Split Waterman facts for kids

Squire Francis Waterman (born 27 July 1923 – died 8 October 2019) was a famous English speedway rider. He was much better known by his nickname, Split Waterman. He was one of the best riders after World War II. Split Waterman finished second twice in the exciting Speedway World Championship final.

Early Life and How He Started Speedway

Split Waterman was born in New Malden, England. After finishing school, he worked as an apprentice toolmaker.

When the Second World War began, Waterman wanted to join the Royal Air Force. However, his job as a toolmaker was considered very important for the war effort. This meant he had to stay in his job.

In 1942, he joined the Home Guard. Later, he joined the Royal Fusiliers and was sent to North Africa. He then took part in the Allied invasion of Italy. During his time in Italy, he was injured by shrapnel. This meant he could no longer fight on the front lines.

He was then transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He worked in a workshop near Naples. Waterman often rode motorcycles as a despatch rider. Motorcycle races became common, and he even helped build a speedway track. He became a very skilled racer on his special BSA M20 bike. It was through these speedway races that he earned his famous nickname, "Split."

After serving in Palestine, Waterman was sent to Germany. His commanding officer, Major Fenwick, knew the manager of the Wembley Lions team. He wrote to the manager, Alec Jackson, to suggest Waterman for a tryout.

Speedway Career Highlights

Waterman began his professional speedway career with the Wembley Lions in 1947. He quickly moved from a reserve rider to a main team member. In his first year, the Lions won the National League Championship.

Winning Championships with Wembley

In 1948, the Wembley Lions won the National Trophy. Waterman also won the important London Riders' Championship. This was a big achievement for him. He also rode for England for the first time against Australia. In his second season, he earned a lot of money, more than £3,000. The Lions won the League Championship again in 1949.

Moving to Harringay Racers

In February 1950, Waterman moved to the Harringay Racers. His transfer fee was £3,000, which was a world record at the time. This showed how valuable he was as a rider.

That year, he qualified for his first of five World Finals, finishing seventh. In 1951, he qualified again. He ended up tied on points with two other riders, Jack Young and Jack Biggs. They had to race again to decide the champion. Young won, with Waterman finishing second.

In August 1951, he won the Match Race Championship. He successfully defended this title twice against other top riders.

Overcoming Injuries

Waterman started the 1952 season by winning the W. J. Cearns Memorial Trophy. He qualified for the World Final again but finished twelfth. However, he did win the National Trophy with Harringay.

His career almost ended in 1952 due to a bad crash. He broke two teeth and badly broke his kneecap. One doctor even suggested his leg might need to be amputated. Luckily, a second doctor disagreed. He was able to ride again a few days later with his leg strapped up. Later, his kneecap was replaced with an artificial one.

World Final Success and Team Changes

In 1953, he once again finished in second place in the World Final. His last appearance in the World Final was in 1954, where he finished fifth.

In early 1954, Waterman was chosen as the vice-chairman of the Speedway Riders Association. There was a disagreement at the time about pay for riders. He later became the chairman.

At the end of the 1954 season, the Harringay team closed down. Waterman moved to the West Ham Hammers for one season. In 1956, he returned to the Wembley Lions.

Later Career and Retirement

In 1957, he moved to the Wimbledon Dons. After a few races, he was dropped from the team and announced his retirement. However, he returned in 1958, riding for the Southampton Saints.

Waterman did not ride in 1959. But he made a surprising return in 1960 for the New Cross Rangers. He rode for the Rangers again in 1961. He finally ended his speedway career after short periods with the Ipswich Witches and the Belle Vue Aces in 1962.

He rode in thirty Test matches for the England team. He was also the captain of the team in the 1953 series against Australia.

Later Life

After his speedway career, Split Waterman started businesses. He worked with sheet metal and plastic injection moulding. He made plastic items for well-known companies.

He married Avril on 15 September 1970 in London. They later lived in Nerja, Spain, on the Costa del Sol. Split Waterman passed away on 8 October 2019, at the age of 96.

World Final Appearances

• 1950 - London, Wembley Stadium - 7th place - 8 points
• 1951 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd place - 12 points + 2 points (after race-off)
• 1952 - London, Wembley Stadium - 12th place - 6 points
• 1953 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd place - 13 points
• 1954 - London, Wembley Stadium - 5th place - 9 points