William Lupton

An assistant at Wilkins & Co., a firm of well-known Uxbridge High Street grocers for many years, William Lupton was a founding member of the Uxbridge Athletic Club. He did much to promote gymnastics and wrestling, both sports at which he was an instructor. He went on to become the club’s most successful wrestler, culminating in selection for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The previous year, Lupton was made a life member of the club in recognition of all he had done for them. He was also a keen member of the cycling section and was a regular winner of club races. Lupton was also a good footballer and was a full-back for Uxbridge Wednesday FC. His brother Charles was also a keen wrestler and member of Uxbridge AC.

At the start of World War I, William joined the 8th Middlesex Regiment and within a week was sent to see action in France in August 1914. Barely six months later, at Ypres, he was injured after receiving a shrapnel wound to his knee. He was repatriated to England and, despite initial rumours of him possibly having his leg amputated, he recovered but was invalided out of the Army in November 1915. Despite only six months active service, Lupton was awarded both the British War and Victory medals. Over 70 members of the Uxbridge AC were on active service at the start of World War I.

Lupton died in 1961, just a few months after Violet, his wife of 44 years, passed away.