Thomas Wand-Tetley

In 1920, Thomas Wand-Tetley was a double Olympian, competing in both the individual foil and modern pentathlon at the Antwerp Games. The following year, in the Anglo-American fencing contest in New York for the Thompson Trophy, he was the only member of the British team to compete in all three disciplines, foil, épée and sabre. Despite not winning a British fencing title, Wand-Tetley was an Army officers épée champion, and in 1928 was selected for his second Olympics, competing in the team and individual foil events.

Wand-Tetley was born Thomas Harrison Wand, but changed his name a couple of years after his divorced mother re-married Joseph Tetley in 1909. Wand was born at his parents’ hotel, The Esplanade, in Paignton, and was educated at Newton Abbott Grammar School, Eastbourne College, and Sandhurst Military College. He was gazetted into the Wiltshire Regiment in 1910 and saw continuous service until 1944, reaching the rank of brigadier. He was Inspector of Physical Training at the War Office between 1939-44. It was during his time as a prisoner of war (1914-18) that he studied and developed ideas for physical training that would later benefit the Army. Such was Wand-Tetley’s knowledge of physical training that he served on the committee of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, and National Association of Boys’ Clubs, amongst others.

An all-round sportsman, in addition to his Olympic exploits in fencing and modern pentathlon, Wand-Tetley, played hockey for the Army and Wiltshire and, as a welterweight boxer, took part in the Imperial Services Boxing Championships. He was also the honorary secretary of the Imperial Services Hockey Association, and secretary of both the Imperial Services and Army Boxing Associations. After retiring from the Army, Wand-Tetley assisted the Ministry of Health, where his physical training knowledge was called upon to help with remedial cases. He was awarded the OBE in 1929, and later the CBE.