He represented the University of Rangoon in Rowing and Soccer.
RUBC
U Chan Tha is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
In the 50s, thanks to sponsors and donors, RUBC had a brand new fleet (mostly imported from the UK) to complement the old fleet and training boats.
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma provided the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours. The Inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup was contested by RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club), CLC (Calcutta Lake Club) and CURC (Calcutta University Rowing Club. In the early days, the Prime Minister also serve as the Chancellor (Adipati) of the University of Rangoon. The Prime Minister attended Convocations and gave Key note speeches. The Prime Minister also attended RUBC Regattas and presented the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup.
The President of the Union Burma provided the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights. The Inaugural President’s Cup was contested by RUBC and the Combined CLC-CURC teams.
His eldest son Zaw Zaw Minn provided photos to selected Old Crocs including U Tin Htoon (A60, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, ARAE Champion).
Soccer
He was Captain of the Prome Hall Soccer team, which won Inter-Hall Trophy for two years in a row.
He represented Rangoon University and SAMB in soccer.
Photos : Zaw Zaw Minn (U Chan Tha’s eldest son)
Captain’s SpeechSpeech by an honored guestPresentation of awardsPrime Minister U NuCoxed FoursThrowing the winning cox into the lakeKayakSingle Sculls
He matriculated in 1946 and attended Rangoon University. His classmates include Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe, GBNF) and Dr. Pe Thein (Tom San Pe, GBNF).
He is the Most Senior & Oldest Past Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).
He represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta held at Kandawgyi in 1948 and received Gold along with Dick San Pe, Tom San Pe and Bobby Tin.
He received BSCE (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering) from the University of Oregon and MSCE (Master of Science in Civil Engineering) from Yale University.
He taught part-time at Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University.
He was Secretary of Burma Civil Engineering Society.
He is Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club (RGC).
U Tin U
90th Birthday
On August 3, 2019, he celebrated his 90th birthday with a Soon Kyway at Dat Poung Zon Aung Min Gaung monastery, and with a sumptuous dinner at Winner Inn run by the family of Sayagyi U Ba Than (his younger brother, now GBNF).
U Tin Htoon (A60, another younger brother) compiled a Photo Album Book highlighting U Tin U’s life and gave him as a birthday present.
Min Ko (eldest grandson of U Tin U) had earlier recorded an interview with his “Pho Pho”.
Four Siblings and Cousin
U Tin U (S), Dr.. Myo Tint (3), U Tin Htoon (2), U Thang Lwin (B), U Sein Htoon (Cox)
They are all Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club.
U Tin U (Eldest brother)
Dr. Myo Tint (3rd brother, now GBNF)
U Tin Htoon (4th brother)
U Thaung Lwin (6th brother)
U Sein Htoon (Cousin)
Miracle?
The following account of the Kidnapping is recounted by Dr. Khin Tun (Peter Tin U, his eldest son, UK). Was it a series of coincidences or a miracle?
He had an experience of being kidnapped by his company driver who hired “insurgents” with criminal records, to do the job. They came to his office at Lewis street, and pretended to be from military intelligence in mufti. They asked him to come along with them for questioning. They asked the office driver to drive the company jeep up to A1 compound near 9th mile and let the driver to get off at a bus stop with a letter to give to my mother.
One of them took the driver seat and continued driving out of the city passing Mingaladon airport. When their jeep went past the Mingaladon Military Intelligence Centre (Yay Kyi Ine), my father became suspicious.
Luckily, there was a road block near Hmawbi, and the kidnappers tried and overtook the battle tanks in a convoy on the road. An off dutymilitary police stopped the car, giving my father a chance to ask for help; my father reached the car key from the back seat and threw it away. The military police asked my father to drive instead and was later freed, after being taken to the military commander and the police station.
In the mean time my mother, who was doing research at Insein Railway Hospital, received a ransom letter at 11 am to bring 60,000 Kyats in a jute bag, wearing a red longyi to a road corner, near “Ar-lain-nga-sint” pagoda in “Mingaladon”, by 3 pm the same day.
The kidnappers’ plan was to torture and kill my father whether they received the ransom or not. The grudge was for sacking the driver who took sick leave, and went to work in another company to get two salaries.
Old members of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
The Old Crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
U San Maung
U San Maung (Gerald Sein, GBNF) is a Past Secretary and RUBC Gold. He is the elder brother of U Yan Shin (Hardy). He would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds). He would mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members.o
Dr. Htut Saing
Dr. Harry Saing (Right)
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry Saing, GBNF) is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He won ARAE events twice :
the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon (A60)
the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng (relocated to Canada), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and U Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
He usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong Kong (Ms. Amelia Kyi) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) are Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They are known for operating on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
Dr. Htut Saing continued working and teaching in Hong Kong. He became Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club. He would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
Reunion
U Tin U, U Maung Maung Than Tun, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Dr. Than Nyunt (George), U Tin Htoon, Dr. Donald Chan, U Tun Shein (Willie), U Tun Aung (George), U Sein Htoon, Dr. Tin Wa, U Myo Myint, U Thura Thant Zin, U Htaik San (Henry), and several Old Crocs attended Regattas (especially the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC).
Most of them contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the commemorative issue, and for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s biography.
Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
Hope YUBC members have better rapport with the Old Crocs.
U Tin U is the eldest of nine siblings including Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Tun (A60), U Myo Min (UCC) and U Thaung Lwin (EC66).
He matriculated in 1946 and attended Rangoon University. His classmates include Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF), Dr. Pe Thein (GBNF) and Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF).
RUBC Captain
He is Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).
He is Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club (RGC).
He received his BSEE from Oregon State University and MSEE from Yale University. Upon his return to Burma, he taught Part-time at the Civil Engineering Department at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon.
He celebrated his 95th in August 2024.
A miracle happened many years ago.
Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, son of U Tin U) wrote:
He had an experience of being kidnapped by his company driver who hired “insurgents” with criminal records, to do the job. They came to his office at Lewis street, and pretended to be from military intelligence in mufti. They asked him to come along with them for questioning. They ask the office driver to drive the company jeep up to A1 compound near 9th mile and let the driver to get off at a bus stop with a letter to give my mother.
One of them took the driver seat and continued driving out of the city passing Mingaladon airport. When their jeep went past the Mingaladon Military Intelligence Centre (Yay Kyi Ine), my father became suspicious. There was a road block near Hmawbi by luck, and the kidnappers tried and overtook the battle tanks in a convoy on the road. An off duty military police stopped the car, giving my father a chance to ask for help; my father reached the car key from the back seat and threw away. The military police asked my father to drive instead and was later freed, after being taken to the military commander and the police station.
In the mean time my mother, who was doing research at Insein Railway Hospital, received a ransom letter at 11 am to bring 60,000 Kyats in a jute bag, wearing a red longyi to a road corner, near “Ar-lain-nga-sint” pagoda in “Mingaladon”, by 3 pm the same day. The kidnappers’ plan was to torture and kill my father whether they received the ransom or not. The grudge was for sacking the driver who took sick leave, and went to work in another company to get 2 salaries.
Was it a miracle?
Or, was it a series of coincidences?
U Tin U overcame a death threat.
He continued working and enjoying Golf and the 19th hole celebrations. Even to this day, he keeps fit by watering plants in the garden and taking his daily dose of Scotch Whiskey.
He looks healthier than his younger brother Sayagyi U Ba Than.
Won Senior Novices in 1953 as Crew and in 1954 as Cox
Past Captain and Gold
President of RIT Rowing
Administrator of RUBC
Founding member and Past President of BASES (in Southern California)
Brother of U Sein Tin, U Mya Maung, Daw Kyi Kyi, Daw Si Si, Dr. Daw Yi Yi, Dr. Than Toe and Daw Khin Khin
Dr. Harry Saing
Dr. Harry Saing was an outstanding athlete in Darjeeling and the Faculty of Medicine.
He won the Senior Novices in 1953. He is a Past Captain and Gold. He usually rowed as Bow in Coxless Pairs, Coxed Pairs, Coxed Fours and Coxed Eights. In 1962 he served as Coach and Timing Stroke for the RUBC team with seven new Golds.
He represented RUBC in 10+ Regattas in 19 (or so) events.
Ko Harry passed away in Hong Kong. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered near the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club (where he was a Patron).
I wrote a tribute to Ko Harry in the Commemorative Issue of the 90th Anniversary. The issue also lists the Inter Club events.
U Tin Htoon
U Tin Htoon joined RUBC in 1954. He is Past Captain and Gold. He rowed as No. (2) to Ko Jimmy Saw Lwin and Ko Willie in his early days as RUBC Gold and as Timing Stroke in the later days.
He represented RUBC in 10+ Regattas in 19 (or so) events.
He won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs with Ko Harry at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta.
He won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours with Ko Harry, Ko Victor Htun Shein, Ko Sunny Teng and Ko Sein Htoon at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo.
He won a Silver in Yachting at the SEAP Games with Ko Hla Khin (Burma Navy). He cofounded Triple Gems Publication with Ko Harry Than Htut, Dr. Maung Maung Lwin, Ma Emma Tin Tun Myint and Ko Victor Htay Aung.
Golden Crew
Ko Victor Htun Shein, Ko Sunny Teng, Ko Mya Maung, Ko Maurice Tun Thoung and Ko Tin Wa won ten (or so) events.
They won Senior Novices at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas in 1958.
They won the Color Challenge Fours at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas in 1959.
They became Gold in 1960 and 1961.
Ko Victor and Ko Sunny won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with Ko Tin Htoon, Ko Harry and Ko Sein Htoon.
Ko Tin Wa led the RUBC team to FEARA in 1961 as Captain and Cox of Coxed Fours. Ko Tin Htoon, Ko Harry, Ko Victor, Ko Win Kyi and Ko Tin Wa competed in the Coxed Fours. Ko Tin Htoon, Ko Harry and Ko Eddie Hla Min competed in the Coxed Pairs. Ko Willie competed in Single Sculls.
Ko Mya Maung and Ko Maurice competed in the Inter-Varsity race.
Ko Victor joined the Air Force and perished in an accident.
Ko Maurice retired as Rector of RU Distance Learning.
Ko Sunny left before graduation from the Faculty of Engineering (to USA or Canada).
Ko Tin Wa and Ko Mya Maung moved to the USA. I last met them in Northern California and Southern California. Ko Mya Maung is now known as Ko Minn Aung.
Rag Regatta A day long event The top two Novice crews are seeded for the Monsoon Regatta
Monsoon Regatta Shorter races rowed over the “Monsoon Course” (750 yards)
Annual Regatta Shorter races rowed over 1000 yards Usually held at the Regatta Island May hold Inter-Club events
Guests of Honor
RUBC Regattas were attended by
President of the Union of Burma May hand out the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
Prime Minister of the Union of Burma The Prime Minister is the Chancellor of the University of Rangoon May hand out the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours
Diplomatic Corps e.g. The British Ambassador may hand out the British Ambassador’s Challenge Cup
Rector During my tenure, Saya Kha (Dr. Maung Maung Kha) attended the regattas and gave away the prizes to the winners
Past Captains Many Past Captains can be seen in the Group Photo in the 90th Anniversary Issue
Senior Old Members They often volunteer as Starters, Time Keepers and Hustlers
Sayas During my tenure, Saya H Num Kok, Saya U Sein Win and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung served as Line Judges
Coaches Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Past Captain, ARAE Champion) U San Maung (Gerald Sein)
“Saluting the Nat” was an item in the early regattas.
The Cox and selected members of the winning crew were thrown into the Inya Lake.
The Awards Ceremony usually ended with “Give Her Ten” and “Easy Oars”.
Some Old Members would stay behind for dinner and/or drinks. There might be some bragging, e.g “We were the Top Pair in our times. He was the BRAWN. I was the BRAIN.”
Ye Mt wrote :
We are very glad to know these traditions, please share more to new generations. If you don’t mind, I would like to arrange a chat table with new student rowers at the meeting room of Old Members Association at YUBC.
Freesia Htun wrote :
Thank you for your sharing knowledge and memories of RUBC.
Kyaw Saing wrote :
I think so as RUBC Give her ten Thank you, uncle
Dr. Tin Wa (Past Captain and Gold) wrote :
I have a photo of “Saluting the Nats” ceremony in Kyemon newspaper the next day after the Regatta 1961 with the Caption “What’s up University Folks!” In this age of science, why are we holding to the old tradition of of offering to the spirits? I had written an article about it indicating that it was started by Sir Arthur and no matter what, we never had any fatal accidents during any of our Regattas. If I find the article, I will send it to you .
He matriculated in 1946 from St. John’s Diocesan Boys High School.
According to U Tin U, Clinker Fours arrived only in 1948 when he became RUBC Captain.
Before that time, RUBC had Kayak (on loan from Navy) and Tubs.
There was a group photo with U Tin U (Captain), Dr. Pe Nyun (Secretary) and members in front of the Club House.
U Tin U, Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe), Dr. Pe Thein (Tom San Pe) and U Khin Maung Wint (Bobby Tin) represented RUBC in the Independence Day Regatta held at Kandawgyi in 1948 and became Gold.
Five RUBC Captains
U Tin U is the most senior among the Past RUBC Captains that are still alive. He attends OMA (Old Member Association) meetings and events.
He celebrated his 90th Birthday in August 2019. He is Past Captain of Rangoon Golf Club and played golf till he turned 80 (or so). He stays in shape by doing gardening and taking “medicine” (two pegs of Whiskey) every evening.
He attended the 96th Anniversary Regatta on December 22, 2019 along with young and old members (see attached photo).
He is the eldest of nine siblings. Dr. Myo Tint (1955), U Tin Htoon (1959) and U Thaung Lwin (1963) are Past Captain and Gold. Saya U Ba Than (Mechanical) and Saya U Myo Min (UCC) are Full Green.
