THE extraordinary life of a legendary speedway racer from Saddleworth who died fighting in the Spanish Civil War has been captured in a new book.
Clem Beckett, who was born in 1906 near Scouthead and went on to live in Roundthorn, was interested in motorcycles from an early age, racing them across Oldham and up to the moors with his friends.
The apprentice blacksmith went on to become a “pioneering” speedway race who broke records and entertained fans across Europe.
Off the track, he was outspoken and influential, campaigning for fair pay for speedway racers.
After clashing with the authorities, he was banned from speedway competitions and had to turn to performing daredevil stunts such as the 'Wall of Death' to earn a living.
He suffered numerous injuries throughout his track and stunts career.
Stone Rake, Scouthead, the remains of Clem Beckett’s birthplace
Swinton Street, Roundthorn, Oldham, where Clem grew up
Politically, he was heavily involved in Oldham’s communist party and his hatred of fascism led him to fight in the Spanish Civil War against dictator Francisco Franco, whose troops won after being supplied with weapons from Nazi Germany and Benito Mussolini’s Italy.
Beckett was one of 10 Oldhamers to fight in the war and he died in the Battle of Jarama in 1937 aged 30, leaving his wife Lida Henriksen behind.
After more than 10 years of heavy research, author Rob Hargreaves has released a book about his life, entitled Clem Beckett: Motorcycle Legend and War Hero.
The book is full of amazing anecdotes about Beckett.
Glodwick Lows, where ‘Daredevil’ Clem practised off-road on a homemade machine
The author said: “He broke records galore and he was a mechanical genius, he was interested in motorbikes throughout his life.
“Clem lived for motorbikes.
“When he was very successful he was living quite a high life as he was earning big money for the time compared to what he would have been if he had gone on to be a blacksmith.
“He was very well respected and politically committed.
“He stood up for speedway riders getting fair pay, even those who were nowhere near as good as him.”
As well as his speedway and daredevil work, he also worked with entrepreneur Percy Platt, who made a name for himself as an agent in the events business.
Mr Hargreaves added: “I have been very thrilled by the interest in the book, it has been worthwhile."
He also praised the many people who have supplied him with information, including Oldham’s archive services.
The book is available to buy on Amazon among other stores.
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