Alan PATTERSON

The son of a Kent vicar, Alan Patterson was educated at Charterhouse where he was an outstanding athlete. He went to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich and was then commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery based at Sheffield, where he ran for Sheffield United Harriers, and was the Army champion at 440y (1909, 1912) and 880y (1908-09, 1912). Uniquely, Patterson won the 440y at the 1909 AAA Championship in a run-off after he had dead-heated with Lionel Reed in the original race. He also placed fourth in the AAA 440y in 1910 and in the 880y in 1912. He competed in three events at two Olympics but never progressed beyond the heats.

Having seen service in South Africa and India, he returned to England at the outbreak of the War and served with the 71st Brigade, Royal Artillery. He was killed in action two days after his 30th birthday, when, walking away from his gun pit to his mess, he was hit in the head by a stray piece of shrapnel which killed him instantly. He was twice recommended for a DSO.

Personal Bests: 400 – 49.6e (1909); 880y – 2:00.6 (1912).