Bernard S Williams
Originally Leichhardt Rowing Club (NSW), then Mercantile Rowing Club (SA) and finally back to Haberfield Rowing Club (NSW)
Bernard Searle Williams, died 21st October 1937.
The following profile of Bernie was written by Kevyn Webb in his history of the Haberfield Rowing Club 1925-50 and self published in 1950.
Mr. Williams commenced his rowing career with the Leichhardt Rowing Club in 1914, winning numerous races with that club. He afterwards went to Adelaide, South Australia, joining up with the Mercantile Rowing Club in that State. On his return to Sydney he became one of the founders of the Haberfield Rowing Club, was Club Captain for four years and was chiefly instrumental in securing the State Junior Premiership on several occasions.
"Bernie" as N.S.W. sole selector, holds the unique record of having selected four successive King's Cup winners. No doubt, his long experience as an oarsman and coach endowed hin with the necessary judgement and contributed largely to his remarkable performance. He first coached at St. Joseph's College Eight for the "Head of the River" races in 1929. During that period his crews were successful in winning three times, 1932 and 1933 and again in 1936 when the race was moved from the Parramatta to the Nepean River.
Bernard Searle Williams passed away on 21st October 1937, his loss to our club in particular, and the rowing world in general was felt for many years. He had been one of the Club's first Captains, and first winning coach, a foundation and life member of the club, a singular honour indeed. It is strange to note that the last function he attended, three days before his death was our own Haberfield Regatta.
The Headmaster of St. Joseph's College on hearing of the production of the Haberfield Rowing Club's anniversary book, forwarded the following account of "Bernie's" services as a coach with that famous school.
"Bernie Williams, on account of his success with his Haberfield crews and of his sound judgement as sole selector for N.S.W. was a well-known figure in rowing circles when he came to St. Joseph's College shed in 1929 to undertake the coaching of the College eight for the Head of the River. His associate was Fred Cronin who had charge of the Fours.
Bernie's doctrine of "length and legs" soon began to have its effect, as in his own quiet efficient way, he developed the rowing skill of his charges and gave them a real love for the sport which he himself adorned. Although a very busy man, he would be found day after day waiting on the pontoon for his crews. The boys appreciated this generosity and they simply worshipped their coach. He could never ask too much from them - aching backs and tired legs were forgotten when Bernie called for a finishing burst.
Bernie was indeed the ideal teacher for with his marvelous knowledge of rowing technique he as always the perfect gentleman, always inculcating the highest standards of sportsmanship. He was not the blustering, abusive type of coach. Quietly and ever so patiently he undertook the tedious task of eradicating rowing defects and of instilling the team spirit into his crew. Often in the shed after a practice row, he could be seen taking a boy aside and telling him in a quiet talk what mistakes he was making in his rowing, why he was wrong and how he could remedy his errors. The next day on the water one might hear from the coach these words of praise and encouragement:- "Well rowed No. 3 you're right now". No St. Joseph's oarsman could win a more cherished prize than a word of commendation from Bernie Williams.
He put eight crews on the water for St. Joseph's all remarkable for their polished workmanship, and he won the Head of the River three times in 1932, 1933 and 1936.
When Bernie died suddenly in the early months of 1937, the boys of St. Joseph's, as a last tribute to their beloved coach, formed a guard of honour as the coffin was borne to the grave at the Field of Mars."
1933 – NSW selector
1934 – NSW selector
1935 – NSW selector
1936 – NSW selector
1936 – Olympic Games – selector
1937 – NSW selector
Williams was also appointed selector in 1938 but died before he could complete the task.
Andrew Guerin
May 2020 (updated in July 2024 with Kevyn Webb's contribution)