Morian Hansen
 | |
| Born | 10 January 1905 Frederikssund, Denmark |
|---|---|
| Died | 21 February 1995 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Career history | |
| 1931, 1933 | West Ham Hammers |
| 1935-1937 | Hackney Wick Wolves |
| 1938 | Bristol Bulldogs |
| 1939 | Wembley Lions |
| Team honours | |
| 1936 | London cup winner |
Jens Henning Fisker Hansen DFC GM (10 January 1905 in Frederikssund, Denmark – 21 February 1995), known popularly as Morian Hansen, was a motorcycle speedway rider from Denmark, who rode in the first ever Speedway World Championship Final in 1936.[1][2]
Career
Hansen's first speedway races were at Copenhagen in 1928.[3] He first rode in the UK for the West Ham Hammers in 1931 on a two-month permit, returning two years later.[3][4]
He joined the Hackney Wick Wolves in 1935[5] and rode for the club for three years until the end of the 1937 season.[6] He then moved onto the Bristol Bulldogs and Wembley Lions before the outbreak of World War II.[3][7] He competed in the World Championship finals in 1936 and 1937.[3]
Hansen had held a pilot's licence since 1935 and served in the Royal Air Force during WWII, rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.[3]
Family
Born to Lars Christian and Rasmine, his two brothers Baltzer Hansen and Kaj (Kalle) Hansen both followed him into speedway.[8]
Awards
During WWII Hansen was awarded -
- The Distinguished Flying Cross,[7][9]
- The George Medal,[7][9]
- The 1939-1945 Star,[9]
- The Air Crew Europe Star,[9]
- The Burma Star[9] and
- The Defence Medal.[9]
World Final Appearances
- 1936 -
London, Wembley Stadium - 11th - 15pts - 1937 - London, Wembley Stadium - 11th - 15pts
Players cigarette cards
Hansen is listed as number 18 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.[10]
References
- ^ Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Morgan, Tom (1947) The People Speedway Guide, Odhams Press, p. 59
- ^ Belton, Brian (2003). Hammerin' Round. ISBN 0-7524-2438-6
- ^ Jacobs, Norman (2001). Speedway in London. ISBN 0-7524-2221-9
- ^ "Max Grosskreutz planning a speedway test return". Reynolds's Newspaper. 6 June 1937. Retrieved 26 October 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b c Fenn, C (2003). Hackney Speedway, Friday at Eight. NPI Media Group. ISBN 0-7524-2737-7.
- ^ "First Speedway League Match". Daily News (London). 21 April 1936. Retrieved 31 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b c d e f "Historien om Henning Morian Hansens liv". Museer i København - og omegn (in Danish). Retrieved 10 August 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Speedway Riders 18". Speedway Museum Online. Retrieved 10 October 2021.