Consolation Prizes
On May 8, 1941, the following notice was published in the Crossword column:
Consolation Prize
Owing to the increasing number of crossword competitors, it has been decided to award a consolation prize (book token, value 7s. 6d. [the same as the standard prize]) to the entrant who sends in the greatest number of correct solutions during the next six months, and who has not been fortunate enough to win a prize during that period. The adjacent crossword (No. 582) is the first to count in this new scheme.
For the next 10 years or so, such a prize was awarded twice a year. It is unfortunate that so little information was divulged. It was clearly necessary to check all entries, but only rarely was the number of correct entries quoted. The first results mentioned the best solvers in the period, but this interesting feature soon stopped.
The solution to No. 1004 noted that some solvers had sent in legitimate alternatives and that these entries would count towards the consolation prize.
The following gives the names of prizewinners, and any other information of note.
November 1941
“On May 8 we announced that we would give a consolation prize to the entrant who sent in the greatest number of correct solutions, but who did not receive a prize during the following six months. The Rev. P. Lewis (Lyminge) has qualified for this prize by solving 15 crosswords correctly. Runners-up are Sir S. Dannreuther (14), H. A. Scutt (12), and S. J. Donovan (11). Of the 26 crosswords set, Thomas Carter and L. A. Jones have each sent in 23 correct solutions, but have already received prizes during the six months. We propose to award another consolation prize on the same terms for the next six months.”
Remarkably, Carter and Jones were the sole winners in the puzzle (No. 607) whose solution appeared the very next week. Also noteworthy was that Rev. Lewis had won a prize in the period concerned (No. 587).
May 1942
J. G. Stubbs was the winner; runners up were O. A. Rayfield and W. Scott (in collaboration) and H. A. Scutt. The largest number of correct solutions sent in by any one competitor during this period was 24, by L. A. Jones, and Thomas Carter followed next with 20 correct.
November 1942
The prize was awarded to W. H. J. Wheeler (Wembley). Runners up were: R. W. Bush, C. E. Ford, G. Page and L. Ryley who tied for second place.
May 1943
The prize was awarded to the Rev. P. Lewis (Lyminge). Runners up were M. Cassel (London) and Mrs V. Cooper (Sidcup).
November 1943
The prize was awarded to Canon B. F. Relton (Bridlington). Runners-up were R. W. Bool (Twickenam), William Watts (Westcliff-on-Sea), D. H. S. Cox (Nottingham) and W. H. Weightman (Harpenden).”
May 1944
The prize was awarded to L. T. Whitaker (Stretford).
November 1944
Very belatedly — in the last issue of the year — it was announced that the prize was awarded to F. Dale (Berkhamsted).
May 1945
The prize was awarded to W. H. Weightman (Harpenden). Runners up were A. J. Hughes (Birmingham), J. L. Gray (Leatherhead), and O. A. Rayfield & O. Scott (Berkhamsted).
November 1945
The prize was awarded to J. L. Gray (Leatherhead).
May 1946
The prize was awarded to R. P. Bolton (Birkenhead).
November 1946
There was a tie between Mrs. V. Cooper (Sidcup) and Sir S. Dannreuther (Slough); each received the full prize.
May 1947
The prize was awarded to E. C. Hunt (London, S.W.18).
November 1947
There was a tie between Rev. P. Lewis (Lyminge) and J. G. Stubbs (London, N.13), each of whom sent in 20 correct solutions (out of 26 puzzles).
May 1948
The prize was awarded to J. G. Stubbs (London, N.13).
November 1948
The prize was awarded to J. L. Gray (Leatherhead).
May 1949
The prize was awarded to J. G. Stubbs (London, N.13).
November 1949
The prize was awarded to E. G. Phillips (Bangor).
May 1950
The prize was awarded to A. C. Ruffhead (Rickmansworth).
November 1950
There was a tie between Mrs. L. Bush (E. Horsley) and D. R. Laver (W. Byfleet).
May 1951
Prizes were awarded to J. D. Griffiths (Audenshaw) and J. K. B. Illingworth (Farnborough), who each sent in 22 correct entries (out of 26); G. Page (Staines) was runner-up with 21 correct entries.
November 1951
Prizes were awarded to R. P. Bolton (Prenton), T. H. East (Greenford) and J. K. B. Illingworth (Farnborough), who each sent in 24 correct entries (out of 26).
A few weeks before these last names were published, it had been announced that the scheme was to be discontinued. | 