Arthur Anderson (sprinter)

Arthur Emilius David Anderson, DSO, MC (30 September 1886 – 21 October 1967) was a British Army officer and an English track and field athlete from Brentford,[1] who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.[2]

Early life and Olympian

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Anderson was born in Twickenham, a village and a parish in Brentford district, Middlesex county in Greater London, England.[3] His parents were David Anderson (b. 1844), an Anglican prebendary, and Blanch Alice May Anderson (b. 1857). He also had a sister, Mona Constance Anabel (b. 1884), and a brother, Gerrard Rupert Laurie (b. 1889)[3]

In 1912, Anderson was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100 metres competition as well as of the 200 metres event.

Anderson's brother Gerard held the world record in the 440 metres hurdles and also participated in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. In 1914, Gerard Anderson was killed in combat in the First World War.[4][5]

Military service

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During the First World War, Anderson served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers. He was awarded the Military Cross in the 1916 Birthday Honours and the Distinguished Service Order in the 1918 New Year Honours.[6]

References

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  1. ^ England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index: Arthur Emilius D Anderson; Oct–Nov–Dec quarter 1886; District: Brentford; Volume: 3a; Page: 55.
  2. ^ "Arthur Anderson". Olympedia. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b ANDERSON, GERARD RUPERT LAURIE. Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
  4. ^ Gerard Anderson Archived 2011-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Spartacus Educational
  5. ^ Laurie Anderson. Sports-Reference.com
  6. ^ "No. 30450". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 January 1918. p. 17.
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