Ludwigshafener Ruderverein, a German club that earned bronze in 1900, was the only team to return (with an entirely new crew) from the Paris Games.

The favourites among the competing teams were Ludwigshafener and the British Thames Rowing Club, winners at Henley in 1909 and 1911.

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden each made their debut in the event.

The Norwegian crew took the lead with much resolution, rowing in excellent style with a well-pronounced swing and a good grip of the water.

The British boat rowed over the course in a resolute but far from beautiful style.All quarterfinals were held on Thursday, 18 July.

The Danes rowed very energetically from the start and led by about half a length at the 500 metres mark.

Here, however, the Germans came on with a short, powerful spurt, which gave them a lead that was afterwards retained, apparently without any great effort, and was gradually increased to about two and a half lengths, the distance separating the boats at the finish.

The Germans crew possessed great physical power and was of a comparatively mature average age, features also characteristic of the English four representing the Thames R. C.. Ludwigshafen rowed, it is true, a pretty short stroke forwards, but, backwards, it was of a good length, with a quiet, finished recovery, and a powerful pull through the water.

3, with his billowing Germanic beard, reminded one of a Viking, and his appearance contrasted strangely with that of the other oarsmen, most of whom were clean shaven or had only small moustaches.

Thames R. C. kept its same rapid stroke even when the 1,000 metres mark was passed, rowing in good style from 34–36 to the Norwegians' 32–34.

In the finish, the Norwegians showed such energy, and rowed in such fine style, that their effort will be remembered as one of the most noteworthy episodes of the regatta.

Thames R. C. fought pluckily, however, and stroke Bruce Logan deserves every credit for the courageous way in which he challenged the leader.

But at the Englishmen's last spurt between the bath-nouse and the bridge, it was clear that the crew was done for, while the Germans, on the other hand, rowed with still greater energy than before.

Ludwigshafen won brilliantly by a good two lengths, and passed the post in excellent condition.