Frank Pick Memorial

As Sergeant Instructor in the Corps—whether it was called O.T.C. or J.T.C.—Puddick's services were invaluable. A succession of Commanding Officers will bear witness to his efficiency in keeping the ledgers and in looking after the Stores—it was his boast that only one boy ever got away with his cap badge at the end of his time with the Corps. On his shoulders for years fell the burden of breaking in the new recruits, and especially in teaching them to shoot. To his efficiency the smartness and excellence of the "Guards", which he used to train for camp, one of which won the guard competition at Tidworth, bear sufficient witness.

Of his service during the difficult years of the War, when I was thrust into the command of the Corps, I can speak personally, and I cannot speak too highly of them. I know that without his help I should have fared very badly. I feel that I owe him a great debt for all his encouragement and assistance, and I know that I have lost a very good friend.

Puddick's enthusiasm was by no means confined to his work in the Gym. and in the Corps. He was a keen supporter of all the School games, and even after his retirement, when his health was by no means good, he rarely missed a cricket or rugger match. He followed keenly the doings of all Old Peterites, and little missed his eye.

But perhaps the greatest testimony to Sergeant-Major Puddick was the way in which Old Peterites, drawn from a period of over 20 years, would, on their return to the School, find their way to the Armoury for a chat with him, while he was still here, and after his retirement would ask, usually before they asked about anyone else, how Puddick was, and would recall with affection one or more of the many stories about him. Everyone knew him; everyone had a great affection for him and a great respect for his outstanding loyalty to the School.

K.H.R.

The London Transport Executive have expressed their desire to place at the School a memorial to Mr. Frank Pick, O.P.s and the Governors have gratefully accepted this proposal.

The memorial will take the form of a plaque, executed in slate, and designed and lettered by Mr. Reginald Stone. It is to be placed in the Archway through the new Classroom Block; and it is hoped to arrange for the unveiling ceremony to take place in October.

Full details will be available at Commemoration.

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