Joseph Algernon WELLS

As a member of the Ware Exceslior club, Algernon Wells won the 100y handicap and 880y handicap at the South London Harriers meeting at The Oval in 1903, a week after his 18th birthday. Wells then moved to Reading AC before joining Herne Hill Harriers and then enjoyed his best senior performance by finishing third in 220y at the 1910 AAA Championships, behind the American winner Fred Ramsdell and Ernest Haley. Wells took part in the Festival of the Empire at Crystal Palace in 1911 to celebrate the Coronation of King George V and Algernon won the 300y in 33.4s. Wells was also a good footballer and played for Ware Town, winners of the Hertfordshire League in 1910 and 1912. Wells served in World War with the Royal Artillery, winning the British War and Victory medals. His son Joseph saw service in Italy, Greece and Germany in Wold War II as a captain with the Royal Engineers.

Personal Best: 200 – 22.5y (1908).