Bombardier Billy Wells

William Thomas Wells, better known as Bombardier Billy Wells , was an English heavyweight boxer. Fighting under the name Bombardier Billy Wells, he was British and British Empire Champion from 1911 until 1919, defending his title fourteen times. In 1911 he became the first Heavyweight to win the Lonsdale Belt, which had been introduced for British champions at all weights in 1909.

Wells was born at 250 Cable Street, Stepney, in the East End of London. He was the eldest of five brothers and was one of nine children. His parents were William Thomas Wells, a musician, and Emily Rhoda Farrier, a laundress. He attended Broad Street elementary school, Shadwell until about the age of twelve, then becoming a messenger boy. He began to box as an amateur during this period.

Source: Wikipedia