Karl Vernon

Vernon was born in Neuenahr, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^[1] He joined Thames Rowing Club in around 1904, first appearing at Henley Royal Regatta in 1906, with Julius Beresford as runners-up in Goblets and in a Thames Cup eight (which also included Bruce Logan). Beresford and Vernon were runners-up in Silver Goblets again in 1907 and 1908.^[2]

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.^[1]

Then, with cox Geoffrey Carr, the Thames Rowing Club coxed four won the silver medal for Great Britain rowing at the 1912 Summer Olympics.^[3]

In the First World War, he served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and was awarded the Military Medal.^[1][4]

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 1930–32 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.^[1] He also designed an extension to the Thames clubhouse. He was a talented draughtsman and sketcher; Vernon's works were frequently used as prizes in local regattas.

Vernon was a vegetarian, and this led to his lifelong nickname "The Bean".^[5]