Robert (Bob) N Gregg
Mercantile Rowing Club (VIC)
Bob Gregg was a champion oarsman and a successful and important administrator of the Mercantile Rowing Club. He represented Victoria in the King’s Cup on four occasions, and won numerous senior races. He was Captain of the Club 1934-35 and served on the Committee from 1914 through to 1937, although not continuously.
His first race was 2nd May 1912 in a maiden eight at the Barwon Regatta. He was not successful then but was very successful thereafter. In summary, he was maiden four, maiden eight (double), junior four, junior eight, eight senior fours, nine senior eights, two champion eights of Victoria, one club four and two combination eights. He represented Victoria on four occasions.
1921 – Interstate Champions Eights – Seven seat – Third
1922 – Victorian Champion Eight – Seven seat – First
1922 – Interstate Champion Eights – Seven seat – Second
1923 – Victorian Champion Eight – Seven seat – First
1923 – Interstate Champion Eights – Seven seat – Third
1926 – Interstate Champion Eights – Seven seat – Third
The 1922 Victorian crew was an all Mercantile crew, the first Club crew to ever represent Victoria.
Above: Bob in the seven seat of the Club Senior Eight in 1919
Bob was first elected to the Committee on 31st August 1914. He served as Assistant Treasurer in 1918-19 and the retired from the Committee in 1920. He was re-elected to the Committee in 1921 and served through to 1925. He was Captain in 1934-35 season and finally retired from the Committee in 1937.
In his years as Captain, he gave the prize to Art Students at Melbourne Technical College for the best design for the Club’s badge. This remains the current logo and badge of the Club.
A prominent and significant Club member.
Andrew Guerin
November 2018