Karl Vernon

Karl Vernon MM (19 June 1880 – 11 July 1973), sometimes known by his nickname The Bean, was a British rower and coach who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Life Vernon was born in Neuenahr, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

In the Autumn of 1907, having become frustrated by their inability to impress the Thames coaches, Vernon and Beresford formed a new four with Logan and Charlie Rought. These four (with Vernon in the 2 seat) would stay together, on and off, for the next five years, winning the Stewards' Challenge Cup at Henley in 1909 and 1911.

In the First World War, he served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and was awarded the Military Medal.

Vernon later became a regular coach at Thames and at numerous University clubs. In 1954, he had all his trophies and medals melted down and made into a trophy for the Head of the River Race.

He was Captain of Thames from 1930 to 1932 and was elected a Vice President of the Club in 1943. Outside rowing, he was an architect, spending at least some of his career at the London County Council.

Achievements

Olympic Games 1912 – Silver, Coxed Four

Henley Royal Regatta 1909 – Stewards' Challenge Cup 1911 – Stewards' Challenge Cup 1919 Victory Regatta – Fawley Cup