Alfred Keene

A self-employed stockbroker, Alfred Keene served for many years with the London Regiment (Artists’ Rifles) from the end of the 19th century. He served in World War 1, and eventually reached the rank of major. He was awarded the British and Victory medals, and the 1915 Star.

A fine fencer, Keene represented Britain at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. He had competed in the British Foil Championship in 1899, but it was as an exponent of the sabre that he was better known, and over the years fenced for Malgrini’s, Bertrand’s, The Sabre Club, and his Army regiment. In 1904 and 1906 Keene won the officer’s bayonet versus bayonet competitor at the Royal Military Tournament, and in 1907 was runner-up in the épée versus épée competition. Keene was joint third in the 1908 British Sabre Championships, when his brother Richard was also a semi-finalist.

Alfred Keene went on to reach the final pool of the British Sabre Championship on many occasions over the years without winning it. He was still trying to capture the title two days after his 49th birthday in 1922 when he again reached the final pool. He continued fencing beyond the age of 55.