One of the fascinating aspects of the game of bridge is the attraction it holds for a wide spectrum of our society; and Eddie Broad is one example of a Queenslander who was distinguished in many fields, but still made space for his passionate interest in the game.
His background prior to WW2 was as an outstanding athlete and scholar (he was dux of The Southport School). He then enlisted in the RAAF, qualified as a Lancaster pilot and flew more than 30 missions with Bomber Command, where he reached the rank of Squadron Leader and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Returning to Queensland after the war, he still found time for football and bridge, while continuing his legal career.
As a footballer, he was described as one of Queensland’s most distinguished players, a strong flyhalf, who lost his best playing years during WW2, but later toured Britain, France and New Zealand with the Wallabies.
As to his legal career, he practised as a lawyer in Brisbane for some time, and subsequently was appointed a District Court Judge, and Chairman of the Brisbane Amateur Turf Club. This latter chairmanship enabled the Brisbane Bridge Club to hold their first congress at the Doomben Race Course, supported by generous sponsorship from Dunhill; and this event remained as a notable occasion on the Brisbane bridge scene for many years.
It is interesting that Doomden was also the scene of one of Eddie’s most notable congress victories. Teaming up with well- known bridge player Kevin Hume and playing together for the first time, they managed to secure a victory from a strong field of contenders.
In honour of Eddie Broad’s many contributions to bridge in this state, the QBA has named the trophy for the Queensland Open Pairs as the Judge Eddie Broad Trophy.