The Harry Laws Cup Competition

Steve Clarke Delves Into The History Behind The Fenland 50 Mile Trophy

Born 1911 Harold Laws was a former resident of Peterborough who was killed while fighting with the International Brigade in Spain when the insurgents recaptured Teruel from the Government forces on February 17th 1938.

Originally from Southampton, in 1935 at age 25 he came to Peterborough from Worcester to work as a turner (lathe operator) at the city’s Baker Perkins engineering works. He held strong political views and after a short time in the Labour Party he joined the Communists with whom he had been associated with in Southampton.

Being a keen cyclist Harry joined the Clarion as soon as he moved to Peterborough, sometimes joining club runs and sometimes on touring excursions with two or three friends.

In 1936 he left Peterborough for Stratford, London and then worked in Birmingham before leaving to join the