Torpids 1935

BUMPS CHART

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 Balliol 63 61 Balliol 2 Magdalen 56 54 New College 3 New College 45 47 Magdalen 4 Christ Church 44 40 St Edmund Hall 5 University 40 35 University 6 St Edmund Hall 28 30 Corpus Christi 7 Keble 27 29 Christ Church 8 Worcester 26 29 Keble 9 Merton 22 26 Merton 10 Corpus Christi 22 26 St John's 11 Oriel 20 19 Oriel 12 Exeter 19 18 Brasenose 13 Brasenose 18 18 Worcester 14 Wadham 17 17 Trinity 15 St John's 16 16 Exeter 16 Pembroke 11 12 Wadham 17 Trinity 10 10 Pembroke 18 Queen's 9 9 St Peter's 19 St Catherine's 9 9 Lincoln 20 St Peter's 8 8 Jesus 21 Jesus 8 6 Queen's 22 Lincoln 7 6 St Catherine's 23 Hertford 6 5 Hertford

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=rank Crews Bps Avg St Edmund Hall 2[ 5] 10[ 1] 5.00[ 2] St John's 2[ 5] 10[ 1] 5.00[ 2] New College 3[ 1] 7[ 3] 2.33[ 5] Trinity 1[19] 6[ 4] 6.00[ 1] Merton 3[ 1] 5[ 5] 1.67[ 8] Corpus Christi 2[ 5] 5[ 5] 2.50[ 4] Oriel 2[ 5] 4[ 7] 2.00[ 6] Brasenose 2[ 5] 2[ 8] 1.00[ 9] Lincoln 1[19] 2[ 8] 2.00[ 6] Jesus 1[19] 0[10] 0.00[10] Keble 2[ 5] 0[10] 0.00[10] Magdalen 3[ 1] -1[12] -0.33[12] St Peter's 2[ 5] -1[12] -0.50[13] Pembroke 1[19] -1[12] -1.00[14] Worcester 2[ 5] -2[15] -1.00[14] Hertford 2[ 5] -2[15] -1.00[14] Exeter 2[ 5] -3[17] -1.50[17] St Catherine's 1[19] -4[18] -4.00[21] Balliol 3[ 1] -6[19] -2.00[18] University 2[ 5] -6[19] -3.00[19] Christ Church 2[ 5] -7[21] -3.50[20] Wadham 2[ 5] -8[22] -4.00[21] Queen's 2[ 5] -10[23] -5.00[23]

• 6 days: Thu 21 – Wed 27 Feb, 1935
• Rules changed to allow those who had previously competed in their college 1st Eight to take part in Torpids.
• Fourth division added this year (probably as a consequence of the change in eligibility rules)
• Racing accompanied by 4 umpires on horseback.
• Division times: 1:45, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30.

• The Times Wed 23 Jan

  A Captain's [sic] meeting of the Oxford University Boat Club was held at the University Boathouse yesterday, when the Torpids were fixed for February 21 and following days. It was agreed that henceforth umpires should accompany the crews on horseback to avoid the frequent committee meetings which recently have had to be held to decide disputes. An alteration was made in the rules dealing with the races. Hitherto no one who has steered or rowed in the first eight of his college has been allowed to take part in the same capacity in the next Torpids. Henceforth after rowing in the eight he will be permitted to row in the Torpids the following year. This, however, will not apply to Blues or Trials men.

  The suggestion to hold abreast an eight-oared race on the upper river at the end of Term fell through, and in its place it was decided to have Junior pairs, to be rowed abreast during the present Term. An offer by New College to throw their annual Sculling race open to the whole University was gratefully accepted, the only restriction in either event being that winners of both the University Pairs and Sculls should be debarred from taking part [according to The Daily Telegraph Wed 23 Jan the offer was not accepted]

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 21 Feb

  Racing for the Oxford Torpids begins to-day. There is an innovation, the O.U.B.C. allowing men in their second year to row in Torpids even if they rowed in Eights last summer.

  There are 45 entries, which necessitates the rowing of a fourth division. The first division row at 4.30, the second at 3.30, the third at 2.30, and the fourth division at 1.45. Order of starting [...]

• The Times Fri 22 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Oxford University Torpid Races were begun yesterday in bleak weather. A bitterly cold and strong wind blew from the West, with bursts of heavy rain.

  The entries were larger than on any previous occasion, 45 crews competing as against 39 last year, and for the first time a Fourth Division was added. An innovation was the appointment of four umpires on horseback to accompany the racing, so that in the event of protests and objections, which have been very frequent of late years, the O.U.B.C. will be able to secure independent evidence in dealing with them. Magdalen, the Head of the River crew, had an easy day as Christ Church, who followed them, were bumped by New College

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Balliol III, Worcester II, Magdalen III, St. Edmund Hall II, Corpus II, Merton III. Worcester II were soon gaining on Balliol III, who were all abroad in the high wind, and made their bump just opposite the Free Ferry. Magdalen III failed to start, and neither Corpus II nor Merton III got to the post in time to take part in the race.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Keble II, Brasenose II, Hertford, St. John's II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Wadham II, Queen's II, Oriel II, Merton II, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Hertford II, Worcester II. A good race was seen for the headship of this division over the first half of the course, Brasenose II coming up rapidly after passing Haystack Corner. Keble II recovered some of the distance in Iffley Reach, but failed to withstand another determined burst by Brasenose, who eventually ran them down coming out of the Gut. St. John's II gained considereably on Hertford at one time, but Hertford finished strongly and were a length and a half ahead at the finish. Exeter II, Christ Church II, and Wadham II came up at wide intervals, but Queen's II were hard pressed by Oriel II in Iffley Reach and were eventually bumped by them in the Gut. Merton II paddled over, as New College III, who followed them, made a bad start, going right across to the Oxfordshire shore, and St. Peter's Hall II bumped them at Haystack Corner. Worcester II worked their way up from the Fourth Division by bumping Hertford II near the Freewater Stone.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Wadham, Brasenose, St. John's, Pembroke, Trinity, Magdalen II, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Lincoln, Queen's, St. Peter's Hall, University College II, New College II, Brasenose II. Brasenose gained considerably on Wadham up to Long Bridges, but themselves lost ground to St. John's. Wadham lost further along the Green Bank, but rallied and recovered after passing the Boathouse. With St. John's still gaining on them Brasenose put in a fine spurt halfway along the Wall, and eventually bumped Wadham just after passing the Cherwell. Pembroke held Trinity up Iffley Reach, but Trinity came up strongly after passing the Ferry and bumped them at the Freewater Stone. Magdalen II rowed over and were well away from St. Catherine's, who made a determined effort to escape Jesus, who, however, obtained their bump at the end of the Green Bank. Lincoln rowed through, Queen's, who followed, being bumped by St. Peter's Hall under the Willows. New College II, putting in a determined effort at the end of Iffley Reach, bumped University College II in the Gut.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen, Christ Church, New College, University College, Balliol, Balliol II, St. Edmund Hall, Worcester, Keble, Corpus, Merton, Oriel, Exeter, Brasenose. Magdalen were never in any danger from Christ Church, who soon began to lose distance to New College. New College drew up fast after coming out of Iffley Reach, and made their bump just after passing the Long Bridges. Balliol were soon pressing University College, and were well up to them at the Free Ferry. University College held them for a time, but failed to maintain the effort and were bumped on reaching the Green Bank. Balliol II were soon in difficulties with St. Edmund Hall, who went off with great dash and made their bump before reaching the Free Ferry. An exciting race followed between Worcester, Keble, and Corpus. While Keble gained on Worcester, Keble lost distance to Corpus. Keble, however, just succeed in making their bump before coming through the Gut, Corpus being right on to them at the time. As a consequence Corpus were unable to get clear, and Merton rowed past them. Merton completed the course with Oriel following a quarter of a length behind, but according to the rules Merton can claim a bump.

• The Daily Telegraph Fri 22 Feb

  The Oxford Torpids were begun yesterday in very unfavourable conditions. The high wind churned up the river, and heavy rainstorms added to the difficulties of the oarsmen.

  In the new Fourth Division, Magdalen III, Corpus II, and Merton III failed to get to the starting-post in time, and St. Edmund Hall II, who started below Magdalen III, were awarded a bump.

  A disputed bump bewteen Merton and Corpus in the First Division has not yet been decided. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Sat 23 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Oxford University Torpid Races were continued yesterday in better conditions. No rain fell, but there was a bitterly cold north wind which blew with great force downstream. Fifteen bumps were recorded in the four divisions, but not one of them took place above the New Boathouse and there was not a single interesting finish seen by the spectators on the barges. After a good race Magdalen lost the Headship to New College.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, II, Balliol III, St. Edmund Hall II, Magdalen III, Corpus II, Merton III. Hertford II easily held Balliol III, who got away slowly, and St. Edmund Hall II, gaining rapidly on them from the start, made their bump at the Free Ferry. Magdalen III were never pressed by Corpus II, who lost ground to Merton III until reaching the Green Bank. Corpus then drew away again and finished their distance in front.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Brasenose II, Keble II, Hertford, St. John's II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Wadham II, Oriel II, Queen's II, Merton II, St. Peter's Hall II, New College III, Worcester II, Hertford II. Brasenose II, who had secured the headship of the division the previous afternoon, kept well clear of Keble II all the way and finished their distance ahead. Hertford held their own fairly well up Iffley Reach, but then lost ground rapidly and St. John's bumped them coming through the Gut. Exeter II kept well away from Christ Church II, but Wadham II were soon in difficulties with Oriel II, who eventually caught them at the top of Iffley Reach. Queen's II lost ground to Merton II from the start, but held them until coming out of the Gut and were then caught at the Bridges. New College III made amends for their defeat at the hands of St. Peter's Hall the previous afternoon, and, going away very strongly, overhauled the latter at the Free Ferry. Hertford II at one time gained ground on Worcester II, but the latter reached the winning post nearly two lengths in front.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Brasenose, Wadham, St. John's, Trinity, Pembroke, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, St. Peter's Hall, Queen's, New College II, University College II, Brasenose II. Chased by St. John's, Wadham made a big effort to recover the place they had lost to Brasenose on the previous day, but St. John's, making a determined effort after coming out of the Gut, caught them along the Willows, Trinity being well behind St. John's at the time. Pembroke held Magdalen II until coming out of Iffley Reach, but spurting hard after leaving the Gut the latter made their bump along the Green Bank, Jesus being well behind. St. Catherine's soon began to lose ground to Lincoln and after leaving the Gut the latter caught them. There was a fine race between Queen's and New College II. The latter made up a lot of ground after leaving Iffley Reach and made a futile attempt to bump coming out of the Gut. Queen's, however, failed to profit by their escape and eventually were overtaken. University College II were unfortunate, as they fouled the bank between the Weirs Bridge and the Ferry and so fell easy victims to Brasenose II.

  First Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen, New College, Christ Church, Balliol, University College, St. Edmund Hall, Balliol II, Keble, Worcester, Merton, Corpus, Oriel, Exeter, Brasenose. It was soon evident that New College were faster than Magdalen, as they had gained a length at the Ferry and very materially increased their advantage going through the Gut. Magdalen spurted at the Green Bank but New College steadily reduced the lead and ultimately made their bump just before reaching the New Cut. Balliol again improved their position, this time at the expense of Christ Church, who just managed to struggle throught the Gut before being overtaken, and St. Edmund Hall followed their example after chasing University College hard all along the Green Bank. Good steering by the St. Edmund's Hall coxswain contributed to their success. Balliol II went down again, Keble, who had bumped Worcester on the previous afternoon, catching them at the Long Bridges, while Corpus recovered the place they had lost to Merton on the previous afternoon by rebumping them halfway up Iffley Reach. Exeter made ground on Oriel who, however, finished with a length in hand, and the same distance divided Exeter and Brasenose.

• The Daily Telegraph Sat 23 Feb

  The disputed bump between Merton and Corpus in the first division on the opening day of the Oxford Torpids was yesterday awarded to Merton.

  New College, as was expected, superseded Magdalen at the head of the river. There were 15 bumps. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Mon 25 Feb

  The Torpid Races were continued at Oxford on Saturday, when the weather was very much better than it had been on the two previous days.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, II, St. Edmund Hall II, Balliol III, Magdalen III, Corpus II, Merton III. Hertford II held their own well until coming out of the Gut, when St. Edmund Hall II began to draw up rapidly, and after getting within a quarter of a length at the Boathouse made their bump near the Cherwell. The other four crews rowed up well away from each other.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— University College II, Keble II, St. John's II, Hertford, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Oriel II, Wadham II, Merton II, Queen's II, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester II, St. Edmund Hall II. University College II lost some ground to Keble II, but were never in any danger of being caught and took matters easily after passing the New Cut, where Keble II, after a hard struggle all along the Green Bank, went down to St. John's II. Hertford and Exeter II rowed over well away from each other, but Christ Church II fell victims to Oriel II, the latter being very close at the end of Iffley Reach and making their bump in the Gut. Wadham II were caught by Merton II, who, after gaining rapidly from the start, bumped them at the Free Ferry. Queen's II again went down, New College III bumping them before coming out of the Gut. St. Peter's Hall II quickly lost distance to Worcester II, who caught them just below the Ferry.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Brasenose, St. John's, Wadham, Trinity, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Catherine's, St. Peter's Hall, New College II, Queen's, Brasenose II, University College II. There was a fine race for the headship of the division between Brasenose and St. John's. The latter started with great dash and had gained a length before reaching the Ferry. They further reduced the gap going through the Gut and were within a few yards at the Willows. Brasenose held them until after passing Saunders' Bridge, where St. John's were overlapping and their cox made a futile attempt to bump. At the Cherwell they again overlapped, but from this point Brasenose gained slightly and, finishing the stronger, passed the Post a couple of yards in front. Wadham were soon in difficulties with Trinity, who caught them coming out of the Gut, but Magdalen II drew right away from Pembroke, the latter being their distance in front of Jesus, who had Lincoln a length behind them.

  First Division Order of Starting.— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Christ Church, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Keble, Balliol II, Worcester, Corpus, Merton, Oriel, Exeter, Brasenose. New College rowed over. Magdalen, however, were soon in difficulties and, although they held their own until leaving the Gut, Balliol gained rapidly along the Green Bank and caught them just before the Red Post. Christ Church also kept away from St. Edmund Hall until after passing the Bridges, where the latter made a fine spurt and bumped them under the Willows. University College lost considerable distance to Keble, who were within a length of them at the finish, and Keble in turn finished well away from Balliol II. Corpus again improved their position, this time at the expense of Worcester, who were caught before reaching the Gut. There was a fine race between Merton and Oriel over the first half of the course, only a few yards dividing them at the Boathouse. From this point, however, Merton asserted themselves and passed the Post with half a length in hand. Brasenose had a hard race against Exeter, whom they succeeded in bumping at Saunders' Bridge.

• The Daily Telegraph Mon 25 Feb

  In the third days' racing at the Oxford Torpids there were 14 bumps, including a double bump by St. John's. New College secured the headship for the first time since 1904. Bumps are shown in brackets in the following tables:[...]

• The Times Tue 26 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Torpid Races were continued at Oxford yesterday, when, after heavy rain during the night, the weather was fine. The wind swung round from west to north during the afternoon, and there was a strong stream running. Only 13 bumps were made in the four divisions, and New College, who had gained the Headship on Friday, retained their position.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— St. Edmund Hall II, Hertford, II, Balliol III, Magdalen III, Corpus II, Merton III. St. Edmund Hall II kept right away from Hertford II and finished their distance ahead of the latter, who paddled through. Balliol III, after losing ground steadily from the start, fell victims to Magdalen III coming out of the Gut. Corpus II rowed through and finished some 80 yards in front of Merton III.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— University College II, St. John's II, Keble II, Hertford, Exeter II, Oriel II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Wadham II, New College III, Queen's II, Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall II, St. Edmund Hall II. St. John's II soon began to draw up on University College II, and, although the latter held their own up Iffley Reach, St. John's made a determined effort going through the Gut and made their bump at the Long Bridges. There was a good race between Keble II and Hertford, but although the latter made up some distance to the Boathouse, Keble II held them and finished two-thirds of a length ahead. Oriel II further improved their position by bumping Exeter II near the Freewater Stone. Merton II experienced bad luck as they were well away from Wadham II when their stroke caught a crab and they were bumped at the Launch Works. New College III paddled over. Queen's II were overtaken by Worcester II at the Gut and there followed a fine race between St. Peter's Hall II and St. Edmund Hall. The last named, after getting to within half a length at the Long Bridges, eventually made their bump just before the Cherwell.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Exeter, Brasenose, Trinity, Wadham, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Peter's Hall, St. Catherine's, New College II, Brasenose II, Queen's, St. John's II. Exeter retained the headship of the division without difficulty as they were well away from Brasenose when the latter were caught by Trinity coming out of the Gut. Wadham and Magdalen II had an exciting race. Magdalen II were well up as the boats came out of the Gut and, gaining steadily up the Green Bank, they overlapped at the New Cut. The cox missed his mark and, though Wadham recovered some ground, Magdalen II came again along the Wall and made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. Jesus made a big effort to overtake Pembroke and at the Boathouse were within a quarter of a length. Pembroke, however, finished strongly, and were half a length in front when the boats passed the post. Lincoln followed a length and a half behind and a length separated them from St. Peter's Hall. St. Catherine's were unfortunate after passing the Weirs Bridge; their stroke got off his slide and, catching a crab, they were bumped by New College II, who had Brasenose II unpleasantly close at the time. The other boats finished well away from each other.

  First Division Order of Starting.— New College, Balliol, Magdalen, St. Edmund Hall, Christ Church, University College, Keble, Balliol II, Corpus, Worcester, Merton, Oriel, St. John's, Exeter. New College retained the Headship without unduly exerting themselves, and finished fully a length ahead of Balliol. Magdalen and St. Edmund Hall had an interesting struggle, but although Magdalen came out of the Gut with a substantial advantage St. Edmund Hall made a fine effort along the Green Bank and, steadily reducing the deficit, made their bump near the Boathouse. Christ Church had a hard race with University College, who were pressing them hard along the Green Bank, and little more than a yard separated them at the Red Post. From this point, however, Christ Church held their own and eventually reached the finishing post with a bare quarter of a length in hand. Balliol II lost ground to Corpus at the start and then, fouling the bank, were bumped near the Weirs Bridge. Worcester, after a stubborn struggle along the Willows, had to give way to Merton at the Crossing. At the Free Ferry Oriel were caught by St. John's, who had been awarded a bump after their hard race against Brasenose in the Second Division on the previous day.

• The Daily Telegraph Tue 26 Feb

  There were 13 bumps yesterday when the Oxford Torpids were continued.

  The two St. Edmund Hall crews and the second crew of Oriel have gone up each night, and the possibility of St. Edmund Hall gaining the headship for the first time is being eagerly discussed by their followers. Most people, however, are strongly of the opinion that New College will retain it.

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

• The Times Wed 27 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  There was a further welcome improvement in the weather when the Torpid Races were continued at Oxford yesterday. The sun shone brilliantly throughout the afternoon, and there was only a light westerly breeze blowing. The racing was much more interesting than on the previous days, and there were several hard-fought finishes. Fourteen bumps were recorded, but the four Head crews rowed up unchanged, and there seems little likelihood of the order being changed to-day.

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall II, Hertford, II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Corpus II, Merton III. St. Peter's Hall held their own fairly well until after leaving the Gut, but Hertford II came up the Green Bank with a well-sustained effort and bumped them opposite Saunder's Bridge, Magdalen III being within about a length of Hertford II at the time. Balliol III were soon losing distance to Corpus II and, catching two crabs in Iffley Reach, were bumped at the Free Ferry.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— St. John's II, University College II, Keble II, Hertford, Oriel II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Wadham II, Merton II, New College III, Worcester II, Queen's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Hertford II. St. John's II finished head of the division without much effort, but there was a fine race between the next two boats, University College II and Keble II. Coming out of the Gut Keble II were within half a length of University College II, and they further reduced the deficit along the Wall. University College II drew away somewhat, but after passing the Cherwell Keble II came up again, and after a most exciting finish made their bump a few yards from the winning post. Another good race was seen between Hertford and Oriel II, but the latter were always going a bit the faster, and Hertford were bumped near the Worcester Barge. Exeter II and Christ Church II came through a wide distance apart, but Wadham II, after a sharp struggle in Iffley Reach, were bumped by Merton II at the beginning of the Green Bank, and St. Edmund Hall II bumped Queen's II coming through the Gut.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Exeter, Trinity, Brasenose, Magdalen II, Wadham, Pembroke, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Peter's Hall, New College II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, Queen's, St. John's II. Trinity made a lot of distance on Exeter up Iffley Reach, and, reducing the deficit coming through the Gut, made their bump at the Willows. Brasenose had a very hard struggle to escape Magdalen II, who were well up at the Bridges. Three-quarters of a length separated them at the Boathouse, and although Magdalen II made a determined effort along the Wall Brasenose succeeded in holding their own and finished a bare quarter of a length in front. Wadham were always losing distance to Pembroke, who spurted hard at Saunders's Bridge and made their bump at the Cherwell. Jesus and Lincoln provided another exciting finish. Although Jesus were nearly a length to the good at the Boathouse they fell off in the final stage, and only got home with three yards to spare. Lincoln in the meantime had drawn right away from St. Peter's Hall, who had all their work cut out to keep clear of New College II. Half a length separated them at the Boathouse, but a final effort by St. Peter's Hall enabled them to pass the post a quarter of a length ahead. St. Catherine's and Brasenose II followed a long distance apart, but there was another fine race between Queen's and St. John's II, which resulted in a bump by St. John's II opposite the Magdalen College Barge.

  First Division Order of Starting.— New College, Balliol, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen, Christ Church, University College, Keble, Corpus, Balliol II, Merton, Worcester, St. John's, Oriel, Trinity. There was no change in the positions of the leading four boats, more than a length separating New College from Balliol, and wide gaps divided the latter, St. Edmund Hall, and Magdalen respectively. Christ Church were hard pressed by University College coming out of the Gut and were bumped at the Boathouse. Keble, who followed and who were being hard pressed by Corpus, were unable to get out of the way and Corpus rowed past them and so gained a place at their expense. None of the other crews rowed up. Balliol II were bumped by Merton at the Freewater Stone; St. John's bumped Worcester before reaching the Gut; and Trinity followed up their success in the Second Division by bumping Oriel before reaching the Free Ferry.

• The Daily Telegraph Wed 27 Feb

  There were 14 bumps in the fifth day's racing of the Oxford Torpids yesterday. The second crews of Oriel and St. Edmund Hall each made their fifth bump, but St. Edmund Hall failed to catch Balliol, and so it seems fairly certain that New College will keep the headship.

  Trinity, by making two bumps yesterday, brought their number of victims to five. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Thu 28 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  The Torpid Races were concluded at Oxford yesterday, when New College, who had deprived Magdalen of the Headship on Friday, retained their position after a great race with Balliol, who finished only four yards behind them. St. Edmund Hall finished third for the first time. St. Edmund Hall II, St. John's, Trinity, and Oriel II made six bumps each in the week's racing. There were 81 bumps in all.

  The order of rowing of the Head of the River crew was :— [as below]

  Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Corpus II, Balliol III, Merton III. Hertford II rowed up at the head of the division, more than a length in front of St. Peter's Hall II, who were the same distance in front of Magdalen III. The latter were hard pressed by Corpus II coming out of the Gut, but they got away again along the Green Bank, and reached the finishing post with a wide margin in hand. Balliol III and Merton III were a long way behind.

  Third Division Order of Starting.— Queen's. Keble II, University College II, Oriel II, Hertford, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Wadham II, New College III, Worcester II, St. Edmund Hall II, Queen's II, Hertford II. Keble II were unable to make much impression on Queen's, who had a good lead coming out of the Gut and finished nearly two lengths in front. Oriel II continued their victorious career without any great difficulty, as after gaining rapidly coming through the Gut they caught University College II opposite the Long Bridges. Hertford and Exeter II followed a wide distance apart, but there was a good race between Christ Church II and Merton II, although after leaving the Gut Merton II came up fast and made their bump at the Red Post. Wadham II were losing ground to New College III all the way up Iffley Reach and finally had to strike their colours in the Gut. Worcester II held St. Edmund Hall II until clearing the Bridges, when St. Edmund Hall II, rowing much the faster stroke, came up rapidly and overhauled them at the Willows. Queen's II, after being half a length ahead at the Bridges, fell victims to Hertford II at the New College Barge.

  Second Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, Exeter, Brasenose, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Wadham, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Peter's Hall, New College II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Queen's. There was a splendid race for the headship of the division between Oriel and Exeter. Exeter went up very fast in Iffley Reach, and coming out of the Gut there was little more than a quarter of a length between them. After passing the Cherwell Exeter made another fine effort, and at the University College barge their boat was overlapping. Their shot missed, however, and Oriel, getting away again, finished a short quarter of a length in front. Brasenose, Magdalen II, Pembroke, and Wadham came up long distances apart, but Jesus were always losing ground to Lincoln, who were within a yard or two coming out of the Gut and who eventually made their bump at the Willows. New College II gained on St. Peter's Hall coming up Iffley Reach and were right on to them passing the Long Bridges. From this point, however, St. Peter's Hall drew away and they finished with a comfortable margin in hand. Brasenose II, St. John's II, and Queen's followed long distances apart.

  First Division Order of Starting.— New College, Balliol, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen, University College, Christ Church, Corpus, Keble, Merton, Balliol II, St. John's, Worcester, Trinity, Oriel. There was a great race for the Headship, Balliol going off at a tremendous pace and gaining a lot of distance in Iffley Reach. Coming through the Gut New College lost further ground, Balliol being within three-quarters of a length passing the Long Bridges. Balliol continued to improve their position until reaching the Cherwell, from which point, however, New College held them and after a most exciting race passed the post four yards in front. The two crews had drawn right away from St. Edmund Hall, who finished three or four lengths behind Balliol. Magdalen were well away from University College but Christ Church could not shake off Corpus and were bumped just before entering the Gut. Keble and Merton rowed through. There was a brief struggle between Balliol II and St. John's, which ended in favour of the latter at the Launch Works, while Trinity overhauled Worcester before reaching the Weirs Bridge.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 28 Feb

  New College finish Head of the River

  The Oxford Torpid races were concluded yesterday. During the week's racing there were 81 bumps.

  New College finished at the head of the river, and the colleges [sic] that made the most bumps were the second crews of Oriel and St. Edmund Hall, each of whom made six. By finishing fourth St. Edmund Hall, who made four bumps, occupy the highest position in their history.

  The New College crew were [same as in The Times, as listed below]. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• In other news ... [1935]

  Monarch: George V

  Prime Minister: Ramsay MacDonald (Labour)

  Thu 21 Feb

  The Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engine is first flown, at Hucknall Aerodrome.

  Fri 22 Feb

  Airplanes are banned from flying over the White House in Washington, D.C.

  Sat 23 Feb

  The classic Mickey Mouse cartoon The Band Concert is released by United Artists in the United States.

  Tue 26 Feb

  In Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler orders reinstatement of the air force, the Luftwaffe, in violation of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.

  Tue 26 Feb

  Robert Watson-Watt first demonstrates the use of radar to detect aircraft, at Daventry in England.

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