1915

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

Page 68

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

Page 69

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

Page 70

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

Page 71

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.

Page 72

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

Page 73

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.

Page 74

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

Page 75

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.�

Page 76

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

Page 77

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.

Page 78

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’.

Page 79

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.

Page 80

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

Page 81

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

Page 82

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.

Page 83

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.

Page 84

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

Page 86

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.”

Page 87

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,

Page 88

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.’

Page 89

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

Page 90

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

Page 91

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.�

Page 92

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

Page 93

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.

Page 94

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

Page 95

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.]

Page 96

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.”

Page 97

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

Page 98

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

Page 99

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.’.

Page 100

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.’ ”

Page 101

George Frederick Blacker is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, within Berks Cemetery Extension Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013

Page 102

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

Page 103

“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

Page 104

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.

Page 105

The Menin Gate

Photographed by Nicola Pearce, 2013