Karl Vernon


Karl Vernon MM, sometimes known by his nickname The Bean, was a British rower and coach who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Life

Vernon was born in Neuenahr, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. 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. Beresford and Vernon were runners-up in Silver Goblets again in 1907 and 1908.
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. This four would stay together, on and off, for the next five years, winning the Stewards' Challenge Cup at Henley in 1909 and 1911.
Then, with cox Geoffrey Carr, the Thames Rowing Club coxed four won the silver medal for Great Britain rowing at the 1912 Summer Olympics.
In the First World War, he served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and was awarded the Military Medal.
Vernon later went on to become 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. He also designed an extension to the Thames clubhouse.
He was a talented draughtsman and sketcher; works by Vernon were frequently used as prizes in local regattas.
Vernon was a vegetarian and this led to his lifelong nickname "The Bean".

Achievements

Olympic Games