John Pinches

John Harvey Pinches MC (9 April 1916 – 2 July 2007) was an English rower, Royal Engineers officer, medallist and author.

The British Army's advance north was held up by a lorry and anti-tank gun which had broken down, blocking a bridge.

Pinches pulled a heavy winch rope single-handed across the bridge under enemy fire to the damaged vehicle so it could be towed away.

He was approached by the Amateur Rowing Association to ask if he would make up a crew with Dickie Burnell for the 1948 Summer Olympics, which were to be held on the Henley course.

[2] Pinches continued to run the family medallion business, whose output included badges and insignia in Britain, commemorative issues for much of the Commonwealth, and decorations and orders for overseas governments.