Walter Charles Key known as Nobby Key (28 March 1906–20 April 1941) was an international speedway rider from England.[1] He earned 11 international caps for the England national speedway team.[2]
 | |
| Born | 28 March 1906 Forest Gate, Essex, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 20 April 1941 (aged 35) Sheringham Avenue, East London |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1929 | Wembley Lions |
| 1929 | Cardiff White City |
| 1930–1931 | Nottingham |
| 1931–1933 | Crystal Palace Glaziers |
| 1934–1937 | New Cross Lambs |
| 1937–1938 | Wimbledon Dons |
| Team honours | |
| 1938 | National Trophy Winner |
| 1934, 1938 | London Cup Winner |
Speedway career
editKey earned the nickname 'Nobby' and came to prominence in 1929 when signing for the Wembley Lions.[3] During the 1931 season, when riding for Nottingham (speedway) he was seeking a transfer following continued machinery problems and as one of their star riders was also one of the highest wage earners, something the club were addressing.[4] He did leave and joined the Crystal Palace Glaziers where he became their club captain and earned several England caps.[2][5]
When the Crystal Palace operation moved in 1934 he was attached to the New Cross Lambs[6][7][8] and was part of the team that won the 1934 London Cup.[9]
When riding for the Wimbledon Dons from 1937 to 1938, he won another London Cup[10] and won the 1938 National Trophy.
War and death
editHe joined the Merchant navy at the outbreak of World War II. However, he is listed as being killed as a civilian casualty on 20 April 1941 at Sheringham Avenue (presumably in a bombing) in Manor Park, London, based on the fact that he is listed as a civilian casualty and that it is known that Sheringham Avenue was subject to German bombs in late April 1941.[11][12]
Players cigarette cards
editKey is listed as number 22 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Speedway Riders, 22 Nobby Key (New Cross)". Speedway Museum. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ a b "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
- ^ "Wembley's Speedway". Sporting Times. 18 May 1929. Retrieved 20 August 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Nobby Key must not leave Nottingham". Nottingham Evening Post. 21 May 1931. Retrieved 20 August 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Speedway Test Changes". Daily Mirror. 10 September 1932. Retrieved 20 August 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ Rogers, Martin (1978). The Illustrated History of Speedway. Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd. p. 129. ISBN 0-904584-45-3.
- ^ "BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - PRE-WAR ERA (1929-1939)". Official British Speedway website. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ "New Cross win London Cup". Daily Herald. 26 September 1934. Retrieved 16 September 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Speedway win for Wimbledon". Daily Herald. 11 October 1938. Retrieved 16 September 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Sheringham Avenue, Manor Park". Newham Photos. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ "UK, World War II Civilian Deaths, 1939-1945 for Walter Charles Key". Ancestry. Retrieved 20 August 2021.