IN 1948 I came across a Dale Martins bill and a report.
Herbert Devereaux looked to be a well established pivot in the Dale Martin machine.
The earliest Devereaux bills I have ever found were within a couple of years.
Nine Elms Baths had been built in 1901 and by the 1950's was in a dangerous state of repairs. In winter when the baths was closed a sports event could house 1500 people. By 1956 ther balconies had to be pulled down and the place demolished in the 1970's.
The advertising was only pushing the main bout , but the quality was threatening to be very good.
I leave you with these , like I say the earliest I have ever seen.
Devereaux's split with Dales seems to have been amicable , just maybe this tells us a bit more as to when,
As for why , well I would think Herbert thought he could make more money with his own shows.
And the venue , another one I have never come across before.
Super info from Steve. We really have captured |Devereux early days.
Origins seem to be in the very heart of London. With Wimbledon and Nine Elms both south of the river. Quite ambitious venues in size.
Thanks Steve.
Here are the three shows earlier that month. No clue as to the promoter.
Have you got the previous weeks Steve?
Do you know the previous promoter?
It looks like Devereux took over at Wimbledon Palais in July 1951. Here's the programme for 26th July
Interesting bills for Devereux at Wimbledon.
For 1952 ,I was surprised to see ,what I would call Northern wrestlers like Dave Armstrong, Ernie Baldwin and Jack Pye on these bills.
There is a clip of a Deveraux event in a often repeated 1954 film on Talking Pictures.Just cannot remember the name of the film
On the Trail of Devereux I find him about a year later (1951) at Wimbledon Palais , but only at the year end.
The same again in 1952. Other bills during that year did not state Dale Martins or Devereux. It looks a very Dale Martins Roster even Mick McManus on bottom left.
Twenty years later another second became timekeeper and then MC. His name was Peter Bates. He just couldn't pronounce properly, a shortcoming for an emcee, and always said BRIANBELT GOLD MAXINE.
He was completely lost.
Another fascinating bit of history. Thanks Ron. Another corner of the past that I reckon is worthy of further exploration. We don't seem to know much about Devereux and his later connection with the Joyce family.
The earlier ad is at Eastbourne with Devereux employed by Dales. The latter at Nine Elms with Devereux in charge. These were early days with alliances being formed so it might have been seen as a natural development rather than a break.
Over the years Devereux did have a mixed relationship with Dales. Most of the time seemed co-operative and using Dales men, but on occasions fiercely proclaiming their independence.
Really good finds Ron!
Excellent stuff.