Lord Swansea, John Vivian, 4th Baron Swansea (1 January 1925 – 27 June 2005)

A Legacy Forged at Bisley

Lord Swansea stands among the finest rifle shots Wales has ever produced. Across five decades, he became a towering figure at Bisley Camp, the spiritual home of British target shooting, and an inspiration to generations of Welsh marksmen.

From 1947 through the early 1980s, he amassed an extraordinary collection of medals and trophies. His achievements include:

• 13 appearances for Great Britain in the prestigious Kolapore Match
• 8 overseas tours with Great Britain rifle teams
• Two victories in the NRA’s Grand Aggregate (1957, 1960)
• Two wins in the Match Rifle Aggregate (1971, 1974)
• Second place in the Queen’s Prize (1958, 1968)

His service to Wales was equally remarkable. At Bisley, he represented Wales in the National Match on 37 occasions between 1947 and 1991, and in the Mackinnon Match, against international teams, 35 times. Few shooters anywhere in the world have matched such longevity or consistency at the highest level.

A Relentless Defender of Shooting Sports

Beyond his competitive record, Lord Swansea was one of the most steadfast advocates for shooting sports in the United Kingdom. He served as:

• Chairman of the British Shooting Sports Council
• Deputy President of the National Rifle Association

At a time when shooting sports faced persistent political pressure, he fought tirelessly to preserve the traditions, disciplines, and freedoms of competitive shooting. His speeches in the House of Lords were noted for their clarity, conviction, and deep understanding of the sport’s cultural importance.

In a principled stand, he resigned the Conservative whip to sit as a crossbencher, continuing to argue for shooting sports until he was removed from the House under the 1999 reforms.

Commonwealth Games Gold: A Welsh Triumph

Among his many achievements, one shines with particular pride in Wales: his gold medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games (then still known as the Empire Games), held in Kingston, Jamaica.

The medal ceremony, however, became the stuff of legend.

A Farcical, but Unforgettable, Ceremony

Mae'r Daily Express’s Desmond Hacket captured the moment in a wonderfully chaotic report published on 10 August 1966. In summary:

• Lord Swansea arrived in a striking scarlet jacket to receive his medal.
• He was mistakenly announced as “Mr Lord, of Swansea from England.”
• The St George’s Cross was raised and Land of Hope and Glory played.
• Welsh supporters erupted, chanting “Wales! Wales! Wales!”
• The ceremony was restarted, only for the band to play God Save the Queen instead of the Welsh anthem.
• A third attempt finally produced Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, to the relief of all involved.

Hacket described Lord Swansea’s calm dignity throughout the ordeal, noting that he “strode away amiably and so commendably unmoved” after the third and final rendition.

The episode remains one of the most memorable and good‑humoured mishaps in Welsh sporting history.

An Enduring Inspiration

Lord Swansea’s contributions to Welsh and British shooting cannot be overstated. As a competitor, administrator, advocate, and ambassador for the sport, he shaped its modern era. His achievements continue to inspire shooters across Wales and beyond.

Chris Hockley, Secretary Cymdeithas Reifflau Cymru