The War Years 1914-1918

‘IN GOD’S NAME, GO’, THIS IS NOT A CALL TO ARMS FROM A KING TO HIS SUBJECTS OR A POPE TO A CRUSADER, BUT INSTEAD A QUOTE FROM A LETTER WRITTEN BY A HEADMASTER TO A FORMER PUPIL.

Mc CLURE, A RIGHTEOUS MAN STEADFAST IN HIS BELIEF OF GOOD OVER EVIL REINFORCED BY HIS UNWAVERING FAITH IN GOD, HAD NO RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE NECESSITY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND HIS PUPILS PLAYING THEIR PART.

Although he deplored the arms trade and jingoism combating German militarism was essential as expressed in a letter to an Old Millhillian, written in 1915: ‘I hold that we had absolutely no alternative in August last year, and nothing that has happened since has in any way changed my opinion.’

The First World War (1914-1918) highlights McClure’s uniquely personal relationship with the School and its pupils. In fact, the war brought many Old Millhillians back in contact with McClure communicating through face-to-face meetings or letters, many of which were sent from the Western Front.

It was not just their former Headmaster who took solace from these letters but also the authors themselves. During their darkest hour, writing by dim candlelight from some sodden and wretched trench, they found comfort thinking of their School and its Headmaster.

The education each pupil received during McClure’s tenure extended far beyond academia. An emphasis on developing moral principles and individual thought were at the forefront during his decades as Headmaster.

In a speech, talking about the fallen to the first gathering of Old Millhillians after the war, McClure stresses the importance of the bond and identity gained from being members of the School; ‘They have been in the same places as we; they have followed the same traditions; they have been inspired by the same ideals; they have felt the same love and loyalty.’ McClure fostered an education with an