Bill Lucas died on 22nd March 2018, aged 101. He was Britain’s oldest Olympian, having represented Great Britain in the 1948 games in London. He would have participated in the 1940 Games that had been scheduled for Helsinki, but was by this time flying bombers in the RAF. He completed nearly three full tours of duty, flying 81 missions in total, first on four engine Stirlings, then from 1944 on Mosquitos with the Pathfinder Force.
After the War, he worked as a surveyor for the London and Lancashire Insurance Company, whilst also turning out for the Belgrave Harriers club. After missing the 1950 Commonwealth Games through injury, he devoted his athletics skill and knowledge to helping develop young athletes with the Belgrave Harriers at a time when athletics was still an amateur sport. Bill Lucas was twice recommended for an OBE but was overlooked. He was involved with fund raising for the new Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.
Truly an unsung hero, and a Great Briton.
R.I.P.
Unless I am missing a thread here its a shame I had to find this on a Shipping Forum.
By: stuart gowans - 30th March 2018 at 12:25
Yes riding a bike does appear to be a prerequisite for an honours consideration; but a life well lived none the less.
By: trumper - 30th March 2018 at 12:13
R I P Thank you .He really did have an interesting life.
By: Sopwith - 30th March 2018 at 08:52
An OBE wouldn’t have meant anything really, in context to his life. He surpassed any trinkety things with his full and long life of worthwhile accomplishments.
By: paul178 - 29th March 2018 at 23:54
Perhaps he did not tell jokes or ride a bike.
Thanks Ant at least you cared.
By: Ant.H - 29th March 2018 at 11:26
Thanks for posting this Paul. Three full tours, an Olympian and he was still refused an OBE. It makes you wonder what you’d have to do to be worthy of one, there seem to be plenty of holders who’ve done far less.
A very full life well lived.
RIP
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March 28, 2018 at 10:16 pm