Evan James

Despite winning the British foil and sabre titles, H. Evan James was equally well known as a fencing judge, and served the Amateur Fencing Association for more than 30 years. Originally a member of the Westminster School of Arms, and later Bertrand’s Academy, James reached the final of the national Foil Championship in 1900, but lost to Thomas Hobbins. A year later, James was champion after beating Bulkey Praed. Two runners-up berths followed in 1902 and 1903, when he was beaten by John Jenkinson on both occasions. In the second of those years, however, James won the Sabre Championship for the one and only time. He joined the Westminster Dragoons in the early part of the 20th century and went on to serve in World War I. After the War he resumed his fencing career, and became captain of Bertram’s in the 1920s.