Victor Clapham

VicClapham Comrades 1921 Clapham residence 32 Greyling St PMB VicClaphamBustat Comrades House

Victor was born on November 16th, 1886 in Westham, Essex, England.  Victor's father was William (Willie) Clapham and his mother was Elenor Carolina Pobjoy. He had a brother and two sisters, named Albert, Doll and Elenor.  He died at the age of 75 on October 5th, 1962 in Durban.

• General Notes

  Son of William and Eleanor CLAPHAM
  Founder of the Comrades Marathon.  It owes its origin, title and ethos to Victor (Vic) CLAPHAM, the founder of the Comrades Marathon. He was so inspired by the dedication, stamina and bravery of his fellow soldiers in World War I that he decided to start an annual event to commemorate the fallen soldiers and to express his gratitude to one comrade who saved his life. The race has been run every year since 1921, except for the years 1941-1945 during World War II.
  
  His World War I attestation form records that he served in the Cradock Town Guard and the Cape Peninsula Rifles during the Anglo-Boer War. There was a V. CLAPHAM and a W. CLAPHAM in the Cradock Town Guard according to WO100/280.
  
  With the outbreak of World War I, Victor volunteered with the 8th South African Infantry and took part in the East African Campaign in German East Africa (now Tanzania). He suffered through blackwater fever, dysentery and malaria. After collapsing one day, a comrade, Ernest FREEMANTLE, carried him for more than 50 km in over 40 degrees Celsius heat. Victor was sent home to Pietermaritzburg via Mombasa by wagon and then hospital ship. He was medically boarded in 1917. He worked as a fireman for the Natal Government Railways, and enrolled for further studies. He graduated with top marks and was presented with a oak desk. Victor later became a train driver for the South African Railways. He married Nellie Eliza PARKS in Ladysmith in October 1912. She was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, England, daughter of James PARKS.
  The returning WWI soldiers formed the League of Comrades of the Great War. In 1918, Victor approached them with his idea for a road race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It was not welcomed. He tried again in 1919 and 1920, and was again rejected. He persisted until he gained approval in 1921 and received a loan of £1 to have the race run under the League's auspices.
  During his life time, Victor was responsible for starting 15 MOTH (Member of the Tin Hat) Shellholes in South Africa. He was later in charge of the Warrior's Gate MOTH Museum in Durban. He died on 05 October 1962. Nellie died on 07 May 1962.
  
  In 2011, Victor's great-grandson, Anthony CLAPHAM, ran the Comrades, becoming the only family member to complete the race. His grandfather was Victor James. Anthony lives in Pietermaritzburg, and his sport of choice is cycling in races like The Argus.
  

Details of Victor's family with Nellie Eliza Parks