1951 – News of Old Boys

NEWS OF OLD BOYS.

The first matter to be treated in this new magazine is of those Old Boys who died on Active Service. Here is a short list which is no doubt far from complete, Would those readers who can add to it please send details to School so that a full list can be prepared ?

Gerald Blakemore  Grenadier Guards

Maurice Boulton  R.A.F.

Lionel Brain  Glosters

Peter Bruton  R.A.

Sidney Chew   R.N.

Ronald Clift  R.A.F.

Sidney Davis  R.A.F.

Gabriel Griffin  R.A.F.

Harold Lewis  Glosters

Alan Marmont  Grenadier Guards

Geoffrey Maule   R.N.

Ernest Mills  R.A.F.

John Partridge  Royal Marines

Cecil Perry  R.A.F.

Desmond Smith  R.N.

Colin Wheatley  R.N.V.R.

Graham Wilkins  R.A.F.

This sad list includes boys of all types-brilliant games players and those who never played-the punctual and the habitually late-the merry and the quiet-energetic and idle-regulars, T.A., and National Service men. But in one respect they are alike. They did their hard duty until the greatest price of all was paid. We arc proud that they were once boys at our School. By recalling their names 'we do honour to their School.

Many others were badly wounded as they served in all parts of the world. Clifford Smith R.A.F. was shot down three times; Goldstein (2 Glosters) was left badly wounded near Cassel in June 1940 but reached Stroud via Spain in June 1941 having escaped twice and crossed the Pyrenees on foot. A Curtis (Grenadiers) spent six months loose in Italy after escaping from a. P.W. camp. Daniel Ind (R.N.) was blown up while on a hulk which was to block a passage of the Scheldt. Several were prisoners of war, several decorated, two at least became Lt. Colonels and various friends met at the ends of the earth. Tony and Robin Stopford wen both in the 2nd Marine Commandos; R. Grange found that his billet N.C.O. in Singapore was Sgt. John Evans of Woodchester. The full list of engagements at which our Old Boys were present touches every phase of the War-the Bismark action, the disasters off Crete, the fighting in N.W. Europe in 1940 and 1944-45, (E, Mills was killed on D day), N. Africa, Burma in both campaigns and in every theatre and stage of the air war. Perhaps, one day, a slight history may be written. Meanwhile, would readers please add any information they have to complete the list of those who gave their lives ?

Recently the Old Boys' Association has organised cricket matches, dances and dinners. We hope that this note will attract other old boys to the Association whose officials arc to be reached through the School.

President:  Mr. Stanley Slinger

Hon. Secretary:  Mr. Harry B. Cooke.

Hon. Treasurer:  Mr. Stanley V. White.

They welcome new members.

We are pleased to record the success of the following :-

Henry May 1938 1942- Diploma of Fine Art, with distinction, Slade School, University of London. He has been awarded an additional year's study.

John Pegler 1940-44- Higher National Certificate (Mechanical Engineering).

Peter Darby 1943-47- Ordinary National Certificate (Mechanical Engineering).

John Forryan 1943-47 - Ordinary National Certificate (Mechanical Engineering).

James Yost 1944-49- Ordinary National Certificate (Mechanical Engineering) with distinction in Engineering Science-Heat Engines.

R, W. T. Tombs (1933-1937) K. J. Turk (1984- 1938), G. V. White (1938 -1941) are now engaged on the part-time teaching Staff of the Stroud and District Technical College.