OVERVIEW
I’m writing the biography of Hugh ‘Jumbo’ Edwards, oarsman, Olympian, RAF pilot, and renowned rowing coach. Jumbo was the grandfather of my wife Melissa, and over the past few years I have been working my way through the family archives uncovering a life that was far less than ordinary. With your help and support ‘Water’s Gleaming Gold’ will bring this story to life through publication of the hardback. I will be writing the book, designing the layout and employing an experienced editor to assist me in this task and publishing the book under the Lapwing Publishing imprint. The text will be accompanied by over 20 illustrations that have not been seen before and reflecting Jumbo's exploits at Henley, the Los Angeles Olympics, his wartime career in Coastal Command, and as an innovative rowing coach.
“With the death of Group Captain HRA 'Jumbo' Edwards, rowing loses one of its most colourful and famous personalities. He will be remembered as not only one of the greatest oarsman of all time, but also as a famous coach, innovator and raconteur. His race record could only be described as phenomenal. British rowing owes more to Jumbo Edwards than any other person in the sport as far as attention to the science of boat moving is concerned.”
The Times, Obituary, December 1972
“As an 8-year-old after seeing the Henley race against the Germans in 1931, I knew we should win the Second World War and that Jumbo Edwards would play a part”.
Sir Charles Wheeler, Journalist and Broadcaster
THE STORY
In the Boat Race of 1926, at the age of 19, Hugh ‘Jumbo’ Edwards rowed for Oxford alongside his brother. Edwards collapsed when the Dark Blues held a slight lead and Cambridge went on to win. From this nadir, Edwards defied doctor’s orders and the British press on a mission to prove everyone wrong, and rise to the heights of success in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics by winning two rowing gold medals on the same day.
In 1943 his rowing ability saved his life. After protecting a convoy and attacking German U-Boats, Edwards ditched his damaged Liberator in the Atlantic Ocean. The only survivor of the air crew, and suffering from life-threatening injuries, he managed to row his dinghy overnight towards land and was picked up by a British minesweeper.
After many wartime exploits and decorations, Group Captain Edwards retired from the RAF in 1946 and soon developed a reputation as an innovative rowing coach. Jumbo coached Oxford between 1949 and 1972, winning five boat races and surviving an infamous rebellion. In 1960 he coached the British rowing team at the Rome Olympic Games.
‘Water’s Gleaming Gold’ is the tale of a unique man on an extraordinary journey – from the humiliation of the Boat Race to the ultimate glory of twice winning gold at the Olympics. From establishing himself as a well-known air racing pilot in the 1930s to rising to the rank of Wing Commander in the RAF and battling U-Boats in the Atlantic Ocean.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
I am a contributor to Hear the Boat Sing, a website dedicated to rowing, and these are links to a selection of articles on Jumbo:
90 Years Ago, a HRR Triple Win for Jumbo Edwards.
Jumbo Edwards: Oarsman, Coach and RAF Pilot
THE PODCAST
Listen to me talking to Dan Snow (Historian and Broadcaster) about the life of Jumbo Edwards and my research into the book. Listen at 20 mins onwards.
Dan Snow's History Hit: Britain's Forgotten Olympic Heroes
THE BUDGET
All the funds contributed to this campaign will go towards the writing, editing, printing, publication, marketing and book launch for ‘Water’s Gleaming Gold’.
What happens if I get more than I ask for?
Additional funds will help towards allowing the family to digitise the extensive Jumbo Edwards archive (letters, diaries, rowing reports, coaching strategies, photographs, flying logbooks) and make this available to the public, museums and rowing organisations.
TIMELINE
The research for the book is now complete and the writing process will commence at the end of Summer 2021. The book will be ready for editing in early 2022 with a scheduled publication date of June 2022.
STAY IN TOUCH
Learn more about the project and get updates on Twitter (@gmbjamieson) and my website, lapwingpublishing.com.
FAQ
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries.
Thank you for your interest.
