COOMBES

Robert . b. Vauxhall, London 1808; a waterman on river Thames; sculled his first race 4 July 1836; beat J. Kelly 4 Oct. 1838; stroke in the winning four at Liverpool regatta 1840 beating 5 crews; beat H. Clasper on the Tyne 18 Dec. 1844; beat C. Campbell 19 Aug. 1846 when he became champion of the Thames; presented with a champion belt 28 Oct. 1846; raced T. Cole for £200 a side 24 May 1852 when Cole won; won the pairs with Wilson at Thames regatta 1845; with his brother Tom Coombes beat Richard and Harry Clasper on the Thames 1847; trained the Cambridge crew 1852; never surpa ed in speed and style during his time; author of Hints on rowing and training 1852. d. Kent lunatic asylum, Maid stone 25 Feb. 1860. bur. Brompton cemetery, London 7 March. I.L.N. 29 May 1852 p. 436, portrait .