Wally Green, speedway rider, arrived on the planet this day in 1918.
Wally started his career in 1946 with the West Ham Hammers before being loaned to the Eastbourne Eagles, helping them to become the National League Div III Champions and finishing as the club’s top rider.
When the Eagles folded at the end of 1947, he moved to the Saxons, winning every heat in the opening race of the 1947 season and setting a new track record.
With his star rising, Wally moved back to the Hammers and the top division in 1948, becoming a regular in 1949 (third from right).
In 1950 he reached the world championship final,.losing to Freddie Williams by one point. Although he didn’t get to the finals again he went on to captain the England speedway team in 1954.
Wally saw his career out at the Hammers, retiring in 1955.