By Ron Historyo
Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
Devereux, A Snip of History
In 1948 I came across a Dale Martin bill and a report. Herbert Devereaux looked to be a well established pivot in the Dale Martin machine. Above working as timekeeper alongside promoters Johnny Dale and Les Martin.
The earliest Devereaux bills I have ever found were within a couple of years.
The earlier ad is at Eastbourne with Devereux employed by Dales. Below, two years later, at Nine Elms with Devereux in charge.
Nine Elms Baths had been built in 1901 and by the 1950’s was in a dangerous state of repairs. In winter when the baths was closed a sports event could house 1500 people. By 1956 ther balconies had to be pulled down and the place demolished in the 1970’s.
The advertising was only pushing the main bout, but the quality was threatening to be very good.
I leave you with these, like I say the earliest I have ever seen.
Devereaux’s split with Dales seems to have been amicable, just maybe this tells us a bit more as to when,
As for why, well I would think Herbert thought he could make more money with his own shows.
On the Trail of Devereux I find him about a year later (1951) at Wimbledon Palais, but only at the year end.
Here are the three shows earlier that month, the last of promoter Maurice Letchford.
The following week Devereux take over.
Origins seem to be in the very heart of London. With Wimbledon and Nine Elms both south of the river. Quite ambitious venues in size.
Enjoy a few more.
Ron Historyo
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