George Dyer

George Dyer CBE was educated at Rugby School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was Gazetted into the Queen’s Royal Regiment and saw service in India between 1900-10, and was in the first British Expeditionary Force that went to France at the outbreak of World War I. He was wounded on active service but returned to action in 1916, was later mentioned in dispatches twice, and was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) in 1919. He ultimately reached the rank of colonel. After the war, Dyer was sent to the Amy School of Physical Training. He became assistant commandant in 1927, and then inspector from 1932-35. In the 1920s he did a lot to improve the fencing skills within the Army.

Dyer was always involved in the famous Royal Tournament, having taken part in it as a teenager. He later arranged for many of his trainees to give displays at the Tournament, of which he was vice-chairman between 1947-54

As a fencer, Dyer fought to a reasonably high standard and was a former Army champion, equally at home with either foil, epée, or sabre. He was one of the judges at the 1924 Paris Olympics, officiating in nine team sabre contests. In 1926 Dyer was captain of the British team that travelled to the United States to play their American counterparts for the Thompson Trophy. In 1905 Dyer was granted the Freedom of the City of London.