Douglas Neame

Douglas Neame was a finalist in the 120y hurdles in the AAAs in 1929 and 1931, but the 440y hurdles was his better event. At that event, he was third at the 1929 and 1930 AAAs and took the bronze medal at the 1930 British Empire Games. Born into a well-known Kent brewing family he opted for a Naval career and served his distinction, winning DSOs in two famous actions. In December 1939 he was executive officer of the cruiser, “Achilles” during the Battle of the River Plate and was awarded his first DSO for his part in the action that led to the scuttling of the German battleship, “Admiral Graf Spee”. In 1942 he was awarded a Bar to his DSO when, although facing overwhelming Italian superiority, he successfully helped defend a convoy sailing to Malta. In 1948, he took a destroyer to France to bring the Olympic flame across the Channel for the London Olympics.

Personal Bests: 120yH – 15.0 (1928); 440yH – 54.0e (1930).