Fred Croney dies in EL aged 77

By David Denison

EAST LONDON -- One of the legends of Daily Dispatch lore, former assistant editor Fred Croney, died here yesterday at 77.

In an association of more than 40 years, Croney was racing editor, sports editor, news editor and chief sub-editor before retiring as assistant editor in 1987. He remained as special assistant to the editor for five years after that.

Born within the sound of the Bow Bells in London in 1922, Croney remained a Cockney in spirit, even though his vowels were smoothed out.

In World War 2 he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry flying Lancaster bombers with the famous "Dambusters" squadron in the Royal Air Force (RAF) .

He came here to do flying training in Queenstown and Port Alfred.

He fell in love with the country and joined the Daily Dispatch in 1947.

He resigned to become full-time secretary of the East London Turf Club in the late 50s and early 60s.

He rejoined in the mid-60s, soon becoming a legend as newspaperman, poker player, golfer or East London Club habitue, particularly on the snooker tables.

He later became inaugural president of the Federation of South African Flyfishers.

Former Dispatch editor Donald Woods said yesterday: "Fred Croney was a great character and a wonderful journalist. He was also a genuine war hero and one of the RAF's bravest pilots.

"I feel privileged to have worked with him and to have known such a man."