Mexborough and Swinton Times September 2, 1938

Army Athlete

Life in His Majesty’s Army certainly seems to be suiting Gordon Bulmer, the 16-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bulmer, of 51, Frederick Street, Goldthorpe.

Gordon has recently upheld all the local traditions for athletic ability in the sports of the Army Technical School at Beechley Camp, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, where he is stationed.

Though   only about 5’ 3″ in his socks Gordon is proving himself a grand athlete. In this year’s sports he won the 100 yards, the 330 yards, and the long jump. The silver cups he received for winning these events have now been added to the rapidly growing collection on his father’s bureau. Shortly he is to be presented with a medal suitably inscribed, for winning the team event long jump. And last year he did very nearly as well, taking cups for the 100 yards championship, the long jump championship under 16, and the individual long jump championship, and a statuette for being athletic champion !n his wing of the camp. When Gordon joined the Army 18 months ago he was but following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Jack Bulmer, now an official at the Barnburgh Main Colliery, who during the Great War served with a commission in the Green Howards and the Hallamshire Regiment. Gordon was drafted to the Beechley camp for training as a fitter and he joined there about 850 lads all learning some useful trade.

Incidentally there are with him two local lads, Eddie Dunwell from Thurnscoe, and a boy from Bolton-on-Dearne.

Promotion came early to him, and when he was given a Corporal’s stripes two months ago he was the youngest N.C.O. in the camp. Great things are expected of him in the service.