In Memoriam: Sir Torquil Norman (B. 1957)

The Club is saddened to share the passing of Sir Torquil Norman (Trinity), who achieved his Blue in 1957, defeating a heavily favoured Oxford.

Sir Torquil was a fighter pilot in the Royal Navy before coming to Cambridge, first reading Economics at Trinity College before switching to Law following a student exchange year at Harvard. He was a celebrated entrepreneur, toy maker and philanthropist, creating the world-famous Polly Pocket.

He rowed in the 4 seat during the 1957 Boat Race. Donald Legget (B. 1963, 64) reflected on the race, “Against a strong Oxford contingent, his crew rowed well and by Hammersmith had caused the Oxford 5 man to ‘pack up’ and become a serious liability.”

Said Mike Delahooke (1957 President), “He was a charming, amusing and somewhat wayward character! In fact, in 1957 he was dating the sister of the OUBC President Rod Carnegie, a humorous bone of contention amongst the crew.”

The 1957 Blue Boat later contributed to the Jim Meadows Room in the CUBC Ely Boathouse, which was opened in 2017.

Sir Torquil will be missed by the Club and his crewmates. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who mourn his passing.