembroke II, New College IV, University College III, Oriel III, Balliol IV, Merton III, Magdalen V. St. Edmund Hall, who had secured the headship of the division on Saturday afternoon from Worcester III, paddled over, Worcester being caught by Keble III at the top of Iffley Reach. St. Catherine's II held their own against Magdalen IV, who provided Pembroke II with their fourth bump as they came out of the Gut. New College IV had a very easy task as University III did not reach the starting-post until after the gun had gone and in consequence lost the place they had gained from Oriel III on Saturday afternoon. Balliol IV experienced somewhat similar luck as they were bumped by Merton II along the Willows, one of their men catching a crab.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Worcester II, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Lincoln II, Magdalen III, Jesus II, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Hertford II, Brasenose III, Christ Church III, Exeter III, St. Edmund Hall III. Worcester II held St. John's II until after passing the Free Ferry, but afterwards St. John's gained rapidly and made their bump coming out of the Gut. St. Edmund Hall II paddled over, Lincoln II falling victims to Magdalen III between the Free Ferry and the Gut. Jesus II made a determined effort to escape St. Peter's Hall II in Iffley Reach, but were bumped just before getting into the Gut. Hertford II again experienced disaster, Brasenose II overtaking them near the Weir's Bridge. Christ Church III paddled over, but Exeter III were soon in difficulties with St. Edmund Hall III, who drew right on to them from the start and made their bump soon after passing Haystack Corner.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Keble II, University College II, New College III, Trinity II, Queen's II, St. John's II. St. Peter's Hall gained on Hertford in Iffley Reach, and coming out of the Gut less than a length divided them. St. Peter's Hall further reduced the deficit, but Hertford finished strongly and led by half a length at the finish. Balliol II followed a length behind and about their distance in front of Christ Church II, who were a length ahead of Merton II. Brasenose II and Exeter II had an excellent race and Exeter looked like improving their position at the Willows, when Brasenose only led by half a length. The same distance, however, separated them at the finish. New College III again improved their position, making very short work of University College II, who were bumped at Weirs Bridge, and St. John's II bumped Queen's II and so landed themselves safely into a [sic] third division.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Keble, Pembroke, Magdalen II, Jesus, New College II, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Wadham, Queen's, Merton, Oriel II, Hertford. St. John's rowed through and were well away from Keble at the Willows, where the latter were bumped by Pembroke, who at identically the same place were bumped by Magdalen II, the coxswains of Keble and of Pembroke signalling the bumps simultaneously. A most exciting race followed between Jesus and New College II. Jesus were well away at the Boathouse, but New College gained from this point and made their bump right on the post. Lincoln caught St. Catherine's in Iffley Reach and Queen's fell to Merton just before reaching the Free Water Stone.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Brasenose, Christ Church, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, Exeter, Worcester, St. John's. Oriel again maintained their position, and although New College gained considerably in the early stages of the race Oriel had a full half-length to spare at the finish. Magdalen at one time gained on New College, but after passing the Boat House New College drew away again and came in a long way ahead. Brasenose drew up steadily on Balliol and eventually bumped them opposite Talboy's Raft. St. Edmund Hall gained on Trinity, who had lost their stroke on account of an accident, but after getting within a quarter of a length at the Boat House they failed to make their bump, three-quarters of a length separating the crews at the winning-post. University College, showing much improved form, got to within a quarter of a length of St. Edmund Hall, who [sic] in the meantime had kept well ahead of Corpus, who were their distance in front of Exeter. St. John's made a big effort to overtake Worcester, who, however, had half a length to spare at the finish.

• The Daily Telegraph Tue 26 May

  There were 15 bumps on the fourth day of the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday.

  Another may have to be added, as in the Second Division there was a dispute among Keble, Pembroke, and Magdalen II, and these crews have been ordered to re-row.

  New College III continued their successful career by making their fifth bump.

  Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Wed 27 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  There was again a cold easterly wind when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued yesterday and there was a much reduced attendance. Oriel maintained their position at the Head of the River and, indeed, not a single bump was made in the First Division. Only two bumps were made in the Second Division yesterday evening, one of the successful boats being Magdalen II, who in their re-rowed race with Keble and Pembroke in the morning had bumped Pembroke at the Long Bridges. New College III also gained yet another place, as did Pembroke II. University College II, Worcester II, Jesus II, and Hertford II each lost a fifth place.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Exeter III, Keble III, Worcester III, St. Catherine's II, Pembroke II, Magdalen IV, New College IV, Oriel III, University College III, Merton III, Balliol IV, Magdalen V. Keble III began to overhaul Exeter III from the start and made their bump just after the Free Ferry. Worcester III rowed over, St. Catherine's II, who followed, being overtaken by Pembroke II opposite the Ferry. Magdalen IV experienced bad luck as they fouled the bank and New College IV ran into them at the Weir's Bridge. Oriel III fell victims to University College III just after passing the Launch Works, but there was a fine race between Merton III and Balliol IV, the latter making their bump opposite the Brasenose Barge, thus regaining the place they had lost to Merton on the previous afternoon.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's II, Worcester II, St. Edmund Hall II, Magdalen III, Lincoln II, St. Peter's Hall II, Jesus II, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Hertford II, Christ Church III, St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III. Queen's II rowed through as Worcester II were caught by St. Edmund Hall II coming through the Gut. Magdalen III paddled over the latter part of the course, Lincoln II, who followed, after a hard struggle up Iffley Reach having to strike their colours to St. Peter's Hall II, who, after overlapping in the Gut, bumped them at the Willows. Balliol III at once gained on Jesus II and overtook them coming through the Gut, leaving Brasenose III to paddle up at their leisure. Hertford II proved no match for Christ Church III, who caught them just after passing Haystack Corner.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Keble II, New College III, University College II, Trinity II, St. John's II, Queen's II. St. Peter's Hall made a bold bid for the headship and coming out of the Gut Hertford were only leading by a quarter of a length. They kept away along the Green Bank, however, and were nearly a quarter of a length clear at the finish. Balliol II followed three lengths behind St. Peter's Hall and at one time lost considerable ground to Christ Church II, but drew away again in the final stage. Merton II gave Brasenose II a hard race for, although Brasenose were well up coming out of the Gut, Merton reached the Corpus Barge before being caught, Exeter II in the meantime having got to within three-quarters of a length of Brasenose. New College III went up again at the expense of Keble II, who, however, did not give way until reaching the Red Post. Trinity II on the other hand made short work of University College II, whom they caught before reaching the Weir's Bridge.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Keble, Magdalen II, Pembroke, New College II, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Catherine's, Wadham, Merton, Queen's, Oriel II, Hertford. St. John's maintained their position, but Keble were soon losing ground to Magdalen II, who caught them coming out of the Gut. In the re-rowed race between Keble, Pembroke, and Magdalen in the morning, Magdalden II had bumped Pembroke. Meantime, New College II had drawn right up to Pembroke, but lost ground through having to make a detour to clear the Magdalen boat. Pembroke made the most of their opportunity and gained a considerable distance which New College were never able to recover as, after a gruelling race all the way up, Pembroke managed to reach home with a couple of yards in hand. Jesus finished well away from Lincoln and a couple of lengths separated the latter from St. Catherine's. A good race between Wadham and Merton ended in favour of the latter at the end of the Willows, but the other crews finished wide distances apart.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Balliol, Christ Church, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, Exeter, Worcester, St. John's. Oriel again rowed up Head of the River. As on Monday, New College gained considerably over the first half of the course and about half a length separated them at the Boathouse. From this point, however, Oriel maintained their advantage and led home by a good half-length. Magdalen made a big effort to catch New College and coming out of the Gut looked like making their bump, but they failed to sustain the effort and New College drew away again to pass the post a length and a half in front. Brasenose made a good effort to catch Magdalen but without success, a length dividing them. A wide gap separated Brasenose from Balliol, who were well clear of Christ Church. Trinity at one time were within a few feet of Christ Church but fell away again. Three-quarters of a length separated Trinity from St. Edmund Hall, who were a third of a length ahead of University College. Corpus, although gaining on University College, lost ground to Exeter.

• The Daily Telegraph Wed 27 May

  Magdalen II again advance: no First Division bumps

  A feature of the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday was the fact that no bump was made in the first division.

  Magdalen II advanced again in the second division. With Keble and Pembroke, they re-rowed the disputed bump of Monday, and caught Pembroke. Later Magdalen bumped Keble, and have now moved up five places. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Thu 28 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Summer Eights were concluded before a large attendance at Oxford yesterday when Oriel retained their position, which they secured four years ago, at the Head of the River. Yesterday they finished a length and a half in front of New College, whose crew included three Blues and a Trial Eights man. Magdalen, who finished third, were probably faster than New College but apparently lacked stamina. Brasenose, who gained three places during the six days' racing, finished fourth.

  Magdalen II and New College III each gained seven places, Pembroke II gained six, and Merton and St. Edmund Hall III each five. University College II, Jesus II, and Hertford II each lost six places.

  Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Keble III, Exeter III, Worcester III, Pembroke II, St. Catherine's II, New College IV, Magdalen IV, University College III, Oriel III, Balliol IV, Merton III, Magdalen V. Keble III retained the headship without an effort and passed the post two-and-a-half lengths in front of Exeter III. Pembroke III continued their upward career and after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach overtook Worcester III between the Weir's Bridge and the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II held New College IV up Iffley Reach, but New College gained rapidly on entering the Gut and made their bump at the Long Bridges. Magdalen IV and University College III rowed through, but Oriel III went down again, falling victims to Balliol IV coming out of the Gut.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Worcester II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Lincoln II, Balliol III, Jesus II, Brasenose III, Christ Church III, Hertford II, St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III. Queen's II kept well away from St. Edmund Hall II and finished a full length in front. Worcester II paddled up, being saved from any anxiety when Magdalen III broke a rudder in coming through the Gut and ran into the bank, leaving St. Peter's Hall II to row past them. Balliol III bumped Lincoln II under the Willows, Jesus II fell to Brasenose III at the Weir's Bridge, and Hertford II were caught by St. Edmund Hall III at the same place.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Brasenose II, Merton II, Exeter II, New College III, Keble II, Trinity II, University College II, St. John's II, Queen's II. St. Peter's Hall made a big effort to deprive Hertford of the headship, but without success. They were within a quarter of a length coming out of the Gut, but Hertford held them from this point and, regaining some of the deficit along the Wall, finished half a length to the good. Balliol II gained considerably on St. Peter's Hall and themselves kept well away from Christ Church II, who were their distance ahead of Brasenose II. Exeter II were outpaced by New College III, but they struggled through the Gut before being caught under the Willows, this making New College's seventh success. Trinity II were right on to Keble II at the Crossing, but Keble got away again, although they were eventually bumped just before reaching the Cherwell. University College II went down again, being caught by St. John's II at Haystack Corner.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Magdalen II, Keble, Pembroke, New College II, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Catherine's, Merton, Wadham, Queen's, Oriel II, Hertford. St. John's and Magdalen II had a great race for the headship of the division. Magdalen were half a length behind at the Red Post and thence gained steadily. St. John's came too much in-shore after passing the Cherwell and looked like running into the Wall. A quick turn of the rudder saved them from disaster but also enabled Magdalen to get up and bump them opposite the old University Barge. Keble, Pembroke, and New College II also had an exciting struggle. A quarter of a length divided each on coming out of the Gut. Pembroke made their bump at the Red Post, with New College II only a foot or so behind at the time. Jesus followed a long way in the rear of New College II and some distance in front of Lincoln. St. Catherine's held Merton in Iffley Reach, only to be bumped coming through the Gut, and Wadham fell to Queen's opposite the Long Bridges.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Balliol, Christ Church, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, Exeter, Worcester, Magdalen II. Oriel rowed up in fine style and, although New College gained on them over the early part of the course, Oriel kept well away after passing the Boathouse and finished a length and a half ahead. New College kept well away from Magdalen, and a length and a half separated the latter from Brasenose. Christ Church gained on Balliol and were well on to them at the Cherwell, but whatever chance the latter had of escaping disaster was lost when two of their men caught crabs and Christ Church bumped them opposite the old O.U.B.C. Barge. Trinity made a big effort to catch Christ Church and were right up with them when Christ Church made their bump. St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, and Exeter finished some distance apart. Magdalen II, after another gruelling race, caught Worcester opposite the Corpus Barge, thus recording their second bump during the afternoon.

  The following are the names and schools of the Head of the River crew :— [as below, weights from The Daily Telegraph]

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 28 May, by G. C. Drinkwater

  Oriel again Head of the River

  Record equalled in Oxford Eights

  The Summer Eights at Oxford were concluded yesterday, and Oriel kept their proud position at the head of the river without being seriously endangered.

  Though they had five of last year's crew they had but one trial eightsman. Splendidly together they hit the boat hard at the beginning of the stroke and achieved Mr. Fairbairn's "bell note" to perfection. They were well stroked by Motz, a freshman from Germany, who has rowed at Heidelberg.

  Oriel have now equalled the record by finishing head of the river four years in succession.

  New College never looked dangerous throughout the week in spite of the fact that they had three Blues in the stern.

  Magdalen fall away

  Yesterday Magdalen came out of the Gut well behind, but gained fast up the Green Bank. After that, however, they fell away. Brasenose gained continually on Magdalen after Christ Church had made a rather lucky bump on Balliol almost on the post, and University nearly caught St. Edmund Hall.

  Magdalen II, who made their second bump of the day, caught Worcester at Talboy's barge. This gave them their seventh bump in the week, an honour also attained by New College III. Pembroke II, in the fifth division, made six bumps.

  The standard of the eights cannot be said to have been high, but I understand that several colleges are going to send crews to Henley, where they will have an opportunity to gain experience. The Oriel crew was: [as in The Times, but Evens rather than Evers at bow. Weights also given].

• The Times Sat 30 May, Letters

  Sir, — In 1932 Oriel went up six places from tenth to fourth, bumping among others Balliol, New College, and Christ Church on the way. The following year they went ahead [sic], bumping Worcester, Magdalen, and Brasenose. In 1934 and 1935, and now again in 1936, they retained the headship, this year very convincingly. During all this time no Oriel man has found a place in the Oxford boat. Is there any precedent for a college rowing head of the river four years in succession without any of their men getting a Blue? Is there possibly some connexion between the explanation, whatever it may be, and the dismal record of Oxford in the University Boat Race?
  I am, &c,
  Oxonian.

• The Times Tue 2 June, Letters

  Sir, — The answers to "Oxonian's" conunundrums as to why no Oriel man has been given a Blue during the four years the college has been head of the river and whether the dismal record of Oxford in the Boat Race has any connexion with the explanation are very simple. For six years Oriel have been coached in what is know as the Steve Fairbairn style and have rowed with swivel rowlocks. Both these indispensable aids to good rowing are anathema to the antediluvians who control the O.U.B.C. and will not permit any divergence from their ancient style and boat fitments, although since 1923, except on two or three occasions, the Grand at Henley has been won by crews using the Steve Fairbairn style, in its original or modified form, and swivel rowlocks. Nor will they permit a man coached in that style or accustomed to the ease of swivels to row in the Oxford boat. Cambridge are and have been for some years very different. Hence their annual victories.
  I am, &c.,
  S. J. Spurling
  Thames Rowing Club, Putney, May 30.

  [in a subsequent letter, published Mon 8 June, S. J. Spurling corrected and elaborated on some of his comments about Grand winners]

• In other news ... [1936]

  Mon May 25

  The Remington Rand strike of 1936–37 begins, spawning the notorious Mohawk Valley formula, a corporate plan for strikebreaking.

  Wed May 27

  British luxury liner RMS Queen Mary leaves Southampton on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic.

  Thu May 28

  Alan Turing submits his paper "On Computable Numbers" to the London Mathematical Society for publication, introducing the concept of the Turing machine. It is formally published on November 12.

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