1918
Timeline World
School
March 1918 German Spring Offensive April 1918 Advance to within 75 miles of Paris Monsieur Chicoteau returns to his teaching post April 1918 27 May 1918 British RAF formed Reginald Francis Hitchcock dies, Death toll reaches triple figures
4 June 1918 Brigadier-General F.W. Lumsden dies June 1918 Captain M.A. James Awarded Victoria Cross
8 August 1918 The Hundred Days Offensive September 1918 First successful Allied offensive of the war Record number of 620 boys in school
October 1918 Allies recover France and Belgium 11 November 1918 Armistice sign ending the fighting Following the recent abdication of the Kaiser
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Good-bye
Good-bye! Too quickly spoken: from each heart May its true meaning follow, though we part: We linger still - one last firm clasp - ‘tis o’er Good-bye! Yes, God be with you, evermore. Good-bye! How often in these fateful years ‘Tis sadly said with trembling and with tears: And yet not seldom Pride some comfort blends, Lightening sorrow in the hearts of friends. Good-bye! Be this our prayer, while life endures, May new light softly shine on you and yours: And whatsoever Fame may bring you there Here, not unmindful, all our hearts will share. T.D.
School Chronicle December 1916
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Contents School Life Flu Pandemic Societies Sports War News Lost at Sea Baker Prize Officer Training Corps Scouts Angell James Awarded the VC Teachers Deceased
235 236 238 239 240 241 249 250 253 255 259 260
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School Life April 1918: “The Chronicle has been reduce for ‘duration of the war’ owing to the increased shortage of paper. A number of boys are again going on the land these holidays under the able care of M. Guerra. They will be doing general farm work.“
Following this, the July 1918 Chronicle also makes reference to the paper shortage, but also notes a a number of other threats to the length of the Chronicle: “This year the woes and troubles of an editor are increased tenfold. Contributors are either “flued” or away “scholing”, paper is scarcer than ever, and matter must therefore be cut down etc. The Editorial, however, is unfortunately not cut out although cut down.”
The Editorial of the December 1918 Chronicle has a rather different focus, following the official end of the War: “Of course the great event of the term was the signing of the Armistice on November 11th, but this is not the place to moralise on an event whose full significance our minds have hardly yet grasped, dazed as they are by the proximity of the struggle which for four years has occupied our mental horizon. An immediate result is the return of Mr. Turner, who will most certainly resume his duties among us next term. This is a matter for great rejoicing throughout the School, and we extend to him a most heart welcome. From all the stress and strain and the many difficulties of the last four years the School has emerged triumphant, and we may hope for a period of unexampled prosperity in the future.”
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Flu Pandemic The 1918 Influenza pandemic lasted from January 1918 until December 1920. It infected approximately 500 million people across the entire world during this time, and was unusually deadly. It is estimated that between 50 and 100 million people died as a result of the outbreak in these two years. This accounted for roughly 5% of the World’s population, classing it as one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. Britain lost around 250,000 individuals, which was almost half as many as both France and America. Reports of the illness and death rates were rare due to the Wartime censorship, particularly in Germany, Britain, France, and the United States. However, in Spain the papers were free from censorship, causing the false impression that Spain had suffered particularly badly. This is what led to the nickname “Spanish Flu”. This particular virus outbreak had a greater effect than others, due to the fact that it predominantly killed previously healthy young adults. Modern research has revealed that this was because this particular strain of the virus killed through a “cytokine storm”. This is means an over-reaction of the body’s immune system. The stronger immune systems of the young adults meant that they were hit harder when the immune system over-reacted. The weaker immune systems of the young and elderly, meant that there were significantly fewer deaths in comparison.
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The School The December 1918 Chronicle holds a number of references to ‘Flu. It is clear that, while they attempted to carry on as usual, the infection was having a definite effect on every day life.
In spite of manifold difficulties – epidemics of ‘Flu, and suchlike – every branch of the school life has been carried on with the traditional keenness and activity. The work of the Corps has maintained the high standard of previous years, and though bad weather and influenze have interfered somewhat with the programme laid down at the beginning of the term, much creditable work has been done. Owing to the epidemic of Influenza, the Annual Cot Collection has not yet taken place. Nevertheless we have every prospect of gaining an even greater amount than last year. The Annual Prize Giving was originally fixed for October 31st, but owing to the large number of boys absent with influenza, was held privately on November 28th. Scientific Society: “Since this meeting we have had no other lecture, the reason being that the School was closed for a week owing to influenza.” It was reported that one Old Bristolian, and one current student were lost to influenza. Thomas Richard Davies, died November 4th, from influenza, aged 36. Ernest Walter Wood, died November 23rd, from pneumonia following influenza, aged 17.
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Societies Literary and Debating April 1918: “In spite of the fact that military duties have taken from us our best speakers, the Society may claim even more support than in the last few years.” December 1918: “The meeting held at the end of last session, when the Rev. E. de Lacy O’Leary gave a Lantern Lecture on “Egypt” proved a great success. Members of the Society were allowed to bring a limited number of visitors, and also the Staff were invited, so that Room 5 was filled to its utmost capacity. Those who were able to secure an entrance ticket had a most enjoyable evening. The lecturer had spent some time in Egypt as a chaplain in the earlier years of the war, and the slides shown during the lecture were prepared from photographs taken by himself.”
Scientific Society April 1918: “Once more we have to bemoan the lack of blinds in the Chemical Laboratory. On this account it has been impossible to have any practical meetings this term, but we shall be able to resume them next term and then once more the lab will regain that atmosphere which invariably results from a practical meeting, a mixture of chlorine and sulphureted hydrogen, and this time perhaps the fruit fragrance of dogfish and mangled rabbits thrown in.” December 1918: “This term we have had three practical meetings in spite of the lighting restrictions. At one meeting a member of the Society tried to re-tip some matches, but owing to the curiosity of a small boy the lot exploded when he touched them, much to the manufacturer’s disgust.”
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Sports Hockey April 1918: “We were exceedingly fortunate in being able to arrange an O.B’s match at the beginning of the season, which needless to say, the School won. This match was quite a novelty as O.B’s matches are few and far between in these days of Armageddon.”
Fives April 1918: Wars may come and wars may go, but Fives goes on for ever. At one time such a boast might have been questioned. A weary and well-nigh heartbroken Fives-Captain, having sent messages far and wide over the country in search of balls which no one seemed to be making, at length was rewarded for his toil; and the occasion was indeed momentours when with mingled feelings of pride and dread a small box with numerous wrappings was opened containing Fives, Ball for, Sample, one. Pride entirely usurped the feeling of dread when the ball was tried and pronounced good. Before long, the eager crowds demanding the wherewithal to play their beloved game were satisfied that the moderate price of threepence per ball. Since then, the game has flourished as keenly as ever; the courts are filled at the available seasons, and many would-be players have to be disappointed.
Cricket July 1918: This year there have been more difficulties to face than ever before. Material is scare, and in the earlier part of the season it was impossible to hire a suitable horse for cutting the grass. It is hoped however, that this difficulty has finally been settled.
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War News April 1918: “An unusual honour has been conferred on S.C. Atchley, who has received the Cross of the Greek Order of the Saviour [Also known as the Order of the Redeemer] in recognition of his services as interpreter to the British Legation at Athens. Anyone who has heard the horrid mixture of Turkish and Greek which now forms the spoken language will agree that the honour was well earned.” December 1918: ““The Old Boys’ Society - The War” The above title begins to look out of date, but unfortunately the effects of the war are still felt. Our casualty list is not long, but the losses it records have brought sorrow to many. As demobilisation proceeds, we shall doubtless learn of many O.B.’s whose service has not yet been recorded, at it is hoped that next summer a revised Roll of Honour may be issued.”
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Lost at Sea Observer Sub-Lieut. J. C. A. Jenks, R.N., Prisoner of War, Under Turkish Commander Nafiz Bey, Tripolis, via Konstantinopol 18/07/1917 My dear Mother and Father, - Another new address at last! You must have had a very anxious time waiting – while I was reported missing, so I had better tell you how I managed to get here. On Sunday, 8th July, about 10.15, I was in the ante-room having some selections from “Tina” on the gramophone all to myself, when up comes a messenger to say I was to go out on patrol with Robinson. Hurried down to the machine, and in a few minutes we were off. It was only supposed to be a short trip, so we put nothing special on. Robbie, in fact, had no coat, collar or tie. . . . After being out two hours, we found a mist had sprung up and that we had lost the island. About two o’clock we missed our only chance of being rescued. A French hospital ship, with escort, came into view, but Robbie thought it too rough to land, so we continued to search for the island. At three we came down for an hour, saw nothing, and decided to stay on the sea all night. In the morning we thought the wind was blowing away from the island, so flew for thirty minutes, and with the same fear in the evening flew another thirty minutes. Still we saw nothing, and at last our petrol was exhausted and we had to stop on the water whether we liked it or not. By careful calculation, we reckoned we were only 35 to 40 miles from home, and we still think we were more or less right. About seven o’clock on Tuesday evening our hopes rose high – two steamers came up over the horizon, but did not approach nearer than fifteen miles. We waved furiously, and fired off Very lights, and thought that help would surely come in the morning. Just after this we had an awful fright – Robbie thought he saw a periscope a little way off in the water and we were mortally afraid we should be bagged by a submarine before our rescue came. Submarine or no submarine, it never
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came near us – nor did any ship or sea-plane. Wednesday afternoon we were very down-hearted. All we had to eat was a small bottle of Horlick’s Malted Milk tablets, and were obliged to drink the dirty water from the radiator of the engine – which, luckily, was water-cooled. Another hope: Wednesday evening, smoke on the horizon, but it never materialised into anything more solid. The wind was now blowing N W., taking us S. E., away from the island. The days were hot and the nights bitterly cold and damp, and we had only one old coat between the two of us! During the day I rigged up an overhead W.T. aerial, but our instruments were too weak to so any good. From time to time one of us would get the hump, and then the other would do the cheering up game. Our malted milk tablets were now running low; we could only have half a one for breakfast, same for lunch and dinner. They were great times – those meal times! if Robbie happened to be keeping the machine into the wind – he would yell out “Lunch ready to be served, sir! What will you have, sir? Horlick’s soup or malted lamb cutlets” And we would forthwith spit out the lump of paper or string which we happened to be chewing and slap our lips over half a tablet. By jingo, they were fine, with those and the water we just managed to live. Every day, right from the start, we said to each other, “Oh, something will turn up; we can last out another two days, anyhow!” Thursday was our worst day. The wind and sea came along hard from the N.W.; the rollers – which fortunately, did not break – were anything from 30 to 50 feet high. We felt bally awful. Still, the great hope of seeing “England, home and beauty” once more – if eating strawberries and cream in Brown’s Café, made us hang on with the skin of our teeth. About 11.40 p.m. an awful accident happened – the starboard (right) wing tip float (the thing which keeps the wing out of the water) broke away, and so the beastly boat would not balance. Hereafter, we had to take turns sitting on the other wing to balance matters up. We were always afraid the other float would go – there was now so much strain on it, and, of course, if it had gone, well, the whole jolly show would have turned turtle, or sunk till only the top plane was left. That never happened – that’s why we’re here! We were getting so exhausted and tired by now, that night watches were practically a wash-out.
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Friday. – This day bring the 13th, we had high hopes of something happening – especially as Robbie had just won a “pony” in a raffle with No. 13! The wind happily moderated, but quite a lot of water got into the hull of the boat, which had to be baled out. And, by the bye, the dirty, rusty water in the radiator was now tasting like champagne! About now our poor little Marys were getting so empty that we suddenly remembered only too well how fine were the times we had at home in calmer times. I told Robbie that when “the” ship came along (a ship, it was understood, was bound to come some time or other), we would get leave, and that he should come and stay with us and see if we couldn’t beat Canadian strawberries and cream! Saturday morning arrived, and when we had thawed a little we settled down to our sumptuous breakfasts. By now we had cut out “lunch” altogether. Revived by “Brekker,” I had a tremendous brain wave: By careful calculation, we thought we might be going about 2.5 to 3 knots an hour, and that therefore, if the wind kept steady, we might by Tuesday fetch up on the coast of Africa. This bucked us up muchly, till the afternoon – when the wind dropped. So did our hope, as we knew we must now be much too far south of the shipping between Port Said and the island. Sunday, the 15th. – You remember the grand picnic I was going to have, I made all arrangements, invited everyone, and lo, the great day arrives and I am floating round on the sea and have been for a whole week; Robbie turned cheerful, though, and wished me “Many happy returns of the day” – though whether he meant them to be spent on this earth he discreetly did not say! About ten o’clock we noticed that the sky towards the S.S.W. looked very red – as though from the reflection of heat from sand, and a little later Robbie – who was sitting on the front plane – really thought he had gone balmy, for he fancied he saw sails in the distance; and later still he jumped up with such a bump that the boat lost its balance, and one wing slipped into the water. By much straining of eyes, small sticks like trees could be seen on the horizon.
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Great excitement; a rush for the top plane. The coast line seemed to be N. and S. a little inclined to South, and as we were moving South, too, it took quite a time to get near the shore; in fact, though we first sighted it at 11. a.m., it was not till evening that we were close enough to see what kind of country it was. About 7 p.m., we sighted a ship, and found we were making right for her – but alas! she was an abandoned ship on the rocks. By 9 p.m., we could hear breakers on the shore, which looked much indented, and at 10 p.m., we were rushing full tilt for the shore. By a strange coincidence, we made straight for the wrecked ship, and were just able to miss it and crash upon the rocks in the shelter it afforded. All the evening we had thought we had seen a village close, and had wondered what kind of stew we should be made into; whether we should be met by a gentleman in flowing robes on a prancing gee-gee, or a gleeful black warrior with large earrings and an ever-growing “pot”!!! We had great ideas, too, of capturing tigers and lions with a Very’s light pistol!! But, most of all, we thought we were near the Italians, and that we should be home once more. Well, the old seaplane slid on the rocks very well, and, not withstanding the quite big seas, we got off practically dry. After eight days on the sea, our legs were so weak that we reeled about the shore like drunken men, and, as it was about five in the morning, and as soon as possible had a good look round. The old steamer had evidently been wrecked for months, so it was no good trying to get food from her. It was a heart-breaking coast, nothing but sand hills and flat country covered with small, stubby bushes. We were very thankful when we found footprints in the sand – rather recent, they seemed, too – for, mounting a little knoll and looking round, we spotted a man about a mile off, who, however, pushed off when he saw us looking at him. Though feeling very groggy on our pins, we started a little tour in the same direction, but could not get near the person we had seen. Still, we found a kind of berry growing and made a meal off them. Then, just as we were thinking of returning to our “base,” we heard a shout, and on looking round saw an Arab soldier complete with camel. This was really great and fortunate (so we thought, then), and we were soon sitting down gulping great
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mouthfuls of meal and water. This johnnie had apparently found the machine in our absence, as he had with him my coat and our shoes and socks, etc., and. as he seemed desirous of pushing on, we decided that it would be wiser to go with him. So, turning our backs on our old pal, the seaplane, we marched along with the Arab. By this time (11 o’clock) it was fearfully hot, and after a few miles I felt so done up that I had to have a lift on the camel. About five miles further on, the camel konked out, and I then had to walk. Happily our guide knew of a hermit who lived among the sand hills all around, the colour of very light biscuit, and in the little dell in the middle two fresh water springs with cucumbers, tomatoes and melons growing. The old hermit, a most repulsively dirty wretch, sat in a spot sheltered from the sun. The water was fine. Our lips were swollen and so were our tongues, feeling like pieces of dry leather. Here, the soldier gave us to understand that we were en route for a large town, and that we should reach it by sunset. This seemed a deuce of a way; still we were cheered up by the idea that we should soon see a British consul and be lodged in a comfortable hotel – we determined we should rest for at least three days and regain our lost strength on choice fruits, afterwards leisurely journeying back to our base. We talked in this strain the whole journey, and it was only that which made us keep our peckers up. At 2 o’clock we had another three hours’ march – the camel being nearly done in, we all three had to march. Heavens! I shall never forget that tramp – nothing but desert all round, and the atmosphere was so rarefied that huge lumps of land seemed to be floating about in the air, or rather in a great sea of blue. About 4 o’clock we reached the tumbledown castle we had seen from the sea, and had another hour’s rest in the shade it afforded. While we were sitting there an Italian cruiser passed quite close in shore, and we thought we should soon be at the port en route for home. It was five when we again started – with mouths like bakers’ ovens and legs and feet like bars of lead. Evening was drawing on, however, and we thought we should be at our destination by sunset, and this gave us extra spirits. By 8 o’clock the camel was done in, and we, being overtaken by a man with a donkey, decided to
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follow him and lose no time. About seven miles in front a hill loomed up from the awful desert, and, as far as we could make out, the town was just behind it. How we walked! Just as the sun went down we rounded its base, and, another seven miles off, there was another hill, but no town could be seen! That night we pushed on as far as the next hill, where some Arab shepherds were living in tents, and there we literally dropped. An Arab gave us a cane mat and a rug, and we went to sleep under the stars. Early next morning we found our old friend, the soldier had turned up – though without camel and without food – and soon we were on the road again. The previous day we had set out on a good meal, and with plenty of water on the camel; but this morning we trotted off on empty stomachs and the old Horlick’s bottle half full of water. Our feet were badly blistered, and the sun came up with alarming rapidity. We were absolutely done to the world. Still, we struggled on, and at last came upon some palm trees and the semblance of a road. With many rests in the shade of the trees, we at last came to a tumbledown town. Everywhere the houses seemed to have been destroyed – where ever the people lived was a mystery. Anyhow, there was a well there, and about a bucketful of good, cool water disappeared beneath our waist lines. Once on the road again, we had quite a following. Robbie induced a weird looking gent on a donkey to give me a lift for a few minutes, and later on, when I was on the last notch, he neatly knocked a young fellow off another so that I could get along better. About 11.30 we at last arrived at the gates of a city, and were very bucked up to see a modern building or two. For the next half mile we were followed by a howling mob, with a gentleman in front yelling out “Inglaise!” at the top of his voice. By the time we had arrived at the main street, I should think hundreds were following, kicking up an awful din. It must have been the funniest sight going. We were marched into an old doorway, where we at once took the opportunity of sitting down. The whole place got crowded with Arabs, and Robbie yelled out in bull’s
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voice for the Italian! An Italian soldier brought us some water, and suddenly a voice said in English, “Oh, so you are English are you?” “Yes,” we replied, and the speaker went on, “Well, I am a German, and this place is in the hands of the Turks, so you are prisoners here!” I’ve had many surprises in my life, but I think that one took the biscuit. Robbie’s face – with eight days’ rosy red growth, very dusty and dirty – was a picture, and no mistake. We soon found that we were in the town jail, and were pushed into a very dirty cell and given a bottle of water and a few dried dates. We remained there for several hours, and then were taken before the Turkish commander, where we also saw another German officer, who spoke English. They were exceedingly nice to us, and said that though there was a great difference between Africa and Europe, still they would make us as comfortable as possible. At present we are still in the prison though moved to a slightly better room. It is not over pleasant, though. Arabs are imprisoned all round us, and the cries and groans do not make the sweetest music. The general commanding the whole country is coming in a few days, and then we hope to be moved elsewhere. Our great hope is that they will send us to Constantinople, where there are many English prisoners, and where we should be much better off. We have a black fellow – Mahomet – for our servant, and he also speaks a little English, which is a great help. He also acts as our “armed escort” when we go out for a walk, which we are allowed to do at any time of the day, so long as he is with us. There are no shops or anything in the town, only tumbledown houses, and as it is awfully hot we go out very little. We have been told that you may send us small parcels – they must not be bulky or heavy. And, by jingo! we want lots of things… The food here is good, but too much of a sameness. … At present we have nothing to do but to look at each other, and, though a thing of beauty is a joy for ever, still, even Robbie’s cheerful mug gets monotonous after a
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time! Please write very often, as it is likely that letters may never reach this out of the way spot. Any letters are welcome, and everyone who writes shall be blessed! Best love to all at home and Maurice,
Your ever-loving son, Jack
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Baker Prize The Sydney Harold Baker Prize for General Science was given to the School by Mr. James Baker, in memory of his son, who died in action in 1918. “Major in the Gloucesters, was killed in action on March 23rd at the age of 37. He had been in temporary command of an entrenching battalion, and the officer to whom he had just handed over command before he was shot, writes that Major Baker had been holding a redoubt for 36 hours, and by his example and ability had kept the enemy at bay. At the order to withdraw he was the last to leave, and just as he was nearing safety he was hit by a bullet and instantaneously killed. He had put up a splended fight. Major Baker was an honours science man at Oxford. He took an open science scholarship at Jesus College, Oxford, and honours degree 1903. He then went to Charlottenburg for a post-graduate course, and after a short period as a science master at Loretto he took charge and developed the science work at Abingdon School. At Jesus College he was captain of the boats, and stroke of the Eight at Oxford and Henley. He was a scientific photographer, and lectuer on German life, natural history, and science. He was a good linguist, and had travelled widely in Europe. He was gazetted Major whole in Salonika in August, 1916, where he did valuable reconnoitring work.�
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Officer Training Corps The 1918 reports on the Officer Training Corps give a wider picture of how it prepares the recruits for active service. Training and practice has increased greatly throughout the War. Even in the December 1918 Chronicle, following the Armistice, there seems to be no intention of reducing the activity and importance of the OTC. School Chronicle April 1918: “The work of the Corps has proceeded without interruption, and though everyone is busily employed in many and different ways, time is fond to carry out the course planned by the authorities with thoroughness and regularity. It must never be forgotten that the O.T.C. is in reality a school for the training of officers, and that a careful record is kept of the behaviour and attainments of every Cadet: on the work he does, the standard of efficiency he reaches, his skill, smartness and industry depends the recommendation he receives from the C.O. when the time comes for him to apply for admission into an Officer Cadet Battalion. The older members continue to do sound, solid work: they are giving more time to musketry, and if they will only listen carefully to the instruction given and endeavour to put into practice the lessons they receive, progress is obliged to ensue. It cannot be emphasised to frequent of too strongly that a full knowledge of all the parts of the rifle, of its mechanism, of the proper methods of loading and unloading, and most of all, of the correct way of aiming is undoubtedly the most important part of the work that is done. Numbers of Old Boys have gratefully acknowledged that the training they received in this subject, when members of the Corps, has proved invaluable to them, not only when they were Officer Cadets, but also on actual service.” School Chronicle July 1918: “It is no exaggeration to say that the members of the Corps have never worked more strenuously than during the term now drawing to a close, for in addition to three parades a week firing has taken place on the Miniature Range every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon. Thanks are due to the Headmaster for this concession, a concession which has not only been much appreciated, but one which has enabled substantial progress to be made in what
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perhaps is the most important branch of the training given. The N.C.O.’s and Senior Cadets have been practised individually in section, platoon, and company drill, and it is satisfactory to note that no candidate form this contingent for an army examination has yet failed to qualify for the 400 marks which may be gained by a member of the O.T.C. who in the opinion of his Commanding Officer has reached the Certificate A Standard. Moreover, special attention has been paid this term to extended order drill and fire control, and wisely so, as it was shown by the severe test to which the Corps was put in this respect on the occasion of the Annual Inspection.” School Chronicle December 1918: “The work of the Corps has gone on smoothly and uninterruptedly throughout the term, although influenza and inclement weather have done their worst to mar its progress. The contingent numbers 170, 42 of whom are recruits, and it is a matter of regret that the War Office will not at present allow the establishment to be increased; it is hoped, however, now that the end of the war is in sight, that permission will soon be obtained for the numbers to be augmented to an extent that will correspond with the growth of the School. The Band continues to do good work, and great credit is due to Corpl. Ewens for the untiring energy with which he maintained not only the numbers, but the standard of the playing. The impromptu performances on Armistice Day, though not official, were mots praiseworthy. Amid all the confusion and babble prevailing, none but expert and disciplined musicians could have continued playing with such correctness and swing as were displayed by the members of our Band. The Cadets of 18 years of age and over are required by the War Office still to devote 10 hours a week to military training, and under the keen supervision of the SergeantMajor have been instructing the Recruits in squad drill, extended order and rifle exercises. The recruits have now been equipped, and will probably be incorporated in the Corps itself early next term.”
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Inspection, July 1918 “The Annual Inspection of the O.T.C., after being postponed for a week, the date originally fixed being subsequently found by the Inspecting Officer to be inconvenient, took place on Tuesday, July 2nd, on the Tydndall’s Park playing field. The Corps was again favoured with a fine afternoon, but owing to a large number of Cadets being absent through illness, the parade was smaller than usual. Lieut.-Col. Ingram, O.C. Gloucester Depot. Horfield was the Inspecting Officer. After the general salute and inspection, the Company marched past in column of platoons. The usual routine of close order and skirmishing drill followed, the platoons working independently under their commanders, but at some disadvantage as Col. Ingram would not permit them to be told off into their ordinary sections, and the N.C.O.’s had to carry on as best they could with the platoons still sized for ceremonial purposes. It was some compensation that none of the section commanders were called upon to show their individual skill at drilling the company. Col. Ingram, in addressing the Corps, expressed satisfaction at what he had seen. He again laid stress upon the point which Col. Carroll emphasised last year – that the work should not be treated as an amusement, but as actual preparation for military duty, to which many of the cadets on parade would be called in the near future, and have an opportunity of winning honours already gained by past members, many of whom had been in the Corps during the school life of those present, and of the V.C. recently won by M.A. James – an honour for the School and for the Gloucester regiment. The Band, which had played a number of selections during the afternoon, and Sergt.-Major Savage, as Drill Instructor, also came in for a few words of wellearned praise. At the time of writing Col. Ingram’s report has not been received from the War Office, but a few extracts from it, which have been received from the Southern Command, suggest that it will not be below the high standard of those earned in previous years.”
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Scouts April 1918: “Last term we had to bid good-bye to Mr. Guerra, who, owing to his increased work in connection with the School games, found that he could not carry on with the Scouts. The Troop presented him with a gold Swastika – the Scouts’ Thanks Badge – in recognition of his splendid services. [The Swastika symbol predates use by the Nazi party by around 5000 years, at this point in history it was a good luck symbol.] This term we have been lucky in obtaining the services of the electrician of the Royal Blind School, who is taking an Electrician’s badge Class, and Mr. Dumble, Examiner for Pioneer’s Badge, who is taking a Pioneer and Ambulance Class. Each class has been attended regularly by those interested, and they will be ready for their test at the end of the term. We are also very grateful to Mr. Heath and Mr. McClymont who have been taking a Second Class Ambulance and Signalling Class. Members of the Troop have been doing different kinds of war work, such as distributing envelopes and collecting for local war charities, orderly duty, etc.”
July 1918: “On Independence Day, July 4th, there was a big Scout parade. On Whit Monday, a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. The Troop marched to the west District camping ground at Coombe Dingle and had tea there. Tea finished, a game was organised with the 8th and 18th Troops, which were encamped there. Later on in the term there is to be a combined game with the rest of the West District, to be concluded with a Camp Fire Sing-song at the camping ground. This term a Pack of Wolf Cubs has been formed. Mr. Heath is Cub-master, and P.L. Heath, of the 18th Troop, has been helping him. There are now about 36 Cubs. Also a Library has been started which contains about seventy books, and about 30 scouts make use of it.”
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December 1918: “Three 100-days and one 50-days War Service Badges have been gained and much useful War-work has been done. The Troop supplies 34 scouts every Saturday for duty at Bishop’s Knoll Hospital. Fifteen scouts acted as stewards at the Citizen’s Thanksgiving Service at the Colston Hall and the Troop has helped in the distribution of handbills in connection with the Clothes Week for the Serbian and Montenegrin Fund. These are a few of the ways in which the scouts have been able to render assistance and they are quite ready to do more when called upon. Several Church Parades have been attended and the troop took part in the combined parade held to celebrate the signing of the armistice. These parades have given the band an opportunity of showing their worth and on each occasion they have done excellently. Our best thanks are due to Mr. Ace for his untiring and very successful efforts.”
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Angell James is Awarded the Victoria Cross School Chronicle July 1918: As we go to press, news arrives of a second V.C. gained by an Old Boy, Captain M.A. James, now a prisoner of war. The Gazette announces the award in the following terms: “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Captain James led his company forward with magnificent determination and courage, inflicting severe losses on the enemy and capturing 27 prisoners and two machine guns. He was wounded, but refused to leave his company, and repulsed three hostile onslaughts the next day. Two days later, although the enemy had broken through his right flank, he refused to withdraw and made a most determined stand, inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy and gaining valuable time for the withdrawal of guns. He was ordered by the senior officer on the spot to hols on “to the last” in order to enable the brigade to be extricated. He then led his company forward in a local counter-attack on his initiative, and was again wounded. He was last seen working a machine-gun singlehanded, after having been wounded a third time. No praise can be too high for the gallant stand made by his company, and Captain James, by his dauntless courage and magnificent example, undoubtedly enabled the battalion to be withdrawn before being completely cut off.” Before winning the highest war honour Captain James had twice distinguished himself on active service. He was mentioned in despatches in May, 1917, and later was gazetted to the Military Cross for a most gallant deed. Previous to a British attack, he took up a forward position under heavy hostile barrage in order to obtain accurate information as to the progress of our advance. Afterwards he assisted to capture a strong point and made a very daring personal reconnaissance. The official record of his deed states: “His total disregard of danger and brilliant initiative throughout the action were largely responsible for its success.”
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Scrapbook of Maude Boucher Maude Boucher created scrapbooks from articles and other documents throughout the Great War. These are in the care of the Bristol Record Office. The Article below about Captain Manley Angell James has been reproduced from one of these scrapbooks. Bristol Record Office Reference 44589, Scrapbooks compiled by Maude Boucher. June 29: 1918 ANOTHER BRISTOL V.C. HEROISM OF CAPT. M. ANGELL JAMES. BRILLIANT FIGHTING CAREER. NOW PRISONER OF WAR IN GERMANY. Bristolians will learn with pride that another Victoria Cross has been awarded to a fellow-citizen. The winner is Captain Manley Angell James, M.C.m of the Gloucesters. The Gazette announces the award in the following terms. – For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Capt. James led his company forward with magnificent determination and courage, inflicting severe losses on the enemy and capturing 27 prisoners and two machine guns. He was wounded, but refused to leave his company, and repulsed three hostile onslaughts the next day. Two days later, although the enemy had broken through his right flank, he refused to withdraw and made a most determined stand, inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy and gaining valuable time for the withdrawal of guns. He was ordered by the senior officer on the spot to hold on “to the last” in order to enable the brigade to be extricated. He then led his company forward in a local counter-attack on his own initiative, and was again wounded. He was last seen working a machine-gun singlehanded, after having been wounded a third time. No praise can be too high for the gallant stand made by his company, and Capt.
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James, by his dauntless courage and magnificent example, undoubtedly enabled the battalion to be withdrawn before being completely cut off. OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOY Captain James, who is a son of Dr. J. Angell James and Mrs. Angell James, of Nevil Road, Bishopston, will be 22 years of age next month, having been born at Odihas, Hampshire, in 1896. From 1906 to 1914 he was a scholar at the Bristol Grammar School, and passed for a proficiency certificate while a private in the school cadets, in which corps he afterwards became a sergeant. On the outbrewak of war he applied for a commission, and was gazetted to the 8th Gloucesters, in which battalion he has been ever since. Going to France with the famous 19th Division, he was in much fighting. In the Battle of the Somme, 1916, he was severely wounded at La Boiselle, with the result that he subsequently spent five months in “Blighty”. He returned to France in December 1916, and in the spring of last year he was slightly wounded. Later he was for a time on the head-quarters staff of the brigade, but, anxious to get back to his battalion, he rejoined the 8th in June 1917, and was through the terrible fighting at Wytschaete and Messines Ridges, winning the Military Cross. “A” Company, with whom he was fighting, were given the special decoration of “The Butterfly” – a representation of an “Admiral” butterfly worn on the right sleeve. In September last no fewer than six Military Medals went to members of that company, and one of the junior officers won the Military Cross. PREVIOUS DISTINCTIONS Before winning the highest war honour Capt. Angell James had twice distinguished himself on active service. He was mentioned in despatches in May 1917, and later was gazetted to the Military Cross for a most gallant deed. Previous to a British
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attack, he took up a forward position under heavy hostile barrage in order to obtain accurate information as to the progress of our advance. Afterwards he assisted to capture a strong point and made a very daring personal reconnaissance. The official record of his deed states “His total disregard of danger and brilliant initiative throughout the action were largely responsible for its success.� On March 23rd Capt. Angell James was reported missing, and it was a considerable time before the anxiety of his relatives was relieved by the news that he is a prisoner of war. The further good news that his heroic fight has been fittingly rewarded will be received with much pleasure by his many friends. The gallant captain is now at Posen Camp, East Prussia and in a message to his parent he states that he is well treated there and is going on splendidly. Captain Angell James is an all-round athlete, and, like his father, a keen cricketer – he played for the Bohemians. He played football for the Bristol Rugby Club.
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Teachers Monsieur Chicoteau April 1918: Mr. Chicoteau, after serving in the French Territorials (otherwise ‘les terribles tauriaux!’) and as interpreter at the base of an English Army in France, has been enabled by a recent French law to return to his post at the School. The School was delighted to see M. Chicoteau back in his old place at prayers on the first day of term. He has served for the last three years in the French army. The latter part of this time he has been an interpreter.
July 1918 July 1918: Mr. Burkitt and Mr. Turner continue to flourish at Salonika. Mr. Caudwell has had pneumonia seriously, but is now convalescent.
December 1918 December 1918: Our Indian exiles are on the move. Mr. Oakford has at last a chance of seeing active service, possibly in Mesopotamia, with a brigade of the R.F.A. Of course the great event of the term was the signing of the Armistice on November 11th… an immediate result is the return of Mr. Turner, who will almost certainly resume his duties among us next term. This is a matter for great rejoicing throughout the School, and we extend to him a most hearty welcome.
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Deceased April: We are thankful to record this term a much shorter list of the fallen, though each of those whose names are now added to the Roll will be sadly missed.
Arthur William Brian Danne
7th October 1897 to 30th March 1918.
“Left the School in 1915, and soon obtained a commission in the 14th Gloucesters. He was one of the few officers in it who survived the attack on Houthulst Forest in the spring, but was killed while leading his men in a counter-attack on March 30th. Many letters bear witness to his popularity and gallantry in action. He had been recommended for the M.C.� - July 1918 The details of this particular offensive on Houthulst Forest have not yet been identified by the Archive Department. Danne is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France.
Pozieres Memorial, France
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
Reginald Francis Hitchcock
6th June 1897 to 14th April 1918.
Reginald Francis Hitchcock was the younger brother of Herbert William Hitchcock, who passed away 12th November 1916. Both brothers served with the Machine Gun Corps, in different divisions. Reginald Hitchcock passed away on 14th April 1918, and is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. “Hearty congratulations are also due to R.F. Hitchcock in winning one of the Classical Scholarships at Corpus.” - Dec 1915 “R.F. Hitchcock and J.G. Hogan are reported missing.” - July 1918 “There seems now little doubt that R.F. Hitchcock was killed on April 17th, 1918, near Kemmel Hill. Oxford has lost in him and his elder brother two very promising scholars.” - April 1919 Jack Graham Hogan is reported as having passed away on 28th March, 1918.
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The Slade Brothers
Ernest: 12th July 1888 to 4th May 1918. Frank: 5th June 1890 to 26th October 1918.
Born two years apart, Frank Oscar Slade and Ernest Cowper Slade died within 6 months of each other. Frank is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey. Ernest is buried in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium. Ernest Cowper Slade: “…offer the very heart congratulations of the School and all connected with it to Captain and Temporary Major E.C. Slade, who has been in temporary command of his battalion, and has won the great distinction of the Military Cross.” - July 1916 “Congratulations... to Temporary Major E.C. Slade, who has added to his Military Cross the further honour of the D.S.O.” - December 1916 “had a brilliant career in the Army. While Major in the 6th Gloucesters he acted for some time as Lieut.-Col. of his battalion, and gained the D.S.O. and M.C. He was killed in action of May 4th at the age of 29.” - July 1918
Frank Oscar Slade: “served for some time in the Army Pay Corps. He was attacked this autumn by pneumonia, and died on October 26th.” - December 1918
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Frederick William Lumsden
14th December 1871 to 4th June 1918.
July 1918: Since last term we have had sad losses, the most striking of which is that of General Lumsden, who had received only two days before his death the C.B. to add to his numerous and probably unprecedented honours. Reprint from the ‘Morning Post’, June 10th 1918: “We regret to announce the death in action of Brigadier-General Frederick William Lumsden, V.C., D.S.O. General Lumsden was born in December, 1871, and entered the Royal Marine Artillery in September, 1890. He was a graduate of the Staff College; but before the war had seen no actual fighting. For four years from June, 1910, he served as General Staff Officer in the Straits Settlements. The war had brought to him honours and promotion. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of April 30th, 1916, and in the year following he won the V C. and D.S.O., and was awarded three bars to the D.S.O.; last year, too, he was given a brigade command.” Frederick William Lumsden is buried in Berles New Military Cemetery, France. However, he also has his own memorial in the Memorial Gardens of the Royal Marines Museum, in the Portsmouth.
Berles New Military Cemetery, France Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Joseph Arthur Holdsworth
16th January 1895 to 17th June 1918.
Joseph Arthur was the older brother of Wesley Cope Holdsworth. While Joseph died 17th June 1918, Wesley had unfortunately also passed away on 6th October 1917. “In the various spring offensives the following have had the misfortune to be taken prisoners: M.A. James, S.H. Watson, R.J. Tucker, J.A. Holdsworth, G.K. Stanley, R.S. Milani.” - July 1918 “has already been recorded as wounded and prisoner of war. It is now known that he died in hospital in Germany on June 17th. After gaining a commission in the Gordon Highlanders he was transferred to the Lancashire Regt., and won the M.C. about a year ago near Ypres, On March 21st last he was wounded in the head by a shell and not found by the enemy till two days later. At School he had distinguished himself both in games and in the Classical Sixth, and when war broke out he had been for a year Exhibitioner of St. John’s College, Oxford.” - December 1918 Of those taken prisoner, all but M.A. James, and J.A. Holdsworth survived the War.
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Leslie Harrison Bell
6th April 1898 to 26th September 1918.
During his time at the School, Leslie Harrison Bell was highly involved in sports. Following his death on active service in September of 1918, his mother presented his cricket bat to the School. This is still awarded today for services to cricket. “was so frequent a visitor to the School since leaving it two years ago that the news of his death came as a great shock. He had transferred from the Gloucesters to the R.A.F., and before going to fly in France did much useful work off the N.E. coast of England. On September 26th he was returning with his pilot from a bombing raid when his machine was hit and badly damaged, and in attempting a forced landing it crashed and killed both instantaneouly. The School has seen few such all-round athletes. He won his colours for cricket, football, hockey, and fives, was captain of hockey 1916 and of cricket 1915 and 1916, witha batting average of 50. In 1915 he tied with M.T. Todd for the Sports Challenge Cup, which he might have won again in 1916 but for the repeated trouble with his shoulder. Numerous letters from the front attest how deeply his loss has been felt.” - December 1918
“In memory of L. H. Bell, Captain of Cricket 1915-1916, who was killed in the war, Mrs. Bell has presented the school with his bat, which will be hung in the pavilion.
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Hayes, Christopher Walter. Attended the School between 1901 and 1905. Served in the Army. Died 17 February 1918, aged 29. Buried in Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery, Africa. Baker, Sydney Harold. Attended the School between 1890 and 1899. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 23 March 1918, aged 37. Remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Sandy, Walter Fawkes. Attended the School between 1907 and 1908. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 25 March 1918, aged 26. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Hogan, Jack Graham. Attended the School between 1908 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 28 March 1918, aged 19. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Danne, Arthur William Brian. Attended the School between 1908 and 1915. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 30 March 1918, aged 20. Remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Swain, Clifford Maxwell. Attended the School between 1910 and 1915. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 4 April 1918, aged 19. Buried in Picquigny British Cemetery, France. Davis, Leslie James George. Attended the School between 1899 and 1905. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 5 April 1918, aged 29. Buried in Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Stone, Harold George. Attended the School between 1911 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 5 April 1918, aged 19. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Churchill, Arthur Joseph. Attended the School between 1896 and 1901. Served in the Army. Died 11 April 1918, aged 32. Buried in London Cemetery, France. Watson, Kenneth Charles Forrester. Attended the School between 1910 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 12 April 1918, aged 22. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
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Hitchcock, Reginald Francis. Attended the School between 1906 and 1916. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 14 April 1918, aged 20. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Arney, Frank Stanley. Attended the School between 1907 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 18 April 1918, aged 21. Buried in Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece. Thomas, Arthur Lewis. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 24 April 1918, aged 32. Remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Naish, Reginald Paul. Attended the School between 1906 and 1913. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 4 May 1918, aged 23. Buried in Canford Cemetery, Britain. Slade, Ernest Cowper. Attended the School between 1900 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 4 May 1918, aged 29. Buried in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium. Hill, Albert Charles Leonard. Attended the School between 1907 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 27 May 1918, aged 22. Buried in St. Venant-Robecq Road British Cemetery, France. Lumsden, Frederick William. Attended the School between 1886 and 1888. Served in the Navy as an Officer. Died 4 June 1918, aged 45. Buried in Berles New Military Cemetery, France. Holdsworth, Joseph Arthur. Attended the School between 1905 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 17 June 1918, aged 23. Buried in Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Germany. Hawley, Arthur Charles Richard. Attended the School between 1911 and 1915. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 9 August 1918, aged 19. Remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France. Gray, Reginald Francis. Attended the School between 1895 and 1897. Served in the Army. Died 15 August 1918, aged 35. Buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, France.
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Webb, Jack Purnell. Attended the School between 1904 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 22 August 1918, aged 25. Buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, France. Nash, Clifford Sydney John. Attended the School between 1908 and 1912. Served in the Army. Died 28 August 1918, aged 24. Buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, France. Lowndes, Edmund Harold. Attended the School between 1911 and 1916. Served in the Army. Died 18 September 1918, aged 19. Remembered on the Loos Memorial, France. Bell, Leslie Harrison. Attended the School between 1910 and 1916. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 26 September 1918, aged 20. Buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. Drake, Edward Barfort. Attended the School between 1911 and 1914. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 29 September 1918, aged 20. Remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France. Rees, Dudley Carruthers. Attended the School between 1906 and 1911. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 30 September 1918, aged 24. Buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery, France. Piper, Arthur Edward. Attended the School from 1907 and 1911. Served in the Army. Died 12 October 1918, aged 23. Buried in Hautmont Communal Cemetery, France. Slade, Frank Oscar. Attended the School from 1900. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 26 October 1918, aged 28. Buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Britain. Hill, Frederick Stanley. Attended the School between 1902 and 1906. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 4 November 1918, aged 29. Buried in Landrecies British Cemetery, France. Vincent, Austin Ears. Attended the School between 1909 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 8 November 1918, aged 23. Buried in Cross Roads Cemetery, France.
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Lowther, Rowland. Attended the School between 1900 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 10 November 1918, aged 29. Buried in St. Andre Communal Cemetery, France. Poole, Arthur George. Attended the School between 1907 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died in 23 November 1918, aged 25. Buried in Clevedon (St. Andrew) Churchyard, Britain.
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013