Charles Beckwith

The son of a vicar, Charles Beckwith attended Marlborough School, where he played rugby, but became a fine athlete after going to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Originally a high jumper, he turned to shot putting. and was the Army shot champion three times (1923-24, 26). His only AAA podium was in 1924, when he finished third. His career best of 13.92 (45-8), set in 1923, was only 1.25 cm (½-inch) short of the UK record, held at the time by the Scot Tom Kirkwood. After leaving Sandhurst, Beckwith was commissioned into the Northumberland Fusiliers, and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1959, he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Breconshire.

Personal Best: SP – 13.92 (1923)