Blue plaque for Dundee’s greatest sportsman

Sir, – On reading the Courier Supplement on VE Day, I came across the contribution from Dick Mctaggart relating his thoughts on his childhood memories of the celebrations while at the family home of 73 Dens Road.

Being some 10 years younger than Dick, I was not around for VE day, but I well remember the celebrations for his homecoming after his boxing gold medal win at the 1956

Melbourne Olympics.

I was raised three ‘closies’ down and recall the bunting around his house and crowds there to cheer him as he sat on top of an open convertible sports car.

Incredibly the Val Barker trophy he won for the most stylish boxer was displayed in a front window of his house.

Hundreds of workers passed by every day on their way to the jute mills, no security in those days.

In stark contrast to the thuggery of today’s heavyweight boxing, Dick was an exponent of the noble art of selfdefence, unrivalled throughout the world at the time of his Olympic victory.

He was a gentleman both inside and outside the ring and a great ambassador for the city of Dundee.

I have always wondered why a ‘blue plaque’ has never been installed on the wall of his childhood address.

The building has recently been upgraded as part of the council insulation works and looks in pristine condition.

Surely now is the time to add such a tribute to the old family home at 73 Dens Road in honour of the man who was, without doubt, Dundee’s greatest ever sportsman.

Ronald Oliver. 4 Lethnot Street, Dundee.