I joined Albert Rose in Barry Posner's Gold Cup team at the beginning of this season but, until the last day of his life, I had never actually partnered Albert until, as a team, we entered the Spring Foursomes at Eastbourne. However, none of the partnerships lived up to its potential and by Sunday, February 16th almost every permutation had been tried. Now, at least, our captain and fate brought Albert and me together for the first time. As we moved from table to table no one could have guessed that the flame which had made him one of the leading lights of British bridge would so shortly be extinguished. he was a very easy partner to play with an we had a most pleasant, relaxed, even chatty, session. In fact, the team was just beginning to play a little bit up to expectation.
i am sure all those who played against him in Eastbourne will remember Albert Rose as a courteous and considerate opponent. not for him the aloofness of many master-players or the glowering at being 'fixed' by lesser lights. I recall a particular four spade contract in which our opponent found the killing lead. Albert was the first to congratulate her on breaking the contract.
Shortly afterwards we walked to the last table and the to the last round; Albert's very last. The afternoon session finished at around 6pm, and half an hour later Albert was dead. A well-loved figure had made his last exit from the British bridge scene.
by John Sadler
Major International Appearances
European Championships: 1953 1957 and 1961*
Bermuda Bowl: 1962 and 1965
World Olympiad: 1960
* = 1st place
Camrose Trophy Selections: 1938 1951 1953 1954 1958 1961 1963 1965 1966 1967 and 1968
Gold Cup winner: 1951 1954 1958 1963 1966 1967 and 1968
Crockfords Cup winner: 1954 1956 and 1957
Spring Foursomes winner: 1964
The Hubert Phillips Bowl winner: 1966
Autumn Congress Two Stars Pairs winner: 1956 and 1964
Tollemache Cup winner: 1952 1957 1958 1963 and 1967