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Contents Introduction
4
Acknowledgements
6
Pre-War 1914
10
1915
66
1916
106
1917
189
1918
231
Post War
272
Roll of Service
290
Decorations
344
Appendix
380
36
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During the summer of 2012, the Headmaster presented the Archive Department with a survey from Anthony Seldon and David Welsh, for a book written by the same, entitled “Public Schools and The Great War, The Generation Lost”. The survey asked for basic data on the OBs during the Great War – how many of the OBs had served, how many killed, decorations, and more. At this point, the only readily available source was the War Memorial, and the Roll of Service in the School Chronicle. It was immediately apparent that there were discrepancies, as the numbers didn’t add up. As we began to delve deeper into the research the project grew exponentially. In the last two years, we have carried out research, in order to update and amend the Roll of Service, and to document the records of those who died, the records of decorations. While doing this, stories, documents, and people, previously unknown, have been identified. They vary from Leonard Raven Hill, a famous punch cartoonist, to William Ivor Castle, who was appointed the first Official War Photographer for Canada, and include the composer Cyril Rootham. As part of this project the Department went on a road trip to France and Belgium in 2013, in order to visit and photograph as many of our OBs’ graves and memorials as possible. So far, we have visited, or have been provided with photographs for, 64, out of 120 graves and memorials. We have constantly been discovering new material, and trying to keep everything up to date. However, this is very much an on-going project, and any mistakes you find, or any advice, or extra information, which you may be able to offer, would be very much appreciated. Moving forward from the current documents made in July 2014, available, we are compiling everything we know about each individual. In addition, we hope in time to be able to find a photograph for at least each of the fallen, and as many as possible of those who served. Elizabeth Pearce Please send any information or pictures to the Archivist, Anne Bradley, at abradley@ bgs.bristol.sch.uk.
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Acknowledgements Bristol Grammar School The Headmaster Sara Bassett Hugo Cullum Jan Duncan Peter Jakobek Aman Khera Tony O’Callaghan Judith Pearce
Individuals and Families Brian Austin (E W B Gill) John and Mary Bosanko (The S C Booker Archive) The Boucher/Hannam Family Clare Brenard (OB) Alison Brown Clive Burlton The Golding Family Margaret McGregor Janet MacWhirter (C E Gingell) Robert Pearce (OB) Richard Porch (The Morgan Brothers) Lesley Valentine (The W I Castle Archive)
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Institutions Bournemouth School, William Pyke (The Gunning Brothers) Bristol Record Office Imperial War Museum Punch Stamford School, Nicholas McCarthy (F M Davis) Stoke Bishop Local History Society, Jenny Weeks (F G Hardingham)
Websites Ancestry Australian War Memorial Commonwealth War Graves Commission Findmypast Forces War Records London Gazette The Great War 1914-1918 The Times
Published Works The Bristol Grammar School Chronicle History of Bristol Grammar School, C P Hill History of Bristol Grammar School, W A Sampson (OB) Dear Mother , ed B Williamson Public Schools and the Great War: the Generation Lost, Anthony Seldon and David Walsh
Pre-War
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Contents School Life The New Buildings Mysterious Foundations The House System Sport School Subjects Officer Training Corps Scouts Boer War Leonard Raven Hill
10 11 15 17 19 20 26 29 30 33
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School Life The School Chronicles give the feeling that the period surrounding 1913 was a real high point for the School. When Cyril Norwood was appointed Headmaster in 1906, he was told that the School was failing, and would almost certainly close. At this point there were only 189 boys in the School. However, Norwood’s influence turned the School around and by July of 1914, it was reported that there were 434 boys attending, a new high. In 1912, according to History of the Bristol Grammar School by Walter Adam Sampson, the staff consisted of the Headmaster, with 21 assistant masters, and a mistress for the lowest form in the Preparatory School. The School thrived under Norwood. The OTC, Scouts, and sports were stronger and more popular than ever before. The setting up of the house system is possibly the most significant event, which has changed the School. A number of the buildings standing on the current site were built during this time of prosperity. Including the Gymnasium, Rifle Range, Fives Courts (These are now the Lower School Hall, Heads of House offices, and the Owen Room). A number of the teachers, and Old Bristolians contributed donations to these causes. The Lord Winterstoke Memorial Wing was also built during this time, largely thanks to a generous donation by Miss Stancomb Wills.
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The New Buildings April 1910 It was noted with gratitude at Christmas that Mr. Lionel Crawford, O.B., had offered £150 [around £15,500 today] for the building of a miniature rifle range. Unhappily, objection was raised to the presence of such a range on the playingfield side of the buildings by the University, and to its presence of the other side by the authorities of the Tyndall’s Estate. It is proposed to attempt a more ambitious scheme, of which Mr. Crawford approves, and of which fuller particulars will appear in the summer. But it is hoped that we may be able to build a Gymnasium, construct a range under cover, and possibly obtain some fives courts. July 1910: The plans as drawn provide for a Gymnasium, a Rifle Range, three covered Fives Courts, and a bicycle-shed, and the total cost will be a little over £2,000 [around £200,000 now]. The ground in front of the School between the trees and University Road will be used for the site, and will be excavated to the level of the main School.
The Rifle Range
Source: Bristol Grammar School, Archive Department
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The Fives Courts
Source: Bristol Grammar School, Archive Department
The School owes a very great debt of gratitude to Mr. A.M. Fry, a member of the Governing Body, who has very generously undertaken the Fives Courts at his own personal charge, and it is hoped that this fine game will take thorough root in the School, and that in time to come there will be produced fives players worthy of such a splendid gift. Our heartiest thanks are due also once more to Mr. Fenwick Richards, who, having observed the bewildering mountain of bicycles, which piles itself up daily at 9 a.m. in the Entrance Hall, has promised to give a shed to be built along one side of the Gymnasium: there is no doubt about the genuineness of the gratitude of all who cycle for this kindly gift, judging by the applause which greeted the announcement after the Sports. Equally must we thank Mr. L.E. Crawford, from whose suggestion the whole plan grew, and who headed the subscription list with the generous subscription of ÂŁ200 [over ÂŁ20,000 today].
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April 1911 School Chronicle Opening of the new buildings by A.M. Fry, Esq.: On Saturday, March 25th, the official opening of the new buildings – the Gymnasium, Rifle Range, Fives Courts, and Bicycle Sheds – took place. At three o’clock the School assembled in the Great Hall where visitors had already begun to arrive. At half-past three the Headmaster entered with Mr. Worsley and Mr. Fry, who was to perform the official opening ceremony. When the cheering had subsided, Mr. Worsley, the Chairman of the Governors, spoke of the cause of the gathering and mentioned the good fortune of the School in possessing such benefactors as Mr. Fry, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Fenwick Richards. The present scheme owed much to them and much also to Mr. Norwood, of whom the Governors and the School felt justly proud. The Headmaster then rose, and described the course of the scheme which had results in the new buildings. It had originated in the brain of Mr. Crawford, who had offered to give money for an open rifle-range. There were difficulties in the way of such a scheme, and so it was agreed to join it to the
The Gymnasium
Source: Bristol Grammar School, Archive Department
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Gymnasium. Here Mr. Fry intervened and promised to give three Fives Courts, and Mr. Fenwick Richards had undertaken to house the School bicycles. The money for the Gymnasium had been begged from a few of the leading men of the district, who had subscribed most generously. The School also had collected over ÂŁ100 [over ÂŁ10,000]. The Headmaster then asked Mr. Fry to declare the New Buildings official open. The latter was received with ringing cheers, and in a few well-chosen words expressed his ideal of education as developing both mind and body. He had great pleasure in declaring the New Building open. The School Song was then sung, and after that a verse of the National Anthem. Then the visitors moved off to inspect the School buildings, old and new. Nearly all availed themselves of this permission, and the School was soon overrun by an eager throng of inspecting parents and friends. Various parties were on duty in different places to display the equipment, and all did their best to answer the varied questions put to them. It has been said that the Four Sergeants on duty in the Rifle Range now feel fully qualified to set the next General Knowledge Paper. The round of inspection ended in the Great Hall where arrangements for tea had been made. B.G.H.
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Mysterious Foundations School Chronicle, December 1910 During the excavation of the bank of the paddock in preparation for the building of the Gymnasium, extensive remains of walls of very solid construction were discovered not far beneath the surface. Their existence had never been suspected, and rumour was rife that they probably dated from the Civil War and might at one time have been manned by Roundheads or Cavaliers. But the masonry was not of the character hitherto found in the walls and fortifications of Bristol, and all doubt has been set at rest by Mr. W.N. Hill, of 23 Carnarvon Road. He quotes from Malcolm’s “Excursions in Kent, Gloucestershire,” published in 1807, which speaks of the “furor of building which lately prevailed at Bristol,” but adds that “The speculators soon felt that all their squares, crescents, and magnificence, would be destitute of residents, though certainly highly desirable.” It goes on, page 199, “Even the beautiful park already mentioned as belonging to Mr. Tindall was let on building leases: and grand avenues of architecture were projected and actually commenced, when misfortune interfered, and restored the domain to its owner, who has since efface every mark, and returned his soil to the bountiful hand of Nature, now happily employed in renewing her embellishments.” Mr. Hill quotes a picturesque Guide to Bath, Bristol, Hotwells, etc., published in 1793, which fixes the date of the building still more exactly: “A purchase has recently been made of Mr. Tyndall’s park for the purpose of building, and a number of labourers were, when we visited it, preparing the ground”.
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School Site Plan
Source: Bristol Grammar School, Archive Department
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The House System When originally set up in 1907, there were just four School houses, each with a House Master, and a House Captain and prefects to assist with the running. The Yellow house was introduced in 1927, with the Red house beginning in 1943.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Brown
Green
Black
Blue
Yellow
Red
Beame’s 1907 Jacob’s 1923 Dehn’s 1951 Pickup’s 1966
Ford’s 1907 Holmes’s 1913 Langford’s 1935 Rendall’s 1954
Holman’s 1980 Gunawardana’s 2007 Goodman’s 2013
Trott’s 1959 Cox’s 1977 Jakobek’s 1992 Hilliard’s 2012
Parker’s 1907 Holmyard’s 1917 Dicker’s 1918 Morris’s 1926 Booker’s 1948 Cockitt’s 1967 Burn’s 1975 Scott’s 2005
Freeman’s 1907 Gough’s 1910 Bridge’s 1913 Pitt’s 1920 Dunnicliff’s 1935 Lucas’s 1955 Edwards’s 1972 Morris’s 1978 Huckle’s 1984 Jeffrey’s 1991 Diamond’s 1996 Tong’s 1999 Edwards’s 2002
Hodgett’s 1927 Wood’s 1929 Dudley’s 1946 Osborne’s 1952 Warren’s 1962 Rolling’s 1975 Keen’s 2005 Diamond’s 2011
Carter’s 1943 Fox’s 1952 Meigh’s 1959 Metcalfe’s 1964 Perry’s 1971 Speake’s 1979 Watson’s 1989 Saunder’s 2001 Catchpole’s 2004
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Much emphasis is placed on sports and games, but these were still to an extent informal, and not part of the curriculum and not only does the Chronicle show that support was never as great as the House officers wished, it also shows the wealth of other activities available to boys who either preferred more intellectual and academic pursuits or enjoyed both. One hundred years later that has not changed.
April 1907 School Chronicle “Many have said that the School has been suffering from a depression, and that a great lack of keenness has been displayed in games and sports. And it would certainly seem that such was the case for the past two or three football seasons, which have been anything but successful. Also, it was found that the number of boys playing games was increasing, and was likely to still further increase in the immediate future. These two facts, coupled with the example of other Schools, have been mainly instrumental in bringing into existence the new Houses. The scheme provides systematic games for all boys who have given in their names at the beginning of the season; and each boy is given to understand that he is responsible for the honour of his House, both in and out of School.�
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Sport A new pavillion on the School site was built in 1908, the money was largely raised by the Old Boy’s Society. This is noted in the “History of the Bristol Grammar School” by Walter Adam Sampson, page 209: ‘At the opening ceremony Mr A M Fry said … Now they believed the way to improve the thorns and better the grapes was by building up the body, and to this end the physical cultivation of the school. The better the physical condition of the school, the higher would be the standard of scholarship and attainment.’ The interest in sport seemed to have withered prior to the 1900s. However, it gradually became more popular, and by the start of the War, the School Chronicle focuses largely on the various School sporting events.
The Tyndall’s Park Pavillion, Opened 1908 Source: Bristol Grammar School, Archive Department
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School Subjects While there were less subjects on offer at this time, the masters were often required to teach a number of different disciplines. The tables below show what each of the masters at the time was required to teach and, in some cases, which reference books were in use. A number of these master left for active service once the War began.
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Officer Training Corps The Corps has an uncertain history. It was ‘founded’ three times over, in 1880, 1900 and 1907, gathering strength each time. It was eventually replaced by the Duke of Edinburgh Award, although pupils of the School continued to join the armed forces. Extracts taken from “A History of the Bristol Grammar School” by Walter Adam Sampson, and the School Chronicles, 1879 to 1907.
First Attempt, 1880 Sampson: “A Cadet Corps, attached to the 1st Glos Artillery Volunteers, was formed in the year 1880, with Grammar School boys, Mr J G S Muschamp taking command as Captain. The boys were called upon to subscribe £1 1s [one guinea, approximately £112], and pay £2 for the uniform [£215]. The Corps had a short life, and was disbanded in 1883.” Chronicle November 1879: “In accordance with the wish of many of the parents of the boys, a drilling class has been established, for the superintendence of which the services of Sergeant-Major Campion have been secured.” “On Wednesday, November 12th, the School was visited by Colonel Versturme and Captain Graham, of the Bristol Volunteer Artillery, for the purpose of starting a Cadet Corps in connection with the Volunteers; to be called the “Grammar School Cadet Corps”, and to consist of boys of the school. Colonel Versturme explained the object with which this proposal was made, viz – in order to encourage in the minds of the boys a taste for military exercises, so that when their time should come, they should be ready to supply the places of those who had gone before them and fill the ranks of the Volunteer Forces. Captain Graham the gave the particulars with regard to uniform, expenses of membership, &c, and reminded the boys that obedience must be first learnt before command was undertaken, speaking of the benefits which he himself had acquired by the course of training undergone as a cadet.”
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Chronicle June 1883: “The Cadet Corps, we are sorry to say, is not as it as it ought to be. The numbers have considerably fallen off, and the “thin red lines” are very thin indeed. For the sake of the honour of the School, if for no other reason, the Corps ought not to be allowed to fall to pieces.”
Second Attempt, 1900 Chronicle April 1898: “We are informed that Mr Holmes is starting an Army Side in connection with Thorne Lodge. Arrangements are made for conversation in Modern languages, and individual tuition in the various subjects required for Woolwich, Sandhurst and the Militia. The Headmaster has granted some modifications of the School time table to meet this new departure. We wish Mr Holmes every success in his undertaking.’ Sampson: “Any boy above the age of 13, of sufficient physique, may join the contingent of the Officers’ Training Corps. The strength is that of one company (100) and is officered by the Head master, who holds a captain’s commission, and two of the assistant masters, who are lieutenants. There is a weekly parade on Tuesdays, and occasional field days. The annual camp takes place alternately at Aldershot and on Salisbury Plain. The ambition of a cadet is to take certificate “A”, an examination of some difficulty, which demands plenty of work, and is worth 200 marks in the examinations for Woolwich and Sandhurst. There is a distinct probability of its being considered the equivalent of one of the five subjects for matriculation.” Chronicle April 1900: “Applications will be made to the War Office for the uniform to be khaki. Cadets would have access to the Bedminster ranges, and would be supplied by the Government with arms. The Musketry and Drill Instructors from the Engineers would instruct the Cadets, whose School work would not be interfered with in the slightest degree. The fees to cover the cost of uniform and all other expenses will be one guinea on entrance and 10/6 for each of the remaining two terms of the
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year. It is probable that even this small subscription may be lessened if the entries are numerous. Mr Holmes, to whom our warmest thanks are due for the trouble he has taken, is about to qualify for a commission, and will devote his time to the corps and be responsible for the discipline at the targets.”
Second Attempt, 1900 Chronicle August 1907: “The School kept Empire Day with fitting loyalty, and the Head-Master gave us a stirring address on the duties of members of such an Empire as The British Empire. He took that opportunity of announcing to the School that he intended applying for a Commission, and next term will take over the Cadet Corps. He has since been gazetted as a Captain in the 1st V B Gloucester Regiment. [?Volunteer Brigade] The mention of the Cadet Corps reminds us at once of the work Mr Holmes has done for the School; we cannot, of course, render any adequate tribute here to Mr Holmes’ splendid work for the School, but, we trust, he will leave the School with pleasant memories, and we can promise him the best wishes of all members of the School in his new work.”
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Scouts School Chronicle, April 1913 “Robert Thorne” Troop A Troop of Boy Scouts has been formed this term. It bears the above appropriate name, and Mr Gough is the Scoutmaster. That this institution is not only needed here in the Grammar School but is popular as well, is shewn (sic) by the fact that the numbers a once rose to 64, and there is evidence that they will continue to rise. These 64 are divided into 8 Patrols. The first few weeks of the new Troop’s existence were spent in preparing for the Tenderfoot tests, which have to be passed before a boy can be enrolled as a Scout. The tests provided much instruction and not a little amusement, and were, generally speaking, safely passed by all before the day fixed for the Investiture, March 1st. This ceremony took place in the afternoon in the Great hall, and there were on the platform Dr Norwood, Colonel Brittan, Mr W S Paul, and Mr Neale, the Secretary for the Bristol Association, while a very fair audience of friends came to help us in our start. The proceedings began with a short address of introduction by Dr Norwood. The Scouts then prepared for the ceremony itself. Each patrol came forward in turn and repeated after the Scoutmaster the promises that each individual will keep, and each Scout was given his hat and pole by the Assistant Scoutmasters. The patrols, on retiring, gave their patrol call. [These want a little more practice.] When all had been duly “sworn in”, Mr Paul addressed us. Then followed an inspection by Colonel Brittan, who congratulated the Scouts on their newly-formed Troop, and on becoming associated with the “finest movement in the world”. This ended the proceedings, and the Scoutmaster having called for three cheers for Colonel Brittan, and obtained them, dismissed the troop.
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The Boer War The Second Boer War took place from 1899 to 1902. It was fought against the Transvall and the Orange Free State in the south of Africa. The British forces won in direct combat, but this was followed by a long guerrilla campaign. The British losses were high due to both sickness and combat. However, it’s effect on the British public was significantly less than the First World War, because of the fact that it was fought far away. In addition, the result of losing wouldn’t result in the invasion of Britain. Throughout the Boer War, the Army Medical Corp found that 40-60% of men presenting for service were not fit to fight. This was a major contribution to the desire for the liberal reforms. The School held a War Concert in 1899, in order to raise money for the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s War Fund. The image on the front was drawn by OB, Leonard Raven Hill.
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Leonard Raven Hill Leonard Raven Hill attended Bristol Grammar School from 1877 to 1881. After leaving the School, he studied studied at Lambeth School of Art and the Academie Julian in Paris. He later returned to Britain and worked as a painter, exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1889. However, he soon found that his cartoons, caricatures, and illustrations were more popular. These were published in a number of publications, including Pall Mall Gazette, Printer’s Pie, Pearson’s, Sketch and Strand Magazine. In 1895, Raven Hill began drawing for Punch. He became one of their regular cartoonists in 1901, and draw for them until his retirement in 1935. His cartoon ‘Gap in the Bridge’ (reproduced on the following pages) was chosen by Timothy S. Benson as one of the greatest cartoons in history. School Chronicle December 1904 Old Boys’ Society Annual Dinner “They could not make geniuses, and genius came out in many ways. If they opened the pages of their Punch, they would find there a genius in an Old Boy – Mr. Raven Hill. (Applause.) One of the London papers said that genius was gradually evolved, and found its consciousness of being on the margin of the exercise book, which, in his idle time, he (Raven Hill) illustrated when he was at his tasks in the School. There were always ways for the boy to find an outlet for genius, unknown even to his master. (Laughter.)”
Raven Hill helped the School to raise money for both the Boer War effort, and the First World War effort. In each case, he drew an original illustration to be used as the front cover of the programmes for a special War Concert. One in 1899, the other in 1914. In addition to these, Raven Hill donated the original of one of his drawings for Punch, entitled “Sounding the All Clear”. These are shown in the 1914 chapter, and the Post War chapter respectively.
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Reproduced with permission from Punch Ltd.
1914
Timeline World
School
1914 All members of the VI, V, and IV forms now recieve regular rifle practice
28 June 1914 Franz Ferdinand assassinated 28 July 1914 14 August 1914 Austria declares war on Serbia Scouts encounter submarine on return from France 4 August 1914 Germany fails to withdraw from Belgium Britain declares war on Germany
21 December 1914 First admission charged for school concert ÂŁ53 raised for Prince of Wales Relief Fund December 1914 First Zeppelins appear over English coast
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“We are told that this is a time for action. This would be sufficient excuse for us not to write a single work more by way of introduction. But tradition, precedent and all such sacred things appear before us in ghostly presentment when such shirking thoughts occur. It would be an unforgivable crime if this number of the School Chronicle appeared without what is variously called a ‘Proeme’, ‘Prologue’, ‘Foreword’, an ‘Introduction’ or an ‘Editorial’: - history would never pardon such an unthinkable offence against the common law of humanity.”
Foreword to School Chronicle December 1914
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Contents School Life Officer Training Corps Scouts Submarine Encounter School Events The Loss of HMS Speedy Poem - An Apology Old Bristolian’s Society Teachers
40 46 50 51 58 60 61 64
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School Life In the December 1914 Chronicle the editorial begins ‘We are told that this is a time for action.’. The War officially began on 28th July, during the summer holidays, and so at this point has had minimal effect on the School. The editor notes that ‘every effort has been made to maintain the average nulk, accounts of House matches have been judiciously lengthened’. It is clear that they are attempting not to let the War have too much of an impact on the traditions of the Chronicle, and the running of everyday life. However, it has already begun to cause changes. The Cadet Corps is reported as having been rejuvenated, with an ‘infusion of fifty more recruits into the veteran ranks’. Due to the larger Bristol assembly rooms being commandeered for troops quarters, the Great Hall was ‘fitted as a Concert room, and placed at the disposal of four of the chief musical societies’. In addition, it had become compulsory that all members of the VI, V, and IV forms were to carry out rifle practice once a week. It was told that ‘great progress has been made by many’. By this point in time the School has already begun gathering information about OBs serving: “In other columns will be found the “Roll of Honour” of those old Boys who are serving on land and sea. It is not complete, and the Headmaster would particularly ask for information as to the school generations of: 1896-1906 who have in large measure lost touch with the School and the Old Boys’ Society. Advertisement in the Times has brought a certain number of replies, but personal enquiry could do much more.”
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New Playing Field The Golden Hill ground was donated to the School during 1913 by Melville Wills, for use as playing fields by the boys. A new Pavilion was also built on the grounds for this purpose. ‘The History of Bristol Grammar School’ by C P Hill, gives an account of the first uses of the new facilities. “This new Golden Hill ground was first used for football on 1st October, 1913. Henceforward al football was to be played there, and much of the cricket and hockey, although for many years at least most of the 1st XI mathces in those games took place in Tyndalls Park. There was, however, a cricket match at Golden Hill on 24th June, 1914, between the XI and the Masters, to celebrate the gift of the new field; it was temporarily stopped at 4.30 to enable Mrs. Norwood to start the Pavilion Clock, the gift of George Langford, O.B. Neither the halt nor the Headmaster’s “brilliant 40” (out of 98) saved the Masters from defeat. Sports were first run at Golden Hill in 1915. The effect of the new field was immediate and considerable, for it made possible more games for the average boy and better pitches at Tyndalls Park for the XI, and at last put an end to School games on the Downs. Distance from the School was a handicap offset by the position of the ground in relation to the boys’ homes.” April 1914: “Mr. George Langford has offered a clock for the tower of the new Pavilion, and the offer has been grateful accepted. Mr. Langford is not only a Governor but an Old Boy and the father of Old Boys, so that his gift is trebly welcome. We understand that instead of the ordinary numerals the dial will bear the twelve letters of the School motto, Ex Spinis Uvas, so that there will be no excuse for any boy to be ignorant of it.” George Langford had four sons who attended the School: William John, Francis James, Thomas Player, and George Robert Ponting. Of these, the first three served, but unfortunately William did not survive.
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July: The following has been received from Mr. Melville Wills, in reply to a letter of thanks from the boys of the School:
Dear Sirs,
I have yours of the 4th instant before me, and accept it with gratitude
as an adequate expression of the appreciation which I am sure you and all the boys in the Bristol Grammar School feel, of the gift which it has been my pleasure to bestow upon you and the long list of Grammar School boys who will fill the gaps when you have left. I can assure you that when I knew, through the intervention of your good Headmaster (Dr. Norwood), that you were badly in need of a good recreation ground adequate to the requirements of so large a School, it gave me great pleasure to feel that I might be the means of meeting this long felt want; and although at that time so large an expenditure was never contemplated, still I hope that it may prove to have been justified, and that the possession of this Playing Field and Pavilion may give you and those who follow you an increased love of your old School and add to the health and enjoyment and mental vigour of all those who use it.
I am only sorry that your new ground is so far away from the School,
but you have the convenience of the trams close at hand and the advantage of the bracing atmosphere.
Wishing you all success in your fames and your work.
Yours very truly,
W. Melville Wills.
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Winterstoke Wing The Winterstoke Wing was built on the generosity on Miss Stancomb Wills, who was neice to the first Baron Winterstoke - Sir William Henry Wills. The new building was opened by Miss Stancomb on the 9th February, 1914. It is noted by the Chairman that “They had just established a new record in the history of their School. There were now 420 boys in attendance, figures that had never been approached before.With their new buildings, however, they would have ample accommodation for something like 500 pupils.” The Headmaster, Dr Norwood, added that “The organ was Lord Winterstoke’s gift: several of the chief prizes of the School were of his foundation: and his influence, beneficent throughout his life, still continued.” The actual design of the building is little discussed, but it is written in the April 1914 Chronicle that “while the new buildings harmonise wonderfully with the exterior of the Old School, within they are constructed on the latest and most approved designs. Oxygen and hygiene are the prevailing note.” It has been deduced from this that it had been designed to be easy to clean, and to have plenty of fresh air. It was at this point that the Preparatory years were able to move from the Great Hall, into Form Rooms in the new wing. “Right joyfully did we transfer our books to them. After working in the Great Hall we thoroughly appreciate the quietude of the Form Rooms”.
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Scholarships In the Chronicles it is customary to report the University scholarships won by the pupils. April 1914: “In addition to the Scholarship won by C.S. Lewis which was recorded in our last issue, we have now further to congratulate very heartily: A.L. Watkins, on winning the Open Mathematical Scholarship at Balliol; J.A. Holdsworth, on his Exhibition of £60 [around £6000 today] for Classics at St. John’s College, Oxford; H.D. Wells, on his Exhibition of £50 [around £5000 today] for Classics at Jesus College, Oxford; D.L. Gough and A.W.B. Winter, on their sub-sizarships in Science and Classics respectively at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. We are also very proud that the Junior Mathematical Scholarship at Oxford has been won by W.L. Ferrar, of Queen’s College, this making the second consecutive success in this competition won by former pupils of the School.” Little did these students know that war would soon be upon them and they would be called forth to ‘do their duty’. All of the boys mentioned above served in the war apart from A.W.B. Winter. Neither C.S. Lewis or J.A. Holdsworth survived the war.
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Scott of the Antartic, and Bristol Grammar School April: The School had to praise for their immortality a famous dog. Long ago the Bristol Grammar School bought a dog for the Scott expedition. He had lately ascertained that this dog – Lappy by name – was by far the best puller of the whole team: but once off the traces he made straight for the first moving thing he saw. Excellent working was just what the boys had to copy in the dog: when off work let them be just as keen for anything moving – a football, hockey ball or cricket ball – but let them take into the playground the instincts of the Christian, the gentleman, the civilised man.
Sled team, photographed by Frank Hurley from the Endurance (1915) Source: http://changemermaid.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/0022.jpg
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Officer Training Corps April 1914: “Owing to School functions and customs there seems to have been a real shortage of Tuesdays since January 16th, but the Corps have been able to parade on the Downs as often as not with great benefit to training and morale. We are fortunate in our permission to make considerable use of the 4th Glosters’ Drill Hall, but work in the open is more real and more interesting. The first few drills were devoted to close order and elementary skirmishing. The N.C.O.’s under the disguise of a series of “meetings”, attended a refresher course in fire control with advantage to themselves and the Corps. Protection on the march and at rest, attack and defence, have all received attention, and on March 12th the Corps joined in one of the best Public Schools’ Field Days it has been our fortune to enjoy. The Corps remains at full strength – with a waiting list.” July 1914: “The Corps must have felt the effects of the Headmaster’s resignation from the Captaincy, but the loss has been greatly alleviated by the excellence of his successor, Mr. Lewis, and we wish him as good an Inspection Report as last year.” December 1914: “At the end of last term we were assigned an establishment on the new system of two platoons, thus increasing our numbers from 100 to 120. One of the few advantages of the war has perhaps been that we were at once able to recruit up to the full establishment and forward, in addition, a long waiting list. The newcomers made up by their keenness for the shortness of their possible preparation, and very quickly fitted themselves to take their places in the ranks. The authorities very rightly called in all serviceable arms, and equally rightly refused to permit D.P. rifles and carbines when the men of the new army were still going short. The difficulty has been met very largely through the kindness of the Headmaster of Colston School, who has lent us nearly 40 sniders. They are perhaps not of the most
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modern type, but, had we not had them, we should have had nothing at all. A more serious handicap in prospect is that we shall have no issue of ammunition to look forward to.”
Camp, December 1914 When we entrained for Aldershot at Clifton Down on Monday, July 27th, how little did we think that the War Office, faced with the stern realities of war, would have to put us on one side and that we should be on our way home again three days before our time! Our contingent this year was the strongest we have yet taken to camp, numbering forty-two N.C.O.’s and Cadets, and the Director of Military Instruction. We found to our profound disgust that we were expected to adopt the new double-company system, in accordance with which we were No. 3 Platoon, No. 2 Company, No. 3 Battalion, our Platoon Commander being Mr. Parker. Of the Captain we saw very little as he had a roving commission as “second in command” of our company. Our regular officers were drawn from the Coldstream Guards, the Brigadier being Lieut.-Col. Pereira, our Btn. Commander Captain H. M. Pryce-Jones, and our Adjt. Lieut. Smith. The site chosen for the camp at Mytchett Farm, Frimley, was admirable in every respect, the facilities provided for bathing in the lake and for boating on the Canal being especially appreciated. On our arrival there on Monday about 5 p.m. we found we were one of the earliest contingents, the majority not arriving until the next day. Stores were drawn without any trouble or confusion and before 7.0 we had settled down to a welcome meal. Next morning we paraded independently and tried to accustom ourselves to the new “spittoon” system (with apologies to J.G.S.) Our contingent was picked to mount the first battalion guard that night but little of note occurred. It is, indeed, reported that one sentry found the occupants of a certain
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tent – it was their first night in camp – awake and dressed before 3.30 a.m. the next morning – but never again! With Wednesday our work started in earnest and for the next four days we toiled away every morning and some afternoons getting into fighting trim. The operations were all of the usual nature – attack practice, advance guard, outpost and rearguard – and each day was the exact repeated effigy of its predecessor – except perhaps for a little more dust a few miles further to tramp. This latter was the great drawback to this year’s camp: we had to march at least three, and often five or six miles before commencing operations and then the same home again after two hours of tiring work, for there was no land suitable for military operations available anywhere nearer the camp. In addition wherever we went we found dust, dust, dust! – not ordinary respectable dust, but beastly black ashes from the ubiquitous heath flies, so that we marched out from camp English and returned Melanesians. Fortunately the authorities were reasonable and ordered few afternoon parades – as those in the morning lasted from nine till two as a rule. A further improvement, too, on previous camps, was the absence of early morning parades (except for short prayers) it having been realised that the old aphorism about the stomach being an army’s mode of locomotion applies most of all to the O.T.C. On Saturday morning in the rain we marched our troops right up the hill and marched them down again owing to some slight misunderstanding and a false bugle-call. We attempted that night some night operations to atone for the morning’s fiasco – but the night operations were even worse! Rain also interfered and cut short our Church Parade on Sunday morning – but having done its duty in that way it cleared up and the rest of the day was spent in watching the “Athletic” Sports and Boxing Contests, or on the Canal. When we left Bristol the international situation in Europe had been nothing to cause alarm, but about Thursday excitement began to grow tense. We all became politicians and prophets for the nonce and debated on the prospects of war. Rumour soon set
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to work – “mobilitate viget viresque adquirit eundo.” [thrives with movement gains stength going]. We were going home next day or Saturday: evidently “the wish was etcetera!” Then we heard that the Portsmouth Grammar School contingent had been recalled to guard the docks. (It subsequently transpired that their instructor was a Reservist and had been ordered to rejoin!) After this first outburst of excitement things became quieter and by Saturday we all shook our heads wisely and said that camp would not be broken up. We even took little notice of an order issued on Saturday night calling into store all water-proof ground sheets. Rumours grew unheeded during Sunday. On Monday morning fell the bolt from the blue. We were just preparing for a good breakfast about 7.30 a.m. before starting out on the annual big field operations, when the Captain appeared and told us to pack our kits at once and leave the camp by ten. With incredible speed we packed our kits and all the corps property, returned all our bedding and etceteras to store, had breakfast, loaded the motor lorry, marched to North Camp Station, crowded into a “special” awaiting us there and then watched other contingents arrive too late to secure places. The whole journey was one of suppressed excitement. The S.E. & C.R. would only guarantee our journey as far as Reading. Fortunately when we arrived there, the G.W.R. were able to take us on to Bristol, telegraphing from station to station all down the line to announce our coming. At last we ran into Temple Meads and after considerable altercation with the Railway officials we were shunted out to Clifton Down. At Temple Meads it was rumoured that we were a special garrison for Avonmouth Docks! As we passed through the local stations the sleepy porters stood agape at the unexpected arrival of our long military train of unfamiliar alien coaches. At last about 3 p.m. we reached Clifton Down where we detrained and, marching back to Headquarters after a few words from Captain Lewis were dismissed. Genuine disappointment was felt by all at this sudden termination of the best organised camp we have yet had. We had, however, for some days been living in a state of uncertainty such as we had never known before. Wars and rumours of wars were on all lips and in all ears, and it is certain that on our memories will be graven indelibly “Camp – 1914.” C.S.L.
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Scouts Submarine Encounter In July 1914, the Robert Thorne Troop of Scouts were taken camping for two weeks in France, by Mr Guerra and Mr Burkitt. The following account, taken from the December 1914 School Chronicle, details their eventful return journey.
When barely a quarter of the way
We quickly complied with the order,
across the Channel we saw a French
and she then told us she would escort
torpedo boat steaming towards us at
us as there were submarines ahead.
full speed, its hull quite hidden by
The look-out was doubled. Suddenly
spray. She came straight towards us
we saw, a hundred and fifty yards
and when 30 yards away fired a gun
away, what appeared to be the top of
ordering us to stop. Consternation
a white f lagstaff. It was the periscope
reigned on the boat; no one knew the
of a submarine travelling at full speed
reason why we were thus treated, and
directly towards us. A Collision was
the captain lost no time in reversing
avoided by the submarine diving
his engines, and the astonished sailors
when only 100 yards distant from out
ran all over the deck.
boat.
After circling our boat twice, she drew
Soon
up smartly alongside and ordered
Folkestone, and we now understand,
our captain to hoist a larger f lag and
and we shall never forget, the
remove the “pocket-handkerchief,�
terrible meaning abroad of the word
i.e. our f lag.
mobilisation.
afterwards
we
reached
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School Events Concert The usual custom of the School Concerts was admission by invitation. However, as with during the South African War, the School Concert was used as an opportunity to raise money. In this case, a charge of 2 shillings and sixpence [approx. £10 today] was to taken per ticket, with the boys of the School paying just 1 shilling in comparison. The December 1914 Chronicle states that “The whole of the money without deduction for expenses will be sent to the Prince of Wales’ National Relief Fund. Mr. Raven Hill, the well-known Punch artist, who is an Old Boy, has very kindly promised a sketch specially drawn for the programme”. The sum raised by the ticket sales was eventually confirmed as being £53 12s 9d [approx. £5,400 in today’s money.]. Thanks are particularly given to Mr. Raven Hill for his “kindness in giving a drawing for the cover of the programme’ and to Messrs. Partridge & Love for “very effective decoration of the Hall”. The April 1915 Chronicle reports that: “The hall was resplendently decorated, free of charge, by Messrs. Partridge & Love, Ltd., with the colours of the Allies and British banners, and in the centre of the orchestra, which was the property of the Bristol Gleeman, was emblazoned the School motto: Ex Spinis Uvas.” A copy of the programme is reproduced on the following pages.
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Prize Giving The Prize Giving this year was conducted under exceptional circumstances; all proceedings were overcast and oppressed by the shadow of the war-cloud. As we gathered in the grand old Hall, with the organ rumbling away above, for what is perhaps the most impressive of the School ceremonies, the reality of the war was brought home more vividly to us by the thought of the faces that should have been among us and by the contrast with previous prize-givings. The war could not be banished from our minds, all the speeches necessarily made references to it, and the interest in the country and by the ever-recurring remembrance of the tremendous struggle, on which so much is at stake, bring fought, as it were, close at hand. However, Mr. Chattock, in his usual cheerful and animated style, sketched the course of School progress in the previous year; touched on the gifts received by the School; the rapidly increasing numbers; the healthy spirit in sports; and concluded by mentioning the numbers of O.B.’s to join Kitchener’s Army. The note of his speech was optimistic (as usual!), and the motto with regard to the School, “Room for more.” The Headmaster then rose to speak with a more than usually arduous task before him. As he said, the achievements of the previous year seemed unreal and far off now that the Great War had intervened, which divides all our lives into two very distinct periods. Nevertheless, Dr. Norwood pointed out that the year 1913-14 had been a record year on all sides. By the generous gifts of Miss Stancomb Wills and Mr. Melville Wills the School had been placed, as regards equipment, among the foremost of the Kingdom. The numbers were rising rapidly towards 500. In School work many honours had been gained, not only at Oxford and Cambridge, but also in the matriculations and other exams. In sports the School had had a splendid record year, winning nearly every match in Rugger, Hockey, and Cricket. Finally, the School had responded well to the call of duty; most of those who led the School in sports last year were now serving their country in the ranks; in all, the Roll of Honour was between one and two hundred. Four masters also were serving, and there was great applause when the name of M. Chicoteau, at the front in France, was mentioned.
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The prizes were then distributed by Dr. Arnold Thomas, and there was the usual succession of shining heads and gleaming collars scouting round the palm trees to the desk to receive the prizes. The ovation of the evening was given to A.L. Watkins who marched to the rostrum in the uniform of the regiment he has joined. His appearance in khaki caused as great a sensation as the armfuls of books he carried. [Dr. Arnold Thomas] touched a very high note in reference to the war, and reminded us all that the grandest Idea is not the British Empire, but the World Federation which can only be gained by unselfish pursuit of the noblest spiritual ideals. School Chronicle December 1914
Debating There are two subjects which make a possible debate at the present juncture: (1) the War; (2) other things. The latter are rather at a discount, consequently we have been rather at loss for unconventional topics. School Chronicle December 1914
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The Loss of HMS Speedy The December 1914 School Chronicle reported that Lieut. Arthur L. Sanders, son of Mr J. A. Sanders, O.B., had an exciting experience as second in command of H.M.S. Speedy in the early days of September.
HMS Speedy
Photo source: http://www.cityofart.net/bship/brit_torpedo_gunboats.html
At half-past eleven on the morning
boats were manned and lowered
of September 3rd the steam trawler
from the Speedy at once to pick up
Lindsell was working near the Speedy,
the Lindsell’s crew, which included a
about 40 miles from the mouth of the
Boy Scout signalman, who was saved.
Humber, when she struck a mine
Lieut. Sanders was in charge of the
and sank almost immediately. Two
boats, and when they had picked up
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the men in the water and were looking
into the water when the explosion
for others the Speedy struck a mine. It
occurred, and when picked up were
looked as if the whole of the stern had
found to be badly injured. The ship’s
collapsed.
company was taken in the steam trawler Sussex County to Lowestoft,
The concussion mat was got out, but
where they received attention in the
it was seen that the damage was too
local temporary hospital, and the next
great for it to be of much use. Other
day they were sent on to the depôt at
steam trawlers in the neighbourhood
Chatham.
came up to give assistance, and, as the Speedy was settling by the stern, the order to “Abandon ship” was given. This was done in perfect order, without any excitement, and everybody was saved except one. The small boats plied forwards and backwards
between
the
sinking
ship and the trawlers at hand. It was seen that the Speeding was heeling badly, and many had to plunge into the water. The last to leave was the officer in command. The ship was then on her side, and just before she went down he got along the side as far as the bilge keel, and then dived into the water. Two of the men, a gunner and a gunner’s mate, had narrow escapes. They were thrown
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Poem - An Apology His Step was free, his eye was bright With exultation hyperphronical, For he had just been asked to write A contribution for the Chronicle. He hastened home and told his friends, His ma and pa, and aunt and unnicle Then ‘gan to think of means and ends Of what to enter for the Chronicle. He pondered how from mags. he might Humorous anecdotes, bright and bonny, cull; He racked his brains for many a night For subject matter for the Chronicle. And then in rage he cursed the time That J.A., editor tyrannical, Had asked him to – (excuse the rhyme) – Write something for the Chronicle. But t’was in vain – in spite of all His ravening Napoleonical The spark from heaven refused to fall – Naught could he think of for the Chronicle. These rhymeless rhythms rich and rare Wrought in a rabid rage ironical He sends you, editor, in despair; Take ‘em or leave ‘em: I don’t care – Confusion take the Chronicle.
H.T.B.
School Chronicle July 1914
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Old Bristolian’s Society December 1914: “Old Boys, Officers of the 6th Gloucesters, send hearty greetings and best wishes for the continued success of the Society and the School. – Carter, Langford, Twiggs, Cherry, Jowett.” Mr R.C. Hobbs presented the report which contained the following: “A report of the Society at the present moment would be so much waste paper if it did not recognise the fact that at the time of writing the British Empire, in its adhesion to the principles of truth and justice and its pledged word, is being opposed by Germany, with the deliberate intention of crushing by military power its opponents, and so to force its will upon Europe, and having done that, upon the world. At such a juncture we meet, and, whilst deploring the sight of civilised nations engaged in the most bloody war which the world has ever seen, we can but thank God and take courage when we see the youth and manhood of this country, with its Dominions and Colonies, rally round in defence of truth and the hearths and homes of our Empire. Is there a man amongst us but who would be proud to bear arms in such a cause? And we are proud that so many have voluntarily come forward in the cause which we have at heart; we point to the Roll of Honour of those who are serving their King and Country at this time of stress. It is usual on these occasions to take a survey of our School and Society, and whilst we are glad that they are pursuing their appointed paths, we must acknowledge the part that the large quota of old pupils of our School, in common with others, are taking in upholding the British Empire. We all much regret that, through the Annual Dinner of Old Boys having had to be abandoned, we did not have the pleasure of being once more rallied to the School Flag, this year, by Dr Cyril Rootham*.
*Cyril Roothham was president of the Old Bristolians Society at this time.
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Old Bristolian’s Sports Club April: The Scheme for developing the athletic side of Old Boy life by utilising the now greatly enlarged School playing fields, is now beginning to take shape. The Old Bristolians’ Cricket Club already exists, and Northcote in Hockey and Redland in Rugby have decided some weeks ago to join the new movement en bloc. A meeting of representatives of these three Clubs was held at the Headmaster’s house on Monday, March 16th, and it was decided that the new organisation should be known as the Old Bristolians’ Club, divided to begin with into three sections – for Cricket, Rugby Football, and Hockey, and that it should come into existence from October 1st, 1914. The names and addresses of the Secretaries for the present are: Cricket – Mr. C.H. Beauchamp, 32 Downs Park West, Westbury Park. Hockey – Mr. Guerra, Bristol Grammar School Rugby Football – Mr. T.P. Langford, 11 Elmdale Road, Tyndall’s Park. The subscription of a playing member in any section will be 5/- for the first year if he joins after leaving School, 7/6 in the second year and 12/6 in the third: if a member plays both cricket and either football or hockey, his subscriptions will be similarly, 10/-, 15/- and £1 1s [about £105 today]. The Club is fortunate in having as its first Treasurer Mr. W.E. Lambert (35 Westbury Road), who will be welcomed by every section alike, and as its first President, Dr. F.T.B. Logan, who has been for so many years identified with the athletic life of the School. Apart from finance, each section of the Club will be autonomous, and new members for cricket, hockey, or football, will be elected by the corresponding committee. There is a Standing Committee of the President, Treasurer, Vice-Presidents, and Secretaries of Sections, and there will be an Annual General Meeting for all members, both playing and Honorary, in the last ten days of September. The question of colours came under discussion. The meeting felt that colours should be universal throughout the Club, that a royal blue blazer with the School coat of
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arms on the pocket should be chosen, and that shirts, jerseys, and stockings should conform to this colour as far as possible. Further details were left to a Sub-Committee consisting of the three Secretaries. It is felt that, if this scheme is well supported, it may develop into something much greater than these beginnings, and become of capital importance both in the life of the School and the athletics of the city. Gratitude is due to the Old Boys’ Society for the confidence which it has shown in lending the capital for the laying of the hockey ground, and so long as the present spirit is shown the scheme starts with every omen of success.
“After lunch I went out with some other officers who were going to have some practice at hockey. I was lent a stick and though I was in uniform I took part, taking off my coat and belt. Of course I got frightfully hot and as it was my first attempt I felt rather done after a bit. I was very glad however and it helped to pass the afternoon away.”
Stanley Booker, 7th November 1915 Invermay, Highlands Avenue, Brentwood
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Teachers Monsieur Chicoteau December 1914: Monsieur Chicoteau joined his regiment in France, in which he is now a Corporal. The Germans have been very near him, though he has not yet been under fire.
Captain Lewis December 1914: Capt. Lewis had to go from the O.T.C. Camp to his battalion, and has since known a very busy life in command of ‘A’ co. of the 4th Gloucesters on the central slopes of Essex.
Mr Oakford December 1914: Mr Oakford joined the Devon R.F.A. at the very beginning, has been promoted to Bombardier, and is now in India.
Mr Phillips December 1914: Mr. Phillips, who should have joined the staff, deferred his arrival until the war should be over, and is serving in the University and Public Schools Battalion.
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A few lines from the thoughts of Dr. Norwood on the War must be pressed upon the attention of our “army” of O.B.’s. “We are fighting neither for trade nor territory, but for the freedom of the spirit and the entire hope of the future we are fighting for something greater far than our own country. There was never a higher cause, there was never a clearer call.”
School Chronicle December 1914
1915
Timeline World
School
11 February 1915 First OB dead Sidney Clifford Stone dies at the front
April 1915 Battle of Ypres First use of poison gas May 1915 Lusitania sunk by German U-boat Italy enters the war with Allies June 1915 July 1915 First gas mask is developed Public prize giving cancelled due to War OTC Band is introduced
September 1915 Record number of pupils in school: 475
Photo source: http://www.walksheet.com
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Be Not Dismayed
The winter and the dark last long: Grief grows, and dawn delays: Make we our swordarm doubly strong, And lift on high our gaze, And stanch we deep the hearts that weep, And touch our lips with praise. Praise we each man who unafraid Hath bartered ease for pain, Of the frozen trench his bed hath made, And death for comrade ta’en: Was he not stirred to scorn the herd, Nor live, as they, in vain? Praise we the seaman who abides This vigil and the price: Though his body sway with the swaying tides, Where the mine-rent warship lies, Yet his soul shall stand by God’s right hand, Who loveth sacrifice. The winter and the dark shall cease: Nor tears nor blood nor fire Nor famine but shall yield increase, And death shall lead us higher, Till a glory surge from the sky’s far verge, And God again draw nigher.
N. School Chronicle April 1915
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Contents School Life Trench Warfare University Life School Events Life at the Front Teachers Gallipoli Campaign Officer Training Corps William Ivor Castle War News Scouts The Lusitania Medallion Deceased
70 72 75 76 80 83 87 88 92 93 94 97 100
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School Life Information regarding the atmosphere within the school can often be gathered from the Editorials, which front each Chronicle. In the case of the April 1915 edition, it is plain to see that the war is beginning to influence the everyday lives of the boys and teachers. Firstly we are told that ‘all subjects bearing on the war have been sent for inspection to H.M. Board of Suppressors: this will account for the much lamented death of bellicose topics’, demonstrating that even a simple school Chronicle is not able to escape censorship. This partially explains why the War is very rarely referred to directly in the following chronicles. The Editorial of the July 1915 edition simply states that ‘it were superfluous and inane to expatiate here upon “the colossal conflict” (vide daily press) in which the country is now engaged. But since the last number appeared it is perhaps not unsafe to say that nothing in this connection is to be recorded except that the war continues’. By December of the same year, the War is barely mentioned at all in the Editorial, save to mention that Mr. Turner is leaving the School to join the ranks. Mentions of the War are also scarce throughout the rest of the Chronicle pages, as these were primarily reserved for matters considered much more important, such as hockey, fives, and cricket. Aside from the constraints of censorship, another tell-tale sign of the War was the increased number of OTC parades to two-three times a week; much to the dismay of the rowing team who, as a result, apparently found training practically impossible during the Spring Term. We are told that those individuals not involved in the OTC parades were ‘busily engaged in searching out obscure names on the map of Europe and marking off by glaring red and yellows the land occupied by the enemy and the Allies, in preparation for the ‘General Paper’ ordeal at the end of term’. Yet many aspects of School life remained unaffected by the War in Europe: ‘the life of the School progresses as usual, in fact, if anything, a little more than usual’ (School Chronicle, July 1915). In September of 1915, the School reached a record number of 475 boys, this actually increased throughout the War (although
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the Chronicles do admit that the average age of the School had probably seldom been lower). The School also did not falter in its charitable activities. The sum of £62 10s 0d. [around £5,600 today] was raised for the Cot Collection at the Children's Hospital, improving on the previous year’s total amount. In response to this large sum, Miss Phillips, the Hon. Treasurer of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, wrote to the Headmaster: “May I ask you to give a special message to the boys from us all and to tell them that we fully recognise all the trouble and generous self-denial which it must have cost them to raise this noble sum: - and this help was never so much needed as it is at this present time.” The same edition also reproduces a letter from Shackleton in response to the School's donation to his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition: On the eve of my departure from this sub-antarctic island for the polar ice, I dictate this farewell line to again thank you and all for the great assistance you have given to the expedition, and to assure you that all we can do to make it a success will be done. It will interest you to learn that one of the sledging dogs has been called after the name of the School.
E. H. Shackleton.
Also undeterred by the War, the debating society apparently explored the notion that ‘the modern Pantomime Song is sentimental piffle, and affecting as it does the spirit of the age, shows modern artistic feeling to be hopelessly degenerate’ (moved by the Classical side and opposed by the Modern). The School also witnessed the birth of the Scientific Society, who met two evenings a week in the laboratories.
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Trench Warfare Active Service The following excerpt is taken from an account sent to the School by Captain W. Lewis (who survived the War). This part details the infrastructure of the British trenches at the Front. His full account of life at the front appeared in the School Chronicle, July 1915.
“There is nothing to report.” – Official Communiqué. The heading and sub-heading of seem
I would first warn anyone who reads
contradictory. I gather that many
any further that unless he has either
people at home are beginning to
seen a trench or had one described to
think that our service out here in
him by one who has actually seen one,
Flanders is not very active. Well,
he has no real idea of our conditions
my message to them is “come and
of life. In most parts of the line the
see.” It is nothing new to describe
trench so called is half trench and half
the operations on the Western front
breastwork. Concealment of the line
as those of siege warfare, and surely
of trench, so important in the South
in the siege warfare only great events
African War, is seldom studied in this.
are worth publishing; the continual
The most important consideration is
wearing down and petty annoyance
to get a good thickness – five or six
of either side, though important taken
feet at the least – of earth on the side of
as a whole, provide no copy for the
you from which the bullets come. This
newspaper. For this reason I refrain
is not always the front by any means.
from any attempt at a diary of events
The line wriggles and winds to such
while at the same time I shall try to
an extent that bullets fire by the Hun
avoid a mere string of disconnected
at one place may travel far and enter
incidents.
a British trench almost directly in rear.
this
contribution
probably
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British Trench Diagram
Photo source: www.historyonthenet.com
To meet this inconvenience trenches
to three feet wide as a rule because
are built up at the back. Again enfilade
of the danger of shell. Just imagine the
fire, a term now understood I expect
whole school passing to and fro over
by all, is met by “traverses” either solid
a garden bed in all weathers all on
or of the bridge kind. To keep heaped-
that width of earth, and you will have
up earth standing at a steep angle
an idea of what the trench f loor would
and also to prevent the wearing away
become. The result is more work.
of the sides of the trench, revetting is
Flooring of boards or bricks is found
found everywhere. The devices for
everywhere. One of the chief troubles
this are almost innumerable. Stakes
has been that after a depth of almost
with boarding sheets of corrugated
two feet it is more likely than not that
iron, hurdle work, wire netting, metal
water appears. This has to be met by
netting, twisted straw, house doors,
drains, pits and pumps.
cupboard doors, canvas, and myriads of sand bags.
Men have to live in the trenches for several days – weeks in the earlier
Trenches are only two feet size inches
part of the campaign – at a time.
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Places have to be made for sleeping,
of all kinds, to say nothing of barbed
cooking, washing, etc., and all of these
wire. Barbed wire entanglements, so
have to be protected. The f looring
casually spoken of, provide plenty of
gets worn away, dug-outs get out of
work and need continual renovation;
repair, the top of the parapet gets worn
a bullet which hits the bottom of the
away, sometimes it gets knocked
parapet has probably cut at least one
in altogether; everything needed
strand of wire on its way – and there
in the trenches has to be carried up
are machine guns. Now, I want to
by the men from a big distance in
know, is it Active Service or not?
the rear – drinking water (in many cases), rations, ammunition, bombs, boards, quartering, iron sheets and other revetting material, nails, tools
British Soldiers in theTrenches
Photo source: http://youwishyouwerecrystal.files.wordpress.com
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University Life An O.B. writing from Cambridge reveals that not all educational institutions managed to avoid the War to such a great extent as the school. “The ancient Colleges which have so long known nothing but the gown are now getting quite used to khaki. Pembroke, Emmanuel, and other Colleges have been turned into training schools for officers, while the gown is seldom seen now. Unless one has any particular wish to embrace lamp-posts he usually prefers an armchair by the fireside during the moonless nights. The darkness is inconvenient, but preferable to seeing King’s a heap of ruins. Zeppelins passed over during the last raid, but very kindly spared us. Some little flutter of excitement was caused.�
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School Events Sports Day “Athletic Sports took place on Thursday and Saturday, 1st and 3rd May. They were held for the first time upon the New Field [at Golden Hill] and, in spite of the fact that they were intended to be as private as possible ‘owing to the war’ large numbers graced the proceedings, khaki being much in evidence... The Headmaster had deemed it inexpedient to ask friends of the School to contribute for Prizes at a time like this, so it was decided to substitute certificates.” School Chronicle July 1915
Golden Hill Sports Ground School Chronicle July 1914
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Above is shown part of a letter from the Headmaster, Cyril Norwood, to an ex-pupil, A.E. Joll, dated 15th April 1915. The letter refers to his decision not to attempt to collect money for School prizes. A section of the letter is reproduced below. My dear Joll, I do not propose to ask anyone to distribute the prizes. As it is wartime, I think that it is wiser not to make any flourish of the sports, but to hold them quite among ourselves. We could not in any case ask Mr Melville Wills, as he has just lost one of his sons at the front. I am thinking now that the school shall forego prizes this year. Usually I collect from friends the money to pay for them... But this year I cannot go asking people very well to send money for School sports, and I shall in many cases be refused if I do. But I will put the whole question to all the competitors when term begins on the first day.
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Prize Giving The year 1915 departed from the usual tradition of a public Prize Giving event, and instead opted for a private ceremony. The Headmaster stated that this was because ‘we were following the example of all other public schools, which had felt that the festivity and self-congratulation usually associated with “Prize-giving” would be out of place when at the back of everyone’s mind was the thought of some loved ones’ danger at the front’. The only “visitor” present at the event was Canon Talbot who was invited to distribute the prizes. When addressing the School he revealed that he himself, while granting that school days were a very delightful period, believed that still deeper and more lasting joys were in sort; he was convinced “The best is yet to be”. The following is an excerpt from his speech following this remark: “Such thoughts were peculiarly necessary at a time of national and world crisis like the present, when we behold nation rise up in strife against nation, and the whole world convulsed in a tremendous conflict. For this war above all other wars is a war of Nations and of National Ideals. What is an Ideal? It is that ‘best’ to which we are struggling and which we wish to realize; to gain which we are prepared to sacrifice everything; that which alone gives us hope of ultimate perfection. An ideal is necessary to each individual to give a meaning to life. But nations also can hold ideals, and this war has brought into sharp contrast two widely different ones. For all ideals are not equally good. Judged by the highest standards some are, relatively, true; others are, relatively, false. Yet the Germans who, we believe, hold a false ideal will fight for that equally energetically as we for what we think our true ideal, at any rate until they are undeceived. What are these two ideals? We see on the one hand a nation prepared, organized, and militarized for the one object of imposing its will upon its subjects and neighbours. All individuality and free play is crushed out in pursuance of that one aim. On the other hand is a nation which believes in federation and individual liberty rather than centralization and empire. Roughly speaking the German ideal, or the ideal of the ruling class of Germany, can be summed up as ‘Domination’, the ideal of the British Empire as ‘Education’.
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How can we tell whether our ideal is the true one or not? The Germans believe equally strongly in the justness of theirs, and may equally well be right. Humanly speaking no one can decide, no one can arbitrate in such a case. But while we cannot, like some of our enemies, presume so far as to claim that ‘God is fighting on our side’, nevertheless we can in all humility und sincerity believe that ‘we are fighting on God’s side’. For those principles of toleration, of education, of consideration for others, especially the weaker, in defence of which we stand, are in their measure nearer the spirit of Christ, of the New Testament, of God, than the principles of aggression and domination which inspire the other side. And therefore, unless we fall from our ideal and betray our trust, we cannot fail, ultimately, to attain the victory.”
Old Bristolian’s Dinner In December 1915 the OB’s society notes reveal that it was a disappointment to them that they were unable to hold an annual dinner, but they had all agreed that under the existing unhappy circumstance it would be quite out of place to hold such a function this year.
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Life at the Front Following Captain W. Lewis’ description of the trenches, seen on page 72, he then goes on to cover some more mundane aspects of life at the Front. A selection of this account is presented below.
One of the wisest arrangements of
trenches to do that. Try living half
many in the conduct of the war is the
under the earth without taking off your
system of reliefs. A unit takes over a
clothes for eight days on end and see
certain section of line for a period
what you think. The R.A.M.C. have
of so many days after which it is
converted breweries and factories
relieved by another unit. It then goes
at various places into huge bathing
into billets at some village or in farms
establishments. Uniforms are dry-
behind the firing line while the other
cleaned while the men are bathing and
unit is in the trenches. This period is
a fresh set of underclothing is issued
officially known as a rest. Sometimes
to every man after the bath. It is worth
the men agree with this description.
noting that preference is given in the
In order to prevent time hanging
civilian labour employed to refugee
on our hands during the rest, we
Belgian and French women.
undergo countless inspections, and
also provide working parties for plans
The organisation of the contemptible
and always manage to need large
little
parties of infantry to do the work.
remarkably) is at once the wonder and
However, we find time to get some
admiration of our Allies. The transport
rest and recreation and, seriously,
and supply, postal and medical
the system works exceedingly well
services, are truly wonderful. Food
and is decidedly beneficial. During
comes up regularly and in plenty. It
these periods units visit the baths
gets a bit monotonous at times but it is
and it is worth the journey out of the
marvellous that any army in the field
army
(which
has
grown
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can live as the British Army does to-
evoked his admiration was the unity
day, I feel just as grieved if I don’t get
and generosity of the Empire. We
Monday morning’s London paper by
were travelling on one of the main
Tuesday mid-day as I should if it wasn’t
routes, and motor ambulances were
on my breakfast table on Monday
continually meeting us. I had to tell
morning at home. A highly placed
him where the various States were
French Officer who very kindly gave
which had presented them to the
me a lift of thirty miles or so one day
Empire.
said that he had never imagined in his wildest dreams that an ambulance
And the Huns. They are there right
service could be brought to such a
enough, they pot at us and we at them.
state of efficiency as the British has
They shout at us, we don’t at them.
been all along. Another thing that
They knock down our parapet in
Ambulance
Photo source: http://www.angelfire.com
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places, we do ditto, ditto. We sit down
The Germans had been having a
in cold blood and plan to annoy or kill
gramophone concert and had been
them and no doubt they do the same,
singing the choruses and cheering
with a view to our destruction.
after each. They then turned on “God
save the King.” Our fellows opposite
Narrow escapes everyone has had;
to them hoping that some of them
some I could tell which are as true as
might be incautiously looking over
true. I dare not for fear I should not be
the parapet and determined to drown
believed. Incidents which amuse us
any jeers which might follow, opened
would look poor jokes on paper or I
rapid fire. We went about our usual
would recount some. One, however,
business much amused.
I will risk. An Irish Officer, about the funniest man I have ever met, used to take a cornet into the trenches and play sweet music to the gentle foe. One day a brilliant idea occurred to him. He played “The Watch on the Rhine.” Up jumped the enemy and cheered – the range was very short. Then he gave the order – five rounds of rapid fire! We all called it a dirty trick. Just one more. One morning early, we heard a great deal of cheering over the way, a little further down the line. Soon afterwards there was a tremendous burst of rapid fire and we thought an attack was coming. We telephones along to enquire.
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Teachers Monsieur Chicoteau In April 1915 he is reported as being a Corporal and is with his regiment at the front. We are told that, when last heard from, he wrote very cheerfully: two of the battalions were in the trenches, and he was with the third in reserve in the immediate rear. In July we are told that he is still at the front, where he has been – let us say that it is somewhere between Ypres and Verdun. It is his duty to see that his company is fed every night, and the rations have to be carried up within two or three score yards of the Germans. He has been in constant danger from shell-fire, he writes: ‘From time to time, as I write I have to run into the cellar to hide myself, when I hear the buzzing of a German ‘marmite’ coming on in our direction. Yesterday we had 102 (of which 26 did not burst) and 2 days before, 217. Considering that they are 150 mm that makes a fairly good amount of iron (of very bad quality I must say) thrown on this devastated village where I am.’ However, in another letter he says ‘Happily the German guns are no good’. Unfortunately by the end of the year, we have learnt that because he is in the French Army, he has not had permission to come to England. He has also unhappily been ill with bronchitis, and for the time has been withdrawn from the trenches: but there are hopes that he will be appointed to the Interpreter Staff.
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Captain Lewis ‘Is reported to still be with his battalion in Essex in April, although it is thought that they are not likely to remain there long.’ Despite being posted to the Front soon after this, he was still able to fit in a visit to the school before July: “All were particularly glad in June to see Capt W. Lewis on his few days leave from the front, looking bronzed and well. He is in charge of the bombs and grenades and trench mortar of the Battalion, and had much of great interest to relate. For one thing in all the weeks he had been at the front, he had not seen a live German, though he had heard them, and yet they were, in places, less than a hundred yards away. For another he had much to relate of the idiosyncrasies of the Saxon battalion facing the Gloucester’s which went to show that the Saxons are not anxious to continue the war any longer than is absolutely necessary, and are quite prepared to ‘fight in a private understanding.’ He had much to tell also of the efficiency of the German spy and intelligence system, and of the care with which our enemies think out every contingency beforehand: but he seemed to take perhaps the keenest satisfaction in the memory of the very effective use which he had been able to make of his French mortar on a certain very necessary occasion.” When he returned a second time, he brought with him a ‘poison gas helmet, in which he looked partly like a diver and partly like an anteater’.
Dr. Norwood and staff, 1910
Standing - L. V. Caudwell. W. Lewis. R. S. Bridge. L. V. Turner. E. B. Dicker. R. Guerra. W. A. Hill. W. J. Hutchings. S. C. Oakford. F. B. Holmes. Sitting - H. A. M. Parker. H. G. Ford. J. G. S. Muschamp. G. J. B. Westcott. F. Beames. The Headmaster (Cyril Norwood)
F. Burkitt. J. B. White. H. W. Gough. Page 85
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Mr. Oakford In April 1915, Mr Oakford is said to have been ‘leading a luxurious life in barracks at Dinapore in India’. He later reveals that ‘while admitting the attractiveness of that country [India], he has not yet seen anything which appeals to him so strongly as the beauties of his native Devonshire’. He also reports ‘104 degrees in the shade, and boiling point in the sun, in spite of which he has been playing hockey. As a result he has had some days in hospital with a poisoned leg’. But the stories don’t end there, as we are told that his ‘chief adventure had been the despatching of a whip-snake, over 4ft. in length, which occupied his bedroom in his absence: these are the details which add zest to life in Dinapore’.
Mr. Turner Mr Turner joined the ranks in Autumn 1915, much to the dismay of the school, as is recounted in one Editorial:
“We claim it as the editorial privilege to use the affectionate label by which Mr. Turner has been known throughout the school; ‘Scrappy’, in joining the army, leaves a gap in the School life it is impossible to fill. He has, as Games Master, supported a huge burden of work, and the great improvement in School games in the last five years has been in large measure due to his organising labours. Besides this and his not inconsiderable School work, he has always been an unfailing supporter of every school society, young and old; he has made swimming a serious school concern; and he has gathered together in his control innumerable ‘odd jobs’ such as pound sales. In all these activities he will be sorely missed by the School; but above all it is ‘Scrappy’ whose loss we shall fell, with his cheery face and ready interest in everything and everybody, with his invaluable fund of patience and good humour, and his knack of smoothing over petty difficulties. We wish him the best of luck in the future with the fervent hope that he may reappear in his old position, after he has decided the fate of the German Empire.”
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Gallipoli Campaign This account originally appeared in the School Chronicle, December 1915. It gives news of a number of O.B.s, who were injured while fighting in the Gallipoli Campaign.
“There are doubtless more cases
was somewhat severely wounded
of “wounded” than are at present
in the battle for the Lone Pine Ridge,
known, but it is pleasant to record that
and is now in a London Hospital. H.W.
even the most severely injured of those
Harding, P. Emery, and T.P. Langford,
previously recorded are recovering
all of the Royal Glo’ster Hussars, were
or recovered. Perhaps Lieutenant G.
all wounded in the great August attack
C. Machon of the 5th Welsh has had
which cost us so heavily.
the worst luck. He was serving in the Dardanelles [aka Gallipoli Campaign]
Others who have been wounded in
and was wounded by a shrapnel
France or Flanders are N.W.G. Edgar
fragment in the head. He recovered
of the 6th Somerset Light Infantry, and
at Alexandria and returned to the front
Sergeant S.F.A. Martin of the Princess
only to be wounded again, and this
Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The
time more severely – in the left arm
former has applied for a commission;
and the leg. Even so, he was fortunate
the latter has received one in his own
enough to come through, for of 26
battalion. Indeed, that is the usual
officers of his battalion who landed on
effect of a wound on an Old Boy,
August 8th there remained only four on
which may account for the Germans
the Peninsula at the end of September.
not trying to shoot more of them; and
Indeed the Dardanelles caused most
certainly none deserve commissions
of the casualties which we suffered
more than those who have acquitted
among Old Boys in the late Summer.
themselves gallantly in the firing-line”
L.R.T. Gilbert who though only 19 was a Sergeant in the Australian Force,
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Officer Training Corps At the beginning of 1915, the corps consists of two platoons, numbering 124 cadets, and a number of ‘antique weapons’, and they finished the year with around 200 members, and a shiny new band. A third platoon – consisting entirely of Recruits – was added to the Company during the Summer Term. By the end of the year the Corps were also under taking night parades, which apparently ‘provided opportunities for extraordinary alarums and excursions, surprises, rear attacks, and individual exploits’. Rifle practice was renewed early in 1915, although this was restricted later in the year as the War meant that they were no longer able to fire in the open. This was substituted by a special course of musketry on the miniature range.
‘The new-comers, in spite of a disparity in age, height, and strength, have already begun to show great improvement in physique, military drill, and general efficiency.’ ‘Though many of them are small of stature, their lack of height is compensated for by keenness and pluck.’ Reporting on the success of the OTC in their inspection, the OB’s society writes: ‘The School Training Corps number three officers and 216 Cadets, and the report of their Inspecting Officer (Captain Brinkley) reflects their efforts to perfect themselves in drill. At a time like the present, when the putting forth of our whole strength is necessary for the preservation of the Empire which has come down to us, we find that those who have been educated in our School have realised their duty to their King and country, and we can to-day point to a Roll of Honour of 343 (but the probability was that it exceeded 500); some have given their lives and rest beneath a foreign soil.’
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Band “At last, the Corps is to have a fife and drum band!”
School Chronicle July 1915
In view of the growing size of the Corps, the decision was taken to introduce a band in order to aide on Route Marches and at Inspections. Due to the heavy costs of the instruments needed, the Corps could not fund it themselves, and so appeals were sent out. Thanks to the generosity of students, Old Boys, and friends of the School, the Corps was not found wanting with a final total of £36 15s 10d and more besides (around £3,300 today). This allowed them to buy: 12 fifes, 4 flutes, 1 piccolo, 4 side drums, 1 bass drum, symbols, triangle, and all necessary fittings. In the Winter Term, the Corps received the figurative cherry on the cake with a donation of a leopard skin for the bearer of the big drum from D. Patterson of the Lower IVth. By the end of the year, the band had accompanied the Corps on afternoon parades, and had proved a ‘great boon’ to those who march behind it. “It no longer alarms the passer-by or frightens horses: on the contrary, while it
produces a greater and more confident volume of sounds, the tunes it plays are more martial and attractive. Great praise is due to all concerned for the splendid progress made.”
OTC Band
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Injuries The following report appeared in the School Chronicle, July 1915. The injuries and progress of several Old Bristolians are detailed. “There are several who have suffered wounds, though it is pleasant to record that none of the injuries are likely to prove fatal. Second-Lieut. H. Merrick, who joined the ranks of the 4th Gloucesters at the beginning of the war, later received a commission for which by every account he proved himself thoroughly the right man. While engaged with a working party of his platoon in front of the lines he was shot through the jaw and face by one of the Saxon snipers: it is stated that, painful and serious as this wound is, there is good hope, in which all his many friends join, that he will make a complete recovery. Other officers of the 4th, Captain G.S. Castle and Lieut. R.B. Mansell, have also appeared in the lists of wounded: it is pleasant to know that neither wound was serious, and neither Castle nor Mansell left the front.
Wounded Canadian Soldiers being Taken from the Front Line Photographed by William Ivor Castle, Library and Archives Canada
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Private W.H. Brooks, whose eagerness to serve was such that he must have made a serious mistake about his age when enlisting, was very severely wounded a little while ago. He has many friends still in the School, and all alike admired his naturally gallant and adventurous spirit. He was shot in the groin, and the femoral artery severed. Luckily medical aid was at hand, and his life was thereby saved. He has arrived in Netley Hospital, and will recover, but it is doubtful whether his leg can be saved. Privated P.G. Gillford, who was on the Stock Exchange when war broke out, and who enlisted straight-away in the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards before even Kitchener’s Army was heard of, went through the very severe winter fighting, and was wounded in the face through a bullet striking the sand-bag on the parapet immediately before him. The sand thrown up lacerated his face severaly, but he has recovered, and has been recommended for a commission. Private G.T. Burrill, of the North Somerset Yeomanry, Private C.N. Lloyd of the 6th King’s Liverpool Rifles, and Sapper C.J.P. Colliver of the S.M.R.E. have all been wounded, and all are recovering. There will be general regret among his friends on hearing that Private C.H.A. Parkinson, of the 6th Gloucesters, has been invalided from the Service. Captain D. Veale, who passed brilliantly into the Home Civil Service in 1914, but who was at once called up for service with the 4th Gloucesters, had the misfortune after a short time in the trenches to become the victim of a severe attack of scarlet fever. He has made a good recovery, and has been home in England, looking wonderfully well considering what he has been through.�
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William Ivor Castle William Ivor Castle is an Old Bristolian who is famous for his photography of the First World War. Castle was born 30th January 1877, and attended Bristol Grammar School from 1890 to 1892. He worked in a number of photographic studios, leading up to being the first photographer employed by Daily Mirron, in 1904. Once the War began in 1914, he moved to Belgium, in order to photograph life at the Front. His reputation for this spread quickly, and in 1916 he was commissioned into the Canadian Army, to act as the first Official Canadian War Photographer. The December 1916 School Chronicle says of him: “Mention must be called to Lieut. Ivor Castle of the Canadians for the equal courage, skill and success with which he photographed the Somme offensive. He has taken his camera under fire in every war since the Chinese Revolution, is the inventor of ‘night photography’, and is deservedly famous for the work he has accomplished.”
William Ivor Castle, far right. Photography at the Somme.
Source: http://britishphotohistory.ning.com/photo/battle-of-somme-ivor-photographer-on-extreme-right?context=user
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War News “Sergeant D.C. Rees (O.B.), now serving with the Transvaal Scottish, has been having a stirring time. Writing home on Christmas Eve to his mother, who resides in Clifton, he says: “We haven’t seen much of the German forces yet, but just at dawn we are often annoyed by an armoured aeroplane which drops bombs. The latter was responsible for the finest sight I have yet seen. It was just at dawn when we got a bugle warning to scatter, and as we cleared out of the camp we could hear the drone of an approaching monoplane. Soon we picked her up in the clear sunlight coming very high up from over the German Outposts. There was a loud boom, and then another, followed by the scream of shell. Then a couple of white puffs of smoke, where the shrapnel was bursting in front and below the machine. More guns followed, and soon the plane seemed surrounded by white puffs of smoke, and the air was full of detonations. Very quickly, however, the range was estimated, and upon the bursting of a shell just overhear the airmen thought discretion the better part of valour, and made a detour around instead of coming right overhead and trying to do damage by bombs.’ ” Sergeant D.C. Rees later transfered to the Royal Air Force, which made it difficult to identify him correctly. It has now been found that he passed away on the 30th September 1918. He is buried in La Cateur Military Cemetery, France.
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Scouts In 1915, the Robert Thorne Troop of Scouts numbered over 100 members, and was the largest individual troop in Bristol. The Chronicles regularly contained reports of their exploits, which are replicated below.
School Chronicle April 1915 “The position of a Scout is now very different from that of 6 months ago. The Scout movement was then generally regarded as one which afforded a healthy outdoor occupation for boys, and no more. But when the war broke out a quarter of a million Scouts were ready to serve, and to do “the things nearest”. They have won the respect and confidence of the Country and must keep it. To-day it is universally recognised that the Scout uniform is a badge of honesty, trustworthiness and conscientiousness. A Scout’s chief aim now should be to live up to his uniform.
Some may ask “what have Bristol Scouts done for the nation?” They have supplied many officers and men for the Army, and signallers for the Navy, one of whom, we hear, is serving on a Flagship. Bristol Scouts have been employed at Walton Bay in directing the shipping in the Channel, and 30 or 40 are now assisting the Coastguards in Cornwall watching for the enemy’s ships. They have guarded railways, bridges, cables, etc., and supplied orderlies for the Hospitals, Red Cross Societies, Relief Depots, etc. Our own Scouts have been fully employed; for 4 months 9 “Robert Thorne” Scouts were told off daily to act as orderlies at the 2nd Southern Military Hospital. Others have been employed in the Military Hospital at Southmead, in the Relief Depots, the Colston Hall, and the Headquarters of the Navy League. Several have guarded bridges, cables, etc., and on three occasions we have been requested by the University to send over Scouts to help in the Examinations in First Aid Work. At the distribution of the first 10 Service Badges by Col. Crommelin, the District Commissioner, Machin
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and Todd represented the Troop and 6 or 9 of our Scouts have since qualified for this badge. We hope to see the “Red Badge with the Gold Crown” on the uniform of every member of the “Robert Thorne” Troop. There is plenty of work for Scouts to do, but it is their duty to make themselves efficient first. We hope that every Scout will find some little thing to do in the holidays for the good of his home and country, and that he will remember that in school or out his uniform stands for everything that is best and that he must live up to it.”
The 1918 ‘Red Badge with the Gold Crown’
School Chronicle July 1915 “At the beginning of the term it was decided to form a Drum and Fife Band and we now possess 12 fifes and 2 side drums. Under Mr. Ace’s tuition the members have made splendid progress and can play a couple of marches written by the conductor specially for the Troop. We have no taken a hand in any Public Work since the holidays, when an unfortunate epidemic at the Military Hospital put an end to our services there... The only occasion on which our services were required was at the Bazaar held by Mrs. Gibaud in aid of the Red Cross Society. Twelve Scouts helped to decorate the grounds, look after the illuminations, and make themselves generally useful. The Camp will be help again in August but this time in England and we hope the times will not be as strenuous as those of last year. The site chosen is near Chew Magna and although the journey will probably be made in a Torpedo, there will be no torpedo boats or submarines to be met with en route.” [This story is shown on page 50.]
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School Chronicle December 1915 “Our efforts in the military line have not been so pronounced as they were in November, 1914. We console ourselves with the fact that what we guarded with our staves now requires a sentry with a bayonet and rifle loaded with ball cartridge, to say nothing of reliefs, sentry-boxes, guard-houses, tents, etc. We are also sure that the military authorities have not examined the locality as thoroughly as some of our Scouts did, nor probably have they ever been as wet. One of the most interesting events of the term was the work in aid of the Scouts’ Ambulance in France. The Chief Scout reported that the Scouts Car in France had done such service as to become worn out, and he hoped that all Scouts would try to replace it by working on November 20th, and giving the remuneration received for their services to the Car Fund. Work on November 20th of all kinds was plentiful, whatever the statistics of the Labour Exchange may show, and the wages were on a scale which would satisfy the most exacting of Trade Unions; as a result we were able to forward to Head-quarters the sum of £3 11s [around £320 today]. One word more, on all occasions when there was marching to be done, our Band rose to the occasion, they have made such excellent progress that the addition of a Big Drum is under serious consideration.”
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The Lusitania Medallion
RMS Lusitania coming into Port, 1907-13
Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania
Robert Pearce, an Old Bristolian (1950 to 1961), was looking through his father’s possessions, who fought in the Great War. Among these was a Lusitania Medallion. As neither the OB himself, nor the Archive Department knew anything about the Medallion, some research was carried out. Below is information gathered from the Imperial War Museum website, along with photos of the Medallion, kindly lent to the Archive Department. On May 7th 1915 the Lusitania, a British ocean liner, was sunk by German U-boats on its journey from New York to Liverpool. This firing on a non-military ship without warning is believed to have been one of the major triggers of America’s declaration of war two years later. However, there are some arguments that support the actions of the Germans. Firstly, both the British and the Americans were aware of the fact that Germany had declared the seas around the UK to be a war-zone. The German embassy in America even placed a newspaper advertisement warning people not to
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sail on the Lusitania. Secondly, the Lusitania was listed in the Admiralty fleet register as an armed auxiliary cruiser and not a passenger liner, perhaps explaining why the Germans fired without warning. Finally, since the sinking, it has been revealed that the ship was carrying war munitions to Britain, and thus breaching international laws. It is these reasons that led Karl Goetz (1875-1950), a Munich-based medallist, to regard the loss of the Lusitania to be a direct result of the failings of the British Governments, and the Cunard Steamship Company. In order to mock the Allied obsession with ‘business’ and call into question the impartiality of the USA, Goetz cast a memorial medallion. Unfortunately for Goetz, he made an apparently innocent mistake and got the date of the sinking wrong, listing it as occurring two days earlier on the 5th of May. As a result, the British Government instantly began using this medallion for anti-German propaganda campaigns, citing the incorrect date as proof that the sinking had been premeditated. The British also insinuated that the medallion had been produced more as a ‘medal’ for rewarding gallantry, rather than as a satirical political piece. The British printed around 300,000 replica medallions which were sold for a shilling a piece, in a cardboard presentation box. On the inside of the lid appears a paragraph of overtly propagandist text, once again emphasising the fact that “such crimes are not merely regarded favourably, but
The exterior and interior of the box for the Lusitania Medallion Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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are given every encouragement in the land of Kultur”. The medallion itself is circular in shape and 56.5mm in diameter. On one side it depicts the sinking liner, with its bow rising out of the water, laden with armaments. The text along the top reads ‘Keine bann ware!’, translated as ‘No contraband goods’. The text along the bottom reads ‘Der grossdampfer = Lusitania = durch ein deutsches tauchboot versenkt 5 Mai 1915’, and is translated to ‘The line Lusitania sunk by a German submarine 5 May 1915’.
The face and reverse of the Lusitania Medallion
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
The reverse side shows Death, in the form of a skeleton, behind the ticket office counter of the Cunard Line in New York, issuing tickets to a crush of passengers. Above the window are the words ‘Cuna Line’. Reading vertically down the right side of the window is the word ‘Cunard’ and below the counter reads ‘Fahrkarten Ausgabe’, meaning ‘Ticket Office’. To the left of the crowd a man reads a newspaper bearing the headline ‘U boot gefahr’, meaning ‘U-boat danger’. Standing next to this man is a figure with a top-hat and a beard, representing the German Ambassador to the USA, Count Johann-Heinrich von Bernstorff, who is raising a warning finger (in reference to the newspaper advertisement). The text along the top of the medallion reads ‘geschaft über alles’, meaning ‘business above all’. At the very bottom of the medallion are Karl Goetz’s initials ‘K.G.’.
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Deceased George Frederick Blacker
13th July 1893 to 9th May 1915.
“The name of Second-Lieutenant G.F. Blacker has been officially reported among the ‘missing’, but there appears to be but little hope that he is alive and a prisoner. His father received a letter from Second-Lieutenant H.W. Caribb, who comes from Bristol, a letter which tells us all that there is to be known: ‘as one of the very few officers who came safely through the action of May 9th, and also as an ex-Bristol O.T.C. Cadet, I am glad to be of any service that I can to you; but I am sorry that I have no good news. I fear that there is no hope from the fact that your son is reported ‘missing’. It seems that he led his platoon, bravely choosing the dangerous flank and sending his sergeant to lead that which was less dangerous. The men of his platoon who were unwounded were all on the left, so I can get no report of how he fell. But by the way he started out there is no doubt that he fell bravely leading his men who had the most difficult task to do. You may be glad to know that the men, in their letters home, spoke in the highest terms of their officers who had fallen, showing that they had won their esteem, affection, and respect. I had not the pleasure of working long with your son, but during the short time we were thrown together just prior to that day I was exceedingly glad to get to know Mr Blacker better, and to be able to appreciate his qualities. I am sorry to be unable to give you better news, but it is no good giving you hopes which we, out here, feel certain are false. It is probable that definite news will come in later, but I think it will be that Mr. Blacker died close to the enemy’s position in a brave attempt to lead his men over what proved practically insurmountable obstacles. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.’ ”
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George Frederick Blacker is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, within Berks Cemetery Extension Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Gerald Haslam Cook
18th July 1886 to 25th July 1915.
“Lieutenant G.H. Cook was born at Ruby Hall, Poona, India, in 1886. He joined the Indian Army after leaving School and was sent on active service in October, 1914, with his battalion of the 101st Grenadiers to East Africa. He took part in the attack on Tanga, German East Africa, on November 4th, 1914, when the 101st actually entered the town and crossed bayonets with the enemy. In this engagement twelve officers (six British and six Indian) were killed and Lieut. G.H. Cook was the only survivor in the firing-line. He himself was picked up with severe wounds to his thigh and arm, and made a prisoner by the Germans. General Wapshare, commanding at the Base in British East Africa, writes: - ‘It will, I know, be a pride to you to know that your son was wounded while gallantly leading his men.’ ” He was first reported missing, then killed, but in April a telegram was received from the German authorities in German East Africa stating that Lieut. G.H. Cook was ‘doing well’. Skilful surgery on their part prolonged, but did not save his life, as on October 20th, 1915, another telegram stated that he had ‘died of wounds on July 27th’ after having been a prisoner of war for nine months.
John Vade Watt
6th August 1896 to 30th October 1915.
“Second-Lieutenant J.V. Watt, of the 14th Gloucesters had served for some time with the Reserves of the London Scottsh, and had only recently received his commission. He was accidentally killed in a motor-bicycle accident near his training camp near Whitchurch in Shropshire. He was one of the best type of the boys of the School, very much in earnest in all that he did, and sure to have given a good account of himself, as indeed he had done through all his brief life. His commandant wrote of him that he was ‘A brilliant young officer, very hard-working and keen - very promising.’ It seems only to add to the pathos of his loss that he should have died through an unhappy accident, and not, as he would have been ready to do, on the field of battle.” - School Chronicle December 1915
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“The School has been perhaps fortunate during the past months when the number of Old Boys serving in the firing lines is taken into consideration , this is has only to lament the loss of five since the last Chronicle was published, and only eight, so far as is known, since the war began. But the fact that the number is few does not make the loss of those who have given their lives before their time any the less sad for those who knew them or for those to whom they were dear.�
School Chronicle December 1915
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A roll of the deceased is included at the end of each chapter. They are also marked on the Roll of Service by a poppy by their name. Stone, Sydney Clifford. Attended the School between 1908 and 1909. Served in the Army. Died 11 February 1915, aged 20. Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Gough, Harold Brentnoll. Attended the School between 1908 and 1913. Served in the Navy as an Officer. Died 11 March 1915, aged 17. Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Britain. Blacker, George Frederick. Attended the School between 1907 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 9 May 1915, aged 21. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Hall, Sydney Llewellyn. Attended the School between 1905 and 1909. Served in the Navy as a NCO. Died 21 July 1915, aged 22. Buried in Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Turkey. Cook, Gerald Haslam. Attended the School between 1898 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 25 July 1915, aged 29. Buried in Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery, Africa. Phillpotts, Fitzroy Charles. Attended the School between September and December 1903. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 9 August 1915, aged 21. Remembered on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Neems, Percy Vincent Nigel. Attended the School between 1908 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 9 October 1915, aged 19. Buried in Sopworth (St. Mary) Churchyard, Britain. Phillips, John Milford Picton. Attended the School between 1908 and 1909. Served in the Army. Died 30 October 1915, aged 19. Buried in Hebuterne Military Cemetery, France. Watt, John Vade. Attended the School between 1908 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 30 October1915, aged 19. Buried in Whitchurch Cemetery, Britain.
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The Menin Gate
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
1916
Timeline World
School 21 January 1916 Leslie Raymond Talbot Gilbert dies, Death toll reaches double figures
January 1916 Conscription introduced 21 February 1916 Battle of Verdun begins Continues until November April 1916 Record number of 200 boys in OTC 1916 31 May 1916 Sheild donated by OB Battle of Jutland Inspires House shooting competition Only large scale naval battle of the war July 1916 60 boys assist with Flax harvest 1 July 1916 Battle of the Somme begins Continues for five months
15 September 1916 First British tanks used
28 November 1916 20 December 1916 First German aeroplane raid on Britain School concert held in Victoria Rooms due to lighting regulations of the Great Hall December 1916 Lloyd George becomes Prime Minister
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Economy
Good wife, be wise, Economise. With Maypole dyes Economise. And hypnotise Or paralyse Your husband’s eyes With new dyed ties. Don’t ‘pologise, He won’t despise Economise, But realise And recognise That with such dyes That man is wise Who seldom buys New half-crown ties. Tho’ hubby sighs Because the pies Are undersize, Economise; If currants rise In price, try flies! Anon. School Chronicle December 1916
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Contents School Life Economy Shooting Challenge Shield School Events Francis John Hannam School Societies Retirement from Cape Helles Teachers Sidney Charles Garlick
110 112 113 114 116 120 122 130 132
Grammar School Flax Chronicle Notes Flax Pulling Camp Account Fragment of a Diary Another Diary of Camp Life The Song of the Flax
135 137 139 142 144 147
Officer Training Corps Stanley Charles Booker Scouts War News Cyril Norwood Leaves The Arrival of Joseph Barton Deceased
148 151 155 159 163 173 175
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School Life Almost a year and half since the conflict began in Europe, the War appears to be taking it’s toll on the School. The first Chronicle of 1916 opens with nostalgic and motivational words from the Editor: “Already we look back on the school life of the last years with a strange feeling of detachment. Championships, matches, debates, committee-meetings, games and work, the keen endeavour and rollicking fun, no longer seem part of our lives – we are in another world. “Was it for mere fools’ play, make believe and mumming So we battled it like men, not boy-like sulked or whined? Each of us heard clang God’s “come!” and each was coming Soldiers all, to forward-face, not sneaks to lag behind! No! The struggle continues! The joy of life and battle on the footer field is a trial for the real thing. Build up the House and the School. The nation and the world await reconstruction from the hands of boys of to-day. You will step into a gap – the generation before you, with its ideals and thoughts, has been swept away; you will have to start afresh with small heritage from your predecessors. Set the jaw, stiffen the sinews; exert yourselves to your utmost powers, be it mind or body; not one straight and clean fighter can be spared in the years to come: now is the time, here the place to start – “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield!” ” The consequences which had the greatest impact on the School were, the lack of older pupils, and the lighting restrictions. In pre-War times it was customary for prefects to return to the School, for example, to assist with games. However, due to the war, the vast majority of the prefects were leaving to undertake military duties and so were unable to return. Many even left a term early, meaning that in 1916, the Classical examination was held at the end of the Spring Term instead of the Summer. This loss of the older members of the School had a significant impact on the sports
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teams, especially the Rugby team, who were believed to have the lightest First XV on record, with “the heaviest man weighing barely 11½ stone”. The second area of concern to the School was the lighting restrictions, which seemed to impact nearly every type of extracurricular activity, as the Scientific Society repeatedly points out. Yet the School clubs and Societies refused to be discouraged, and simply adapted their activities until the restrictions were lifted. For example, the Scientific Society held lectures instead of using the labs, and the Music Society held meetings at pupil’s homes and discussed music instead of playing it. Whilst the War work of the Scouts and the Corps has already been mentioned, it must be noted that many other areas of the School were busy contributing in any way they could, not least the Carpenter’s Shop (now the John James Room). In one term, they produced 15 pairs of crutches, 10 bed tables, 20 to 25 foot-rests, 10 to 12 pillow-rests, and 16 arm-splints, all for the Clifton War Hospital Depot. Yet the pupils’ commitment to the War effort did little to reduce their usual charitable activities: “The result of the Cot Collection up to the time at which this goes to the printer surpasses all previous records, and makes certain the success of the School purpose of endowing for a year at any rate a further cot in memory of Nurse Edith Cavell. £94 s19 d9 [around £7,200]”.
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Economy “To save the daylight, make a habit of always getting up an hour earlier than you did the day before. It will be found that this will also save night-lights. To save coal, light the kitchen fire in the dining room. Use buttered beans, oil cake, or lump sugar in place of firewood. To renovate a suit that is work or shiny, put it into a sauce-pan and boil for 6 hours, taking care previously to remove from the pockets sweets, half-chewed apples, string, white mice, silk worms, snakes, and other perishable goods. When cooked, dish up, adding pepper and salt to taste, put on and walk briskly till dry. This will prevent shrinkage and save ironing. Old straw hats should be put through a chaff cutter. Mix the results with treacle and other ingredients, put into a quick-firing oven and make into shortbread – the shorter the better.” F. G. B. School Chronicle December 1916
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Shooting Challenge Shield In the Summer Term of 1916 an Old Boy, Mr John Phillips, presented the School with a Shooting Challenge Shield. This was the birth of the inter-House firing competition, which was undertaken intermittently until the late 1960s. Initially teams consisted of seven members from each House. It was hoped that “this competition should prove an inducement to boys when regular firing commences, to try and get some shots on the target and not merely to blaze away ammunition”. The Shield itself is described as follows: “It shows in silver a reproduction of Lady Butler’s picture of the old 28th at Quatre Bras, and no more suitable picture could have been chosen in view of the School’s connection with the Gloucestershire Regiment. It has beside a number of blank silver shields on which the names of the winning Houses can be engraved.”
The School Shooting Shield
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
1916 1917 1918 1921 1922 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1932 1944 1946 1947 1949 1950
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Beames’ Holmes’ Holmes’ Beames’ Beames’ Holmes’ Jacob’s Pitts’ Jacob’s Jacob’s Morris’ Dunnicliff’s Langford’s Morris’ Dudley’s Dudley’s
1951 1952 1955 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1966 1967
– Dunnicliff’s – Langford’s – Osborne’s – Fox’s – Osbourne’s – Lucas’ – Lucas’ – Lucas’ – Trott’s – Trott’s – Meigh’s – Lucas’ – Lucas’
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School Events Prize Giving The Annual Prize Giving took place on the 6th October, and held a special importance as it was the last School function at which Dr. Norwood would be present as Headmaster. It is reported that many hoped he would return in the alternative role of “distributing the prizes, consoling the luckless and humbly beseeching Mr. Barton for a holiday for the School”. Unlike the previous year, parents and friends were invited and “all the pomp and glory of former ceremonies was restored”. Unfortunately the lighting restrictions struck again, necessitating the event to be held at 3 p.m., which is reported to have prevented many from attending. The following account is taken from the December 1916 Chronicle: “The Headmaster, on rising to speak, was welcomed with a great burst of applause, which Thucydides alone might describe in adequate terms. He first made reference to the Old Boys of the School. Thirty-five had died for the freedom of England, and as a sign of respect and love for them he asked the School to stand. He outlined the Memorial Scheme for the fallen which he had planned, and pointed out that though not run on military lines, the School had done remarkably well in the matter of distinctions, a considerable proof that our education was not so hopelessly wrong as some would have it believed to be.
The Headmaster briefly reviewed the progress made during the last ten years, mentioning the generous gifts to the School by various benefactors, amounting to £30,000 in all [over £2.3 million today]. At the end of his Headmastership, he turned with confidence to the future, and he saw greater prospects for the School than ever. He concluded by dealing with education after the war: ‘bread and butter’ subjects and specialisation must be avoided up to 16 years of age, since the object of education was to develop faculty of mind and body. The prizes were distributed by the Sheriff. ...He said that as a Governor of twelve years standing he has great interest in the School, and was particularly pleased to hear
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the Headmaster’s excellent report. Though they were all sorry to lose Dr. Norwood, yet they most heartily congratulated him on his appointment as Headmaster of Marlborough. It was Marlborough’s gain and Bristol’s loss, but they were proud he was chosen for that important position and wished him God-speed and every success. He agreed that England must not let her education drift into the dangers of materialism which would be fatal to her empire; something greater than material prosperity was to be her aim. Then came the surprise of the afternoon: and may it never grow old and stale! Mr. Chattock asked for a holiday next day for the School: whereat the School was much overcome. After it had recovered a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Langford and seconded by Mr. Francombe, and the proceedings were ended by the School Song, which was sung with all the enthusiasm we could muster under the circumstances.”
School Concert The Annual Concert was held on Wednesday, December 20th. However, due to lighting restrictions in place on the Great Hall, the concert was moved to the Victoria Rooms. During the interval a collection was taken by members of the Robert Thorne Troop of Scouts on behalf of the Public Schools’ Hospital Fund. Unfortunately, the Chronicles make no mention of the amount raised.
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Francis John Hannam Francis John Hannam was at the School from 1891 to 1896. He served in the Gloucesters as a Captain and was sadly killed on 5th July 1916. This report appeared in the July 1916 School Chronicle. “Captain Frank J. Hannam - An Appreciation It is twenty years ago since Frank Hannam left the School: it seems incredible, for he was always kept in the closest touch with it, and was better known than many Old Boys who have left but recently. And now he is dead! but not until he had given his life for the noblest of all causes - his Country and his King! As all his friends would expect, he died a hero, sacrificing his life for others. His fellow-officers write of his deed in the most glowing terms: though the details are not yet complete, the testimony already borne proves conclusively that the feat he performed was one of the most fearless bravery and one that is likely to win him a posthumous honour of the highest degree, a V.C. or at least, a Military Cross. It is thought that Frank must have died on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 4th, for the Chaplain attached to the Division states ‘Early on Tuesday morning Captain Hannam led his Company gallantly in an attack upon the Germans’ trench, mounted their parapet and cleared one bay himself; he was then wounded, and was carried back to our trenches by his Orderly, who also behaved splendidly.’ The writer then adds a human touch, which those who knew our friend best will much appreciate: ‘he made his Communion last Sunday morning, as he always did before going into the trenches.’ Other evidence goes to show that Frank behaved magnificently, that it was through unselfishness that he lost his life, and that his own bravery prevented more men from being killed. Had he not stopped on the way back to help a wounded soldier, we might not have to mourn his loss. Captain Hannam was a typical product of the English Public School system, largehearted, generous, optimistic; he never shirked a duty, however distasteful, and was
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School Chronicle, July 1916
Page 118
never satisfied until the work he had in hand was accomplished, and accomplished successfully. What he has done for sport in Bristol is well-known: he resuscitated the Clifton Rugby Club, and made the Old Bristolians’ Cricket Club popular and famous throughout the West Country, while as President of Bristol and District Cricket Association and previouslt as President of the County Rugby Committee, he displayed unusual powers of organisation, great business acumen, and a deep knowledge both of men and affairs. It is, however, as Captain of the Old Bristolians’ Cricket Club that his memory will be dearest to readers of the School magazine. His energy, both on the field and off, was inexhaustible, just as his enthusiasm was infectious. We do not forget that it was he who suggested the erection of the Pavilion on the old School field; we remember with gratitude the earnestness with which he advocated and worked for the cause, as well as the great success which attended his efforts. Yet it was on the Cricket field that he was seen at his best, especially in the capacity of captin of the side: his encouragement has won many a game, while his unfailing cheerfulness popularised the team with all opponents. Who that has toured with him in South Devon will ever forget those happy, halcyon days? So versatile was our friend, so original and amusing that the fun never slackened: he was the life and soul of the party, and while he was present, song and frolic were unceasing. Though measured by time his life has been a short one (he was just 36 years of age when he died) yet it has been crowded with event interesting not only to himself, but to others. His has been a full life, a rich life; ‘an example to imitate and a pattern to adorn.’ While all boys of the School, both past and present, mourn his loss but are proud of his deed, at the same time they extend the deepest sympathy to his widow, father and sisters. They feel with the poet: - ‘We live in deeds, not years: in thoughts, not breaths: in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should not count time by heartthrobs. He most live who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.’ H.A.M.P. A memorial service, conducted by the Rev. F. Norton, was held at St. Mary’s, Tyndall’s Park, on Sunday, July 23rd. The service was unique, for on no previous occasion has such a representative gathering of sportsmen assembled in Bristol. Every department
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of athletic life in the two counties sent its representative, and the large congregation afforded a striking and remarkable tribute to the popularity and sterling work of Frank Hannam, true sportsman and gallant gentleman.” Unfortunately, Hannam was not awarded any medals posthumously. However, another O.B., Second-Lieutenant F.A. Ridler, won the Military Cross for “the conspicious coolness and courage with which he rallied and brought out of action the company when Captain F.J. Hannam fell.” Hannam left behind a wife, Edith Margaret Hannam (née Boucher) who was an Olympic tennis player. Over her career she won two Gold Medals (indoor singles and indoor mixed doubles tennis) at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, and was runner up in the women’s doubles finals at Wimbledon in 1914. She died in 1951 in Weston Edith Hannam, 1912 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Super Mare, aged 71. Edith_Hannam
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School Societies Musical Undeterred by the war, in the Spring Term of 1916 a new Musical Society was created. Despite their initial feisty attitude, they very quickly ran into issues with the lighting restrictions which affected the use of the Great Hall and thus, the piano.
“The Secretary of the lately formed Scientific Society boasted in his first report last term that his was the only society of the school which met to do things, not to talk about them. It may interest the aforesaid society to know that the latest-formed society meets also to do things, but not to do things selfishly for themselves, but to do them also for the enjoyment and improvement of others. The Musical Society began this term with annoying difficulties to supermount. The worst and almost fatal blow was struck by the trivial lighting order, which prevented us from having meetings in the Great Hall. The piano contained in the same remained as immovable as authority which refused to have it moved. However we held meetings at the private houses of various members.” However, the need to hold the meetings elsewhere apparently did little to dampen their enthusiasm, with five meetings being held in the Autumn Term alone. They also held their own concert on Saturday, March 25th, at 5.40pm, “the early hour was necessary owing to the lighting regulations”.
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Scientific Society It appears that the Scientific Society is suffering the most from the lighting restrictions: “Members of the Scientific Society have now their own private bone to pick with Germany, since the blindlessness of the laboratories has prevented evening meetings being held in them, and so practical work has had to give place to Lectures in Room 5”. Yet they do agree that it is not all doom and gloom as they go on to say that they “have to thank the kindly Hun for being the indirect cause of such a series of excellent lectures”.
Junior Social Club Members of the Junior Social Club also received a number of interesting lectures throughout 1916. On Saturday 5th February, Monsieur Thiriet gave a lecture entitled ‘A journey from Strasburg (Alsace) to Switzerland’. This was followed by two Warrelated lectures, one from Captain Lewis who presented his ‘Experiences at the Front’, and one from Monsieur Chicoteau regarding conditions at the Front.
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Retirement from Cape Helles The following account was taken from a letter written by A.L. Watkins. It was reproduced in the July 1916 School Chronicle.
There are a good many in the School who will remember A. L. Watkins, now 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Glo’sters, but not only these but all old and present boys will be interested in the following letter which the Headmaster received this term: -
After the evacuation of Suvla Bay we
four house system of reckoning time
spent a week at Lemnos, which gave
avoids any confusion between a.m.
us a Xmas day in peace and quiet.
and p.m.
On the 27th of December we sailed
for Cape Helles – two brigades of the
Between the steamships and the shore
13th Division having been ordered to
ran f lat, shallow draught boats known
the Peninsula.
to T. Atkins as “beetles.” There is
a lower deck affording complete
We arrived about 7.30 p.m. or as we
protection from shrapnel and bullets; -
call it out there 19.30. The twenty-
no mast, the main deck being about a
The River Clyde, some time after the landings Photo Source: http://www.1914-1918.net
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foot above water.
the Dardanelles a heavy gun known to
the general public as “Asiatic Annie.”
I was on the first “beetle” for the
She fired a great deal at ‘V’ beach and
shore and we ran alongside the “River
‘W’ beach by day and night. From ‘V’
Clyde,” the most famous merchant-
beach we could see the f lash of the
man in history, I suppose. Through
gun. A man with a horn was always
the Clyde we went, along a lower deck
on duty at night watching for f lashes.
to a quay wall or causeway which had
When he saw a f lash he blew the horn
been built out from the shore. This
and everyone took cover. There was a
landing was known as ‘V’ beach;
space of about ten seconds between
from this part of the coast for about
the blowing of the horn and the arrival
three bays – ‘W’ beach, ‘X’ beach,
of the shell.
and ‘Y’ beach. Between ‘X’ beach
and ‘Y’ beach was another know as
We were new to this game and were
Gully beach. As is natural from the
forming up in fours when the horn
formation of the hills, beaches were
blew. Everyone carried on – then came
opposite ravines or gullies. Gully
the shell which exploded quite close
Beach was opposite Shrapnel Gully –
to us, blew us to the ground in the
the main artery of communication up
mud, but otherwise did no damage.
to the left of our line.
We had a four miles night march to a
On the Egyptian State Railway, a horn
place known as Ghurka Bluff, where
is used by shunters to warn people at
we went down a steep incline into
level crossings. I heard plenty of them
Shrapnel Gully. Shrapnel Gully had
at Port Said. But it was not in Egypt
much the same appearance when I
that I first heard such horns but almost
arrived as the Avon Gorge would have
immediately on landing at Helles.
if roads and railways were removed,
Johnny Turk had on the Asiatic side of
the bed of the river dried up till only a
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The Landings of the Gallipoli Campaign Photo Source: http://www.1914-1918.net
Page 125
food of mud remained, and dug-outs
Turks decided to attack on the day
carved out in every imaginable place
before the evacuation. My company
on the bare side. What is known as the
occupied the Fifth Avenue trenches up
Gully to Bristolians would correspond
to a day or so before the attack when
to a Gallipoli ravine running down
the Gloucesters were relieved by the
very steeply to the sea at the bottom.
North Staffords who were about three
times as numerous as we were.
There we had to accommodate
ourselves in empty dug-outs till the
The Gloucesters on being relieved
morning, so as I arrived with the
went into dug-outs in ‘Y’ ravine about
last party at 4 a.m. I had a nice time
1200 yards back from Fusilier Bluff.
climbing up and down the sides of the
Before I could settle down into any
gully looking for dug-outs and finding
place, in fact, before my company
none.
had come down (I had gone on
in advance), I had to start off on a
After a little time in the gully we
reconnaissance job for the Brigade.
relieved a Territorial unit at “Fusilier
Starting from Fusilier Bluff I had to take
Bluff” and “Fifth Avenue” They were
a party along the beach to ‘Y’ ravine,
Essex Yeomanry if I remember rightly.
time and journey and report on the
I believe they went to Egypt then. The
nature of the ground and general
French evacuated a fortnight before
practicability for moving troops there.
we did, the Royal Naval Division taking
The next night I had to carry on from
over their part of the line.
‘Y’ ravine to Gully Beach pier at the
bottom of Shrapnel Gully. That was
We had a choice bit at Fifth Avenue
rather an awkward job owing to the
where we were about 12 yards from
roughness of the route. Men carried
the enemy. It was along Fusilier
full packs, in fact, everything they
Bluff and Fifth Avenue that the
possessed.
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lasted longer but none so intense.
That was all I actually did in connection
Suddenly the shell fire ceased and we
with the evacuation, at all out of the
could hear a terrific crackle of rif le and
ordinary run things. There was a path
machine gun fire. This lasted for 25
on the opposite side of the ravine and
minutes and it was during that time that
this was marked out with sandbags
most of our casualties occurred. Our
and ran over the top of the hills down
men in replying to their fire showed
to a zig-zag path down the cliffs 400
their heads over the parapet and were
yards north of Gully Beach pier. This
almost certain to be hit. Then the rif le
was the path I myself actually went
stopped: the time had come for the
along in evacuating the place.
Turks to attack with the bayonet. Four
Turks got up out of their trenches and
Whether the Turks spotted these
were immediately shot. That damped
sandbags from aero-planes I don’t
their ardour, but down in the dip north
know, but I think they must have got
of Fusilier Bluff a German officer led
wind of our intended evacuation, for
about forty Turks out across the dip.
on the morning of the day previous
It was a hopeless job. He was one of
to that arranged for the manoeuvre,
the first to be shot down. That was all
a terrific bombardment commenced
that came of what the Turk, thinking
such as had not been known on the
our position weak, from the removal of
peninsula before. For five hours it was
the French and certain British troops,
raining shrapnel and high explosive
had intended to be a blow to drive the
in ‘Y’ ravine. It was very bad in the
remainder into the sea.
front line trenches. The queer thing
about it all was that there were very
I was the first of the Gloucesters to be
few casualties from shell fire. Men
sent up from ‘Y’ ravine. I took a party
who had been to France said they had
up the Mule Track with bombs and
known bombardments which had
ammunition. It was in a fearful state –
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all the cover blown down, telephone
I had returned for a second load the
wires lying over the ground, shell-
men had been removed from the
cases, a large unexploded 12in. shell
track – there were about four there
on the parapet – here a man dying,
when I went up. By night-time it had
there one wounded, and so on – rif les,
been cleared up and fatigue parties
equipment, packs, greatcoats, in fact,
of our battalion worked at putting up
all manner of kit lying round. Before
fresh cover. In Fifth Avenue, just as I
W Beach at Cape Helles, Gallipoli
Photo Source: http://www.museumsyndicate.com
Page 128
entered I came across three bodies
had occupied our bombing pit and all
one on top of the other. The bottom
movements were done very quietly. In
body was the mortal remains of Col.
the Fifth Avenue trenches one was not
Walker of the North Staffords.
allowed at any time to speak above
a whisper. On this last day coats
The Gloucesters relieved the Staffords
were spread about the bottom of the
very soon after the strafe and so
trenches and these stilled the noises
were the last to leave that part of the
of feet. The evacuation of these first
line. C Coy. Was in reserve in Trolley
line trenches had been going on all
Ravine where we had previously
day, certain parties being sent along
been for a couple of days. I went to
to join the remainder of the battalion
my old dug-out. My servant said
in Gully Ravine. At 7 p.m. the last
“There’s a man in there sir!” so I took
people left these trenches. I had to
another place. Next day we found he
wait at the top of ‘Y’ ravine till all had
was dead – in my dug-out!! Such is
passed down and then rejoin my C.O.
fortune – or Providence. My company
below. We led up by the path marked
commenced evacuation at 9 a.m. on
by sandbags of which I have spoken,
the 8th of January and went down the
passed one half of the Worcesters who
Mule Track into Shrapnel Gully. I was
had lost the other half and got on to
kept behind by the C.O. to act for all
the beach as I said 400 yards north of
practical purposes as his adjutant.
Gully Beach pier. We marched past
The adjutant went on early in the
this – over very rough rocky ground
day. All day the Turks sent over huge
the whole way past one beach to ‘W’
canister bombs about twenty inches
beach and sat there in mud and water
in length and cylindrical, the diameter
for no inconsiderable time writing to
being about three or four inches. They
embark. Wild rumours went round
were tremendously powerful and took
that the sea was too rough for us to
many lives. The Turks in the attack
go off, as it sometimes was, but about
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eleven o’clock we got on a lighter
safety as things turned out. My pack
and put out to sea for H.M.S. Mars, a
has not turned up to this day. Several
battleship reputed to be somewhere
Gloucester packs were blown into the
south of Cape Helles. On the way
sea. That’s the consolation we get.
our ‘beetle’ rammed another right
amidship but no damage was done.
We got on the ‘Mars’ about midnight;
We arrived at the ‘Mars’ and had a
about five in the morning I went
job getting alongside. A huge wooden
on deck and we were still off Cape
ladder was hung over the ship’s side
Helles. Flames were rising on the
and there we were with the lighter
beach – the stores which could not
rising and falling, now on the level
be evacuated were burning. Then the
of the ladder – now three or four feet
Turks started shelling. That’s what I
below. You had to take your chance
saw of the evacuation of Cape Helles,
and get on when the lighter was rising
and here I think I must close now with
and, when you were on, felt as unsafe
best wishes to you and the School.
as could be. The ladder seemed as if it was going to slip every minute, but it was firm enough no doubt. I lost several things at Cape Helles. On the day of the strafe we had orders to dump our packs as they would be evacuated by transport. I had my prismatic compass in mine and attached a pair of good gum boots to it. A pair of fisherman’s waders were there too and yet I could have carried it off myself with the utmost
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Teachers The Summer Term saw two more teachers leave due to military service: “Not only have we missed people who were with us last term, but in addition Mr. Burkitt and Mr. Caudwell, who commenced the term with us, have been called upon to take up duties with the Army. Their loss will be felt in School life, Mr. Burkitt especially among the scouts whom he has led for some years, and Mr. Caudwell in School cricket. We are sure that both carry with them the best wishes of the whole school.” Mr Burkitt began as an Artillery Cadet at Exeter as part of the 15th Gloucestershires, while Mr Caudwell went to the Curragh (a training centre for the Irish Army) as an Officer Cadet.
Monsieur Chicoteau In the Spring of 1916, Corporal Chicoteau was given three months leave and permission to recruit himself in England, apparently granted “after an experience which began in August, 1914”. By July, despite not being fully recovered, he had persuaded the doctors to let him return to the Front as an Interpreter for the British Army. By December we are simply told that he is an Interpreter “somewhere in France”.
Captain Lewis In the spring of 1916, after several months in command of a double company at the Front, Captain Lewis returned home on two months sick-leave due to heart trouble. By the summer he still remaines only fit for Home Service, but we are told that he has been doing very useful work on the Plain. By December he is serving with the Reserve Gloucestershire Battalion.
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Mr Oakford Little is told of Mr Oakford in 1916, however we do know that he took a Swedish Drill Course in the Himalayas and thus was “continuing with success to see the greater part of India at the national charge”.
Mr Turner Mr Turner appears to have wasted no time in honing many of his skills, becoming “an expert in forming fours in whatever depth of mud”, through to becoming “far advanced with his training as an anti-aircraft gunner”. Apparently he is hoping to place a number of Zeppelins to his credit if they are still flying the following autumn.
British Anti-Aircraft gunners firing at a German Aircraft Photographed by William Ivor Castle, Library and Archives Canada
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Sidney Charles Garlick Sidney Charles Garlick was at the School from 1908 to 1911. He served in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant, and was sadly killed on 16th July 1916.
“He left the Grammar School and went on to Wyclif College, Stonehouse. He was developing a real gift for English poetry, and was looking forward to a bright career, such as his open vivid nature and gifts of mind promised, when the summons of war took him, and by hard fate he met his end almost immediately after reaching the firing line. The sympathy of all Old Boys goes out in free measure to their brother Old Boy, his father, and to Mrs Garlick who have thus in so brief a space lost two such sons in the very dawn of their promise.” We are later told that Sidney died on the Somme. His older brother, Philip Mills Garlick, had died almost exactly a year previously after falling ill for only three days on a holiday in Weston. Both Philip and Sidney were 19 years old when they died, the former never having seen battle as he had only just sent in his papers for a temporary commission. The family lived on Tyndall Avenue, and their mother Mrs Garlick often held informal evening parties for many of the boys at the School, something which she carried on even after the death of both her sons. We are told that “as time passed her circle widened and her drawing-room became the meeting-place of those home on leave with friends in Bristol and boys at the School, while absent ones were kept in touch with and each other by her letters. Unfortunately Mrs Garlick passed away in Brighton on the 11th March, 1919. Both sons were remembered by prizes donated in their names, for which their parents had given money. The Philip Garlick Memorial Prize began in 1916, and was awarded to the best debater; this prize is still awarded today. The Sidney Garlick Memorial Prize began in 1917, and was awarded for English Verse until the early 1980s.
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Dive Copse Military Cemetery, Sailly-le-Sec Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Winners of the Sidney Garlick Prize 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950
– K.M. Hancock – C. Huxtable – G.V. Jones – W.H. Shewring – W.H. Shewring – Not awarded – W.H. Shewring – L.C. Hector – L.C. Hector – S.A. Bryant – W.B. Yapp – K.J. Maidment – F.P. Hussey – S.R. Dunning – A.G. Thomas – K.J. Everingham – J. Ashmead – Not awarded – A.J.T. Jenkins – R.M. Catling – R.M. Catling – W.F. Raymond, J.A. Shaw – Not Awarded – R. McAdams – R. McAdams – C.S. Harvey – F.R.V. Macaulay – M.C. Boyes – D. Datta, E.F. Denbury, K.G. Piper – R.E. Klein & P. Salisbury – F.R.V. Macaulay – A.M. Davies & J.D. Hunt – Not awarded – B.S. Chappel
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 J 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
– J.L. Branch & A.J. Cozens – J.L. Branch – J.D. Hunt – G. Dudbridge, R.H. Hamlin, P.L. Steer – Not awarded – V.E. Watts – Not awarded – J.D. Chick – T.J. Clark – A.N. Boyd – C.N. Hall – R.C. Tucker – M.C. Beeching – No Record – No Record – No Record – P.A. Conway, B.K. Russell – M.R.I. Durham – B.D. Elford – Snr: M.G. Hook, D.M.J. O’Keefe, Jnr: D.M. Housham, J.F. Wong – Snr: N.C. Carn, M.G. Hook, D.M. Perry Jnr: J. Bennathan, S.J. Turley – Snr: R.J. Crow, M.G. Hook, R.A. Milton iJnr: S.A. Barrington – Snr: P. Harrison iJnr: A.N. Fray, J.N. Miller – S.J. Turley – J.M. Stanford – C.G. Allen, S.J. Turley – Not awarded – P.L. Wright – S.D. Miles – J.C. Bryant
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In the July 1916 School Chronicle, we are told that “it is hoped that a great many boys will find an opportunity to work upon the land during the course of the holidays. As a beginning sixty are to go into camp in the neighbourhood of Yeovil to pull the flax harvest. It is a crop planted as an experiment by the National Development Commission, and may lead to the re-introduction of the flax industry into the country. As the whole crop has to be pulled by hand, those who take part will be able to feel that the labour, however monotonous and tiring, is distinctly national service. Dr. Eyre the scientific adviser to the Flax-growing Committee, has already lectured to the pullers, but a full account of their much-looked-forward-to adventures must be waited for until the next Chronicle.” The School issued a special twenty-page edition of the Chronicle, which included two photographs, with diaries of camp life and humorous prose and verse. A message was printed in the O.B.’s section of the December 1916 School Chronicle reporting that any Old Boy who wished to receive a copy of the special edition should send 6½d [around £2 today] to the O.B. Editor of the Chronicle at the School. However, this plea did not prove as successful as originally hoped, and as a result the April Chronicle in 1917 consisted of a rather irate message from the O.B. Editor:
“Last term we asked any O.B. interested in the war-work done by the School in harvesting flax last summer to invest sixpence in the special number of the Chronicle, where the story is told in prose and verse, not to mention photographs. The total response to this amounts so far to ONE request for a copy. If all our reader’s money has gone into the War Loan, well and good: but we had hoped better things from that burning interest in “the old School” which is so often expressed in words.” We can only assume that more requests followed as the matter was not brought up again. The following pages reproduce a large portion of the Flax Chronicle.
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The British Flax & Hemp Growers’ Society, Limited. 14 Victoria Street, Westminster, London, S. W. 8th September, 1916. Dear Dr. Norwood,
I am writing on behalf of my Committee to express their warm thanks
to your School and, through you, to the boys who took part in the scheme, for their public spirited assistance in the harvesting of our Flax crop at Yeovil.
This arrangement, so readily made by your School with the Society,
was a clear instance of the carrying out of a suggestion made by the late President of the Board of Agriculture, Lord Selborne, by which the labour difficulties during the War might be solved. We think that we may regard the experiment as a successful one. As in this case the crop require pulling by hand, it naturally presented special difficulties, which only keenness and determination combined with the esprit de corps of a British Public School could have overcome.
We trust that the boys who, like yourself, took part in the work, will
look back with pleasure upon their practical contribution towards the revival of an important agricultural industry in the National interests. Yours very truly, Alfred Wood Secretary.
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Notes The one event which marred the pleasure of the Camp was the accident which happened to Mr. Beames, when in cycling down to South Petherton he fell and fractured his arm. It certainly threw a shadow over the whole opening, and the one feeling of relief was that the accident did not inflict still more serious injury, as it might well have done. As it was, it meant for Mr. Beames that he was laid up for practically the greater part of the holidays. All are very glad that he has made so good a recovery, and grateful to him for his readiness to undertake the duties of Commandant in the Camp where he was much missed. Very real thanks also are due to Mr. Bridge for undertaking to fill the vacant place almost at a moment’s notice. The duty of leading the flax-pullers was no sinecure, and by general consent Mr. Bridge would always be secure of employment in the flax industry at harvest time.
Volunteers working in the Flax fields Source: School Flax Chronicle October 1916
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Nor must we forget M. Guerra who was responsible for the whole of the supplies, and the preliminary arrangements, which meant a lot of work. It is certain that without his help the Camp could not have been held. And it is equally certain that without Sergeant the Camp could not have continued for very long. He had the hottest and most monotonous time of all: he will probably remember it all his life, and so shall we. Much medical and surgical skill was displayed, so professional and some amateur. Three stitches were the usual allowance: we saw one cut which was self-cobbled apparently with pack thread, but the owner is still alive. The medical treatment may perhaps best be alluded to in the following verses which those who were there will understand perhaps. There was once a physician I knew, Who always prescribed Hazel Dew, For he said ‘Twill give ease, Whate’er the disease, For it’s always a drug as’ll do. That so much pleasurable bathing was possible is due to George and Parsons, the ‘Life-savers’. They deserve and receive by acclamation a special vote of thanks.
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Flax-Pulling Camp Account The appeal for schoolboys to spend a portion of their holidays at work ‘on the land’, which met with so splendid a response throughout the country, did not find the School wanting in any way, and towards the end of July 60 volunteers, chosen from the older boys, journeyed down to South Petherton, in Somerset, to assist in the harvesting of the Flax crop. It would have been impossible to find pleasanter surroundings than those in which the Camp was pitched. With some of Somerset’s finest scenery as a setting it was small wonder that the Camp appeared a veritable haven of repose to the 50 or more tired and dusty cyclists who arrived on the evening of Friday, July 21st. The news of Mr. Beames’ accident whilst cycling down momentarily damped out spirits, which however, rose again upon hearing that Mr. Bridge was coming down as a substitute. After sleeping extraordinarily well on our first night in Camp we were initiated in the mysteries of Flax-pulling by sundry stray Belgians, whom we later learned to partial to ‘precept’ though averse to ‘example’. The pulling of the Flax was hard, very hard indeed, and though we had been previously warned that we had come on no picnic, no one had imagined that Flax-pulling could possibly be as deadly dull and as tiring as it turned out to be. Throughout our stay we could never get up any affection for the work or even accustom ourselves to it. Towards the end of the first week we thought, not infrequently, of the opportunities the Government was missing for the suitable employment of German prisoners! Towards the end of the second there was not a back in the Camp which did not ache, not a pair of hands but were cramped and stiff. At the end of our stay we came to the conclusion that the lot of the farm labourer was not as easy as it seemed! All the discomforts caused by the Flax-pulling however were forgotten when we foregathered at the Camp in the evening. The acture sense of depression which seemed to attend everything connected in any way with flax, vanished as if by magic as soon as the Camp hove in sight. Whether it was that we felt we deserved our
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few hours of leisure or whether the thought or earning real money gave rise to such general satisfaction is immaterial, the point is that the Camp part of the expedition was an unqualified success. The arrangements for our comfort work smoothly, the weather was ideal, and things went very well indeed with us. Humour was infectious, and to listen to various interpretations of the Somerset dialect was a treat in itself. It was this prevalence of high spirits which carried us through the many dull hours in the fields; this, in addition to the knowledge that our leader was sharing our discomforts and was himself working with us all day. During the second week Mrs. Norwood came to stay in the village, and daily graced the Camp with her presence. Words cannot thank her for the kindly thought prompting her untiring and eminently successful efforts on our behalf. The Headmaster led us as no one else could have led us, and the fact that ere leaving we had pulled well over 30 acres is a splendid tribute to the influence of his example. M. Guerra, as Commissariat Officer, had a difficult task, and our thanks are due to him for the way in which he accomplished it, as well as for
Cartoon concering the Flax harvest School Chronicle July 1916
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his inimitable humour which kept us amazed when all else failed. Sergeant was – well, just Sergeant – thoroughly successful in all he undertook, even though it meant the conversion of horse-flesh into edible matter! Mr. Bridge, in his short stay, endeared himself to all, and we parted with him with regret. No account of the Camp would be complete without mention of a small historical pageant depicting the landing of King Alfred in the market-place of South Petherton. The scene was well enacted and drew a surprising number of spectators – several notorious frequenters of the Billiard Rooms turning out to see Alfie don his shrapnel helmet. The pageant at an end, King Alfred and his escort went abroad their bikes and sailed back to Camp, there to be refreshed with frequent draughts of Aszal Dhu – a famous Continental drink compounded from the stems of Arax and Nessels. After almost three weeks in the Flax-fields we held a farewell Sing-Song and Supper on Tuesday, August 8th, and in the grand old words of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and in the joining of hands, not a few of us found sympathy and strength, sympathy in leaving the School we have loved so well, and strength for the struggle to come. L. H. B.
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Fragment of a Diary Friday – Started at nine o’clock to ride on my bicycle to South Petherton. Two miles out of Bristol I got the biggest puncture I have had for years. A needle had got into my tyre and ripped two inches of inner tube each side. The air dribbled out roung the patch all the way, and we had to stop and pump about every two hours. Passed through Wells at about half-past twelve, and got to Petherton at about three without any further mishap. Presently other cyclists came dribbling in, and we heard that one of the masters had broken his wrist. We had a simply stunning bathe. Two chaps nearly drowned themselves. After tea we went to inspect the haven of our hearts’ desire (Flax-fields). Returned considerably overawed. Saturday, 6.45 a.m. – Revillé and bathe before brekker. 8 a.m. – Work beings in earnest in a field about a quarter of a mile from the Camp. After two hours work and with a steep slope in front of you, a Flax-field shows such little progress that on gets quite disheartened. At about 12 people start looking anxiously at their watches, longing for one o’clock. Talk about backaches – we all looked like advertisements for “Every picture tells a story”. The sun mops up every little scrap of moisture; your togs stick to you, and the perspiration fairly pours off. We knocked off at one, but we had to wait till three for sinner as the meat had not come. Who sees to the meat anyway. Sunday, 7 a.m. – Reveillé quarter of an hour late, because to-day is a day of rest. Great excitement in our tent last night. Woke up about two in the morning to hear someone cursing and muttering “Where are my pyjamas, where are my pyjamas?” (crescendo). I struck a light, and there was one of our chaps crawling round and round the tentpole, fast asleep but with nothing on, apparently looking for his pyjamas. Although he was highly successful in waking us all up, he did not wake himself, and finding and putting on his pyjamas, would habe gone to sleep again, if we had let him. Went to church in the morning, and in the afternoon another chap and I went up Hamdon Hill, near Montacute. This used to be a Roman Camp, and in the side of a quarry there we found quite a lot of Roman pottery.
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Monday, 6.45 a.m. – Such a funny dream least night. I dreamt that the head had sent me my report, and his remarks at the bottom were: “Won’t do as a Roman Legionary or a professional footballer, but should do well as a lawyer”. Working in flax like this is no joke without gloves, and I have lost mine. Flax, flax everywhere, but this is mostly thistlerse. It is far too hot to work, really. It gets quite stifling to breathe, with a heavy leaden sky overhead and the sun pouring down, absolutely not a breath of air moving anywhere. All the birds have stopped singing except the yellow hammer. I thinkI shall get the sunstroke and go on orderly duty, “where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest”. But I suppose thus blighted field must be finished. 5.30 – Field finished this afternoon. Great scheme. We cut pathways through the flax, turning it into islands, which about forty of us set into at the same time. My sainted aunt, but those islands did fly; we did them to the tune of “One more river to cross”/ Went to bathe this evening as usual, but some were later than others, and where we had got back to Camp, a chap came panting in on his bike, saying some village louts were plugging clods at out fellows and would not let them out of the water. In uder three minutes the whole crowd of us were back again. They were a weedy type of chaps, you know the sort. Tiepins and canes. What, What? Too young to join the Army and too old to be called kids. They never did it again. They said we had done them out of a job, but we knew better and the farmers were jolly glad. They brought us cider, but someone pinched it, and said afterwards it had been condensed milk, I don’t think? This is surely a good example of a number of schoolboys “doing their bit” and enjoying it at the same time. Returning with a feeling of importance and satisfaction at having done a small service for their country.
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Another Diary of Camp Life In the following paragraphs the author’s idea is not so much religiously to chronicle every single happening, but, rather, to deal with those incidents – and they were many – which served to give “atmosphere” to the Camp.
The night of our arrival, and incidentally for many of us our first night under canvas, was characterised by a light-headedness which brooked no interference, nor would be held responsible for any consequences. For instance, the Camp was staggered to learn (shortly after 11p.m.) that a notable colleague of mine was not arguing, but was simply stating facts. Naturally such intelligence was startling, and the prevailing gloom was not to be dispelled b the mystic utterance “half-way up the pipe”. Then, again, a youthful occupant of No. 3 – Hutching’s tent, but that is of course a mere coincidence – took the liberty of proposing to the tent pole. This last object proved singularly unresponsive, and Ev-ns, for it was no less, sought to atone by making a slighting reference to the No-Treating Order, and the fellow occupants of the tent
Flax volunteers, Yeovil 1916 Flax Chronicle 1916
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breather sighs of relief when he thanks his commander for “the only glass left”. For the remainder of the week flax-pulling and the consumption of numerous “poptofjamz” – a dish finding favour in the very highest circles when taken in conjunction with sardines, so we are told – engrossed our attention so much that we could not lend our support to the Flag Day for Disabled Seamen. Any evening, however, one might, in any and every tent, perceive at least one individual engaged in a minute examination (or cross examination) of his blankets. From time to time a grunt of satisfaction would announce success and would be followed by some such remark as “that’s the one C-rt-s chased last night”. Then , too, there was the everinteresting but surreptitious use of dish-cloth at table by a noteworthy member of No. 5. Towards the end of the second week just as interest was beginning to flag a tragic episode occurred, and may best be described as follows:8 p.m. Curtis drowned. 8.10 p.m. Curtis not drowned. Fierce argument with rescuers.
In the same week too there was the memorable arrival of Hickson’s letter. This caused a great stir as did also the rumoured “calling-up” of married men. A tendency to use a bread-cutting machine produced a score of accidents, and the indiscriminate use of “Potofjamz” as a missile did no one any good. Our casualties were well treated however, and after the application of Aszal-Dhu and the insertion of three stitches our wounded made rapid recovery. (In fact one poor fellow got well too soon and was “combed-out” of the fatigue party, which was very bad luck indeed). When we consider that from time to time Weare performed on a bicycle we got off very lightly indeed in the way of mishaps.
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For some little time after the events chronicles in the last chapter nothing of note occurred other than the disorderly behaviour of some residents of No. 1 known as “The Old Firm” (their password was “Lamb’urt”). There was too a very slight difference of opinion over the local sense of humour, and though one yokel expressed his entire willingness to fight anybody and anything (calling a spade a spade the while, of course) this same lad showed singular reluctance to make a start.
Of the Great Rag while “happened” on the night of August 5th the reader will learn elsewhere. It has now been proved conclusively that Mr. Winston Churchill – or whoever it was – obtained his original ideas on “Tanks” from watching the combination of Lambert and Kinsey as a means of offence. Of our last night under canvas too much could not be written, though too much might be “said”. The proceedings received an official nuance through a case of mistaken identity which resulted in the temporary promotion of the author to the position of Headmaster (I quite failed to see why thus cause such unrestrained merriment). Through the generosity of some of M. Guerra’s friends we were regaled by a sumptuous repast accompanied by the customary speeches. After the Headmaster had returned thanks on our behalf one of our hosts made a tasteful little reference to the “saviours of South Somerset”. A wealth of natural gesture combined with a certain direct impressiveness made our host’s speech a very entertaining one indeed. Our remaining host then rose (as if by common consent) and added his quota to the praise already bestowed. He, too, spoke with great eloquence, and though redundancy and a constant murmuring (in which the word “horse” figured largely) at one end of the table, detracted a little from his speech, it was nevertheless a great effort, and afforded a fitting climax to a successful camp. In the above sketches I have done my best to convey to the reader an idea of the humour of Camp-life. If I have unwittingly offended anyone by too personal a reference to him, I beg his pardon and ask that the sun may not go down upon his wrath. L.H.B.
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The Song of the Flax (The reader will imagine that at each rhyme he is pulling a new handful) Flax! Flax! This is the song of the Flax! Blistered cracks, and aching backs, And a feeling that grows remarkably lax, As we pull the flax, In stacks and stacks, This is the song of the Flax! Flax! Flax! This is the song of the Flax! It isn’t a joke when the heat’s at its maximum, Pulling’s a horrible tax, But not half such a tax, As the local tin-tacks In swacks and swacks On the local tracks That turn all the bikes into broken-down hacks, This is the song of the Flax! Flax! Flax! This is the song of the Flax! For you go on for ever just bending your backs, And there ain’t any rests, and there ain’t any slacks: But you bet your last coin, when we homeward make tracts, That for all of us here there’ll be no coming-backs. To the flax, to the flax, So good-bye and Pax To the flax, And Amen to the song of the Flax!
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Officer Training Corps 1915 saw the OTC increase in numbers until it consisted of 3 platoons and around 200 members, a state of affairs which continued throughout 1916. The night operations also continued during 1916 meaning that “the valley of the Trym is now known to all, and the banks and even the bed of the river to some”. Apparently “on no two occasions have conditions been quite the same, for what was visible on one night was invisible on another, the darkness ranging in most uncanny fashion”. When not on night operations, most of the OTC’s time was spent on Company Drill, skirmishing, attack, defence, advance and rear-guards, as well as outpost-duty. Some appear to have taken more naturally to their duties than others, as “a few [students], somewhat nervous and possessed of shrill, piping voices, fail to produce the desired effect”. At the end of the Summer Term “three most interesting photographs were taken – (1) the whole Corps, (2) Officers and N.C.O.s, (3) the Band. These should prove to be valuable mementoes in the years to come.” The latter has been reproduced in the previous chapter of this book, whilst the first two are shown over the next few pages. The band appears to be showing continuous improvement, much to the delight of all involved. During 1916 they have managed to add a number of new tunes to its repertoire, as well as significantly increasing the volume of sound produced. “The band continues to attract attention and admiration, especially since the eventful day when for the first time the Drum-Major appeared in the splendour of his elegant leopard skin. The time kept is more in harmony with the comfort and convenience of those who are following... with the result that the Column that follows is no longer compelled to hasten unduly uphill or to restrain the pace when descending. The greatest attraction at present is the “Marseillaise”: it is usually played on the way back to Headquarters, and so thrills the hearers that huge crowds either stand spellbound, or, if they are children, gather round the band and actually impede the progress of the Corps.”
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OTC - Officers and NCOs, 1916
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Stanley Charles Booker Stanley Charles Booker was at the School from 1903 to 1912. He served in the Worcestershire Regiment 2nd/7th Bn as a Lieutenant, and was sadly killed on 10th October 1916. He is buried in St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery. He was awarded the Military Cross on 22nd September 1916..
Booker in Uniform, 1915
The Booker Memorial, Bristol Grammar School Great Hall
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The Booker Memorial, Bristol Grammar School Great Hall
“He left from the VIth Classical and won the Bristol Scholarship at St John’s College, Oxford. In 1914 he came near a First Class in Classical Moderations, and joined in the ranks at the outset of the war. Later he received a commission, and the heroism and self-sacrifice by which he gained the Military Cross are recorded below. He was of great ability, the hardest of workers, and the simplest of natures. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.’ Lieut S.C. Booker, Worcester Regt., won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry. Assisted by another officer and two men, he brought in fourteen wounded men from ‘No Man’s Land’ under heavy fire. Next day with two men, he brought in a wounded officer from within thirty yards of the enemy’s parapet. He was searching for a brother Old Boy, Second-Lieut. W.J. Langford, whom alas! he did not find, and he has now fallen when engaged on a similar errand on mercy, betrayed by the moon when within close range of the German trenches.” [Langford is reported as dying 19th July 1916]
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Booker is most well-known for his letters sent from the Front. A large collection of these were reproduced in the book ‘Dear Mother’ edited by Barry Williamson. Booker’s medals are on display in the Great Hall, to the right of the memorial screens.
Booker’s Original Grave, St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery The Archive Department, Bristol Grammar School
Booker’s Grave, St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Scouts School Chronicle July 1916 “Our Scoutmaster, Mr. Burkitt, has for a time left us, called to the colours. We wish him all good luck and a speedy return. We must all try to work hard so that when he comes back he may find the troop larger and as efficient as it is now. The Saturday games have taken place as usual, and some of them were most successful – notably the joint game we had with the Brislington Troop who turned out in full numbers preceded by their bugle band. We also had two Church Parades; the Blind Asylum in Henleaze Road having asked us to attend one of their services. On Empire Day the Troop took part in a route-march which attracted a lot of attention. About 22 Scouts one Saturday went for a bicycle trip to Old Passage where a big fire was lit and tea prepared. Unanimously it was declared no better tea could be obtained anywhere. On the return journey one of the cyclists tried a rather exciting experiment which was to prove a Scout’s skin was harder than a dusty road. The result was not conclusive. The Troop is going to have again a Summer Camp – this time at Compton Dando from the 10th to the 25th August. It is only at these camps that real scouting can be learnt, and it is hoped the number of boys who will avail themselves of them will grow larger every year. The Troop Band deserves a special mention, as the “musicians” have always played their marches well up to expectation; indeed, they seem in better form each time they go out. They should be congratulated for their regular attendance at the practices. We are all looking forward to the visit of the Chief Scout on July 22nd, when there is to be a combined Rally of all Bristol Scouts at Ashton Court.”
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School Chronicle December 1916 “This term has seen several changes, for many boys have left the Troop to enter the Cadet Corps and many new boys have filled up their places. The record has been broken, and the Troop numbers now 78 Scouts – a figure which had not previously been reached. We have also been engaged in “war work” for a Committee formed to help the Belgians, and the boys have been found very useful. Owing to alterations in the School hours the Signalling Class has been stopped, but only for the time, and we hope Mr. Dicker will take it on again as soon as possible. At the end of last term, the Chief Scout paid a visit to the Bristol Scouts, and this visit was looked forward to with great interest by the Troop. The great rally of all the Bristol Scouts was held in the park of Ashton Court, and every Troop gave a display. We did Physical Drill and Trek Cart Drill, and several extra rallies and drills were necessary before we felt ready for the great day. We did the journey to Ashton Avenue in great style in a special tram, having taken the trek-cart and other accessories on the previous evening. It was a blazing hot day and Physical Drill was rather exhausting in such weather, but we stuck to it in the proper scouting spirit. All felt very disappointed that the Chief Scout did not himself come round to inspect our show, but he only had time to visit a few, and we were not one of the lucky Troops. However, we seemed to interest a fair number of the visitors, and we were surprised and very glad to hear afterwards from the Acting-Commissioner that Lady Baden-Powell had been watching us without our knowledge and had taken great interest in our ‘performance’.”
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Scout Camp April 1916 The camp took place as a School
victory. He also proved very greedy
camp. The Scouts’ uniform was
at the Camp Sports, where he took
therefore not worn, and the green
most of the prizes. On the occasion
shirt was replaced by a white sweater,
of our last visit to Chew Magna, we
and here we must thank the Scouts’
were not overwhelmed with pleasure
organisation for their action, as this
at receiving a visit from some cows
change of uniform proved most useful;
to our stores. This time, these friends
the weather having been anything
caused no annoyance, but a dog
but warm. One morning, not only did
seemed to appreciate the superior
we find the water frozen but also the
quality of our food, and it is rumoured
milk. Talking about the weather, we
that an exciting combat took place in
may mention that we experienced
the middle of the night between one of
every sample of the English climate –
the campers, armed with tent mallets,
ice, white frost, tropical sun, blinding
wickets and sundry camp furniture,
lightning, deafening thunder, hail, and
and the unwelcome intruder.
rain, to say nothing of a gale, which tore our f lag to ribbons, made combs
During the tropical weather above
useless, but failed to uproot our tents,
mentioned, certain valiant Bristolians
owing to our hard labour and skilful
took a swim in the Chew, the “ole
handling. We had a very pleasant
man” standing on the bank with
walk to Dundry Hill and two or three
various long poles – the use of which
pleasant bicycle trips. The camp
is still to be explained. One of the
was divided into two houses, which
most remarkable features of the camp
caused some very keen competition
is the “silence” which immediately
in football matches. A three-mile
follows “lights-out”, sounded upon an
race proved very interesting, and we
extraordinary instrument called, out
congratulate Ewens on his brilliant
of politeness, a bugle. We had many
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visitors, amongst whom were Mr.
barns (for stores only. Oh, no, we did
and Mrs. Love who kindle brought
not sleep in barns), and for making us
prizes for the Sports, and Mr. Hadley,
so much at home.
to whom we are grateful for our water supply (the enormous barrels marked “Georges” only containing aqua simplex). We should also like to thank one of our senior boys, who kindly, at a moment’s notice, came to help Mr. Guerra, whose genial enthusiasm greatly helped to keep the camp in high spirits. Last but certainly not the least, our warmest thanks are due to Mr. Guerra who organised and managed the camp so well. We shall not soon forget the lonely figure out on the frozen waste, lighting the fire for breakfast, to the accompaniment of certain voices singing “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. Mr. Hassell, upon whose farm we camped, knows our friendly feeling all towards him, but it is with great pleasure that we thank him again for so kindly letting us use his field and
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War News School Chronicle April 1916 With this number appears a supplement showing a complete list of the Old Boys who are serving, so far as they are authoritatively known. It will be seen that the School is or has been represented in every campaign, and even at Kiao-Chau there was present sub-lieutenant F.W. Lane sering in H.M.S. “Triumph”. But no one knows better than the Headmaster who has compiled it how far from complete it is. The population of Bristol is far from permanent: the addresses of Old Boys of the nineties are seldom the same to-day, and unless all Old Boys who see this List communicate with the School any additional information which they possess it cannot attain correctness or exhaustiveness.
School Chronicle July 1916 Since the last Chronicle appeared at the beginning of this term there has been everywhere a period of preparation and seeming lull. Yet Old Boys have been active everywhere wherever the forces of the Empire are serving. The letter from A.L. Watkins which appears elsewhere will show that one of them saw the end of the Dardanelles Expedition, and, let us hope, the beginning of a new chapter on the Euphrates. In another continent W.J. Beswetherick writes to say that he unintentionally put into his haversack a band of the Old Boys’ colours, and intends to carry them right through the campaign which will place the Germans finally outside East Africa. [Beswetherick died from malaria not long after this Chronicle was published. He is buried in Nairobi South Cemetery in Africa.] On the Western front in the Royal Flying Corps are to be found Second-Lieutenant R.B. Mansell and J.W. Gunton, and at times both are to be found in the same aeroplane, one as pilot, and one as observer: it is not known whether they have called it the “Robert Thorne” or how many Fokkers [a make of German plane] they have placed to
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Arras Memorial, Faubourg-d’Amiens Cemetery Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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their credit, but good luck and steady nerves be with them. [R.B. Mansell survived the war but unfortunately J.W. Gunton was reported as missing after his plane was shot down in August 1916: ‘His machine was seen to dive steeply after an enemy, when two parts fell off, and the dive became vertical in an uncontrolled fall of 6,000 feet’. He was later presumed dead at only 20 years old: ‘His cheerfulness and keenness was unfailing. Warfare was contrary to his whole nature, but he never grumbled at the task which duty laid upon him. Good humour never forsook him, and he was liked by all.’ – December 1916. He is remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France. Captain G.C. Machon [who survived the war], happily recovered from two wounds, and from sickness, writes from the last outpost of Egypt on the West on the Mediterranean shore: he speaks of excellent bathing, deep water, and sharks, of the Senussi; moreover, most of them would now sell their souls for a tin of “bully”. Captain E.W.B. Gill [who survived the War], who does not write, after doing excellent and original work in the Wireless Service at home is known to have succeeded in getting abroad without this time catching German measles, and is now in charge “somewhere” where the Apostle Paul is believed to have been a previous visitor and correspondent. There are other Old Boys in Russia serving with the Motor Transport, so that the School is indeed worthily represented in all parts. Special sympathy is due to A.S. Martin of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, and W.A.C. MacMillan of the Cameron Highlanders who have been taken prisoners. [Both survived the War]
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Cyril Norwood Leaves
“One subject, however, puts all the others in the shade – our Headmaster is leaving us. The Editor will make no endeavour to tabulate those virtues of Dr. Norwood, which make his departure in the near future so regrettable. To the School he is and always will be just himself. When his personality and influence are to be withdrawn, they are appreciated at their true worth. Their effect on the School is obvious, and even if it was not, a visit to the buildings at Tyndall’s Park would remove any doubt. But why talk longer? Words cannot express the causes of the School’s appreciation of its present Head of sorrow in losing him.”
School Chronicle December 1916
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Cyril Norwood, 1916
School Chronicle December 1916
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Farewell Letter To all the boys in the School, It is not an easy thing to say good-bye, and to leave the many friendly faces of a School where so much has been planned and successfully accomplished during the last ten years. But no one is indispensable, and it is a comfort to think, as there is every reason for thinking, that good as the past days have been there are better days still in store for the School. What has been done could not have been done if far the greater part of boys of each school generation has not supported me with all their heats. For in the end you boys yourselves make the School and shape it to good and to evil. It is what it is because of the loyalty of boys past, of whom not a few have shown themselves loyal to death on a greater field, and it will be what you, the boys of the present, make it. I ask you each to remember that the School is something greater than yourself, from which you must you must not only expect much but to which you must give much, no less than the best that is in you, that in the School you are all members of one another so that the good which you do and the evil which you do are all fruitful, and that you are growing up to take your place in a world in which you will have to know more and to work harder than was thought necessary in the too comfortable days before the War. Learn at school not only to benefit yourselves but to help each other: be to one another as brothers and servants. For, if you learn that lesson, you will carry out into life that spirit of fellowship and sacrifice of which both God’s cause and your country’s service stand in need to-day, that spirit which must be sown in more
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abundant measure, if the blood poured out in this war is not to have been shed in vain. Need I say that in going I do not lose my love for the School, nor my pride in it, nor my friendship for you all? If at any time any of you has need of help that I can give, do not forget that it will be a sufficient claim upon me that you were a boy of my time. With every good wish to you and to our School.
Cyril Norwood.
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Bibliography Dr. Norwood arrived at the School in 1906 and left after 10 years of service to go to Marlborough School, where he remained headmaster until 1925. The loss hit the School hard as is evidenced in the many Chronicle tributes to him. During his time the size of the School had increased dramatically with the number of boys rising from 176 to 500, and the number of school buildings doubling. He also introduced the House system, replacing the Division system, which was previously in place.
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A Homage, by Mr. Beames Ten years ago when Dr. Norwood came to the Grammar School as Headmaster the country was awakening from a period of comparative apathy in education, during which the School had diminished in numbers both of pupils and masters and had suffered financially. There was a stir of new life. A new Board of Governors had been formed, and the School had been recognised by the Board of Education with a consequent increase of income. It was a time when changes were welcomed and an energetic Headmaster might do much, as well as being a time when it was easy to go wrong and to do untold mischief. It was the good fortune of the School to secure Dr. Norwood as its head. He came to us skilled in negotiating with educational bodies of every kind. On leaving Oxford he had entered the Civil Service as one of its most brilliant members, and thus brought us the priceless advantage of his knowledge of the ways of Government bodies, helping the School to pass safely through all the difficulties of meeting the numerous demands of the Board of Education. He soon became recognised in Bristol as one of its best leaders in educational matters, being honoured by the new University with the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature. In finance, he also showed his skill by reducing the debt on the School and enriching it. The existing buildings were fast growing too small to accommodate to the generosity of the friends of the School, and such was the magic of his name that he did not appeal in vain. A room for Manual Training, two large new wings containing spacious Laboratories and Art Room, a Gymnasium, a miniature Rifle Range, Fives Courts, Bicycle Sheds, and Lavatories were given by generous donors one after the other. The School became twice its size. The Great Hall, class rooms, and passages were cleaned and adorned with pictures. The Library increased till there were three wellstocked departments – literary, mathematical, and scientific, as well as a large lending library for the juniors. The School also was reorganised. The Divisions were replaced by Houses each under a House Master, whereby the games were much improved, and the Old Boys showed their appreciation by presenting the School with a new pavilion. Another generous donor followed with a large playing field and handsome pavilion at Horfield.
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The energy and enthusiasm of the boys was stimulated by training the Prefects to exercise authority and educating the young boys to become accustomed to habits of responsibility as form monitors. Another notable reform was carried out – Impositions were abolished; a method of punishment for which little could be said, but one so firmly rooted in the educational system of our country that it seemed impossible to remove, passed quietly away under the wise rule of Dr. Norwood to the great relief of both boys and masters. Merit was rewarded by a system of signed papers and merit half-holidays. The cooperation of parents was enlisted by sending them fortnightly mark cards as well as noticed of punishments. The happy atmosphere of the School is shown by the expansion of the School Club into a variety of clubs among both the elder and junior boys, whose meetings are well attended, and to which parents with their friends are often invited. The activity and life of the School extends outside. The Children’s Hospital has been enriched with one cot after another, and the wounded have been supplied with crutches, bed-tables, bed-rests, and other articles. Sixty boys spent part of their holidays showing how flax ought to be harvested under a broiling sun. The fame of the School has gone beyond Bristol as our rapidly increasing honour boards can testify. The Corps has grown into a notable body under the captaincy of Dr. Norwood, furnishing many a gallant officer and noble hero to the army during the Great War. The Troop of Boy Scouts – the largest in Bristol – has done its share of war work, acting as hospital orderlies, and wherever they were wanted. All this is due to Dr. Norwood. The ready response to the call of duty, the life and enthusiasm of the whole School is the outcome of his personality. It is not due to what he has done. It is the man himself. No one has worked for the School or shown any enthusiasm without feeling sure of his whole-hearted support. He has never called on anyone to do something without working as hard himself. He possesses an unruffled temper. No amount of petty annoyance perturbs him. He is always accessible both to the master with his problems of School management and to the little boy who has lost his mother’s umbrella. How often has he been seen, after a long and tiring
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morning, standing in the entrance hall with a string of people waiting to speak to him? To each one he listens patiently and gives his whole attention, taking as much trouble with the frivolous questioner as with the most important. He has always given us one his best, winning our respect and our love. It lies with us when he is gone to carry on the grand tradition he has bequeathed to the Bristol Grammar School. F. B.
Staff Farewell On Saturday morning, November 25th, after school, Dr. and Mrs. Norwood met the staff in the Art Room. Mr. Beames speaking on behalf of the Staff as well as of those now absent on military service, presented the Headmaster and Mrs. Norwood with a box containing plate as a memento of the cordial relations that had always existed between them. Dr. Norwood briefly returned thanks and Mrs. Norwood also expressed her appreciation of the present. The plate consisted of a set of dessert knives and forks for the table. The subscribers consisted of the present Staff, those absent of military service, the acting masters, and the School porters.
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Pupil Farewell When the School desired to express in some tangible form its appreciation of Dr. Norwood’s work and its regret at his and Mrs. Norwood’s departure, the inevitable little bird whispered that a certain Chippendale writing table reposing at the abode of Mr. Mogg was ‘just the thing’ for Dr. Norwood; so negotiations were taken up assiduously and we were promised the table at a bargain – apparently from sheer love of the School, because someone in London had offered double the amount. The last morning of the term was an anxious one. The table was placed safely in the Great Hall in front of the Headmaster’s desk only an hour-and-a-half behind time. About the same time a silver travelling clock, with Mrs. Norwood’s initials engraved on it, was rescued and brought to the School. At 11 o’clock the School assembled, and the Head and Mrs. Norwood entered. After the breaking-up hymn, Warr presented the table – with a graceful and comprehensive wave of the hand – to the Head; and the travelling clock to Mrs. Norwood, saying that it was a small way of expressing the gratitude which the whole School felt to them. In the name of the School he thanked them for their great services and kindness towards the boys, which they would never forget. He wished them he best of happiness and prosperity at Marlborough, and hoped they would come and visit the School again. Dr. Norwood, replying for himself and Mrs. Norwood, thanked the School heartily for their gifts, and said that though he would be at Marlborough, he would be always willing to help any boy to his utmost; he hoped they would all consider him their firm friend in the future as in the past. He has enjoyed his years of Headmaster at Bristol immensely, and he was proud of the School. He had not fears for the future: if the School played up in the future as well as they had played up under him, they would reach even greater heights. His last message to each boy was: In everything give your best, and do your best, in work, in games, and in all School activities, and you need have no fears for your own future or for that of the School.
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The Head and Mrs. Norwood then shook hands with every boy, and each boy received a photograph of Dr. Norwood. The School song was sung, and three hearty cheers were given as they left the Hall. Then we witnessed a most remarkable thing: 500 boys tried at once to enter the Head’s room in order to have their photographs signed. A slight congestion ensued. Moreover the proverbial writing of the Head suffered a considerable strain, and its reputation was greatly enhanced. To add the finishing touch to the morning a solemn deputation handed over to Mrs. Norwood the one and original bottle of Ayzal Dhu (a valuable drug, a panacea for all ills a schoolboy in camp is heir to, also a magic charm, discovered in Somerset between the site of King Ina’s palace and the Roman encampment on Ham Hill near Montacute – Ed), which she as solemnly promised to keep for ever and ever as her greatest treasure. And so we said ‘good-bye’ to Dr. and Mrs. Norwood.
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The Arrival of Joseph Barton
“He brings with him the reputation of being not only a successful schoolmaster, but also a fine critic in art and literature and a brilliant writer. He is a man of broad sympathies and of much experience, and all the sides of the school life should be safe in his hands. May he be as successful in Bristol as he has been elsewhere, and may the School under his guidance flourish exceedingly!�
Joesph Edwin Barton, Headmaster School Chronicle April 1917
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Bibliography On Saturday, October 21st, the Governors appointed to the Headmastership Mr. Joseph Edwin Barton, Headmaster of the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Mr. Barton was educated at the Crypt Grammar School, Gloucester; from which he won in 1894 an open Classical Scholarship at Pembroke College, Oxford. There his career was distinguished. He took a First Class in Moderations in 1896, a First Class in Literae Humaniores in 1898, and he won the Newdigate Prize for English Verse. Until 1906 he was the Sixth Form Master at Bradford Grammar School at a time when that school won many classical successes. From then ‘til 1910 he was Headmaster of the Crypt Grammar School at Gloucester, and he was then appointed to the Headmastership of Wakefield.
School Chronicle Editorial, December 1916 But however greatly the School may feel the loss of its present Head, it is unanimous in its opinion that from the School’s point of view, as well as those to whom it was entrusted to find his successor, the new Head will be ideal. It was clear that the encouragement and support, to which the success of the social side of School life was so largely due, would be continued, and the interest which he took in the games and the corps during his visit made it certain that when he came to us for good, he would come into very close touch with the games as well as with the military training of the boys. It will be doubtless of interest to the School in general that Wakefield is essentially a Rugby Football School as is out own, so that in the future the fine tradition which our present Head has done so much to create and enlarge may be carried on to even greater heights.
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Deceased The first loss of 1916 was Leslie Raymond Talbot Gilbert, and with him the number of deceased O.B.s reached double figures. Attempting to put this into the bigger picture, the Chronicle notes that “in comparison with the casualties suffered by many the School may well count itself fortunate, since a very large number of those serving have been in the firing line, and the price paid, however great in itself, is small to what it might have been”. In the April 1916 School Chronicle, it is reported that “the last three months have been a time of reorganisation and preparation, and there has not been much in the history of the war to lend itself to description”. Yet this quiet state of affairs was not to last, and the silence of preparation was ended by the ‘Summer Offensive’ of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme lasted from the 1st July until the 18th November of the same year. On the first day alone, the British Army lost around 60,000 men, and this number increased to over 350,000 over the following months. The number of O.B.s lost to the War dramatically increased over this period, causing the Roll of Honour produced in each Chronicle to suddenly jump from a detailed account of each of the fallen, to a mere list of names. “The following are fallen. If the notices are brief, it is because space forbids the full mention which we should like to make.”
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Leslie Raymond Talbot Gilbert
27th January 1897 to 20th January 1916.
“At the school from 1907 to 1909, when he left at an early age because his family migrated to Australia. He was very bright and promising, and would have done very well from a School stand-point, if he had been able to stay on. Had he been a little older he would have obtained a commission in the Australian Force: but as it was he joined the ranks, and rapidly rose to be Sergeant in the 14th Battalion. At the battle on Lone Pine in the Dardanelles, where the Australian Division so much distinguished itself, he was severely wounded. He was able to stand the journey to London, and was looking forward to convalescence, when a sudden relapse intervened, and he died on January 20th of this year. Those who remember him liked him well, and he gave to the Empire a life of much promise.”
William Hurst Nicolson
19th September 1870 to 21th January 1916.
“In the 37th Dogras, was at the school from 1885 to 1888, and his father the Rev. W. Millar Nicolson, D.Sc., will be remembered by some as a Presbyterian Minister in Bristol at that time. The son attained a high position in the Sixth Classical, went on to Edinburgh University, and as a University Candidate obtained his commission in the Royal Munster Fusiliers in 1892. Thence in 1896 he transferred to the Indian Army, received his captaincy in July 1901, and became Major in May 1912. He saw service both in Africa, and on the Indian Frontier, in the North-West in 1897-1, when he was present at the action at Malakand, and received the medal with clasp, and again in the Tirah Campaign, when he was assistant transport officer. For nine years he serves with the King’s African Rifles, and he used his opportunities to make a fine collection of heads of big game. He was a keen sportsman, and a good shot, and a good soldier: early in the year he was killed in action in Mesopotamia.”
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Robert Leslie Vincent Helps
20th July 1894 to 20th March 1916.
“Entered the School in 1906, a quiet and seemingly delicate boy who throughout his School career made progress both in work and in the respect and liking of those who came into touch with him. In 1910, he left from the Vth Classical. A welcome visit which he paid to the School on his last leave showed him still unchanged, as quiet and modest and ready as he had always been. Those who knew him best will be least surprised by the heroism of his last service. The officer commanding his platoon wrote: ‘The Battalion was gassed and heavily bombarded from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., during which time a German bombing party entered our trenches. Helps and his section put up a magnificent fight for it, but unfortunately all became casualties except one. Your son was found on our barbed wire just before dawn by one of our officers and brought in. He was obviously dragged over by the Germans, who got frightened at our fire and left him there. He was making a good fight for life when the doctor dressed his wounds, but I am afraid they are very serious.’ He did not recover for the Chaplain at the Clearing Station wrote on March 21st: - ‘You are indeed to be congratulated upon the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice displayed by your son. It seems that he alone held a trench with rifle and hand grenade against an onrush of Germans for such time that his comrades retreated to a safer position, not stopping until he was seriously wounded. He was then overpowered and taken prisoner by the enemy, and when the enemy were driven out of the trench, they left him as dead. Within a few hours he was brought down here. Other wounded comrades say that he was simply splendid, and that he is to be recommended by his commanding officer for such bravery. But I regret to state that such sacrifice for others’ lives cost him his own, as he unfortunately died yesterday (28th March) after a few hours here.’
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Reginald Charles Cooke
17th June 1886 to 7th July 1916.
“Considerable anxiety is being experienced regarding the fate of Second Lieutenant R.C. Cooke, Welsh Regiment, the famous Weston-SuperMare, Somerset, Western XI., and Welsh International hockey forward, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Cooke, of Brunel House, Weston-Super-Mare, have been notified by the War Office that he is ‘missing believed killed’. Liuet. Cooke was unquestionably one of the finest outside rights in the kingdom. After practising as a solicitor for some while in Weston, he took up a partnership in a well-known legal firm in South Wales, and, on the outbreak of war, was proud to enlist as a private. He was quite recently awarded the Military Cross for repeatedly Thiepval Memorial cutting German wire under heavy fire – Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013 An extract from the local press received just before publication. R.C.Cooke was at the School 1901-1903, and all Old Boys hope that he may have been picked up and saved.”
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The Howell Brothers
Edwin: 7th July 1888 to 5th August 1916. Edgar: 2nd January 1890 to 5th August 1916.
Throughout the War, seven pairs of brothers were lost. The Howell brothers are unusual in the fact that they both died on the same day. Both were attached to the 25th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, having both moved to Australia after finishing School. They are buried near each other in London Cemetery and Extension, France. The site map of this cemetery, with their graves marked, can be seen below. Edwin Guy Howell - Aged 28. Sometime after leaving School he went to Australia, and there in 1915 he joined the 25th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force. He was killed in action in France on August 5th. Edgar Stanley Howell - Aged 26. He went to Canada and was there from 1906 to 1911, went to Australia in 1912, and settled and married at Brisbane. Like his brother he joined the 25th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, and on the same day that his brother was killed, August 5th, he was posted missing and has not since been heard of. The sincerest sympathy will go out to their father who thus in one day was bereaved of his two sons gallantly fighting in the Somme.
Site map with dots
www.cwgc.org
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval
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Stanley Frederick Alwin Martin
27th March 1883 to 15th September 1916.
“He was a veteran who served through the South African War, and after ten years mining in Canada, came over as a Corporal with the first Canadian contingent in Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry. He was all through the heavy fighting undergone by that battalion, was given a commission, and was wounded at La Bassee in 1915. On recovery he returned to the front, was promoted to Major, and was killed on September 15th. He was a man of very fine physique, a soldier every inch, and of the greatest courage: his record is one for pride.”
Canadian War Graves Register (Circumstances of Casualty): Temporary Major Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Vimy Memorial
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
“Killed in Action” During an attack West of Courcelette and whilst leading No 4 Company, in the rear of No 3 Company, along a sunken road which was under considerable shell fire, there were several halts. Upon such occasions his company took shelter under the three foot bank on the left side of the road. At each halt Major Martin went forward a short distance to see what occasioned the delay. During one of these halts he had proceeded a few yards along the centre of the road and turned towards the Company, when he was hit in the head by an enemy rifle bullet and instantly killed.
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“We have been called on to give of our best, and the best have not flinched from the sacrifice: if the record is one of great sorrow, it is also on of great pride. All the more clearly and sternly comes to summons to “carry on” from those that are fallen before their day and have willingly paid the debt which their country and the cause have demanded.”
School Chronicle December 1916
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Gilbert, Leslie Raymond Talbot. Attended the School between 1907 and 1909. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 20 January 1916, aged 19. Buried in Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery, Britain. Nicolson, William Hurst. Attended the School between 1885 and 1888. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 21 January 1916, aged 45. Buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Smart, George Ullathorne. Attended the School between 1910 and 1912. Served in the Army. Died 19 March 1916, aged 21. Buried in Sucrerie Military Cemetery, France. Helps, Robert Leslie Vincent. Attended the School between 1906 and 1910. Served in the Army. Died 20 March 1916, aged 21. Buried in Beauval Communal Cemetery, France. Hardingham, Francis George. Attended the School between 1904 and 1905. Served in the Army. Died 23 March 1916, aged 25. Buried in Maple Copse Cemetery, Belgium. Howard, Frank Hurbert. Attended the School between 1896 and 1900. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 9 April 1916, aged 31. Remembered on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Olds, Cyril Austin Patt. Attended the School between 1909 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 16 April 1916, aged 21. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Fothergill, Albert Edgar. Attended the School between 1901 and 1902. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 20 April 1916, aged 30. Buried in Rue-du-Bacquerot (13th London) Graveyard, France. Palk, Arthur Charles. Attended the School between 1909 and 1915. Served in the Navy. Died 31 May 1916, aged 18. Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Britain. Crook, Herbert John. Attended the School between 1897 and 1898. Served in the Army. Died 14 June 1916, aged 33. Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Golding, Frank Alfred. Attended the School between 1909 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 1 July 1916, aged 18. Buried in Gordon Dump Cemetery, France.
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Hannam, Francis John. Attended the School between 1891 and 1896. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 5 July 1916, aged 36. Buried in Laventie Military Cemetery, France. Cooke, Reginald Charles. Attended the School between 1901 and 1903. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 7 July 1916, aged 30. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Forsyth, James. Attended the School between 1907 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 13 July 1916, aged 20. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Beswetherick, William John. Attended the School between 1898 and 1904. Served in the Army. Died 15 July 1916, aged 34. Buried in Nairobi South Cemetery, Africa. Garlick, Charles Sidney. Attended the School between 1908 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 16 July 1916, aged 18. Buried in Dive Copse British Cemetery, France. Strickland, Denys Joseph. Attended the School between 1903 and 1907. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 17 July 1916, aged 25. Buried in Blighty Valley Cemetery, France. Langford, William John. Attended the School between 1906 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 19 July 1916, aged 24. Remembered on the Loos Memorial, France. Naish, Edwin Athelstan. Attended the School between 1906 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 22 July 1916, aged 23. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Humphris, John Harold. Attended the School between 1904 and 1907. Served in the Army. Died 23 July 1916, aged 24. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Newton, Frederick William John. Attended the School during 1903. Served in the Army. Died 27 July 1916, aged 28. Buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, France. Turner, Crosby Russell Swanson. Attended the School between 1908 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 27 July 1916, aged 19. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
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Howell, Edwin Guy. Attended the School between 1898 and 1903. Served in the Army. Died 5 August 1916, aged 28. Buried in London Cemetery and Extension, France. Howell, Edgar Stanley. Attended the School between 1902 and 1904. Served in the Army. Died 5 August 1916, aged 26. Buried in London Cemetery and Extension, France. Player, Eric Noel. Attended the School between 1899 and 1905. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 6 August 1916, aged 28. Buried in Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France. Gunton, John Welby. Attended the School between 1906 and 1914. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 9 August 1916, aged 21. Remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France. Alford, Allan Charles George. Attended the School between 1909 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 3 September 1916, aged 22. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Coram, Hubert Harrington. Attended the School between 1897 and 1900. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 3 September 1916, aged 30. Buried in Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, France. Worcester, Harold Paul. Attended the School between 1908 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 10 September 1916, aged 22. Buried in Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Martin, Stanley Frederick Alwin. Attended the School between 1893 and 1898. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 15 September 1916, aged 33. Remembered on the Vimy Memorial, France. Spring, Harold Albert Arden. Attended the School between 1908 and 1910. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 15 September 1916, aged 19. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Lewis, Clifford Stanley. Attended the School between 1905 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 19 September 1916, aged 21. Buried in Merville Communal Cemetery, France.
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Champion, Ivor Edward. Attended the School between 1891 and 1893. Served in the Army. Died 27 September 1916, aged 40. Remembered on the Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, France. Richards, Dudley Brookhouse. Attended the School between 1907 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 29 September 1916, aged 18. Buried in Grove Town Cemetery, France. Dymoke, Walter George. Attended the School between 1904 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 3 October 1916, aged 21. Buried in Contay British Cemetery, France. Bell, Frederick Donald Linnel. Attended the School between 1907 and 1914. Served in the Army. Died 7 October 1916, aged 20. Buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, France. Booker, Stanley Charles. Attended the School between 1903 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 10 October 1916, aged 23. Buried in St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, France. Wickham, Alfred Lionel. Attended the School between 1902 and 1903. Served in the Army. Died 12 October 1916, aged 30. Buried in Canford Cemetery, Britain. Thomas, David Cuthbert (Alias - Cecil Browne). Attended the School between 1903 and 1911. Served in the Army. Died 19 October 1916, aged 24. Gunning, William Herbert. Attended the School between 1906 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 31 October 1916, aged 23. Hitchcock, Herbert William. Attended the School between 1905 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 13 November 1916, aged 22. Buried in Mill Road Cemetery, Thiepval, France. Stone, Frederick James. Attended the School between 1902 and 1905. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 29 December 1916, aged 24. Buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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1917
Timeline World
School
February 1917 15 March 1917 Germans increase U-boat campaign Ernest Howard Davey dies at only 16 Youngest OB loss March 1917 April 1917 Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II Piano playing restricted to daylight hours Music Society dismayed 6 April 1917 June 1917 USA declares war on Germany Brigadier-General F.W. Lumsden Awarded Victoria Cross
July 1917 Battle of Passchendaele
July 1917 Headmaster Cyril Norwood leaves Establishment of Garlick Prize for English Verse
October 1917 Boys collect 1 ton, 2 cwt. of horse chestnuts for Ministery of Munitions
December 1917 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Russia sign armistice with Germany
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To Mothers, Sisters, Sweethearts, Wives Fond mothers! stay the anguish of your weeping For sons belov’d who for their country died; Their gallant souls rest safe in God’s kind keeping, Their deeds heroic stir an Empire’s pride. For truth and freedom they have fought and striven, With Christ as Lord Whom men have crucified; God gave His Son as you your sons have given, By His sweet pity shall your tears be dried. Sisters who cherish, loyal and unforgetting, The merry comradeship od childhood’s days, The laughing boys who spoiled you with their petting Have won in death the victor’s wreath of bays. Would you prefer them living yet, but craven, Faring immune down easy primrose ways, Or nobly dead, their chivalries engraven In shining words in God’s great scroll of praise? Sweetheart, who hid with smiles your tears at leaving, Cov’ring your heart-break with a gay disguise, Remember in your darkest hour of grieving ‘Twas you were mirror’d in your lover’s eyes; Your woman’s courage, pure and consecrated, Spurred on your faithful knight to high emprise; Though you on earth may never now be mated, Your soul and his shall mingle in the skies.
Long wife, how sharp the pangs of your enduring, How agonised your sacrifice of pain; Your bitter wound seem past mere earthly curing, Yet storm brings calm, and sunshine follows rain. If babe be yours, its dawning strength and beauty Shall colour life with hope and joy again; If child you lack, in patient, selfless duty, Your heart shall solace seek, nor seek in vain. G. Duncan Grey, O.B. School Chronicle December 1914
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Contents School Life 193 Agricultural Work 195 School Events 196 Edward Hyde Openshaw 197 School Societies 198 The Victoria Cross 199 Frederick William Lumsden 201 Officer Training Corps 204 Conkers 206 War News 211 Teachers 213 Scouts 214 Deceased 218
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School Life “Still amidst the din of the war the Chronicle, worn to a shadow of its former sleek self, again appears. Economic conditions, or as certain contemporaries would prefer to state, patriotic considerations necessitate a considerable reduction in the size of our magazine... While talking of this economy it may not be out of place to extend a word of apology to those contributors whose articles have suffered at the hand of the blue pencil, wielded censor-like by the editor in effecting it.” School Chronicle April 1917 This lack of content in the Chronicles means that only the bare essentials of School life can be gleaned from them. Life in the School remained very much under the influence of the War. Summer camps were cancelled so that the boys could spend their holidays working on the land. Even the School sports weren’t safe, as the boys were forced to travel to the grounds at Golden Hill to play cricket, as the Tyndall’s Park ground had become too damaged over the Winter months through usage by the Military Authorities. The Rugby team remained small although apparently “far more uniform in size and weight than it has been for some time”. The fives team faced an altogether different challenge - a shortage of ball manufacturers: “Certain stray enthusiasts have been observed playing with shapeless lumps, of some material or other, which might, once upon a time have passed for fives-balls; others, again, have sacrificed the pleasures of the tuck-shop and have helped to swell the riches of local dealers by purchasing inferior material at a price treble that of the ball formerly bought at School.” Yet the School continued to flourish, gaining 10 scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge in the previous twelve months, doubling their previous record. The number of boys in the School remained at a high 592, and a record number of 25 pupils were enrolled for the Prep School. In response to this latter increase in size, all in Upper II, with one exception, had to pass into the Senior School one term earlier than usual.
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The end of the War almost seemed in sight as the lighting restrictions were lifted slightly and thoughts seemed to be turning to life after the War. The Headmaster reported that “he looked to a prosperous future for the School in meeting the needs of a great business community under the very changed conditions which would follow the war”. Slightly controversial questions had also been asked regarding the School’s choice of languages: “Some O.B.’s have been asking whether we have dropped German as a result of the war: others want to know if Classics will exist after the war. The answer to the first is in the negative, as the jargon of politicians has it: that to the second is in the affirmative. The average German sentence is not a thing a beauty: but for a branch of real knowledge German is indispensable. In days to come it is to be hoped that every boy in the School will do at least one year of German, whatever his speciality may be. Who is the kind of person who protests against Classics, particularly Greek, as of “no used in later life”? It is usually the kind of person who, if challenged, could not frame one correct sentence in any modern language, could not solve a quadratic equation inside a week, could not tell you how to France was governed in 1848 or the value of the rouble, could not identify a simple gas or carve a bread-trencher.” Towards the end of the year the O.B.s Society began to discuss the idea of a war memorial: “As to the question of a war memorial, his [Barton’s] mind was open: but he suggested the provision of a suitable place for meetings which could not be held in the large hall. They required a room in size and equipment which would serve as a library and reading-room in general use, and round it a dado of brass, with the names of those who had served their country inscribed on it. He would not like a memorial entirely ornamental, but one which would be part of the higher life of the School for years to come, and at the same time a reminder to everyone of the part the School had played in this great struggle (hear, hear).”
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Agricultural Work Towards the end of March the Headmaster was asked by the Bristol University Volunteer Officers’ Training Corps to allow boys to help in work on the land. An appeal was made to the boys and 45 volunteered. Work was begun on March 27th and continued on the following Thursday, but snow prevented further efforts during the Easter Term. Fifty boys volunteered for holiday work, and contingents were sent three times a week to various allotments and market gardens in the neighbourhood. Good useful work was done. With the Summer Term, the bat proved mightier than the spade, and only 37 boys embraced the instruments of agriculture. These, however, with few exceptions, have worked every Thursday afternoon during the term. Their work has been much appreciated, and each can console himself for many a weary backache with the thought that he has helped to seal the Kaiser’s doom. ‘Tis better to have digged and ached than never to have digged at all. At the time of writing a scheme is on foot for the Summer holidays. All boys over a certain age may be asked to undertake definite work, and it is earnestly hoped that there will be a liberal response to the appeal. The need is great, and the Bristol Secretary of the Agricultural Department of the National Service League hopes to make use of 200 boys from the School.
Breathes there a man with soul so dead Who has not once this season said,
“I think, my dear, I’ll go to bed, That radish we grew sits as heavy as lead.”
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School Events Prize Giving Prize Giving took place on Friday, October 26th. The prizes were distributed by the Lord Mayor of Bristol (Dr. J. Barclay Baron). This year, the speeches place little emphasis on the War, instead the speakers are far more concerned with the impending changes to education. Mr. Fisher’s Education Bill (passed in 1918) had apparently renewed the controversy regarding classic and modern education. During his speech the Headmaster revealed that “while recognising the validity of many of the modernist arguments, he declared himself a confirmed classicist”. Much to his dismay, the Lord Mayor then replied by saying that “he would remain of the opinion that the study of zoology, biology, physiology, was preferable and of more worth than that of dead languages”. Luckily “the impending wrath of the Classicists was averted by a timely request for a holiday for the School, - a request which the Headmaster, with evident pain and grief, felt himself morally compelled to grant”.
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Edward Hyde Openshaw Edward Hyde Openshaw was the son of Rev. Thomas Openshaw, who taught at Bristol Grammar School for a number of years. Edward Hyde Openshaw attended the Shool from 1878 to 1884. He served with the Somerset Light Infantry as a LieutenantColonel. Unfortunately, he passed away on the 23rd July 1917. He is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. “has died in hospital in India. Dr. Openshaw had a medical practice at Cheddar, and was an officer in the Somerset Volunteers and subsequently in the Territorials, where he rose to the rank of hon. Lieut-Colonel. He went to India with his regiment in October 1914. Dr Openshaw was well known as a Freemason and an ardent supporter of Rugby football.” - December 1917 “The Lodge deeply regrets to record the death of one of their founders, Lieut.-Col. E.H. Openshaw, who died in India, having led his Battalion in Mesopotamia.” - December 1917
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School Societies Musical Whilst the Scientific Society had simply been able to replace practical meetings with lectures, the restrictions placed on the Musical Society were not so easily dealt with. “The Society has almost ceased to regard itself as a School society; we cannot do without a piano, and when the School piano cannot be used after dark (Defence of the Realm!) it befalleth us to meet where and how we can.” Yet the members were able to find a silver lining to this situation: “meetings in private houses are well adapted to the welcome of outside and feminine talent, so that on the whole the Society considers itself very much the gainer, all things considered!”
Scientific Society The Scientific Society made no secret of their dissatisfaction regarding the lighting restrictions reporting that “the members of the Scientific Society would be among the first to welcome the relaxation of the stringent lighting restrictions. They would rush in a body to the labs, the first evening possible, there to celebrate the joyous event with all manner of explosions and smells”. Luckily the longer days of the summer term enabled them to do just that, as the practical meetings were temporarily resumed. “Over thirty members of the upper school have attended – some with great regularity, and much useful work has been done. Some of the experiments carried out have been of a somewhat sensational character, particularly on one occasion, when unsuspicious persons on the School field were startled by several loud explosions, and were observed to gaze skyward, apparently expecting a fleet of hostile air-craft.”
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The Victoria Cross In 1854, Britain found itself fighting in the Crimean War against Russia. During the Crimean War was the first time reports and despatches had been regularly sent. These described many acts of gallantry and valour of the British servicemen. However, at the time there was no official system for recognising this, and the existing awards were greatly restricted. For example, only officers of field rank were eligible for the Order of the Bath. Many other European countries, such as France and The Netherlands, had awards that did not discriminate against class or rank. Therefore, Queen Victoria instructed the War Office to strike a new medal that would also meet this criteria, this became the Victoria Cross. The aim was to create a simple medal, which would be highly sought after and prized by those in military service. In the original medal warrant it states that the Victoria Cross would only be given to soldiers who had performed a significant act of valour or devotion, while serving in the presence of the enemy. Since its introduction, the VC has been awarded 1,357 times to 1,354 individual recipients, all of whom are male. Only 14 medals, ten to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army, have been awarded since the Second World War. This low number is due to the increase of remote fighting, which has reduced the number of opportunities to carry out acts of bravery ‘in the face of the enemy’. A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since its inception. Throughout the course of the First World War 628 VCs were awarded, the greatest number won in a single conflict. Of these, a quarter were awarded posthumously. Recommendations are usually issued by an officer at regimental level, and should be supported by at least three witness, although this has sometimes been waived in exceptional circumstances. The recommendation is then communicated through the military hierarchy, up to the Secretary of State for Defence, who then presents it to the monach. A recommendation requires the signature of the monach, before it can be awarded.
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Victoria Cross awards, as with all other military medals, are announced in the London Gazette. The only exception to this is the award which was given to the American Unknown Soldier in 1921. The medal itself is usually present to the recipient, or their next of kin, during an investiture held at Buckingham Palace. The medal is a bronze cross pattée, showing the crown of Saint Edward. Around this is a lion, and the inscription ‘FOR VALOUR’. Originally this was set to be ‘FOR THE BRAVE’, but was changed by the opinion of Queen Victoria who thought it implied that “not all men in battle were brave”. The date of the act, which earned the cross, is engraved onto a circular panel on the reverse of the cross. The cross is hung from a bar of laurel leaves by a seriffed “V”. The recipient’s name, rank, number, and unit is engraved onto the back of the bar. This is then hung from the distinctive crimson ribbon.
The Victoria Cross
http://www.bootneck.co.uk/images/Victoria-Cross.jpg
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Brigadier-General Frederick William Lumsden Over the course of the War, two O.B.s were awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military decoration awarded for valour “in the face of the enemy”. The first of these was Brigadier-General Frederick William Lumsden. The report on Lumsden reproduced below, originally appeared in the December 1917 School Chronicle, following the announcement of his Victoria Cross. “Brigadier-General F.W. Lumsden, V.C., D.S.O., has had a distinguished career in the present war, having risen to his present rank from that of major in the course of three years. He was a boarder in Mr Browne’s house with his two brothers, and left in 1888 to pass into Sandhurst. A considerable part of his military life has been spent in the Malay Straits. In the earlier portion of the present war he held a battery command, was then brigade major of a Canadian corps, and finally occupied several important Staff positions, followed by the command of a battalion, and (since last April) of a brigade. He has had the remarkable distinction of being gazetted, in the course of the last twelve months, first for being awarded the D.S.O., then for two successive bars to the same, and finally the Victoria Cross. The particulars of his D.S.O. decoration are not forthcoming, but the following are the official descriptions of the exploits that earned for him the two bars and the coveted Cross: (1) May 12th, bar to the D.S.O. ‘He made a reconnaissance of the enemy’s position, moving over open ground under very heavy fire and bringing back most valuable information. He rendered invaluable services throughout the operation.’ (2) May 12th, second bar to the D.S.O. ‘When in charge of a strong reconnaissance party he carried out the task allotted to him with conspicuous success, and skillfully withdrew his party at a critical time. His conduct, rapid decision, and good judgement save many casualties.’
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Brigadier-General F.W. Lumsden, V.C. School Chronicle July 1918
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(3) June 9th, V.C. ‘For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and devotion to duty. Six enemy field guns having been captured, it was necessary to leave them in dug-in positions, 300 yards in advance of the position held by our troops. The enemy kept the captured guns under heavy fire. Major Lumsden undertook the duty of bringing the captured guns to our own lines. In order to effect this he personally led four artillery teams and a party of infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of the teams sustained casualties, he left the remaining teams in a covered position, and through very heavy rifle, machine-gun and shrapnel fire led the infantry to the guns. By force of example and inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two teams with guns, going through the barrage with the teams of the third gun. He then returned to the guns to await further teams, and these he succeeded in attaching to two of the three remaining guns despite rifle-fire, which had become intense at short range, and removed the guns to safety. By this time the enemy, in considerable strength, had driven through the Infantry covering major points and blown up the breech of the remaining gun. Major Lumsden then returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a team, and got it away.’ ”
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Officer Training Corps Up until this time, Norwood had been Captain of the OTC, however he ceased to serve with the contingent from January 17th, 1917. He was replaced by H.A.M. Parker who was promoted to temporary Captain. Throughout the year the numbers remained around 200, and by an “Order from the War Officer all Cadets over 18 years of age are required to spend at least 10 hours a week on military subjects only”. Thus the members of the OTC devoted much time to Squad, Section, Platoon, and Company Drill, Musketry Instruction, Physical Exercises, Map Reading and Tactical Schemes. The main focus of the OTC training was musketry with “each Cadet being instructed in the very important aiming and trigger-pressing drill before being sent on to the range”. They were also given lectures “in the indication and recognition of targets”. “Affairs in the military world to-day are in such a state of flux that a reliable anticipation of future events is a sheer impossibility; moreover, almost daily Commanding Officers are overwhelmed with fresh orders and instructions with the result that, though the Authorities evidently believe that in the multitude of memoranda there is wisdom, a staff of clerks is a necessity, even to the C.O. of an Officers’ Training Corps, to deal with all the correspondence which is showered upon him. Notwithstanding the unusual difficulties, the work of the Corps goes on uninterruptedly and satisfactory progress can be recorded in every branch of the training. Many of the fresh N.C.O.’s – and there are many of them owing to the fact that the Senior Cadets are leaving almost week by week to join some Officer Cadet unit or other – are entering upon their duties with enthusiasm and every prospect of success, and the discipline and morale of the Corps have in no way been impaired. It is most gratifying to be assured by old members of the Corps who have returned either from the front or from special courses of training that the standard attained by the Bristol grammar School O.T.C. is far higher than that reached by the average Public School. November 8th was a notable day, being the occasion of H.M. The King’s visit to Bristol, when the Corps was on duty at the Investiture. We paraded first at 10.00 a.m.
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for a rehearsal of the proceedings, and at 1.15 the band played us to the Downs via Whiteladies Road. We were allotted an excellent position on the left of Clifton O.T.C. opposite the Royal Pavilion. The wind was keen, and those who were not in No. 1 Platoon had the advantage of the shelter it afforded to compensate for a somewhat interrupted view.�
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Conkers School Chronicle December 1917: In response to the request from the Minister of Munitions that the boys of the School should collect horse chestnuts, more often known as “conkers”, this School has sent the splendid total of 1 ton, 2 cwt., of which 5 cwt. was collected by one boy – Fursier. This small and simple report from the Chronicle incurred a number of questions: why were conkers so important? How much had the School collected in imperial weight units? And finally, who was Fursier? The answer to the first question was discovered in an article entitled ‘Did conkers help to win the First World War?’, written by Saul David for the BBC History Magazine in November 2011. The reason why conkers were so important can be summed up in one word – acetone. Acetone is a vital component of cordite, the smokeless propellant for shells and bullets. Prior to the First World War, acetone for munitions was derived from the dry distillation of wood, the vast majority of which was imported from the US. The start of War saw the need for a domestic supply, a need which became more urgent in the Spring of 1915, when the British Army suffered from a shortage of shells. As a result of this crisis, the Ministry of Munitions was created, led by future Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. It was Lloyd George who consulted the chemist, Chaim Weizmann of Manchester University, who developed a process of making large quantities of acetone from a variety of starchy foodstuffs such as grain, maize, and rice. By 1917, these foodstuffs were in high demand in order to feed the population, and so Weizmann was forced to find a substitute starch source, his solution was conkers. In the Autumn of 1917, school children and boy scouts were encouraged to collect conkers for the War effort. The reasoning behind this was initially kept from the public, for fear that the German’s would find out about the new extraction method. However, what they were told was that they would receive 7s 6d for every hundred weight they handed in, around £22 today, and apparently this information was sufficient to spur on
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the collection. The nationwide effort was so successful that there were more conkers collected than trains to transport them, resulting in piles of them left to rot at railway stations. All in all, a total of 3,000 tons (around 3 million kg or 1/2 million stone) of conkers were transported to the Synthetic Products Company at King’s Lynn. Unfortunately, the production of acetone from conkers was not as successful as originally hoped, partly due to teething problems which delayed manufacture until April 1918, and partly due to the discovery that the horse chestnuts did not produce the yield required. As a result, production was ended after just three months. Interestingly, Weizmann went on to become the first president of Israel after its establishment in 1948. Looking back at the School’s figures, as a whole we collected 1 ton, 2 cwt., this roughly converts to 1120 kg (175 stone) collected in total which is around 139,750 conkers (the average weight of a single conker being around 8 grams). Fursier apparently collected 5 cwt. of this by himself, this converts to 254 kg (40 stone), amounting to around 31,750 conkers. This is quite the heroic effort; unfortunately consultation of the School registers reveal that he later defected to Clifton College.
Source: http://db2.stb.s-msn.com/i/D3/1D25333AC2F061839296DC5BEBF6BD.jpg
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Printed in The Times, 18th August 1917
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1
Printed in The Times, 25th August 1917
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War News A Letter from Oxford Sir, On the rare occasions on which we indulge in lucid thought, we inevitably discover what a little there is we have to think about. While you are in the full swing of affairs, the war has left us becalmed in a backwater. True, khaki is much in evidence and the streets are thronged with cadets. But out worlds are apart: between them and us is a great gulf fixed, and we are left, a remnant for a great tradition. Think in this batter’d Univeristy, Whose empty Portals once were bright and gay How O.B. after O.B. with his Pomp Abode he destined Hour and went his way. Here now Cadet and Aviator keep The Rooms where O.B.s gloried and drank deep: And Oxford, ancient, fair – a Martial Host Tramp o’er her floors, but cannot break her sleep. Yours truly, OXON.
These verses are an attractive and topical parody of verses from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, well known at that date in the translation by Edward FitzGerald.
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A Letter from Cambridge Dear Sir, There may still be spots in rural England where pre-war conditions are not greatly changed; where the buxom milkmaid merely extends her sphere of activities; where the village inn attracts the local worthies – there to discuss crops and fields and beasts. Such peaceful retreats may yet exist, but we, of the Town among the Fens, know them not. Cambridge is now a centre of military activity. Khaki figures throng the streets and the colleges are transformed into training schools for the various Cadet Battalions. The steady tramp of companies of the white-banded heroes is often heard, and occasionally the martial music of a fife and drum band. More often tuneful whistling has to suffice, and one frequently hears the air of a popular ditty which surmises as to the state of one’s feelings on being left on a deserted globe with one companion of the opposite sex. This is a great favourite, only rivalled by another lay of a very doleful nature. These melodies are also rendered in piercing blasts by wakeful errand boys at nine in the morning or thereabouts. Thus tired undergraduates are rudely awakened from their well-earned slumbers! Yours obediently, CANTAB.
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Teachers Owing to the paper shortage, and also perhaps to lack of information, the Chronicles throughout 1917 offer little news regarding the teachers who were in active service. The few sentences reproduced below are all we can gather across three editions of the Chronicle.
“Mr Burkitt and Mr Turner are both flourishing at Salonika, but have not yet met there.” “Mr. Chicoteau enjoyed eleven days leave at the end of February, and his uniform was once more the admiration of the School.” In the July edition we are told that he is at one of the English head-quarters as interpreter. In the April Chronicle, Mr. Caudwell is said to be ill with trench fever, but apparently “no two accounts of the details agree”. Mr Oakford is still at Lucknow, and apparently “finds it impossible to escape from his occupation of clerking”.
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Scouts School Chronicle April 1917 “At the end of last term all the troop was engaged in delivering and collecting envelopes appealing for funds for the destitute Belgians in Belgium and there was a magnificent result; the amount of the subscriptions collected being the highest but one and reaching £23 [around £1,400]. The Secretary of the Bristol Committee was so pleased the she entrusted some more work to us.”
School Chronicle July 1917 “At the beginning of the term we helped in the organisation of a most interesting event. Decorations were being distributed to some of our hero-soldiers, and the display of troops, the crowd, and the fine weather made the scene most impressive. As we are reporting an event referring to the war, we may just mention that the Troop possesses now two 100 days and fifteen 28 days war service badges, which is most praiseworthy if the little time which is at the boys’ disposal is considered; no excuse for that purpose from games or work being accepted.
The 100 Days War Service Badge
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Regular work has been in progress on the allotment at Horfield, but it has not been possible to spend much time there. However, every half-holiday some scouts are there, tendering their kind services to a promising crop. We all hope our expectations will not be deceived, and are looking forward to Scout’s potatoes, cabbages, etc. During the month of August the Troop will camp at Christian Malford, near Chippenham, where the scouts have been asked to help in the harvesting. The country around there is beautiful, and many opportunities will be given the boys to show how useful they can be in this time of serious crisis.”
School Chronicle December 1917 “On Thursday, November 8th, the Troop paraded at 9.30 a.m. to take part in the lining of the route on the occasion of the Royal visit. This provided an excellent opportunity for the Scouts to see the King and Queen, and at the same time to make themselves very useful. 66 Scouts were on parade, and all very thoroughly enjoyed the morning. The allotment proved on the whole very successful, and several cwts. of potatoes and turnips, and considerable quantities of other vegetables have been produced. Financially it paid its way, and the Scouts who devoted so much time and energy to the work are to be heartily congratulated.”
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Scouts Camp 1917 At the end of the first week of the
pulling f lax under a burning sun, but
holidays a party of our Scouts went
we can assure them that pulling up
with M. Guerra and Mr. Beames into
beans tangled with dripping weeds
camp at Christian Malford on the
on heavy clay that soon makes your
upper waters of the Avon. The object of
feet double their natural size is even
the Camp was to assist Mr. Bodman,
more thrilling. The fun was made even
of Christian Malford, in getting in his
more fast and furious by having to
hay and corn, but the weather was
dodge the heavy showers; it is quite
not propitious. No sooner had the
easy to run for shelter with a load of
pioneers pitched the camp of six tents
clay on each foot, especially when you
in a field by the farm than it rained on
are a small boy out of the Prep!
end for 48 hours. Fortunately, the field stood well above the river and dried
In spite of the rain we had quite a
quickly, so that even after the heaviest
good time. We played cricket and
rain the ground was dry again in quite
rounders and made extensive tunnels
a short time. The trenches dug round
in the straw rick. The river overf lowed
the tents kept the inside dry, and
its banks and made a series of bathing
instead of the rule “Wipe your feet on
pools to suit all ages and sizes. As the
the mat, dear, when you come in,” the
shades of evening fell we had sing-
order was “Take off your shoes and
songs in the barn, when we discovered
wipe feet on the towel”. Every day it
quite a lot of musical talent. Mr. and
rained more or less and every night
Mrs. Bodman were most kind and
more or less as well. Hay-making
sent us all sorts of good things. There
was quite out of the question and the
was one delightful apple tree whose
only work the weather allowed us to
fruit went no further than the Scouts’
do was pulling up horse-beans. We
Camp. As a change from the beans
know how the f lax pickers enjoyed
we spent on dry or comparatively
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dry evening in putting up corn into
went home by train. No sooner had we
stacks. We had a fine afternoon for our
all got to our respective destinations
athletic sports. The camp was made
than it rained again harder than ever,
gay with boughs and berries and we
if such a thing were possible.
had a number of visitors including a large party of wounded men from the hospital at Chippenham. They joined in the sports and we had plenty of fun, especially in the blind-fold race. After tea we had a concert in the barn during the usual showers of rain, which kindly cleared off to let the visitors go home. Among the other delights of the camp were expeditions in search of nuts and fishing. There is a photo which we have heard is going round the School showing one of our valiant fishermen with his rod in one hand and a long string of fish in the other. Bicycle rides were not infrequent, one of the most interesting being to the Camp on the Downs where several aeroplanes were seen performing and a gang of German prisoners mending the roads. All good things come to an end, and the camp broke up at last, some riding off East and some West, while the rest packed up the tents and
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Deceased Richard Poyntz Cockle
7th March 1897 to 24th January 1917.
“Left the School in 1914, died on Jan. 24th, in Connaught Hospital, Aldershot. He had never been a strong boy, though he was always willing to do his very best, and he should hardly have been passed for service. His anxiety to do his duty in the R.F.A. must have hastened his death.� Cockle is buried in Canford Cemetry, one of only 9 O.B.s to be buried in Britain.
Canford Cemetery, Bristol
Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Ernest Howard Davy
15th July 1900 to 15th March 1917.
“Left the School in 1915, and became a Cadet in the Merchant Service. On his first voyage, in the S.S. Rangatira, the vessel ran ashore on Robben Island in Table Bay (where there is a settlement of lepers and lunatics), and became a total wreck. He was then appointed to the S.S. Kia Ora, and while returning from New Zealand via the Panama Canal he was shot in the head during an attack by a submarine on March 15th. He was in his seventeenth year.� Although stated as being in his seventeenth year, Davy was in fact only 16 when he died, making him the youngest OB that was lost. Because the Merchant Service was not a military establishment, there is no memorial to those lost, thus Davy is not remembered anywhere. Robben Island later housed a prison in which Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.
S S Rangatira, 1909
http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz
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Frederick Percy Mayer
15th March 1877 to 30th April 1917.
“Had served in the Boer War, and had travelled widely in Africa. He was manager of one of Lever Bros. palm oil estates on the Gold Coast, and joined the Gold Coast Regiment. He died at Coomassie on May 1st of malaria fever. By his fine character and industry he had earned the respect and admiration of all those with whom he came in contact.”
Harry Wadlow
26th February 1895 to 1th May 1917.
“Had been a prominent figure in the School when he left in 1914. He had reached the Sixth Form, and had gained his colours in cricket, football, and hockey. He first joined the A.S.C. as 2ns Lieut., and was invalided home from the Dardanelles in 1915. He served in France in 1916, and was promoted Captain. After joining the R.F.C. he was accidentally killed while flying near Dartford, Kent, on May 1st.” Wadlow is buried in Frenchay Churchyard.
Frenchay, St. John The Baptist, Church Photographed by Elizabeth Pearce, 2014
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John Arthur Helton Daniell
16th November 1874 to 1st July 1917.
“Left the School in 1891, and became a solicitor, with first-class honours in the examination, in 1901. For some time he directed the free Legal Dispensary at the Broad Plain Settlement. He was formerly in the Artillery branch of the Volunteers, and after being rejected for service in the present war, finally entered the R.G.A. as Instructor. He insisted on going to France to share the common danger, though over military age, and was killed on July 1st.” Daniell was 41 when he died.
Harold Donisthorne Tapp
29th May 1896 to 25th July 1917.
“Received a commission in the R.E. and was attached to the R.F.C. On July 25th he died from wounds received when brought down behind the German lines. He was seen in combat with an enemy formation, and was doing well, until another formation strengthened the enemy forces. The information of his death was dropped over our line by a German airman, and confirmed by the Red Cross International Committee of Geneva.”
Kenneth Gregor McMillan
23th November 1897 to 16th August 1917.
“Was killed by an almost direct hit from a shell while defending a difficult position. He had only just reached the front for the first time with a commission in the R.F.A. His elder brother Norman is a prisoner in Germany, and the parents wish this sad news to be kept from him.” [Norman survived the war.]
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial
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Frank Leslie Hall
30th May 1897 to 27th April 1917.
“F.L. Hall will be well remembered by many in the School as well as by Old Bristolians. He gained his commission from the University O.T.C. in October, 1914, when only 17 years and five months old. Whilst training in England he served for several months on the Brigade Staff as A.D.C. to the Brigadier, and in December, 1915, passed through the Staff College course at Camberley, obtaining the highest result. He went to France with his battalion in March, 1916, and was severely wounded on July 1st of that year. Rejoining the forces at the front, he was wounded a second time in taking a village on the Somme on March 31st last. He returned to France at the end of July, serving with his original battalion of the Gloucesters, and was killed leading his men into action on the 27th August last. Keenly interested in his military work he was rapidly promoted, and was 19 years of age when he was gazetted temporary captain. With his fellow officers and with the men whom he commanded, he was singularly popular, his charm of manner and attractive personality making him a general favourite. There was proof of this when on leaving the Scottish Rifles the N.C.O.’s and men made him a present as a ‘small token of respect’.”
Wesley Cope Holdsworth
2th September 1897 to 6th October 1917.
“Has been reported missing, and is feared to be drowned. He was a brother of B.G. and J.A. Holdsworth, and was acting as Surgeon-Probationer on a Mine-sweeper which was sunk.” Both W.C. Holdsworth and J.A. Holdsworth died during the war, making them one of 7 pairs of brothers to die.
Photographed by Anne Bradley, 2013
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
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Cockle, Richard Poyntz. Attended the School between 1911 and 1914. Served in the Army. Died 24 January 1917, aged 19. Buried in Canford Cemetery, Britain. Deacon, Alfred Stanley. Attended the School between 1904 and 1911. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 28 February 1917, aged 24. Buried in Assevillers New British Cemetery, France. Robertson, Eustace James. Attended the School between 1906 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 2 March 1917, aged 26. Buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Davy, Ernest Howard. Attended the School from 1908. Served in the Navy as a Cadet. Died 15 March 1917, aged 16. Neems, Reginald Norman. Attended the School between 1904 and 1913. Served in the Army. Died 20 March 1917, aged 23. Buried in Eclusier Communal Cemetery, France. Lambert, Harry Redcliffe. Attended the School between 1905 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 21 March 1917, aged 23. Buried in Assevillers New British Cemetery, France. Jones, John Ellington. Attended the School between 1903 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 9 April 1917, aged 29. Buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery, France. McGuire, Reginald Arthur. Attended the School between 1898 and 1906. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 12 April 1917, aged 28. Buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece. King, Leonard. Attended the School between 1901 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 18 April 1917, aged 27. Buried in Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery, France. Parkinson, Leslie Gerard. Attended the School between 1899 and 1902. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 24 April 1917, aged 28. Buried in Ste. Emilie Valley Cemetery, France.
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Vowles, Stephen Foster. Attended the School between 1907 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 28 April 1917, aged 19. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Mayer, Frederick Percy. Attended the School between 1889 and 1894. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 30 April 1917, aged 40. Buried in Kumasi European Cemetery, Africa. Wadlow, Harry. Attended the School between 1905 and 1914. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 1 May 1917, aged 22. Buried in Frenchay (St. John The Baptist) Churchyard, Britain. Leonard, Morton. Attended the School between 1891 and 1894. Served in the Army. Died 5 May 1917, aged 37. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Purnell, Stanley George Hardy. Attended the School between 1906 and 1909. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 5 June 1917, aged 26. Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Daniell, John Arthur Helton. Attended the School between 1885 and 1891. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 1 July 1917, aged 41. Buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Openshaw, Edward Hyde. Attended the School between 1878 and 1884. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 23 July 1917, aged 49. Buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Tapp, Harold Donisthorne. Attended the School between 1908 and 1913. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 25 July 1917, aged 21. Buried in Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium. Gover, Charles Leonard. Attended the School between 1900 and 1903. Served in the Army. Died 28 July 1917, aged 29. Buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Edgar, Bernard Roy. Attended the School between 1907 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 31 July 1917, aged 20. Buried in Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium.
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Wall, George Stanley. Attended the School between 1907 and 1910. Served in the Army. Died 11 August 1917, aged 25. Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Coole, Herbert Edward. Attended the School between 1899 and 1902. Served in the Army. Died 12 August 1917, aged 31. Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Evans, Henry Robert Noel. Attended the School between 1911 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 16 August 1917, aged 20. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Kinsey, Albert Thornley. Attended the School between 1910 and 1916. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 16 August 1917, aged 19. Buried in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Belgium. McMillan, Kenneth Gregor. Attended the School between 1912 and 1913. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 16 August 1917, aged 19. Buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, Belgium. Richardson, John Lowick. Attended the School between 1906 and 1912. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 21 August 1917, aged 23. Buried in Arras Road Cemetery, France. Bickle, Allan Edward. Attended the School between 1899 and 1904. Served in the Army. Died 27 August 1917, aged 28. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Hall, Frank Leslie. Attended the School between 1911 and 1914. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 27 August 1917, aged 20. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Davis, Francis Madresfield. Attended the School between January to July, 1891 Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 20 September 1917, aged 37. Remebered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Croall, John James. Attended the School between 1905 and 1912. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 4 October 1917, aged 24. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
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Holdsworth, Wesley Cope. Attended the School between 1905 and 1907. Served in the Navy as an Officer. Died 6 October 1917, aged 20. Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Britain. Mager, Frederick Samuel. Attended the School between 1905 and 1914. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 9 October 1917, aged 21. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Edmonds, Clifford Leslie. Attended the School between 1908 and 1912. Served in the Army as a NCO. Died 10 October 1917, aged 21. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Black, Norman. Attended the School between 1905 and 1909. Served in the RAF as an Officer. Died 12 October 1917, aged 19. Buried in Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery, Belgium. Jupe, Charles Eric. Attended the School between 1902 and 1905. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 26 October 1917, aged 27. Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Bell, Harold Stormont. Attended the School between 1901 and 1905. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 2 December 1917, aged 28. Remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, France. Grant, Stuart. Attended the School between 1901 and 1904. Served in the Army as an Officer. Died 3 December 1917, aged 29. Remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, France.
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013
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Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013