Clem Beckett
Clem Beckett (1906 – 12 February 1937) was a British communist, trade union leader, champion speedway rider, and pioneer of Motorcycle speedway sports. He was the winner of the Golden Helmet at Owlerton Stadium, and was famous throughout Europe for his motorsport stunts. In response to the numerous deaths of young speedway racers, Beckett founded the Dirt Track Riders' Association, a trade union catering to speedway racers. In 1936 he became one of the first British volunteers to join the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. He was killed at the age of 31 while manning a machine gun, sacrificing himself to cover the retreat of fellow British volunteers during the Battle of Jarama.
Clem Beckett | |
|---|---|
Clem Beckett (1928) | |
| Born | 1906 |
| Died | 12 February 1937 Arganda Bridge, Jarama valley, Spain |
| Cause of death | Killed during fighting against Spanish nationalists |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | "Dare Devil Beckett" |
| Citizenship | United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Blacksmith, speedway racer, factory worker, mechanic, ambulance driver, machine gunner |
| Organization(s) | International Brigades, British Battalion, Dirt Track Riders' Association |
| Known for | Motorsports pioneer, British communist activism, trade union leadership, anti-fascism |
| Notable work | "Bleeding the men who risk their lives on the dirt track" - Daily Worker article |
| Political party | Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) Young Communist League (YCL) |
| Spouse | Leda (wife) |
| Awards | Golden Helmet |
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