Albert "Bertie" Childs 1894 - 1960

Bertie Childs, who died on the 10th October, 1960, was a member of the Association for nearly 40 years, joining with all the other members of the Grosvenor Fencing Club, on the Club's formation in 1922.

He loved the sport and became one of Britain's strongest épéeists with a beat attack which almost paralysed an opponent's sword arm. His success in the British Epée Championship of 1928 was news, and reporters had to interview him at the top of one of the highest buildings being erected in London at that time, where they found Bert Childs operating a huge crane, with just the same ease as he manipulated his sword.  

He won the championship again in 1931, was in the Olympic teams of 1928 and 1936, and in the Grosvenor team when it won, on at least nine occasions, the Savage Shield Competition. 

Like all true enthusiasts, he was ever ready to help, and presided over epee finals many times. He was for a long time a member of the Epée Sub-Committee, and for more than 16 years Honorary Secretary of the Grosvenor Fencing Club.

A.E.P.