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Sir Alfred Critchley (1890-1963) was a key figure in the establishment and popularization of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the sport helped transform it into a major entertainment and betting industry in Britain, and he was one of the co-founders of the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA).
Air Commodore Alfred Critchley, CMG, CBE, DSO was also a military commander and served in both the Canadian Army (1907-1918) and the Royal Air Force (1918-1943). In 1934-1935, he was a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP).
Alfred Critchley was knighted in 1949 for his contributions to business and public service, reflecting his significant impact on British society, including his work in greyhound racing.
Background and early life
Alfred Edward Critchley was born on February 23, 1890, in Calgary, Canada. That was then the Northwest Territories, but is now Alberta.
Critchley moved to England at the age of nine and went to St Bees School in Cumberland.
Back in Canada, he joined Lord Strathcona’s Horse, a Canadian military regiment. On 4 March 1918, during the last year of WWI, the 28 year old Critchley was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) with the temporary rank of brigadier general. He was with the RFC and then the Royal Air Force to the end of the war, becoming one of the youngest brigadier generals in the British Imperial forces.
Commands held:
- No. 54 (Reserve) Group (1939–43)
- RAF Training Brigade (1918–19)
Key contributions to Greyhound Racing
Co-founding the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA)
In 1925-1926, Alfred Critchley co-founded the Greyhound Racing Association, which became the leading organization for greyhound racing in the UK. The GRA aimed to promote, organize, and regulate greyhound racing, ensuring its growth and sustainability. The GRA opened Belle Vue Stadium in Manchester on July 24, 1926, the first purpose-built greyhound racing stadium in Britain.
Promotion and expansion
Critchley was instrumental in promoting greyhound racing through advertising and creating a family-friendly atmosphere at the tracks. Following the success of Belle Vue, he oversaw the opening of several other major tracks, including White City Stadium in London, which became one of the most iconic greyhound racing venues in the world.
Standardization and Regulation
The GRA implemented standardized rules and regulations for the sport, ensuring fair competition and integrity. They also focused on improving the welfare and safety of the greyhounds, setting standards for their care and training.
Non-greyhound activites
Business
- After the end of WWI, Critchley was involved in a number of businesses in Central America. He then returned to Great Britian and became a director of the Associated Portland Cement.
- In 1943-1946, Critchley was a director general of the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
- In 1954, Critchley was involved in the publishing deals of the controversial and litigious media proprietor Robert Maxwell.
Politics
- Critchley contested the 1929 general election as a Conservative in the Manchester Gorton constituency. This was a safe set for the Labour Party and he did not win.
- In 1931, he contested the Islington East by-election as a candidate for the Empire Free Trade Crusade and the United Empire Party, which both campaigned to make the British Empire a free trade bloc. He came second, with 27.2% of the votes.
- After rejoining the Conservative Party, Critchley contested the Twickenham by-election and won it on 22 June, 1934. He refrained from contesting the 1935 general election.
Impact and legacy
As a part of the GRA, Critchley’s efforts helped greyhound racing become one of the most popular spectator sports in the UK during the mid-20th century, drawing large crowds and substantial betting activity. The sport became a significant contributor to the entertainment and betting industries, creating jobs and generating economic activity.
In the 20th century, Greyhound racing became ingrained in British culture, with tracks becoming social hubs and the sport being featured in media and literature.
Critchley’s impact on the sport is still felt today, with many of the tracks and organizations he established continuing to operate.
Personal life
During World War I, Critchley married Maryon Galt. She was the cousin of the wife of the Canadian- British press baron Sir Max Aitken.
His second wife was Joan Foster, whom he married in London on 22 December 1927.
With his son John Galt Critchley, he participated in bobsleigh events. His son would eventually win the silver medal at the FIBT World Championships of 1939, as a part of a British four-man team with Frederick McEvoy, Peter Howard, and Charles Green.
Critchley was a successful golfer and won the French, Dutch and Belgian open amateur championships. He also participated in the first Masters Tournament in 1934.
In 1953, Critchley became blind as the result of an infection.
Conclusion
Sir Alfred Critchley was a visionary who played a crucial role in the development of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom. Through his entrepreneurial skills and dedication, he helped establish the sport as a major form of entertainment and a significant industry. His legacy lives on in the continued popularity of greyhound racing and the ongoing influence of the Greyhound Racing Association.