1914

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