| Name: George Pepper Born: 1916 Place: Belleville, Ontario, Canada Death:November 17, 1942 British Clubs: Edinburgh (1938), Newcastle (1938-1939)
Was first seen at West Ham but was moved to Johnny Hoskins new Second divison track Newcastle. Was one of the second divisions top riders. He rode for the Monarchs in three meetings during 1938. He was destined for life in the first division had war not started in 1939. Pepper volunteered for war service in September 1939 and after initial pilot
training served with the RAF's 29 Squadron, firstly flying Blenheims, then the
Bristol Beaufighter. He distinguished himself by shooting down six German
aircraft and was awarded the DFC and Bar. Pepper was 26 years old when he died
in a flying accident on November 17, 1942, and is buried in his home town
Belleville, Ontario, Canada.
Eric Chitty recalled the tragedy that befell his fellow countryman. He said:
"One day he took a plane up for a test flight. The engine cut out and Pepper
failed to get out before it crashed into the ground."
Pepper's last meeting for Newcastle was on August 28, 1939, when 10,862 fans
saw them beat Sheffield 48-38. He scored a maximum 12 points. The following
Sunday, September 3, war was declared and speedway virtually closed down in
Britain. He did, however, race in a handful of the 1940 war-time meetings at
Belle Vue.
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