Alfred Syson

The son of a rector, Alfred Syson was educated at Bedford School before going to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. From there he joined the Royal Marines Light Infantry where he was involved in physical training. In 1911 he was placed on the retired list at his own request but, at the outbreak of World War I, he re-joined the Marines and in 1915 was injured in action while serving aboard HMS Portsmouth. During his time in service, he regularly competed in the Royal Naval and Military Tournament at Olympia, mostly in the Officers’ Bayonet versus Bayonet competition, and was runner-up in 1909. Syson attained the rank of Major and was awarded the OBE for “Valuable service as assistant inspector of Physical Training and Bayonet Fighting”.

Having previously been involved in physical training at Eton College, Syson was appointed in charge of the gymnasium at Harrow School in 1919. He later became an Inspector of Schools.

Syson competed in the individual sabre event at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, having been a judge at the London Games four years earlier.