THE
VIGORNIAN
THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN9ANO, TA A'ETPETA ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA 6EON HITHSAMHN.
Vol. XIII.
DECEMBER, 1940. CONTENTS.
Editorial School Officers The Fourth Centenary School Notes O.V. News Marriages, etc Obituary In Memoriam ... ... O.V. Serving in H.M. Forces Decorations The Adventure of Criccieth Walking in Powys Harvest Camp House Notes Rugger Notes J.T.C. Notes Band Notes Shooting Notes Library Notes Music The Scouts Valete Salvete Oxford Letter Correspondence Contribution ... Contemporaries
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Page 186 187 187 187 188 189 190 190 190 192 192 193 194 195 197 201 201 201 202 202 203 203 203 204 205 205 205
No. 158. EDITORIAL.
" Floreat Schola Vigorniensis ! " As, for the first time for eighteen months, we practised these words in College Hall for the Concert, we realised how much we had missed the familiar sounds and sights of Worcester during our enforced exile in Wales. Now we have been back for one term, and already those who had never known the King's School at Worcester are as much a part of it as those who had been here before the war. Although there are some who would prefer to be still at Criccieth (and we understand that the Headmaster himself is one of these !) the majority prefer Worcester, in spite of the obvious reduction in freedom from regulations. Regarding our activities this term, the first XV. has been fairly successful, but the seconds have had extraordinarily bad luck with their fixtures, two of which had to be cancelled, and one abandoned. However, it is hoped that some fixtures will be arranged for next term. Games in the latter part of this term have been interfered with by the floods, and we fervently hope that they will not occur again next term, though the Easter is usually the season for such things. The prospect of being able to have fives and rowing is rather doubtful, but we hope that these sports will be continued. We regret that another O.V. has been killed in action, but are very fortunate in having had only two, out of nearly two hundred serving, killed. On the other hand, we are proud to hear that four O.V. have been decorated for gallantry. The list of old boys in the forces has grown considerably since the last, issue, but we are sure that there must be many more O.V.
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serving, and urge them to let us know what they are doing ; we should also be grateful for any corrections to the present list. The City of Worcester has been lucky enough to escape anything like a large-scale attack so far, but we are sure that in the event of such a thing happening in the future, the City, and our School will not be found wanting, and our motto will still be : " Semper Fidelis."
SCHOOL OFFICERS. - J. J. Taaffe. Captain of the School Captain of Rugger - J. H. Coles. - S. D. Ellison. Secretary of Rugger Captain of Shooting - P. E. Hulme. - N. Richardson. Secretary of Shooting Captain of Gym - J. J. Taaffe. Captain of Fives - K. S. Flay. Captains of Houses :— - P. E. Hulme. School House Castle House - J. H. Coles. Hostel - J. J. Taaffe. - D. J. Harris. ChappeFs House Creighton's House - A. G. Green. School" Monitors—J. J. Taaffe, P. E. Hulme, D. J. Harris, J. H. Coles, A. G. Green. Librarians—P. E. Hulme, D. L. Thawley, D. J. Harris, J. J. Taaffe, S. D. Ellison, A. G. Green. Editors of The Vigarnian—P. E. Hulme, J. J. Taaffe, D. J. Harris, D. L. Thawley.
THE FOURTH CENTENARY. At a meeting of the Committee of the O.V. Club held recently, with the President (Mr. J. E. B. Littlebury) in the Chair, the question of the celebration of the Fourth Centenary of the Foundation of the School was discussed. In the absence of any other exact day on which the School may be said to have begun, it was agreed to choose the date of King Henry VIII's letter appointing John Pether as the first Master. This was the 7th of December, 1541 ; and as the 7th of December, 1941, falls upon a Sunday, it is proposed to commemorate the Founding of the School by a special service in the Cathedral on that day, and to postpone all other celebration of it until after the War. S. D. STRONG, Hon. Sec., O.V. Club. SCHOOL NOTES. We have been pleased to see Mr. Wrigley on the occasions when he has been able to get away from Birmingham, where he is working with the Friends' Ambulance Corps. He seems to be enjoying his work, though it is very different from teaching.
This term we welcomed on the staff, Mr. H. H. Whittaker, O.V., who has come to fill part of the gap caused by Mr. Wrigley's absence.
December, 1940
Capt. Burnett has been appointed a Staff Captain to the 183rd. Brigade, Home Forces. Lieut.-Comm. Pedder is in charge of a " year " of cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
Owing to the difficulty in obtaining servants, and for greater economy, the whole boarding side now has meals in School House, We owe Miss Heynes a deep debt of gratitude for the successful way in which she has tackled the catering problem.
There was a School Celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday, Sept. 29th. The service was held in the choir, and was conducted by the Headmaster, assisted by the Precentor.
Some of the King's Scholars looked rather ' lost' on the first Sunday, as less than a third had ever been in the Cathedral before. By now, however, they have got used to collecting. The Cathedral Chapter RollCall was held on Nov. 25th., which they attended as usual.
We offer our congratulations to the Headmaster's son, Mr. Tom Creighton, of the Foreign Office, on his engagement to Miss Rosamund Frere, of Roydon, Norfolk. Mr. Hugh Creighton is serving in the Army Pay Corps.
As the Headmaster returns to Tutnall each evening, Mr. Thomas has come back to the School House as Housemaster, and occupies the House Tutor's rooms. He has therefore been obliged to relinquish the post of Day Boys' Housemaster ; Mr. Macdonald is now Housemaster of Chappel's, and Mr. Ward of Creighton's.
We were untroubled by ' alerts ' for the first half of term, but had a sudden wave of them in the third week of November. Having spent 5i and 8 hours in the School House basement on consecutive nights, a system of spotting was arranged, whereby we carry on as usual, leaving Mr. Thomas and Mr. Bentley, our two Wardens, to summon us to safety in case of urgent danger.
The tennis court is now being used for band practices, so that those of our neighbours who are not susceptible to the charms of martial 'music ' will not be disturbed. Whether the court suffers as a result of this treatment remains to be seen.
December, 1940
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On Nov. 5th. the VI. Form attended a lecture at the Deanery given by Miss Marjorie Sykes, Secretary of the Bible Reading Fellowship, on " The Bible and Modern Discipleship."
The floods have risen once more, this time higher than usual in the Christmas term, and all that could be seen of our Rugger pitch was the top of a touch-flag ! We felt it very appropriate to be singing " O all ye floods " on the first Sunday in Advent.
" We wish to announce that the Headmaster has finally exploded the absurd superstition persisting regarding the Teme and the floods on our fields. We recommend those still obstinate in this belief to apply to him personally." (School Notes, Dec., 1935). We can offer no better advice, as there still seem to be some " obstinate in this belief."
ure, a little over four Pounds, has been given to the Farmers' Red Cross Fund. Mr. Hector Smith said he was so pleased with the work done, that he would give £5 to the School, to be spent according to the wishes of those who attended the camp. The money was devoted to books, and details will be found in the Library Notes. In the name of the School, we express our warm gratitude to Mr. Smith.
O.V. NEWS. We have heard with regret of the death of Alderman Baker, O.V., at the age of 93. Alderman Baker was a day boy from 1862 to 1865, and was, as far as is known, the oldest living O.V. Since the last issue of The Vigornian, four O.V. have been awarded decorations in the R.A.F. Full details will be found on page 192.
Unfortunately it has been found impossible to have any House Plays this term, but it is to be hoped that they will be revived in the future.
Rev. W. J. H. Bankes (School House, 1922-25) is a Chaplain in the R.N.V.R. after giving up his job in Mauritius for the duration, and is also chief Censor to his ship.
On Nov. 26th the VI. and V. Forms attended a lecture in College Hall by Flight-Lieutenant R. de W. K. Winlaw, on the work of the R.A.F.
A. W. Caldicott (Day Boy, 1929-31) has been promoted lieutenant after eight years in the ranks. He was top in his exam, out of 60 candidates, obtaining 94 per cent. A notice of his marriage appears elsewhere.
We have been lucky to evade any serious illness so far, and all the sickrooms have been remarkably free from occupants. Through the kindness of Mr. Pullinger, a number of boys were able to hear a 'cello recital by Cherniavsky at the R.G.S. on Nov. 24th. Some members of the School also attended a recital given in the Cathedral by him, with Sir Ivor Atkins, on Nov. 21st.
The School Concert will take place on Dec. 19th in the afternoon, and a full report will appear in the next issue of The Vigorman. We are glad to have H. H. Holmes, O.V. singing with us again, and regret that the war prevents S. N. Hackwood, O.V., from taking the solos. There was one extra half holiday this term, on Oct. 23rd in honour of the decorations won by O.V. ; it was devoted to games. The harvest camp at Snowshill held last holidays; about which an article will be found elsewhere, was a great success, and the surplus of earnings over expendit-
G. E. Churchill (Day Boy, 1919-26) has been appointed Assistant Education Officer for Surrey.
E. Cleverley (Day Boy, 1926-33) was reported missing, after taking part in the Battle of Flanders as a 2nd-Lt. in the Worcestershire Regt. His wife has now heard that he is a prisoner of war, and in hospital, recovering from a knee wound. P.L.A.B. Columbi (School House, 1930-31) is serving in the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant, and is now engaged in submarine work.
D. C. Fox (School House, 1934-39) is studying the Morse Code in preparation for a job as a wireless operator. He passed top in his first exam, with 80 per cent.
E. C. Gregory (Day Boy, 1928-35) has been admitted as an Associate of the Institute of Auctioneers, having passed his final examination in March, 1938.
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W. H. B. Key (Day Boy, 1937-39) is one of the few boys at the Royal Grammar School to have his first colours for both Rugger and Cricket, and has been appointed Secretary of Rugger for this season. P. P. Wright (who has also been awarded his 1st XV. colours), J. P. Pimley and R. Houghton are also still at the R.G.S. S. St. G. S. Kingdom (School House, 1909-13) has been appointed Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms in the House of Commons. H. J. Kirkby (Hostel, 1907-10) has been in the Navy for over thirty years, and is now serving on a submarine depot-ship as a Paymaster Commander,
December, 1940
of the Royal Tank Regt., only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Bartrip, of " The Baxters," Bransford, to Miss Marguerite Dauncey, youngest daughter of Mrs. Dauncey of Rose-Lawn, Rose Avenue, London Road, Worcester, and the late Mr. G. H. Dauncey.
BRIDGMAN-BADENOCH. On Nov. 6th, 1940, at the Church of the Redemption, New Delhi, India; F. G. H. Bridgman (Hostel, 1925-31) to Grizel Morgan, daughter of Mr. A. C. Badenoch, C.S.I., C.I.E., I.C.S., Accountant-General of India, and Mrs. Badenoch, of New Delhi and the Square House, Hindhead, Surrey. After the ceremony, the reception was given by Lady Linlithgow at Viceroy's House.
Rev. J. F. Lister (Day Boy, 1925-35) suffered a fractured arm and other injuries, when a bomb struck a church where he was conducting a service during the great raid on Coventry. He is now progressing favourably.
CALDICOTT-WILLIAMS. A. W. Caldicott, Lieut. R.A.S.C. (Day Boys, 1929-31) eldest son of Mrs. R. Caldicott, of 7, Edgar Street, Worcester, to Eileen, daughter of Mrs. Williams of Hove.
A. J. N. Richards (School House, 1929-34) after many jungle and river journeys, has been appointed Active Magistrate at Binatang, Sarawak.
HOLDER-DUFF. On September 28th, 1940, at St. Margaret's Church, Ward End, Birmingham, by Rev. Canon W. E. Dugmore; G. Dudley Holder (Day Boys, 1926-32) only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Holder, of Norton Close, Worcester, to Miss Isabel Duff, youngest daughter of Dr. J. C. Duff and Mrs. Duff, of Sutton Coldfield.
G. Smith (Day Boy, 1926-30) has been ordained by the Bishop of Lichfield to a curacy at St. Michael's, Brierley Hill, Staffs. • * * R. L. Thomas (Day Boy, 1928-35) is serving in the Ceylon Police at Colombo. Wagstaff, J. A. (Day Boy, 1927-32) has ceased to be a Partner of Messrs. Harry Day & Co., and is now a Partner of Messrs. Bowen, Dawes, Wagstaff & Co. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1938.
Rev. A. L. E. Williams (Castle House, 1907-11) Vicar of Banbury and Rural Dean of Deddington, has been appointed an honorary Canon of Christ Church, Oxford.
RACKSTRAW—LISTER-CRAGGS. On Saturday, August 3rd, 1940, at St. Mary's Church, Harrow-on-the-Hill, G. E. Rackstraw (Day Boys, 1925-32) only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Rackstraw, Hallow Road, Worcester, to Barbara Lister-Craggs, only daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. T. L. Craggs, of Kenton, Harrow.
WAGSTAFFE-SHORE. At St. Peter's Church, Worcester, J. Wagstaffe (Day Boys, 1927-32) nephew of Mr. and Mrs. C. Kimber, of Bunnshill, to Florence, daughter of Mrs. F. Shore, of 27, Pump Street, Worcester.
ENGAGEMENTS. Among the visitors this term, we have been glad to see J. D. Reynolds (School House, 1935-39) and D. B. Steward (School House, 1932-38) on several occasions while they were at the Depot here. M. B. Davies (School House, 1934-37), J. Wynne-Woolley (Natland, 1929-31), and R. H. Bough (Day Boy, 1933-39) have also been down. MARRIAGES. BARTRIP-DAUNCEY. On July 31st at St. George's Catholic Church, by the Rev. Father Stevenson, S. J., Trooper K. F. Bartrip (Day Boys, 1925-32)
BAXTER-ABBOTT. The engagement is announced between 2nd.-Lieut. Geoffry Noel Baxter, of the Duke of Wellington's Regt. (Hostel, 1932-35) second son of Mr. and Mrs. N. Baxter, of Bradford, and Magdalen Mary, second daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. A. Abbott, of Shipley, Yorks.
WiLKES-MoTHERLEV. The engagement is announced between 2nd.-Lieut. P. D. Wilkes, R.E. (Day Boys, 1927-31) to Norah, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Motherley, of London.
December, 1940
THE VIGORNIAN. OBITUARY.
ERNEST WALTER HOLLAND. Born 19th Sept., 187S—Died 31st Oct., 1940. The Rev. E. W. Bolland was the elder son of the Headmaster, under whom he was a popular and prominent member of the School from 1884 to 1894. On leaving he went up to Oriel College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1898 and was ordained at Durham in the following year. He held in succession various curacies and livings in the diocese of Durham, and for the last ten years he had been Vicar of Pittington and Rural Dean of Easington. A few months ago he had a severe heart attack and was obliged to resign his living. He went to live at a house at Bampton Grange, which belongs to Mr. Castley, and here he died suddenly as the result of a stroke. We express our sympathy with his brother, Mr. A. P. Bolland, who was his contemporary at School, and with his nephew, Mr. A. D. Bolland, who left recently.
IN MEMORIAM. KILLED IN ACTION. " Their name liveth for evermore." RICHARD WILLIAM MARSH ALLEN. Allen entered Castle House in January, 1932, being placed in the Lower IV., and when he left in December, 1935, he was in the Modern VI., and had distinguished himself at games. He was in the 2nd XV. in 1933, and had been runner-up in the senior boxing competition. He was also a Sergeant in the O.T.C. and was solo bugler in the band. He went to France as a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, and was killed in action at Oudenarde.
JOHN REYNOLDS. Reynolds was a day-boy from 1927 to 1934, and on leaving school, he joined the staff of the County Education Office, of which his father had also been a member for a long time. He left there to take a post in the Midland Bank, but in 1938 he joined the R.A.F. He was sent out to Egypt as a Pilot Officer in 1939, and was killed there.
O.V. SERVING IN H.M. FORCES. Adlington, J. (Day Boy, 1926-33), Surg.-Lt., R.N. •ALLEN, R. W. M. (Castle House, 1932-35), Lt. R.A. Killed in action. Angwin, J. B. P. (School House, 1915-18), M.B.E., Major, R.E. Anstey, R. (Day Boy, 1930-37), 2nd. Lt., R.E. (Norway). Ault, K. (Natland, 1930-34), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Averill, T. E. (Day Boy, 1927-34), 2nd. Lt. R.A. Bagnall, R. P. C. (Day Boy, 1922-28), 2nd Lt. R.A.S.C. Bailey, L. M. (Hostel, 1927-33), 2nd Lt. Worcs. Regt.
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Bain, D. W. (School House, 1923-31), Royal Glous. Hussars. Baker, G. A. (Day Boy, 1930-33), Gunner, R.A., Training Regt. BALLKY, F. E. G. (Day Boy, 1922-29), Sgt. R.A.F. Reported missing. Bankes, W. J. H.Rev. (School House, 1922-25), Chaplain, R.N.V.R. Bartrip, K. F. (Day Boy, 1928-30), Trooper, Royal Armoured Corps. Baxter, J. N. (Hostel, 1932-34), 2nd Lt. Duke of Wellington Regt. Baxter, G. N. T.(Hostel, 1932-35), 2nd Lt. Duke of Wellington Regt. Attached, Green Howards. Beamish, G. U. G. (Hostel, 1909-10), Commdr. Royal Indian Navy. Lt. R.N.R., 1914-18. Beard, W. K. (Day Boy, 1927-32), Capt. R.F.A. (B.E.F.) Beard, R. P. (Day Boy, 1930-34), 2nd Lt. Worcs. Regt. (B.E.F.) Beauchamp, H. K. P. (1930-33), D.F.C. Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Bennett, H. W. E. (Day Boy, 1910-18), Paymaster Lt.Commdr., R.N. Boddington, M. C. B. (School House, 1929-32), D.F.M. Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Bolland, A. D. (School House, 1932-37), 2nd Lt. R.A. Bowstead, T. C., Lieutenant, R.N. Served 1917-18. Brooks, R. I. G. (Castle House, 1932-36), 2nd Lt. R.F.A. (B.E.F.) Brown, C. H. (Day Boy, 1915-24), 2nd Lt. R.A.S.C. Bryer, R. F. (Day Boy), Cpl. R.A. Bryer, W. N. (Day Boy), O.C.T.U. Caldicott, A. W. (Day Boy, 1929-31), Lt. R.A.S.C. Caldicott, P. D. (Day Boy, 1936-39),Gunner, R.A. Cavenagh, T. F. (Day Boy, 1904-09), M.C., Maj. R.A. Served 1914-18 (Ment. in desp. twice). Chaytor, C. J. (1899-1905), Paymaster Lt.-Commdr. Served 1914-18 (Ment. in Desp.) Cleverley, E. (Day Boy, 1926-33), 2nd Lt. Worcs. Regt. (B.E.F.). Prisoner of war, wounded. Cockburn, C. R. (Hostel, 1928-31), 2nd Lt. The Buffs, (B.E.F.) Cole, E. J. (School House, 1926-32), Capt. Glous. Regt. Collins, R. J. (Day Boy, 1924-29), R.A.F. Columbi, P. L. A. B. (School House, 1930-31), Lt. R.N. Cox, H. C. (Day Boy, 1930-38), Gunner, R.A., Searchlight Bn. Crofts, J. A. Revd. (Day Boy, 1923-27), Chaplain, R.A.F. Crowley, P. L. (1931-34), B.E.F. Curtis, F. J. (Day Boy, 1932-37), D.F.C. Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Davies, H. M. (1905-10), M.C. Capt. Welch Regt. Served 1914-18. Davies, O. R. (School House, 1925-29), 2nd Lt. Royal Tank Regt. Davies, M. B. (School House, 1934-37), 2nd Lt. R.A. Denton, H. S. (School House, 1912-16), Capt. Glous. Regt. Served 1916-18. Dixon, J. H. F. (School House, 1927-31), Capt. E. Yorks. Regt. Staff. Dowdell, R. J. (Day Boy, 1932-34), R.A.M.C., Edinburgh. Dyer, K. B. (School House, 1932-36), 2nd Lt. R.A. Eckersley, B. S. (Castle House, 1930-32), 2nd Lt. Manchester Regt. Edwards, J. B. (Day Boy, 1918-27), 2nd Lt. A.A. Bn. R.E.
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Embling, J. R. A. (1926-31), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Evans, J. D. (Castle House, 1927-34), 2nd Lt. R.A.S.C. Fairgrieve, A. (School House, 1934-38), 2nd Lt. Gurkha Rifles. Fergusson, Dr. N. M. (1906-10), O.B.E., Lt.-Col. R.A.M.C. Served 1914-18 (Ment. in Desp. twice). Field, A. G. T. (School House, 1936-38), Pte. Warwickshire Regt. Flay, J. C. (Day Boy, 1919-24), Maj. R.A.F. (B.E.F.) Wounded. Flay, A. L. (Day Boy, 1922-30), Lt. R.E. Folley, J. H. (Castle House, 1933-39), Coder, R.N. Ford, B. L. (School House, 1926-29), Cdt. O.C.T.U. Fourdrinier, P. D. (Castle House, 1935-38), Pte. E. Surrey Regt. Fyson, E. C. (School House, 1930-33), Flying Officer, R.A.F., India. Fyson, R. H. (School House, 1931-34), Lt. R.N. Garnett, J. M. (Hostel, 1935-38), Wireless Operator, R.A.F. George, J. G. (Natland, 1926-29), 2nd Lt. R.A. Gettings, F., Capt. R.E., Palestine. Gettings, F. W. C. (1919-24), K.S.L.I. Gettings, H. C. (1920-26), Glous. Regt. Gilson, E. R. L. (Castle House, 1929-34), Cdt., O.C.T.U. Glover, I. (Castle House, 1935-37), Sgt. R.A. Grainger, E. J. (Hostel, 1924-27), Air Ministry. Graves-Morris, P. H. (School House, 1920-25), Capt. Worcs. Regt. Green, E. W. (Castle House, 1913-15), Lt. R.A. (B.E.F.) Served 1915-18. Gregory, E. C. (Day Boy, 1928-35), Driver, R.E. Hackwood, S. N. (Castle House, 1934-37), 2nd Lt. R.M. Hall, D. O. (School House, 1930-38), Capt. Hampshire Regt. Hallett, A. R. (Castle House, 1927-30), Lt. R.N. Halliday, P. T. (School House, 1934-38), Paymaster Midshipman, R.N. Harris, D. P. C. (Castle House, 1927-30), L.-Sgt. County of London Yeomanry. Harrison, L. A. (Day Boy, 1911-19), Maj., R.A. Harrison, A. R. (Day Boy, 1920-22), Maj. Worcs. Regt. Hartwright, C. G. (Day Boy, 1931-35), Pte. R.E. Haynes, P. (Day Boy, 1922-28), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. India. Hedderwick, I. H. (Hostel, 1931-34), 2nd Lt. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Higginson, T. F. (School House, 1926-33), 2nd Lt. K.S.L.I. Hodgson, C. U., Lt. General Army Staff, India. Hoggard, J. W. (Castle House, 1933-35), Midshipman R.N.R. Hollyer, P. L. B. (Castle House, 1932-35), Wireless Operator, R.A.F. Coastal Command. Hopkin, D. A. B. (Castle House, 1922-29), R.A.M.C. Howells, B. J. (School House, 1917-20), Capt. K.R.R.C. Humphreys, A. F. (1908-10), Paymaster Lt.-Commdr. R.N. Hurford, C. (School House, 1916-19), M.B.E. Maj. Welch Regt. Jackson, J. H. (Castle House, 1931-35), 2nd Lt. Worcs. Regt. Jackson, C., O.T.C.U. Jeff, W. J. F. (Day Boy, 1924-31), Capt. A.A. Bn. R.E. Kewan, J. B., Capt., Basutoland. Kirkby, H. J. (Hostel, 1907-10), Paymaster Commander, R.N. Served 1914-18. Lawrey,F.W.(School House,1933-35), Midshipman.R.N.
December, 1940
Leeke, F. W., Lieut. R.A. Leeke, L. S., Cpl. R.A. Love, C. M. (Hostel, 1915-18), M.C. Capt. Punjab Regt. Lewis, C. B. (Day Boy, 1910-16), Capt. Gurkha Rifles. Served 1916-18. Littlebury, A. T. B. (School House, 1908-16), Maj. R.A.S.C. Served 1916-18. Lodge, R. L. (Castle House, 1932-38), 2nd Lt. R.A. Ludlow, C. W. P. (School House, 1903-10), Maj. Somerset L.I. Served 1914-18. Lumsdaine, A. M. (School House, 1911-12), Capt. Australian Military Forces. Served 1914-18. Mann, D. R. (Day Boy, 1930-35), W.P.O./A./C. R.A.F. Martin, B. (Day Boy, 1927-33), R.A. (B.E.F.) Martin, T. J. (Day Boy, 1934-39), R.A.F. Matthews, A. K. (1910-15), Capt. R.A. Served 1915-18. McAuslin, L. T. (School House, 1933-36), Pte. R.A.M.C. McEachran, P. (Castle House, 1934-38), 2nd Lt. Manchester Regt. Meers, R. G. (School House, 1926-29), 2nd Lt. R.A. Wounded at Dunkirk. Molony, C. J. C. (School House, 1922-26), Capt. P.W.O. Sikhs. MONAHAN, P. C. W. (School House, 1924-27), Lt. Worcs. Regt. (B.E.F.) Missing. Neale, P. (Day Boy, 1935-37), R.A.F. Newcombe, E. R. (Hostel), M.C., Maj. Worcs. Regt, Served 1914-18. Nicholls, J. H. (Day Boy, 1921-27), 2nd Lt. Worcs. Regt. (B.E.F.) Wounded ; prisoner of war. Nicholls, G. H. (Day Boy, 1925-33), Sapper, R.E. Nicholls, M. E. (Day Boy, 1934-37), R.M. Payne, J. L. (Day Boy, 1925-31), 2nd Lt. Bedford & Herts. Regt. Penney, A. M. (Day Boy, 1928-35), Army Pay Corps. Pereira, H. P. E. (School House, 1921-24), Lt. Worcs. Regt. Peters, D. K. (Castle House, 1923-26), Pte. Worcs. Regt. Pethord, G. F. (Day Boy, 1927-31), Pte. Worcs. Regt. (Signals) (B.E.F.). Pettigrew, A. W. H. R. (Day Boy, 1929-32), Trooper, Warwickshire Yeomanry. Philips, J. C. (Day Boy, 1935-37), C.Q.M.S. Worcs. Regt. Poths, J. D. (Castle House, 1934-37), B.E.F. Dunkirk. Poths, H. D. (Hostel, 1934-37), R.A. Powell, A. H. S. (School House, 1921-29), 2nd Lt. K.O.Y.L.I. Pratt, A. (Day Boy, 1925-29), A./C. R.A.F. Pressdee, J. S. (Day Boy, 1931-35), Sapper, R.E., B.E.F. Dunkirk. Wounded. Pressdee, J. H. (Day Boy, 1935-38), Sapper, R.E. Quin, S. E. V., Capt. K.R.R.C., India. Served 1914-18. Raban, J. P. C. P. (School House, 1932-36), B.E.F. Dunkirk. Rackstraw, G. E. (Day Boy, 1925-32), R.A.F. Training Centre. Rathbone, L. (Hostel, 1932-36), Cdt., O.P.C., R.A.S.C. •REYNOLDS, J. (Day Boy, 1927-34), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Killed in action, Egypt. Reynolds, J. D. (School House, 1935-39), Pte. Worcs. Regt. Richards, N. W. (School House, 1933-38). Lt. R.E. Rieu, E. H.. 2nd Lt. K.R.R.C. Rogers, J. A. W. (Castle House, 1923-25), Sgt. A.A., R.A., (B.E.F.) (Rec. for Comm.)
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Royle, R. P. (Castle House, 1924-33), 2nd Lt. Wiltshire Regt. Royle, D. C. (Castle House, 1924-32), 2nd Lt. Wiltshire. Regt. Rumsey, M. W. (Natland, 1928-30), D.F.C. Pilot Officer, Palestine, R.A.F. Sewell, B. A. (Day Boy, 1922-28), Meteorological Dept., R.A.F. Simpson, S. G. (1892-1905), O.B.E., Col. A.E.C. Served 1914-18. Capt. 2nd Life Guards; Maj. G.H.Q. Staff. Men. in desp. Singeisen, W. E. (1925-27), R.A.F. Smith, K. P. (Castle House, 1909-16), Maj. Royal Berkshire Regt. Served 1916-18. Passed Staff College, Quetta. Spencer, W. G. (Hostel, 1932-35), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Spooner, A. R. (Day Boy, 1931-35), R.A.F. Stevens, P. J. (Day Boy, 1930-35), 2nd Lt. R.E. (B.E.F.) Stevens, R. W. (Day Boy, 1935-38), Signalman, R.N. (Convoy). Steward, D. B. (School House, 1932-38), O.C.T.U. Steward, E. T. (School House, 1929-33), Gunner, R.F.A. Steward, F. A. (Day Boy, 1927-29), Pte. Worcs. Regt. Steward, J. (Day Boy, 1932-33), 3rd Officer Merchant Service. Strother, A. G. (Day Boy, 1932-36), Driver, R.I.F. Summers, R. E. (Day Boy, 1927-34), I.T.C. Taylor, A. L. (Day Boy, 1931-33), D.F.C. (and bar). Flying Officer, R.A.F. Thompson, C. G. L. (Castle House, 1928-32), Sgt. Worcs. Regt. Thorne, P. A. (School House, 1926-30), 2nd Lt. Royal Scots. Torrens, G. B. (Castle House, 1929-32), Lt. R.I.N. Townshend, P. M. (Day Boy, 1922-28), Pilot Officer, R.A.F. Trape, J. H. (School House, 1934-38), Cpl. E. Surrey Regt. Tull, R. E. (Castle House, 1923-26), 2nd Lt. Royal Berks. Regt. Tweedie, Dr. G. I. F., Squadron-Leader, R.A.F. Served 1914-18. Tyrrell, N. (Day Boy, 1930-33), Signals. Walker, F. H. (School House, 1933-36), O.C.T.U., R.A. Walliker, D. J. (School House, 1933-36), Pilot Officer, RA.F. Waterhouse, J. E. J. A. (Day Boy, 1934-38), Sgt. R.A.F. B.E.F. Watkins, F. W. S. (School House, 1907-15), O.B.E. Maj. P.W.O. Scinde Horse, India. Late A.D.C. Governor of Burma. Served 1915-18. Watkins, B. S. (1910-17), Indian Army. Served 1917-18 Wells, J. (Day Boy, 1929-30), D.F.M. Sgt. Observer, R.A.F. White, P. N., Sherwood Foresters. White, A. J. H. (1915-16), 2nd Lt. Wiltshire Regt. Served 1916-18. White, A. C. (School House, 1932-37), R.A.F. Wilford, G. H. (Castle House, 1914-20), Capt. K.O.Y.L.I. Wilkes, P. D. (Day Boy, 1927-31), 2nd Lt., R.E. Wilkes, J. A. (School House, 1933-34), 2nd Lt., R.A. Wood, H. W. (Day Boy, 1931-34), Pte. Welsh Guards. Woodrow, W. O. H. (Day Boy, 1921-22), A.A., R.A. Wynne-Woolley, S. (Natland, 1929-31), O.C.T.U. Yarnold, A. S. (Day Boy, 1929-36). Sgt.-Instr. R.E. B.E.F. Yeomans, C. H. (1927-29), Ord. Seaman, R.N.
DECORATIONS. Flying Officer A. Lennox Taylor (Day Boy, 1931-33) has been awarded a bar to the D.F.C., after being awarded the Cross last July. The official account states : " This officer carried out a successful photographic reconnaissance of the Dortmund-Ems aqueduct. He reached his objective after flying through dense fog and secured valuable photographs. During the last two months he has carried out exceptionally successful reconnaissances, including one over Kiel, which was considered the most valuable reconnaissance completed for the Navy during the war. Other work includes photographs of Cap Gris Nez and Flushing. He has completed 60 photographic missions, and in this class of operation he is outstanding."
Pilot Officer F. J. Curtis (Day Boy, 1932-37) has been awarded the D.F.C. for " gallantry and devotion to duty." He was commissioned in June, 1939, and was serving with the Coastal Command. After a short leave, he is going to South Africa as an instructor.
Sergeant John Wells (Day Boy, 1929-30) has been awarded the D.F.M. for " gallantry and devotion to duty." Before the war, Wells was a salesman in Birmingham, and after being with a Territorial Army A.A. unit, joined the R.A.F. in February, 1939. He is now a navigator-observer.
Sergeant M. C. B. Boddington (School House, 1929-32) has been awarded the D.F.M. for "great determination, coolness, and courage" in shooting down six hostile aircraft. He joined the R.A.F. in 1938, and has now been promoted Pilot Officer.
THE ADVENTURE OF CRICCIETH.
Some three hundred years ago, as the King's School was about to reach its First Centenary, it was ejected from College Hall and existed for close on five years in the little Carnary Chapel that then stood on the other side of the Cathedral. The move was so unpopular in the City that a petition was presented to Parliament, as a result of which in 1641 the School was " reduced to the old place." And now, on the eve of the Fourth Centenary, we once more find ourselves " reduced to the old place " after a second exile, shorter indeed in time, but far greater in distance At " lists" on the last morning at Criccieth the Headmaster commanded that a full account should be written of the eventful year then coming to a close. That command I am endeavouring to obey, but not here and now ; there is no question of printing it, but
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I propose to deposit it in typescript in the VI. Form Library for the interest of future generations of Vigornians. All I want to do now is to suggest a bird's eye view of the adventure as a whole. For, as one looks back on it, it was an adventure. It seemed Curiously wrong at first. The opening of a new school year one associates with new faces in familiar surroundings. Instead of that (for we had of course comparatively few new boys) we found familiar faces in strange surroundings. So that one's first impression was like some absurd dream from which one would presently awake, and tell how one had dreamed that all the boys and masters in the School had accidentally happened to be spending the end of the summer holidays at the same seaside resort. The weather encouraged this notion, for it was certainly odd to find ourselves bathing in the sea instead of playing rugger for the first few weeks of the Christmas term. And then how strange it felt, until we had got used to it, to be teaching and learning French and Latin and Maths in forms of a dozen or so, packed somehow into small rooms, to the unceasing accompaniment of waves breaking on the shingle, and to spend the break playing " ducks and drakes " in the sea or watching the gamboilings of a school of porpoises. At first it was rather fun. Then, when the novelty had worn off, and we had realised that we were not going to wake up just yet, and the weather had realised that it was the Christmas term and not the summer holidays, it was not so pleasant. Some of us will never forget the day when, after bathing in the sea before breakfast, we climbed Moel Hebog from Tremadoc and found ourselves in a snowstorm in the afternoon. That was the start of the snow—not such a blizzard as England suffered last winter, but an unusually heavy fall, the natives assured us, for the " semi-tropical" climate of Criccieth. The second term was marred by the epidemics which were rife over the whole country. And we learned what a mountain region can do about rain. We do not care to remember that term. And yet if we had been told that we were to return to Worcester at the end of it, most of us would have felt that we had been defrauded in missing the experience of a summer term by the sea. And the summer term did live up to our expectations. There was comparatively little cricket, for the Welsh do not apparently take kindly to the game, and the nearest decent ground was five miles away at Portmadoc. But there were compensations : the beauty of the Pennant Valley and the surrounding hills, the streams and the luxuriant wild flowers ; golf and tennis ; the wide stretches of sand for beach hockey ; and of course the sea itself, with almost unrestricted bathing and canoeing— one had only oneself to blame if one was bored. Few of us but have brought back memories that will endure : a climb up Snowdon at half-term, the labour more than repaid by bathes in the pools of the Afon Dwli; a bicycle ride to Harlech or to Nevin; fishing in the Dwyfach (we got quite good, some of us, at the pronouncing and interpreting of Welsh place-names):
December, 1940
the glorious panorama of Snowdonia from the golf-links or from the top of Moel-y-Gest; the bi-lingual Confirmation Service ; that tremendous Field Day when a ruthless army of " parachutists " blew up all the bridges and post offices and railway stations within a radius of five miles, and were killed to a man—some of them several times over ; and, finally, the triumphant performances in the face of every difficulty, of Abraham Lincoln : these are only a few of the things which we shall not quickly forget, and which we should not have experienced if we had not been banished from our home. No doubt it would be as easy to draw up the debit side of the account. I do not propose to do so here. If we did so, and struck a balance, I make no doubt that it would be in our favour. And if there were any doubt, there is one fact that would weigh down the scales on the credit side. We always knew, as a piece of theory, that the spirit of the King's School was something real, if intangible, and independent of the stones and bricks around College Green. We were set the task of proving the truth of that theory by practical experiment. And now that it is over, we know that we did not fail.
A.M.
WALKING IN POWYS. For the benefit of those who do not know where the ancient Principality of Powys lies, it is the land from the Welsh Coast inland, about the middle of the country, and thus covers roughly the route from Criccieth to Worcester. At the end of the summer term, three of us decided to walk down to the harvest camp at Snowshill, and after watching the rest of the school start off in the train, we set out at about seven o'clock on June 27th. During the morning, there were several showers, and at first we feared that the weather would make our journey, if not impossible, at least unpleasant. However, by the time we had got to Ffestiniog, the weather had cleared up, and we had no further cause for alarm on that score. After some sandwiches which Mrs. Pritchard had kindly prepared for us, we began the climb over the moors to Bala. The climb was not very steep, and once we had reached a height of some 1,500 feet, the road levelled out. Far behind us we could just see Moelwyn and Cynicht, two high hills which had always been landmarks while we were at Criccieth, while in front was an endless stretch of desolate moorland. Once on our right we saw a superb waterfall, which must have been at least 150 feet high, and whose water, when we had climbed above it, we could see running away into the distance. Later in the afternoon, we passed a convoy of R.A. and one of the Sergeants said he would have been only too glad to give us a lift if we wanted it, but that he could not as they had to reach their destination by night. After this, we thought that we had found on the map a side turning which would be quicker than the main road, and so we turned off. After some miles we wished we had not done so, for though it may have been shorter, it was far rougher, and there was a horribly steep hill, on which Christina Rossetti's poem : " Does the road wind uphill all the way ?" " Yes, to the very end." might have been modelled. However, when we reached the top, we asked a man we met how far we had still to
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go, and nearly gave up when he said : " Only eight miles, but the road isn't so good." By now, it was really hot, and the sun had been beating down on us all afternoon. As we walked on, we could understand the feelings of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand longing for the sight of the sea. For us, it was the lake at Bala which we longed for. At last we saw it, and soon were sitting down in the hotel, very tired, but very pleased to have done 33 miles that day. The next day we had once more to climb up on to the moors, and during the whole afternoon we did not see a single person. Towards four o'clock, we met a party of cyclists, who said that the rest of the way was all downhill, and we did the last four miles in threequarters of an hour, so hungry were we, having had nothing since breakfast. At Llangynog, we were given a very satisfying meal, and the owner of the inn said we must not leave till we had seen the wonderful waterfall at Llanrhaidr-ym-Mochnant, which was 1,600 feet high. We were rather astonished to hear that there was such a high waterfall in Wales, but were too anxious to get further on before night to go to see it. When we arrived at Llanfyllin, about 23 miles from Bala, the hotel proprietor asked us if we had seen the waterfall, which we then discovered was 200 feet high ! On Monday morning we went on to Welshpool, about another 12 miles, and had just got two miles outside when we were offered a lift by an Austin 7. How we all managed to get inside is a mystery, but we were thankful for this unexpected help on our way. We were actually taken a little out of our way, as the car was going to Newtown, but we got out at the turning to Montgomery, about nine miles from Welshpool; once again we were lucky, for about a mile along the road, a big lorry with a trailer picked us up, and took us within five miles of Bishop's Castle, our destination for that day. So we walked about twenty miles in spite of our lucky lifts. We spent the night with friends (sleeping on sofas in a haunted room !) and had a little recreation in the shape of bowls ; next day, our friend gave us a lift in his car as far as the cross-roads half-way between Clun and Craven Arms. By now our feet had begun to trouble us, and we were paying for covering nearly eighty miles on foot in three days. When we had done the seven or eight miles to Craven Arms, we did not feel like any more walking that day, and were able to get a bus into Ludlow, where we again stayed with friends. After going to the pictures, we went to bed early, and were feeling better in the morning. From Ludlow, we walked on to Tenbury Wells, a matter of ten miles or so. This was the only town which, on coming over the top of a hill, we suddenly saw below us. Here we came to a difficulty, as we wished to get to Worcester that night, and it was clearly impossible to walk 22 miles before evening. Once again we were incredibly lucky, for, when we were told at lunch that there were no buses running that way, a gentleman who was going through Worcester offered us a lift, which we accepted most gratefully, and arrived in the middle of the afternoon. We spent most of the afternoon, and the next morning, in seeing old friends we had not seen since our evacuation to Criccieth. In the evening, we saw the picture whose ' trailer' we had seen at Ludlow.
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We left Worcester on Thursday afternoon, and spent the night at another friend's farm, about 12 miles from Worcester. This night was rather different from the others, for, although we had been quite prepared to sleep in barns, we had never had to before. However, we were quite confortable and warm, having plenty of hay to lie on. Next day, we walked on past Bredon, about 14 miles to the camp at Snowshill, arriving just before the rest came home from their work. Altogether, we did about 105 miles on foot, and had lifts for the other SO. We thoroughly enjoyed it, in spite of our feet, for it was such a change from going home by train, and we arrived at the camp feeling ready for any work. P. E. H. J. C. McK. N. McK.
HARVEST CAMP. In the summer holidays, most Of the school had the opportunity of aiding the National war effort by helping to gather in the harvest. A camp was run on Mr. Hector Smith's farm at Snowshill, near Broadway, and it accommodated between fifteen and twenty-five boys, who came in relays for the first six weeks of the holidays. Mrs. Smith kindly undertook to cater for us, and the cooking was done by Mrs. Rudge, the bailiff's wife. The first party set out from Criccieth under Mr. Longland, and went to Worcester by train, being fetched from there in a cattle-truck. On our arrival at Snowshill, we were given a beautiful but rather bleak camp site, looking down on the Vale of Evesham. In a short time the scout tents, which had been specially camouflaged, were pitched and we soon settled in. An old, roomy barn had been placed at our disposal, which we used as dining and living room, and where we had the opportunity of playing darts, quoits and table-tennis, and of listening to the wireless. Before starting work on Monday, July 29th, we spent the previous day in getting acquainted with the neighbourhood. Hill Barn Farm is situated about half a mile from Snowshill, a small village consisting of a few houses grouped around the church. The country around is typical of the Cotswolds. The first day's work was weeding a large field of sprouts, and it showed most of us what hard work is like. Mr. Longland set us a very good example, perhaps it was too good, so that he won the title of ' slave-driver," rather unjustly. After this very hard work, we all went back to the farm, very hungry, and were given a square meal. The food was always very good indeed, and we always had plenty of it. Usually we had breakfast at eight o'clock, dinner at one, and a big tea after work in the afternoon. Before going over to our tents at night, we always had coffee or cocoa, with bread and cheese. The second part of the week was allotted to fruitpicking. Mr. Smith's orchards are near Offenham, Mid we were taken there by a lorry every morning. We [eft an orderly at camp to do the washing up, to prepare the vegetables, and to clean out the barn. We took
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our lunch with us and did not return till evening, when we had a hot meal. Although plum-picking is a dull job, it was quite popular, because we were allowed to eat as many plums as we wanted. I think everybody made full use of this privilege. We usually worked for eight hours a day, except for Saturdays when we broke off at dinner time, and Sundays, when we had a complete rest. In our spare time in the evenings and on Sundays, we either stayed in the camp, or went ferreting with Mr. Rudge, or went for cycle-rides. On Saturdays, most of us cycled or hitchhiked to Evesham, to the pictures or to row on the river. The second week, we went to another orchard, which was near the Avon, so that some of us bathed during the lunch hour. At the beginning of the week, we were put on piece work. It was a great success, as it increased our wages considerably. We were pleased to have the Headmaster and his brother with us one afternoon, and they gathered several half pots for us. After a fortnight's time, Mr. Bentley took charge of the camp. In the meantime, the corn had ripened, and as it was cut, we had to make stocks. Although stocking is not very hard, we never acquired the skill with which the farm hands did the work. Consequently many of the stocks fell down, and we had to re-stook, which was a boring and much disliked job. In the middle of the third week, we had another three days in the orchard at Cleeve Prior. This time, Mr. Strong paid us a visit, and showed us that he can work quite hard on occasions. We welcomed him again, when he came up to the camp for a sing-song, which was held in the farm house. The oats took only a short time to dry, and thus we were able to start carrying very soon. It was hard work, but pitching jobs were in great demand. At this job, Mr. Bentley proved his worth. He specialized in driving the lorry and at the end of his spell, he was quite expert at this aspect of harvesting. We had good fun at the beginning of the fourth week, when we caught about thirty rabbits as they bolted from beneath the binder. The weather of the first four weeks had been moderately good. Sometimes, especially at night, it had been very cold. Mr. Ward, who came to take charge for the last fortnight, brought sunshine and warm weather with him. It was in this glorious fortnight that we had to work hardest because threshing had started. It was amusing to see Mr. Ward working like a nigger from the West Indies, lifting huge baitings, while others worked at the chaff, being completely covered with it. We did also some stocking, carrying, and dung-carting. The last job was least popular, but it had to be done. The smaller boys, who could not do this kind of work, had to mind the cows. On Saturday, August 31st, we went with Mr. and Mrs. Ward to the Stratford Memorial Theatre to see a performance of " She Stoops to Conquer." The camp ended on September 7th, and we had a farewell singsong two nights before. Two boys stayed on another fortnight to help with some more work.
December, 1940
On the whole the camp was a great success. A large amount of work had been done, and everybody will have pleasant memories of those happy hours at the camp. It will be impossible to forget those cold nights, those lively singsongs, and the time spent at work. Finally, we should like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Rudge, all the masters who looked after our welfare at the camp, and the Headmaster, who had made all the arrangments, which secured the great success. We all hope to have another opportunity of helping the National War effort, and to have another camp next summer holidays.
T.S. HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : P. E. Hulme, D. L. Thawley, N. Richardson, N. McKerrow, P. R. Oades, R. G. E. Wharmby. At the end of last term, we said farewell to Mr. Wrigley for the duration of the war. Although totally exempted from service, he has volunteered for hospital work in Birmingham, and while wishing him the best of luck during his absence, we look forward to his return. During the short two years that he was here, he rendered valuable service to the games as well as to the work of the school, and among many other things, gave his support most helpfully to the S.H.A.D.S. both at Worcester and at Criccieth. In his place we welcome Mr. Thomas—or rather re-welcome, for this is the second time that he has been our House Master. We appreciate very much all he has had to give up in order to take Mr. Wrigley's place. House activities have not been much to the fore in the athletic sphere, and now that the fields have been flooded, there does not seem to be much prospect of having House matches till next term. Hulme was awarded his cap early in the term, and McKerrow and Oades their 1st colours. Travis, T. K. Dinsdale, Richardson, Taylor, Thawley and Wharmby were awarded their seconds. In the J.T.C. Hulme has been promoted U/O, and McKerrow, Wharmby, Oades and Richardson, Corporal; McKerrow is now Drum Major and shoots in the VIII. while Richardson is Sec. of Shooting. McKerrow, pades and Wharmby became House Monitors at the beginning of term. We welcomed only one new boy this term, Mallett, and so we are still far from being overcrowded. We have succeeded in keeping free from serious illness, but our thanks are due to our new Matron for what she has done for those of us who were unlucky enough to be forced to retire to the sickroom. Miss Stewart has been down on one or two occasions, from Norton Barracks where she is working as a V.A.D. and we were pleased to see her again after a year's absence. No account of the doings of the House would be complete without a reference to our Housekeeper, Miss Heynes. Her work for this House alone and for the whole boarding side in the way of catering has been inestimable, and we can only attempt to thank her
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THE VIGORNIAN.
for all she has done. The monitors owe her thanks for having them to coffee every Saturday evening, and we feel sure that the classroom would wish us to thank her on their behalf, for inviting them to share her sittingroom fire. Former members of the House may be surprised to hear that although we used to think the Dining Hall pretty full with four tables, and about 50 boys, we can now, at dinner, fit in six tables, with seats for nearly ninety people, including the staff. Finally, we say goodbye to Oades at the end of term, and wish him every success in his future life : and now we wish the whole House the best of holidays, and hope that they will be able to enjoy their afterdinner nap on Christmas Day undisturbed by the " banshee wailing " !
CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. H. Coles, S. D. Ellison, M. H. Good. To those who joined Castle House at Criccieth, the first visit to Worcester must have seemed rather strange, but to the senior members of the House, it was a return to a Castle House as unchanged by wartime conditions as any house could be. The only apparent differences from old times were the black-out curtains and the wiring for telephones in every room. But, alas, no telephones ! At Criccieth, we had visions of ringing up the other studies and inquiring about the prep. We were very glad to see that Matron was with us once again, after a year's absence. This term the numbers of the House are sadly reduced, as we have lost five of the old members, and also all the day-boys who joined us at Criccieth. We were glad to see the usual new faces, and here we must welcome Harris, Lambert and Irving, and also Kemp, who joined us at half-term. When we arrived, we were informed that as an experiment, we were to have communal feeding in School House. This has been highly successful, and is now almost certain to become a permanent feature, at any rate for the duration. We congratulate Coles on being made Captain of the House, a School Monitor, and Captain of Rugger, and Ellison on being made Secretary of Rugger, and on passing Cert. " A." We sympathise with him on his inability to play Rugger owing to his recent illness. As usual, we have had our share of the 1st XV., there being five members of the House in it, and also one in the seconds. Owing to the floods and to School Cert., we shall not be able to put them to the test of House matches till next term. The House is now equipped with stirrup-pumps, and two fire-fighting squads, who have yet to experience their " baptism of fire." Finally it only remains to wish everybody a happy holiday, a Merry Christmas, and a Prosperous New Year.
1% HOSTEL.
HOUSE MONITORS : J. J. Taaffe, P. V. Lister, M. O. F. Bridgman, B. C. V. Cant. We are very glad to be back in Hostel once more, under the shadow of the Cathedral. This term we welcome our new Matron, Miss Goldsborough, and wish her a happy life in Hostel; we are very sorry to lose our old Matron, Miss McGregor. We also welcome three new boys, Armstrong, Spitzer and Martin, and are pleased to have Taaffe and Bridgman back with us again. We are sorry to lose S. M. C. Jones and D. H. Jones and all the day-boys who were members of Hostel at Criccieth. When we arrived this term, we found Hostel no worse for our absence, and the House was much the same as when we left it at the end of the summer, 1939. The only difference is that the dining-room has been converted into a reading-room. We miss dining in Hostel, but, however, owing largely to the excellent management of Miss Heynes, we attend all our meals in School House, much to the appreciation of all. We congratulate Taaffe on being appointed Captain of the School, and also Cant on being made a House Monitor. We also congratulate Russell and Lister on being awarded their first XV. colours, and Ansell, Cant and Shovelton their 2nds. We congratulate Taaffe on being promoted C.S.M. and Bridgman to the rank of Cpl. Lister and Bridgman have also shot in the VIII. Unfortunately, Lieut.-Comm. and Mrs. Pedder have been unable to see us this term. We wish them a happy Christmas, and hope to see them in the future. We were very pleased to see R. A. Goer and P. L. W. Shovelton during the course of the term. Those concerned would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Longland for inviting them to their enjoyable sessions of gramophone music on Sunday evenings. Owing to the state of the Rugger fields, we have had no competitions this term; so it only remains for us to wish Hostel the best of luck next term. We give Taaffe, who is leaving, our best wishes for the future. Finally, we wish everyone a very enjoyable Christmas holiday. * * * CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : D. J. R. Harris, D. M. Curtis, K. S. Flay. We were very glad to return to Worcester this term, to our old position and traditions, although there has been no hot water in the changing-room as yet (perhaps this is a tradition ! Eds. Vig.) and were very pleased to hear that the old Chappel's House was to be revived. We welcome Mr. Macdonald, our new House Master, and would like to thank Mr. Thomas for all his many services in the past, both to the House and to the Dayboys as a whole.
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We extend greetings to all newcomers, and also to those members of the House who spent last year at the R.G.S. It was fortunate that of former members of the House, only Pimley decided to remain there. However, we have lost A. G. Green, who deserted to take up the post of Captain of Creighton's ; still, we know that being brought up in the traditions of Chappel's, he will make a worthy opponent. This term, we have been represented in the first XV. by Curtis, Flay and Harris, and in the seconds by Moore, Chapman and Charlish. It has been impossible to play House matches this term, but we are prepared to make a good effort to win the Rugger Cup next term. We congratulate Harris and Flay on gaining places in the shooting VIII., and Flay especially as he is the first member of the House to be appointed Captain of Fives. Several members of the House have joined the J.T.C. and we feel sure that they will not regret it; at the same time, we should like even more to join, and so give us a good chance of winning the Section Shield in the summer. This term we are losing Dowse and Chapman, and to both of them we extend our best wishes for every success in the future. We also wish the best of luck to those taking School Cert, and to Harris, who is soon to go up to Oxford in search of scholarships. The House is certainly not as strong now as it was two years ago, owing to the visit to Criccieth, and the fact that most of the older members decided to leave rather than to accompany us into exile ; they have been replaced by some rather younger and smaller boys, who will doubtless be very useful but who at the moment cannot carry much weight. We cannot expect the House to rise to the heights it did in 1939, when it possessed most of the cups, but we can be sure of doing our best in both games and work. Before closing, we are sure that all the House would wish us to take this opportunity of thanking the boarding houses and the Royal Grammar School for their hospitality and kindness during the past year, and of assuring them that their kind welcome was much appreciated.
CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : A. G. Green, A. W. R. Bailey, G. E. Malsom. On re-assembling this term, it was pleasing to see that the majority of the members of the House had returned from the Grammar School or from the boarding houses. Unluckily for us, two of our senior members, Key and Wright, having firmly established themselves at the Royal Grammar School, decided to remain there. However, it will be seen from the O.V. News that they have both distinguished themselves at games. This term has seen the establishment of another factor towards the final separation of the two Day Boy Houses—the appointment of a House Master for each;
December, 1940
for our part, we welcome Mr. Ward most warmly. Another addition to the House was Green, who was formerly in Chappel's, and who has now taken over the captaincy of the House. We had two representatives in the first, Green and Malsom, both of whom have been awarded their colours. Kingsmill and W. R. Curtis have been given their 2nd XV. colours. As there have been no House matches to date, we cannot yet estimate the value of the half holidays spent on House practices, but this will probably become apparent next term. Fortunately, we shall not be losing any members of our team in the meantime. It is re-assuring to note that our numbers in the J.T.C. having been supplemented by several recruits, are quite up to standard. At the moment, we have only one N.C.O., but with Cullis taking Cert. " A " next term, we hope to have another before the Section Shield Competition in the summer. Somewhat naturally, our collection of cups dwindled to some extent during our dispersal, but it is to be hoped that the increase in inter-house activities next term will see our shelf in the Reading Room more heavily laden.
RUGGER NOTES. FIXTURE CARD. 1ST.
XV.
Sat. Oct. 5th, Worcester Home Guard—Home Won 6-3. Wed. Oct. 16th, Bloxham School—Home Won 26-18 Sat. Oct. 26th, Dean Close—Home Won 16-6 Wed. Oct. 30th, R.A. Stourbridge—Away Lost 11-8 Sat. Nov. 2nd, Monmouth 2nd XV—Away ABANDONED Wed. Nov. 13th, R.A.F. Bridgnorth—Home CANCELLED Sat. Nov. 16th, St. Edward's 2nd XV—Away Lost 6-3 Sat. Nov. 23rd, Cheltenham 3rd XV—Away CANCELLED Wed. Nov. 27th, Hereford—Away Lost 18-0 Sat. Nov. 30th, R.N. School of Music—Away Won 6-0 Wed. Dec. 4th, Warwick—Home CANCELLED Sat. Dec. 7th, Worcester R.F.C.—Away Lost 9-5 Sat. Dec. 14th, O.V.—Home. 2ND XV.
Wed. Oct. 16th, Bloxham 2nd XV.—Home Lost 12-6 Sat. Nov. 2nd, Monmouth Colts—Away ABANDONED Wed. Nov. 27th, Hereford 2nd XV.—Home CANCELLED Wed. Dec. 4th, Warwick 2nd XV.—Away CANCELLED Sat. Dec. 7th, Felixstowe County School—Away Lost 29-0 At the beginning of the season we were rather inclined to wonder whether the team would be up to standard after our year at Criccieth. All doubts were, however, dispelled after the first few matches. The team showed that there was no lack of individual vigour and the Bloxham match brought out the real rugger spirit when we fought back against high odds- to win a very exciting match. It has become obvious however that there has been too much individual play at the expense of team work to make the XV. really out-
December, 1940
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standing. This may be largely attributed to the fact that the prolonged floods have prevented us from getting the practice we needed so much in between matches. The year has however been on the whole quite satisfactory and certain of the younger members who are staying until next year have shown much promise. It has been decided that the school will continue to play rugger until the middle of next term. This is purely a war time measure, but will serve to raise the standard of the rugger next year. First XV. and Colt fixtures will be arranged and we look forward to what we hope will prove to be a profitable experiment. Here I would like to say, on behalf of the team, how sorry we are that Ellison, the Secretary of rugger, has been prevented from playing this season by his recent illness. We wish him a speedy return to the best of health and hope that he will be able to play next term. IST XV. CHARACTERS. N. McKerrow. Fullback. Can be relied on to play a sound game ; his sense of position is good, and he has safe hands. He has not developed much length with his kicking yet, but should improve with practice. * J. G. Morris. Left Wing. He has had bad luck with injuries, but when fit has proved a most determined runner and a strong tackier. He has put in a good deal of time in coaching the other putsides, who would do well to emulate still further his hard running for the line. J. F. B. Russell. Inside Left. He plays with his head and at times has shown a real flair for going through on his own. At other times, his play lacks sufficient drive and he is not always sound in defence against bigger opponents. He handles the ball well. O. W. King. Inside Right. As the season developed, he overcame his tendency to drop passes, and he is nearly always moving well by the time they come to him. At present, however, he is still inclined to run blind into opposition and to hesitate when checked, instead of passing or trying to force a way. His defence has improved since he has taken to marking his man more closely. * K. S. Flay, Right Wing. Perhaps the three-quarter who has made most improvement. He plays a robust game, and makes the most of his chances to go for the corner flag. His defence has improved, but he still throws his passes too high. * A. G. Green. Fly Half. His understanding with the scrum-half now works smoothly; he has good hands and can be relied on to make ground, while he knows when to kick and does it well. He does not always get his insides going quickly enough nor is he swift enough on to an opponent with the ball. If only he can play with more dash, his game will become very good. * D. M. Curtis. Scrum-half. He has had a consistently successful season. He always plays hard, is very much quicker onto the ball than he was in the early autumn ; throws a good pass, although he still occasionally hangs on to the ball too long, and is as good at cutting
through as he is at stemming a dangerous rush. He stands now, perhaps, a little too close to the scrum, and thus gets swamped when he should be opening up the game. * J. H. Coles (Captain). Forward. He has worked hard throughout the season, and has overcome very well the difficulties of being at the same time, captain, leader of the forwards, and a forward himself. When he is not up on the ball, he is sure to be doing covering defensive work elsewhere; perhaps indeed, he takes too much responsibility in this respect upon himself. In the loose he is rather too inclined to stand up and hang on to the ball, instead of getting his head down or passing quicker. * C. Havard. He plays a fast and intelligent game. His interception of opponent's passes and individual breaks-through have several times been a menace to opposing teams. On the other hand, like his fellow wing-forward, he tends to waste too much energy trying to spoil the opposing half-backs when they are already away or when team work in the loose might be more effective. * P. E. Hulme. Once his head is down in the loose, and the ball in his hands or at his feet, he is a formidable player, and shows great persistence. But for too much of the time he is waiting for his chances to come to him, instead of making them. He can tackle well. H. M. Good. He is an unobtrusive but hard working forward, who can be depended upon to use what weight he has. He should, however, try to acquire much greater dash, especially when he has the ball at his feet. G. E. Malsom. He has the makings of a very good forward. He dribbles fast and well, and does not hesitate when the ball is near him. He needs now to try to be relentless in his following up, and marking the man with the ball. J. J. Taaffe. At his best is a good forward, and more often than not is up with the ball or going for an opponent. He is at times, however, rather slow, He should try to cure himself of a clumsy habit of booting the ball into his opponents hands. D. J. Harris. He is a difficult player to stop when he has the ball and can play hard. But he has not altogether done himself justice this term ; he does not get low enough in the scrum, and is far too inclined to get offside, through waiting about on its fringe in the hopes of doing some spoiling or going through on his own. P. V. Lister. He plays a hard game, and is quick on the ball, and tackles well, His hooking has been increasingly effective and he only needs a little more weight and stamina to become a very good player. * Indicates Cap and Colours. 2ND.
XV.
The 2nd XV. had to suffer certain match cancellations this season owing to floods and this was very unfortunate
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December, 1940
since they started with only a few matches. The forwards have worked well and hard together and formed, on the whole, a good and solid pack. There was, however, a certain lack of speed, especially in backing up the three-quarters. The latter were too young and inexperienced to do much good although there is a certain amount of hidden talent which has not yet had time to reveal itself. The following were awarded 2nd XV colours : — P. R. Oades, J. M. Ansell, B. C. V. Cant, D. L. Thawley, R. G. E. Wharmby, D. S. Shovelton, T. K. Dinsdale, W. R. Curtis, W. Taylor, N. Richardson, S. M. Moore, J. A. Charlish, J. Kingsmill, N. Money, C. Chapman (P. R. Oades has also been awarded 1st XV colours).
but after being momentarily stunned the school rallied and fought back with vigour. At half time the score stood at 15-9, but during the second half the school was always attacking and pressed even harder to win a well-fought match. The pack deserves a great deal of credit for playing an excellent game on a day when forward play was extremely necessary. The halves and three-quarters also deserve credit for the able handling of a wet ball and for taking the opportunities offered to them. Both sides had their fair share of the ball for the two packs were evenly matched. The Bloxham backs were very fast but after the first three tries they were marked very closely and were never allowed to get going. On the whole it was an excellent and exciting match.
JUNIOR RUGGER.
TEAM:—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, J. J. Taaffe, G. E. Malsom, P. V. Lister, P. R. Oades.
The standard of junior rugger has not been very high this year, but this is easily explained. The flooded state of the playing fields has greatly interfered with junior games. In addition to this a number of new boys have entered the school and hardly any of them have played rugger previously. We hope, however, to turn out a strong Colts team next term. HOUSE MATCHES. We have unfortunately been unable to play the house matches this term owing to the prolonged floods. We. hope, however, that they will take place next term. MATCHES. SCHOOL v. WORCESTER HOME GUARD. Won :—School 6pts. (1 try, 1 penalty goal). Wore, H.G.'s 3 pts. (1 try). The first match of the season, played upon the school ground and under good conditions, was regarded with doubtful and wondering speculation. The play and the result, however, showed that there were the makings of a good school side. The forwards in particular showed great promise but were rather slow in breaking up. Morris scored for the school and Green kicked a good penalty goal. P. D. Caldicott, an O.V., scored the only try against the school. Taking all things into consideration, the school played very well. TEAM:—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, C. Havard (Capt.), P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, J. J. Taaffe, D. J. Harris, G. E. Malsom, P. V. Lister, J. M. Ansell. *
*
*
SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM. Won :—School 26 pts. (6 tries, 1 goal, 1 penalty goal). Bloxham 18 pts. (4 tries, 3 goals). The match was played at Worcester on a wet ground in a drizzling rain. A few minutes after the start the visiting team scored three times in quick succession each try being converted. The blow was a heavy one,
SCHOOL v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL, CHELTENHAM. Won :—School 16 pts. (2 tries, 2 goals), Dean Close 6 pts. (2 tries). The match was played at Worcester in fairly good conditions. The game was an open one until half-time though Dean Close had more than their share of the ball. The visitor's pack was decidedly superior in weight but once again the school forwards showed skill and zeal in the loose and made some good rushes taking the ball at their feet through their slower opponents. D. M. Curtis, the school scrum half, scored a brilliant solo try just before half time and this served to wake the team up. After half time the school began to attack in earnest and following on these attempts, tries were scored by Morris, Green and Harris, two of these being converted. The game was fast and exciting and was always open. TEAM :—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good. J. J. Taaffe, D. J. Harris, G. E. Malsom, P. V. Lister. SCHOOL v. R.A., STOURBRIDGE. Lost:—School 8 pts. (1 goal, 1 try). (1 goal, 2 tries).
R.A. 11 pts.
The match was played at Stourbridge on a cold day in a high wind. The Royal Artillery team was composed of fully grown men and was consequently much faster and heavier than the school. Much of our time was spent in defence and the two tries scored by C. Havard and O. W. King followed solo runs from the centre line. These two efforts were very spectacular and cleverly executed but they came too late, for although the school immediately made a determined effort, the whistle soon sounded for no-side. Although strict training began to tell in the end, the age of the opposing team gave them more rush in the beginning and only some spirited tackling and stubborn scrumming stopped them from scoring more often.
December, 1940
THE VIGORNIAN.
TEAM:—N. McKerrow, K. S. Flay, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, B. C. V. Cant, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, J. J. Taaffe, P. V. Lister, P. R. Oades, J. M. Ansell. SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH 2ND XV.
200
desperately to stem this onslaught our efforts were of no avail, for we could not work together. It is a great pity that this collapse occurred at all, but the Hereford ground seems to have a kind of influence on our play. The opposing team was by no means the strongest we have had to face and although the ground was badly cut up there was no excuse for such a bad display.
The match at Monmouth was a great disappointment. It was started in a high wind and pouring rain. About a quarter of an hour after the start the air-raid alert sounded and the game was stopped. When the " raider's passed " signal was sounded, play was resumed and continued for another ten minutes until the alert again sounded. The match was then abandoned after the school had scored three points to Monmouth's nil.
TEAM :—N. McKerrow, B. C. V. Cant, J. G. Morris, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, G. E. Malsom, J. J. Taaffe, D. J. Harris, P. V. Lister.
TEAM :—N. McKerrow, K. S. Flay, B. C. V. Cant, J. F. B. Russell, D. J. Harris, O. W. King, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, J. J. Taaffe, P. V. Lister, P. R. Oades, D. L. Thawley.
Won:—School 6 pts. (2 tries). R.N. School of Music, nil.
SCHOOL v. ST. EDWARD'S, OXFORD 2ND XV. LOST :—School 3 pts. (1 try), St. Edward's 6 pts. (2 penalty goals). Played at Oxford in ideal conditions. The St. Edward's pack was slightly heavier than our own but the tight scrums were fairly even. The opposing scrum half was extremely quick to tackle and consequently the school threequarters did not have their fair share of the ball. If they had been opened up more often the result would have been different. K. S. Flay just failed to score after a brilliant run and Morris was held up after crossing the opposing line. G. E. Malsom scored the only try when he gathered the ball in the loose and forced himself over the line. The game was always an open one and the teams were fairly evenly matched, although St. Edward's were the more experienced. The two penalty kicks which resulted in a win for our opponents were both given for infringements of the off-side rule. We are proud to be able to aey that we did not allow such worthy opponents to cross our line especially when we remember that the same team was only beaten by Marlborough by a very small margin. TEAM :—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, J. J. Taaffe, G. E. Malsom, D. J. Harris, P. V. Lister. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. LOST :—School nil. Hereford 18 pts. (3 goals, 1 try). The match was played at Hereford on a field which three days previously had been under water. Once again the fatal luck of the Hereford pitch played its part. For the first twenty minutes the school was continually in and near the home team's twenty-five, but suddenly the attackers became the attacked and the school team went to pieces. Although we fought
SCHOOL v. ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT MALVERN. The match was played in fairly good conditions at Malvern. For the first quarter of an hour the school was compelled by the opposing team's superior rush tactics to play on the defensive. However, we soon became accustomed to this and henceforward the school did most of the attacking. K. S. Flay played an excellent game and thoroughly deserved the two tries he scored. A. G. Green also played his usual good game, kicking judiciously and well. The School of Music team was very fast but it lacked coaching and experience. When their soccer rush tactics had been mastered they no longer appeared formidable especially as they failed to fall on the ball in the loose. With more coaching our opponents would develop into a very good side but our superior skill soon began to tell and although the match was always open, after half time, the result was fairly certain. TEAM:—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, P. E. Hulme, M. H. Good, G. E. Malsom, J. J. Taaffe, D. J. Harris, P. V. Lister.
SCHOOL v. WORCESTER RUGGER CLUB. Lost:—School 5 pts. (1 goal). Worcester 9 pts. (3 tries). The match was played on the Grammar School ground which had been kindly lent to us for the occasion. The weather and ground were perfect and the game was a fast one. The Worcester pack was heavier than our own and they had the advantage of height in the line-outs. The scrums were however fairly even and the school hurled the ball more often than Worcester. During the first half Worcester was pressing hard all the time and one of their centre threequarters just missed a drop-goal. At half time there was still no score. After half time the game opened up more and the school began to attack. Soon two tries were scored in quick succession by Jackson, a very large O.V. and then about ten minutes later he scored again. None of these tries was converted. The school then retaliated strong'y and after a copy-look threequarter movement Flay and Russell scored a good try and Havard converted it. The game ended with the school attacking hard well
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within the enemy twenty five after giving a good display against an older and heavier team. TEAM :—N. McKerrow, J. G. Morris, O. W. King, J. F. B. Russell, K. S. Flay, A. G. Green, D. M. Curtis, J. H. Coles (Capt.), C. Havard, G. E. Malsom, M. H. Good, D. J. Harris, J. J. Taaffe, P. V. Lister, P. R. Oades. J.T.C. NOTES. One of the most obvious changes this term is, of course, in our name; henceforth, University Corps will be known as SENIOR TRAINING CORPS, and those in schools as JUNIOR TRAINING CORPS. On Thursday, October 24th, the N.C.O.'s and No. 1 platoon paid a visit to the Depot at Norton Barracks. They saw troops in various stages of training—the building of a double-apron wire fence; various types of A.F.V.; the cook-house; an example of camouflage, which was so successful that the man hiding was almost trodden on by those trying to find him; a ceremonial guard-mounting with drums, and the tour ended with a soldier's tea in the dininghall. We are very grateful to the C.O. for arranging this. Field Day was held on Thursday, October 31st, in the neighbourhood of a village some ten miles south of Worcester. The morning was devoted to a demonstration and practice of a platoon advancing through a village; to judging distance and estimating direction by sound, and to cover and camouflage. During the break for lunch, the rain which had been threatening all day suddenly descended, and the afternoon's operations, a platoon in the advance, had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, the buses were not available, and as there was no shelter, the company began to march back. When the buses arrived, eight miles had been covered, and everybody was soaked to the skin, but a bath and tea soon revived our spirits. On Armistice Sunday, a party of sixteen senior members of the Corps collected in Cathedral, assisted by six Sergeants from the Barracks. Owing to the fact that November llth was not observed with full ceremony this year, the buglers did not sound " Last Post" and " Reveille " as usual at the War Memorial. The Certificate " A " examination is being held next term and in the summer; one candidate, C.Q.M.S. Ellison, who had been twice prevented by illness from taking the exam, was successful at the R.G.S. on November 25th. Promotions and Appointments'Sergeant Hulme to be Under Officer. Sergeant Taaffe to be C.S.M. L/Cpls.: Ellison to be C.Q.M.S. Coles to be Sergeant. Harris to be Sergeant. McKerrow to be Corporal. Wharmby to be Corporal. Morris to be Corporal. Bridgman to be Corporal. Oades to be Corporal. Richardson to be Corporal. Cadets: Green to be L/Cpl. Flay to be L/Cpl. Watkins to be L/Cpl.
December, 1940
Appointments : Under Officer Hulme to be Capt. of Shooting. Cpl. Richardson to be Sec. of Shooting. Sgt. Good to be Band Sergeant. Cpl. McKerrow to be Drum Major. Sgt. Good to command No. 1 platoon. Sgt. Coles to command No. 2 platoon. Sgt. Harris to command No. 3 platoon. P.E.H. BAND NOTES. The band has been unable to parade in uniform this term, owing to unavoidable circumstances. We received an invitation to play the Ombersley Home Guard to church on the afternoon of Armistice Sunday, but unfortunately, it was the half-term holiday, and as the majority of the band had arranged to go home or to go out with relatives, it was necessary to decline the invitation. The band usually parades on Mayor's Sunday, but this year, there was no formal parade, and so another opportunity was lost. A number of recruits have joined this term, and at the present moment there are no vacancies for drummers, though there are a few for buglers. All members of the band have shown great enthusiasm and since most of them are young, they will have plenty of time to reach the very high standard set by previous bands. All practices were being held on the tennis courts, until the rain started and by soaking the grass, drove us into the Gym once again. Sgt. Priddey has again been coming down from the Barracks on Wednesdays, and has given invaluable aid to the drumming and bugling, and to the general efficiency of the band. With his help, the band should be up to the usual standard by the General Inspection at the end of the Summer term. M.H.G.
SHOOTING NOTES. We came back to Worcester this term, looking forward to many more opportunities of shooting on the Miniature Range than we had at Criccieth. We were very lucky indeed to get any shooting at all at Criccieth and we have to thank C.S.M.I. Cooper very much for his efforts to get the amount we did. Our range at Criccieth was on the beach, so that the sea was behind us, and we shot into the cliff-face; while it was a very good makeshift, it could hardly be compared with the range at Worcester, for nobody can shoot his best when the waves are washing against his feet and there are numerous pebbles sticking into him. The sea had a nasty habit of bringing up large quantities of these pebbles every time we had cleared them away. As was to be expected after a year of neglect, the range was not in very good order when we returned, but we soon managed to get it in trim again. Our
THE VIGORNIAN.
December, 1940
hopes were fulfilled, and we have been able to have several practices during mufti parades, and on various half-holidays when there was no Rugger. Unfortunately, we have failed to discover much new talent, and several of the people who shot regularly at Criccieth have not come up to expectations. We tried to arrange a postal shooting match with St. Edward's School, Oxford, but they were not able to give us a fixture owing to lack of ammunition. We did, however, arrange a postal shooting match with Bloxham School on December 2nd, under Country Life conditions, excluding the Landscape Target. The less said about this match the better. The conditions, admittedly, were not of the best, it being rather cold and dull, but that is not a very good excuse for our poor score. Here are the individual scores :— Name H.P.S. Cpl. Richardson Cpl. Bridgman Sgt. Coles ... Sgt. Harris Cpl. McKerrow L/Cpl. Flay Cdt. Lister Cdt. King ... Total
Group
Snap
Rapid
Total
522
H.P.S. 680. The Bloxham score was 565, so we lost by 43 points. We hope to have a short match with the masters before the end of term, but nothing has been fixed yet. On various days during the term, different platoons of the Home Guard have used the range and our rifles. Unfortunately, some of them were on the range for the first time, and the clips holding the targets were several times shot away. Whenever they used the range, an N.C.O. was always there to help them. Finally, we should like to thank C.S.M.I. Cooper very much for his very good advice, and for giving up so much of his time to coaching us. N. R.
LIBRARY NOTES. This term, as a result of the generous gift of £5 by Mr. Hector W. Smith of Offenham, we have been able to purchase twenty-one new books for the Fiction Library, the VI. Form Library, and the Reading Room. No books have been rebound as it has been found to be cheaper, in view of the increased costs, to purchase new copies to replace those which were in need of rebinding. The following were appointed Librarians from the beginning of the term : <D. L. Thawley, D. J. Harris, J. J. Taaffe, S. D. Ellison and A. G. Green. New Books presented by Mr. Smith : VI. FORM LIBRARY :— Sir Edward Elgar. Poems T. S. ELIOT Failure of a Mission ... Sir NEVILE HENDERSON
Studies in Shakespeare READING ROOM :— Aircraft of the British Empire. What a Word:
202 G. F. BRADBY A. P. HERBERT
FICTION LIBRARY :— Night Watchman W. W. JACOBS American Short Stories of the Nineteenth Century. I Bought a Mountain ... ... THOMAS FIRBANK House of Exile NORA WALN The Shape of Things to Come ... H. G. WELLS Lone Swallows HENRY WILLIAMSON Short Stories " SAKI " Nemesis ... ... DOUGLAS REED Dr. Thorndyke ... R. AUSTIN FREEMAN Gone with the Wind MARGARET MITCHELL Tales of Mystery and Imagination ... EDGAR ALLEN POE A Time to Keep HALLIDAY SUTHERLAND Arches of the Years ... HALLIDAY SUTHERLAND Seven Pillars of Wisdom ... T. E. LAWRENCE The Navy in Action " TAFFRAIL " The following books were replaced :— My Mystery Ships ADM. CAMPBELL DUMAS Count of Monte Cristo ... Travels MARCO POLO Seven Sleepers FRANCIS SEEDING BARONESS ORCZY Eldorado Anthony Adverse HERVEY ALLEN Prester John JOHN BUCHAN Lorna Doone BLACKMORE JEFFREY FARNOL Quest of Youth Valley of Fear CONAN DOYLE Meet the Tiger LESLIE CHARTERIS
P. E. H. MUSIC. This term, we have been very fortunate in that Mr. Longland has been continuing the gramophone concerts on Sunday evenings, which Mr. Macdonald began at Criccieth last year. The first was held on October 27th, and started with Handel's Coronation Anthem : " Zadok the Priest." This was followed by a selection from the " Messiah," and as many of those present had sung in it before, the choruses were frequently augmented 1 The following Sunday, we heard Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, and the fine rendering by Rubinstein of Mozart's Pianoforte Concerto in A major. Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major (The Pastoral) was much appreciated on November 17th, and was followed by the last two parts of the Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 by Grieg: Anitra's Dance, and In the Hall of the Mountain King. On the 24th we began with Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, and followed it with the Alcina Suite by Handel, a series of short movements in the style of various dances. The next record was of the Royal Choral Society singing " Achieved is the Glorious Work " and " The Heavens are telling " from Haydn's Creation, and was to have been followed by Keith Falkner singing the aria " Arm, arm, ye brave " from Handel's Judas Maccabeus. Unfortunately, the sirens sounded half way through, and the meeting had to break up in disorder.
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On December 1st we had the privilege of attending a specially arranged recital at Mrs. Hutchinson's house. Mrs. Hutchinson herself began, by playing two pieces by Scarlatti. Then Mrs. Longland sang two Strauss songs, and Miss Beale played two pieces of Debussy, the second of which, " The Cathedral " was especially well received. Mrs. Longland then sang an Italian song, and she was followed by Mrs. Hutchinson playing Ravel. At Canon Hutchinson's request, this was followed by two pieces by Bach, and Mrs. Longland ended the evening with two of John Ireland's songs. We are extremely grateful to Canon and Mrs. Hutchinson, and to Miss Beale and Mrs. Longland for a very enjoyable evening. THE SCOUTS. The Scout Troop has been reorganised into eight Patrols led by A. J. Wilson, R. H. K. Goss, Ansell, P. C. Smith, Lucas, Anstey, Clifton and Kennard, with Hulme as T.L. The large number of recruits has meant that all the time this term has been spent on Tenderfoot Tests, which are now being passed. We spent the Field Day on Mr. Anstey's land at Broomhall, but owing to the heavy rain we were confined to the welcome hospitality of his barns. P.E.H. On December 8th the main work in the programme was Beethoven's Emperor Concerto, No. 5 in E flat, played by Artur Schnabel; we also succeeded in hearing the whole of " Arm, arm, ye brave," and the concert ended with two choruses from the " Mass in B minor," by Bach; " Et Resurrexit " and " Hosanna in excelsis." The concert on the last Sunday of term was to have been more varied, a mixture of orchestral music, such as " Orpheus in the Underworld," some choral pieces, by Bach, and Mendelssohn's " Hear my Prayer " sung by Lough. Unfortunately, we were again prevented by the sirens from having what promised to be a most most enjoyable concert. We should like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Longland most sincerely for their kindness in thus allowing us to have the benefit of their gramophone. P.E.H. VALETE. Classical VI. Jones, D. H. (1935-40) Hostel. 2nd XI Cricket, 1940. Librarian. Editor of The Vigomian. L/Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. " A," March, 1940. Evans, D. V. (1936-40). School House. House Monitor. C.Q.M.S. and Sgt. Armourer, J.T.C. Cert. " A," March, 1939.
December, 1940
(No rowing, 1940). Sec. of Shooting, 1940. Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. " A," March, 1940. 1st class drummer, July, 1939. Upper V. Bendall, D. C. (1936-40). Castle House. Captain of the School and of Castle House. 1st XV Rugger, 1938-39. 1st IV Rowing, 1939. (No rowing, 1940). Shooting VIII, 1940. Librarian. Editor of The Vigornian. C.S.M., J.T.C. Cert. "A," November, 1938. Shelton, D. L. (1935-40). Castle House. School Monitor. 2nd XV Rugger, 1937. 1st XV Rugger, 1938-39. Capt, 1939. 1st XI Cricket, 1938-39-40. Sec. 1939. Capt. 1940. 2nd IV, Fives, 1939. (No Fives, 1940). Under Officer, J.T.C. Cert. " A," March, 1939. Drum Major. 1st class drummer, July, 1938. Capt. of Shooting, 1940. McKerrow, J. C. (1936-40). School House. School Monitor. Capt. of School House. 1st XV Rugger, 1938-39. 2nd XI Cricket, 1938. 1st XI Cricket, 1939-40. Sec. 1940. Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. " A " March, 1940. Bowles, T. (1937-40). Castle House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1938. 1st XV Rugger, 1939. Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. "A," March, 1940. Benson, F. M. P. (1937-40). Castle House. 1st XV Rugger, 1939. L/Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. " A,,' March, 1940. Hampton, J. D. (1936-40). School House. King's Scholar. Cdt. J.T.C. Upper IV. Kirkwood, N. (1938-40). Castle House. 2nd XI Cricket, 1940. Middle IV. Korolanyi, P. (1939-40). School House. Kipping, S. A. B. (1939-40). Day Boy. Lower IV. Kipping, F. R. (1939-40). Day Boy. Muldoon, N. A. (1940). Day Boy. Muldoon, F. X. (1940). Day Boy. Millington, A. S. (1940). Day Boy. Brunn, H. (1940). Day Boy.
SALVETE. Lower VI. Galbraith, J. L. Chappel's. Kingsmill, J. Creighton's.
Modern VI. Clarke, B. S. (1938-40). School House. King's Scholar. House Monitor. 2nd XV Rugger, 1939. L/Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. "A," March, 1940. 1st class bugler, July, 1940.
Lower V. Darlington, M. J. King's Scholar. Creighton's. Armstrong, A. H. Hostel. Mallett, B. J. King's Scholar. School House. Gwynn Jones, A. E. King's Scholar. Chappel's. Hadley, D. J. Chappel's. Harris, A. C. C. Castle House. Kennard, B. W. Creighton's.
Maths, and Science VI. Jones, S. M. C. (1936-40). Hostel. School Monitor. Captain of Hostel. 1st XV Rugger, 1938-39. Sec. 1939. 2nd IV Rowing, 1938. 1st IV Rowing, 1939.
Upper IV. Lambert, R. W. Castle House. Marshall, G. V. Creighton's. Spitzer, H. Hostel.
THE VIGORNIAN.
December, 1940
Oxford goes to it. Some of our members are to be seen acting as temporary navvies, digging up their College playing fields in order to assist in the " Dig for Victory " campaign.
Middle IV. Breakwell, D. Chappel's. Irving, R. A. Castle House. Medcalf, S. W. Chappel's. Moody, W. A. Chappel's. Papps, B. Creighton's. Turner, J. C. Chappel's. Lower IV. Bowen, P. J. Creighton's. Bramich, D. Chappel's. Grundy, P. C. Creighton's. Nicholas, K. E. E. Chappel's. Martin, G. A. P. Hostel. Wilkes, J. A. Chappel's. Underwood, M. W. Chappel's. Thompson, J. W. Creighton's. Philips, L. A. Creighton's. Pye, J. G. Chappel's. Rogers, D. Creighton's. Rush, D. A. Chappel's. The following returned from the Royal Grammar School this term: Green, A. G. Bailey, A. W. R. Charlish, J. A. Checketts, S. Lewis, J. P. H. Malsom, G. E. Shephard, J. D. Cox, R. R. Chapman, C. Papps, J. Ayrton, J. G. W. Thomas, A. R. Tolley, W. J. Clifton, P. D. Evans, J. B.
204
James, B. J. L. Lucas, P. R. Williams, E. J. Smith, E. H. Evans, K. Harcombe, R. T. B. McGill, J. P. Phillips, F. F. Cartwright, R. Gill, R. G. Barter, T. W. Bishop, G. W. T. Griffiths, T. G. G. Thomas, M. T. Williams, H. L.
OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Once again we have the task of writing the Oxford letter. We came here at the beginning of the Academic year to find life in Oxford going on much the same. However, we notice that there has been a considerable spiritual revival amongst undergraduates and we suppose that this is in accordance with what is taking place throughout the country. Our own membership has been increased by one, and we welcome D. V. Evans who has just commenced his academic career as a member of Keble. The Union continues to flourish, and, at the time of going to press, is showing increasing socialist tendencies, which we attribute to the deplorable state of Conservative propaganda. The opening speeches of a debate some weeks ago were recorded by the B.B.C., as was a certain S.T.C. Sergeant-Major's voice, which we expect will contribute to a future broadcast showing how
This term we have received hardly any visitors. M. C. Jones put in an appearance one weekend and informed us that he intends to become a vet. R. C. Hicks has been seen on several occasions dining in Hertford but whether or not he is officially up is unknown. One of us was glad to see the School XV when it came up to play St. Edward's School this month. The rest of us were unfortunately informed too late. And now for ourselves. J. A. LAWREY (Exeter). Has now returned to our midst after a year's absence on Service. Has a habit of handing copper-plate visiting cards to us at odd moments. Attended the Union debate at the House of Lords and assures us that he is still as conservative as ever. Lives in excellent quarters which are unfortunately at the top of several flights of stairs. Is taking the shortened history course and will be up until June. H. W. HINDS (St. Edmund Hall). Has changed his School for Modern Languages to Modern Greats. Says that his study of the English philosophers has now conclusively proved to him that he does not exist. We gather he regulates his life accordingly. Seems constantly worried by the fact that Oxford will never again be what it was. It appears that his only justification for this belief is that Congregation has recently had to vote a huge subsidy for the maintenance of the University police. Lives in spacious digs in exclusive Wellington Square. C. M. LAVENDER (St. Edmund Hall). Says he spends every evening working but cannot account for his gate fines. Has been playing rugger for the Hall and is sometimes seen with a damaged squash racket. Still lives in Hall, but is always out. Has a habit of issuing invitations which never materialise. We hope he will not continue this in later life, when he gets into stride in his future career. K. WEDGWOOD (Hertford). Alleges that he has been too busy to see anyone or even to write for which he apologises to those concerned. Still rows in all weathers now in a coxwainless four. Has been elected to offices in various societies including the Secretaryship of his College Boat Club. Invitations emanate from his book weekly to half his College for discussions on Theological subjects. Is sometimes to be seen charging down the Broad on a bicycle in Home Guard uniform and full equipment. D. V. EVANS (Keble). Has been turned out of his College for reasons which are beyond his control and is domiciled in small draughty rooms in Trinity. Is reading English and Theology for the special war degree. Joined the S.T.C. and is working for Cert. B. which he hopes to take at the end of next term. Attends less than half a dozen lectures a week and makes out he works in his rooms. Has been seen brandishing a stirrup pump which would seem to signify that he is an auxiliary fireman. Visits Ladies' colleges on the pretext of attending meetings of the English clubs.
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December, 1940
THE VIGORNIAN.
We are sure you are very glad to be back in the old surroundings, and will conclude by wishing you as merry a Christmas as can be expected in the circumstances and (we hope) a more settled New Year to follow. Yours sincerely, OXON. CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of " The Vigornian." Dear Sir, I feel that now is the time to draw your attention to the fact that there is a serious danger of one branch of the sports activities of the school being allowed to fall into decay, or at least to lapse. I refer to the game of fives, which from my researches into earlier numbers of The Vigornian was being played at this school before 1909—over 30 years ago. Before we went to Criccieth the courts were in need of repair and during the winter they seemed to have suffered from the frost more than most things, not only do they need repairing to make playing fives more enjoyable—and safer, but unless they are dealt with now they will have reached such a state of disrepair that they will be well nigh useless, whereas if some minor repairs were carried out now, the cost when they were properly re-surfaced will be appreciably less. Owing to the Purchase Tax the cost of fives balls has risen considerably and the repairs of the court would prolong the life of each ball and thus eliminate the risk of the same losing popularity through bankruptcy. I feel that this is more a petition from all fives players in the school than a mere report from a solitary one and so I am in hopes that it will not suffer the usual fate of letters to The Vigornian—the waste paper basket or utter disregard. I remain, Yours Sincerely, R. W. K. S. F. [A little more research would have shown our correspondents that Fives was flourishing as far back as 1878 (History of the School, £.308). We fully support their suggestion. Eds. Vig.]
CONTRIBUTION. NUTS. Do Dictators wear braces, Or go to the races ? Does an Elephant ever forget ? And what is the price Of curry and rice ? Or what is the name of your pet ? It is said that in Delhi The cost of a jelly Fluctuates badly indeed. Do Tibetan Grand Lamas Chew unripe bananas With every appearance of greed ? If it takes thirty men To build a large pen Thirty days and a night—working hard; How many bees Could swarm in some trees, And what is the ration of lard ? But when all's said and done It's really good fun To sit on a wasp's nest and cry— But now I must finish; May your anger diminish, And so, till the next time, " Good-bye." " Ulster " Though our anger had risen, You may be forgiven This effusion with so many rhymes. But if once again It appears from your pen, You'll write it out ten thousand times ! (Eds. Vig.)
CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental errors or omissions : The Bloxhamist, The Faradav House Journal; The Felstedian; The Monktonian; The 'Toe H. Journal; The Tonbridgian; The Wulfrunian; St. Edward's School Chronicle.