<CHESS.
GREATEST OF ESSEX PLAYERS
The Genius of Mr. E. W. Osler.
If a history of Essex chess were to be written, and I should be asked to nominate the player most fitted to occupy the first chapter in the book, my choice would unhesitatingly fall upon Mr. E. W. Osler, of Leyton. There can be no question as to his right to such an honour. Among Essex chess players he holds a record hardly likely to be equalled, and certainly never surpassed.
At about eighteen years of age he entered the Civil Service (G.P.O. Section), and promptly started to clean up the various departmental champions. A little later he joined the East London Club (now defunct), and further on became a member of the Leyton Club. That is nearly forty years ago, and he is still a loyal and devoted member.
It would give me the greatest pleasure to write in detail the achievements of this great Essex player, and all he has done for the county, but I will content myself with a summary of the honours which his uncanny skill has brought him.
Essex champion three times, 1913-14, 1926-27, 1931-32; runner-up, 1932-33. Mr. Osler is the only player to have won the championship on three occasions.
Leyton Club, seven times champion; East London Club, twice champion; Inland Section Post Office, ten times champion; St. Martin's, (G.P.O.), ten times champion; London Postal Service, three times champion; Civil Service individual championship, runner-up in 1924, this is the only championship Mr. Osler has contested without winning.
It is a matter of regret that he has never found time to enter for the British championship. Had he been able to do so, it is my opinion that his name would have been found very near, if not quite at, the top.
Judge for yourselves the form of this wonderful old campaigner in the game that follows, which was played as recently as March last.
E Osler vs R P Michell, 1933>
Kibitzing
