THE QUINTINIAN
The Magazine of the Polytechnic
Secondary School
NUMBER LII.
SUMMER, 1942
Editor: C. E. ECKERSLEY
Assistant Editor: G. A. SAMBROOK
Advertisements Manager
-
-
S. MERRILLS
Cox, Printers, Minehead and Williton
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SCHOOL NOTES.
THIS term the School has, unfortunately, been without the services of Mr. Coleman, who has
had a serious illness, but I am happy to say that all the latest reports indicate that he will be back
with us again in September when we open our fourth year in evacuation. To tide us over the
unfortunate temporary loss of Mr. Coleman, we have been extremely fortunate in having with us
Mr. Althoff, a gentleman who has previously done much work in the Polytechnic in Mr. Clark's
department of Modern Languages and who has shown a real, keen interest in the boys. The
services he has rendered to the School have been very much appreciated.
*
*
*
All the members of the Staff - in fact, all the School in Minehead - were deeply shocked at
the sudden bereavement of Mr. Parsons. Mrs. Parsons died very suddenly when she seemed to
be getting on very splendidly after the birth of their second child. The suddenness of the event
made the loss more acutely felt, and never in the history of the School, I think, has there been
such a spontaneous expression of regret showing the universal feeling of affection for Mr.
Parsons held by all who have come in contact with him.
*
*
*
During the term I have been able to announce to the School two very pleasing successes.
Peter Pantry obtained a History Exhibition to University College, Exeter, and shortly afterwards
Victor Doswell was awarded the Monck's Scholarship to University College, Reading. We hope
this will be the beginning of another good year for scholarships in these trying and difficult
times.
While reading the proof of this paragraph news has just been received that E. G. Steward
has been awarded a Scholarship in Oil Technology at the Imperial College of Science (£110 per
annum).
Last year many boys were awarded State Bursaries, and quite a number are again applying
for them in conjunction with their attempt at the Higher School Certificate Examination in
Science subjects. This and the General School Examination are now in full swing, and to all we
wish good hunting and good papers.
*
*
*
The Sports went well in ideal weather and the meeting was very successful and was
carried out, as usual, with the clock-work precision which has always been associated with the
present Sports Committee. A report appears on a later page of this issue.
*
*
*
On Sunday, 21st June, an Inter-Unit A.T.C. Sports Meeting was held at Street, in
Somerset, open to all units in Somerset. Flight 622 (Polytechnic) sent a team and it was good to
tell when the coach arrived at the Dene gates that they brought back the only two cups awarded
for the full meeting. The performance, I believe, was really first class, and set a standard for the
first Sports to be held for A.T.C. units in Somerset. I do not know quite what the Cadets are
going to do about it because throughout the year the A.T.C. and the khaki-clad cadets have been
vying with each other in producing one excellent result after another! The A.T.C. produce
Proficiency Certificates which is followed by the Cadet Corps producing Certificates "A." I
should think that it would be difficult to find a unit in the A.T.C. with a higher percentage of
proficiency than our Flight 622, and, considering the short time the Cadets have been busy with
Certificates "A.," their performance constitutes a very creditable record. Form cricket matches
on the Dene paddocks have been in full swing throughout the term and the School Colts and the
1st XI. have both had an excellent season so far, as is recorded elsewhere.
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Summer 1942
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I have been delighted to welcome back to the School many Old Boys this term. These
include J. A. Kneale and Dick Worswick, both as R.A.F. officers; Freedman, a 2nd Lt. in the
Gunners; Murray, having a vacation from his short University Course for the Air Force; our old
School Captain, H. F. T. Smith, having a rest from that highly mysterious duty which keeps him
occupied on day and night shifts somewhere in England; L. S. Smith, visiting his parents in
Minehead; and Manners, Fowler, and Saville, forming a trio, arrived in Minehead and had a
week's holiday here before joining their different units.
It is always very pleasant to see these Old Boys here, and the School invariably gives them
a hearty welcome when they are persuaded to come on the platform and to select the hymn for
the evening.
*
*
*
On June 24th, at the County School Sports, Mrs. Worsnop was very glad to have the
opportunity of presenting the winning House, Saxons, with their challenge cup. We all found the
meeting thoroughly enjoyable. Again, as with our own Sports, the meeting was held in
delightful summer weather.
*
*
*
The Sunday morning Services still continue at School between 10 and 10.45, and this term
we have had a slight musical addition to the Services, which has been appreciated, I think.
Normally we start with an organ voluntary or similar recording, often followed by an item on
the piano by Mr. Hough. At the end of the services, before the boys disperse, Mr. Checkley has
been giving various selections from Beethoven's Sonatas. These musical additions certainly
enhance the Services and mark the difference between the School on a normal day and the
School used for Sunday Services.
*
*
*
Next term we shall miss Mr. Dixon at these Sunday Services as well as in the Latin and
Religious instruction, where his cheerful and efficient work has been appreciated not only by
myself and his other colleagues, but by the boys who partake in these classes. It speaks well, I
think, of Mr. Dixon when I say that when he first came to the Polytechnic no-one was taking
Religious Instruction as a School Certificate subject, but at the present examination we have
some 35 boys taking this subject. This, I am sure, is due to the enthusiasm and keenness which
Mr. Dixon always brings to his subjects. We shall miss him very much, but, all the same, wish
him the best of good luck in his parish and best of good fortune in his married life, which, I
believe, commences on the 25th of next month.
*
*
*
As I write these notes we are all looking forward to seeing Sir Kynaston and Lady Studd,
who are coming down with Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey at the end of the week. This is the first
occasion when we have had Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey with us at the same time as Sir Kynaston
and Lady Studd. We hope they will enjoy their visit to Minehead as much as we enjoy seeing
them.
B.L.W.
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Summer 1942
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HOUSE NOTES.
ANDREWS-HOUGH.
Captain: H. R. NORMAN.
FIRST, may I congratulate on behalf of the House those boys who competed for us in the
Sports. The numbers were small, but promising; the entries in the Seniors were small, as was
expected, but a decrease in the numbers in the Juniors compared with last year was not.
However, the boys who did enter did very well and deserve congratulation.
We had one or two disappointments, especially when O'Neill, who was not really well, did
not manage to bring off his usual wins for us. He improved, however, towards the end of the
afternoon and again proved to be himself when he, with the whole-hearted assistance of Hawley,
Paterson, and Bignold, succeeded in winning again the Inter-House Junior Relay.
The Senior Relay team also deserve congratulating for their excellent run against very
stern opposition, though they were not so fortunate as the Juniors.
Well, next year I hope there will be more entries and a better result.
The National Savings in the House are still up to their usual good standard, but the
enthusiasm has dropped slightly because of the irregularity in contributions. Nevertheless, I am
sure the House will keep its present standard up.
As a final note, I am sure the House will join me in wishing every success in the future to
our Captain, H. R. Norman, and all the other boys who are taking examinations this term and
who are leaving us.
W. BUCKELDEE, House Secretary.
Congratulations to Gregory and Buckeldee on being made Sub-Prefects.
H. R. NORMAN, House Secretary.
*
*
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BROODBANK-STEVENSON.
Captain: S. CATCHPOLE.
I AM sure all members of the House will join with me in congratulating our Captain, Catchpole,
who was appointed a Senior Prefect at the beginning of this term.
The main House event of the term was, of course, the Sports. Our final position was
perhaps disappointing, but I think I can honestly say that we did our best. Some of the events
showed that there is every hope of our attaining a higher place next year.
The War Savings contributions from this House have considerably improved during the
latter part of the term. There are, however, still far too many who do not make a point of seeing
Lesser every Saturday morning.
I close these notes by wishing the best of luck to all those who will be awaiting the results
of examinations.
R. HARTLEY, House Secretary.
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HESTER-LOWE.
Captain: W. J. WOODAGE.
THE first thing to do in the House Notes this term is to congratulate Cliff Woodage and Steward
on their being elected joint School Captains. To have one School Captain in the House is,
indeed, an honour, but to have them both in Hesters is, well . . . . Congrats. also to Za on being
made a Sub-Prefect.
Hester's didn't do too well in the Sports this year. I think it was because that, apart from
Tourret, who put up a grand show, there are very few outstanding runners in the House. But the
House spirit was there, and Hesters cheering was the loudest on the field. We dropped two
places and finished fourth.
The cricket season is now here, and if there are any inter-House matches, I hope Hester's
will do as well as we did in football.
Steward tells me that our War Savings for the House are very poor, although we are by no
means the worst House. Our "original" House Master, Mr. Hester, in the hope of encouraging
War Savings, has sent 7s. 6d. to be awarded as the House Masters decide best. Now, Hesters,
what about it ?
By the time these notes come out the General and Higher Schools Examinations will be
almost over, but I take this opportunity to wish all examinees the best of luck..
E. W. METHLEY, House Secretary.
*
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KERRIDGE-SWAN.
Captain: A. E. ROBERTSON.
AT the conclusion of last term we were all very sorry to lose Murray, who had led the House
ably since last September. He is now training for a commission in the R.A.F. I am sure the
whole House joins with me in wishing him all the best of success in his future career.
Congratulations are due to Robertson, who succeeded to the captaincy, and to Grant, who was
elected to the vacant post of Vice-Captain.
The most outstanding feature this term has been our success in the annual Sports. For the
fourth time in succession we carried off the cup; and for the second time in succession we
obtained more than twice as many points as our nearest rivals. It is most encouraging to notice
the great talent and the enthusiasm among the Junior members of the House: they should form a
solid foundation for further success in future years. But the real lesson of our victory was the
whole-hearted effort on the part of the whole House, manifested in a large entry and regular
training. The House had finalists in all but one race, and winners in all but one age-group.
The opposite is unfortunately true of the National Savings movement, where the House
has failed lamentably. It is quite obvious that the House could do much better in this direction,
especially if boys who already have private accounts were to take advantage of the benefits of
the School Group.
All things considered the House can, however, look back on a very successful year. Not
only have our achievements in all the sporting events been outstanding, but the House has been
very well represented in the recent lists of successful candidates for Proficiency and Certificate
"A." But let us not rest on our laurels; let us look to them only to try to emulate them next year,
so that the Cock House Trophy may yet again retain its mauve sash.
R. A. BAWDEN, House Secretary.
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Summer 1942
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LAMBERT-NEWMAN
Captain: P. PANTRY.
MY first duty is to congratulate the whole House on a fine performance in the Athletic Sports, in
that Lambert-Newman were placed third. Much of our success was due to the brilliant
performances of Sinzheimer and Sheardown, who scored well over one-third of the House's total
between them, but, as Mr. Lambert has often reminded us, the fourth and fifth places played a
very important part.
In contrast to the splendid effort made in the Sports, no headway has been made in
National Savings, which has been at a very low ebb this term. The recent subscriptions have
been the lowest over the whole year. and certainly lower than those of any House in the School.
A decided improvement is expected next term.
The names of Lambert-Newman boys still appear far too frequently on the detention lists.
Remember that conduct is an important factor in the Cock House competition, so let us have
fewer detentions next year.
We were all very pleased to hear at the beginning of the term that Pantry has won an
Exhibition in History to Exeter University. Congratulations, Peter!
A few weeks ago we were visited by H. F. T. Smith, an ex-Lambert-Newman House
Captain and School Captain, who was spending a well-earned holiday in the vicinity.
By the time these notes are published the University Exams may be over. Nevertheless, to
those taking Matric. and Higher Schools, the very best of luck.
Finally, I am sure that all who are staying on will join me in wishing the leavers every
success in their future careers.
E. W. S. SMITH, House Secretary.
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RUSSELL-MATTHEWS.
Captain: B. SINCLAIR STOCKER.
THE past term has seen the House pull itself nearer its rightful place in the School Sports: last
year, as you will only too easily recollect, we found ourselves in fifth place, and not very proud
of it. This time we have pulled up to second, and a strong efrort might put us in first place next
year. For this year's success we have to thank not only a hard effort by the House Masters and
the boys, but the persistence and organising ability of Dunford, and his brilliant performance on
the track.
The National Savings campaign has been going steadily all through the term, and,
although I have not any figures from Beck, I believe Mr. Russell's "Tanner Weeks" have
resulted in the saving of quite a substantial sum.
For academic achievement we must congratulate Doswell, who, in the Easter term, won a
Scholarship to Reading University, and has now left in order to be ready to enter in October.
Mr. Beadon will have been back for several weeks by the time these notes are published,
but I am sure the House is pleased to take this opportunity of welcoming him.
This being the summer term, many of our House officials and senior members will be
leaving. I think the House must bid farewell to its Captain, who is very doubtful about staying. It
remains for those who stay to carry the House on to greater things yet.
W. A. BIDGOOD, House Secretary.
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Summer 1942
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The House Masters would like to express their appreciation of the sterling service that
Bidgood, as secretary, has given to the House, and of his loyalty to it during the whole of his
School life.
W.J.R.; F.M.
*
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CRICKET.
OUR chances of securing fixtures on the one ground in Minehead this. season did not appear
rosy. Thanks, however, to the co-operation of all concerned our fears have proved groundless,
and we are in the midst of a very successful season.
At the time of writing the 1st XI. have played five games, including home and away
matches with Queen's College, Taunton. Three games have been won, one lost, and one drawn the last, a high-scoring match, being played against Huish's School on the County Ground, at
Taunton.
We had five of last year's XI. available, and they have proved the backbone of this
season's team. They have been well supported by the newcomers, all of whom have shown
keenness. A particularly pleasing feature is that two of this year's XI. are members of the Junior
School, so that they should be available, and increasingly useful, in coming seasons. Bence, in
particular, should develop into an excellent wicket-keeper.
The team has again been captained by Woodage. His own skill has again been evident,
and his batting has shown great improvement. This may be due in part to the fact that he has not
had to carry so heavy a share of the bowling this year, having been well supported in this
department by Whitmarsh, Hartley, and Jackson. Outstanding individual performances are
shown in the summary of results.
Our Colts have still to play two of their three fixtures. In their game with Queen's College
Colts they revealed splendid promise, and won by a good margin. Their work in the field was
especially praiseworthy and the bowling was accurate.
Inter-Form matches have been played on the Dene ground on three evenings each week,
under the direction of Mr. Lambert. Not even the most charitably-minded would claim that the
cricket has been of a high standard, but the games have enabled a large proportion of the boys to
participate in some keenly-contested and enjoyable matches - and there have been some real
flashes of genius!
Examinations now menace all sections of the School, but we hope to have some more
equally enjoyable matches at Irnham Road and the Dene before the end of term brings our
woefully short cricket season to an abrupt conclusion. We hope that the boys participating have
found as much pleasure in the games as they have given to the onlookers.
RESULTS.
May 16
Polytechnic, 92 (Hartley 25, Booker 19, Sleigh 17, Norman 17). Queen's College, 53
(Whitmarsh 6 for 18, Woodage 4 for 19.)
June
6
Polytechnic, 107 (Booker, 23 not out, Jackson 22). Army XI, 43 (Whitmarsh 4 for 9,
Jackson 3 for 5).
13
Huish's School, 174 for 5, declared (Whitmarsh 3 for 34). Polytechnic, 84 for 4
(Whitmarsh 32, Woodage 19).
17
Polytechnic, 82 (Norman 40). Queen's College, 60 (Woodage 4 for 21, Hartley 3 for
11, Jackson 2 for 3).
20
Timberscombe, 79 (Jackson 5 for 13, including hat-trick). Polytechnic, 63 (Woodage
20, Whitmarsh 14).
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Summer 1942
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LEADING AVERAGES.
BATTING.
BOWLING.
Booker
21.3
Jackson
10
wickets for
42 runs,
4.2
Norman
17.25
Hartley
6
wickets for
34 runs,
5.7
Woodage
11.4
Whitmarsh
14
wickets for
81 runs,
5.8
Hartley
10.75
Woodage
13
wickets for 150 runs, 11.5
Whitmarsh
10.6
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CADETS - J.T.C.
6TH C/BN. K.R.R.C.
DURING the term training has been highly successful. A general report by the Sergeant-Major
follows. The most enjoyable event was a camp of eight days on the Somerset coast at Whitsun.
Here is a summary of the high lights:1.
Advance party - 9 Cadets and Captain Smith - arrived on Thursday afternoon. Transport
kindly arranged by the R.A.S.C. Two Army cooks installed.
2.
Main party in three T.C.L.'s on Saturday. Two boys per chalet, bed and 4 blankets each.
One wash bowl and tap in each chalet. Park Lane camping. N.A.A.F.I. available.
3.
Sixty cape ground sheets lent for Cadets - a God-send in such weather.
4.
Visit and demonstration of the new Battle Drill by an Army Platoon under Captain Lees.
Rain non stop: programme carried through, as usual.
5.
Visit of Colonel and Brigade Major. "Sorry about the rain." "Yes, we'll send you 300
rounds to fire."
6.
Arrival of 1,000 rounds, plus 12 smoke bombs.
7.
Cooks still going strong. Food excellent and plentiful.
8.
Rain continues, training continues. N.A.A.F.I. still open.
9.
All ranks fire 10 rounds with rifle and 5 with Bren gun.
10.
Night operations a success. M.O. (permanent resident Army doctor) complains not enough
to do.
11.
Return to School for four hours, just to learn how to take the rough with the smooth.
12.
Cert. A; hectic, but worth it. Eighteen passed - heaven knows how some of you got
through - two failures. Twenty-four passed Part I; ditto - one failed.
13.
Another night fight. Still no casualties.
14.
Visit to a Light A.A. training unit to watch Bofors gun crews firing tracer shells at a target
pulled by a Henley.
15.
Strike camp.
16.
Rear guard clears up. Cooks still going strong - even made us cakes with our last cup of
tea just as we said "Good-bye."
17.
The next day the weather was fine.
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Summer 1942
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THIS term has been one of the most successful in our history. Eighteen boys passed Cert. "A."
Parts I. and II., and 24 passed Part I. These Cadets are to be congratulated on their fine effort.
The 24 Cadets who passed Part I. only are taking Part II. in the near future. This exam. took
place at the end of a pleasant, but wet, camp.
We were pleased to welcome a demonstration Platoon, under Captain Lees, who gave
some very good lectures, followed by demonstration. Captain Lees is not unknown to the Corps,
as he was an instructor on a course attended by some of the senior n.c.o.'s.
Thanks are also due to the Army for providing us with permanent sergeant instructor, Sgt.
Anstey. It was due to his efforts that such a high percentage passed Cert. "A." The camp was
extremely noisy as 1,000 odd rounds of S.A.A. were fired off on rifles and L.M.G. (Bren). The
shooting on the whole was good.
Eleven Senior Cadets attended a course near Cheddar, where a good time was had by all.
They attended the demonstration of infantry weapons at Weston. The weapons included tanks,
25-pounders, Bofors, 3in. mortars, &c. One Senior Cadet, Woodage attended a P.T. course at
Salisbury and gained a very good report.
During this term the Corps had some interesting lectures by Army Instructors, who also
supplied us with the usual fine sergeant instructors during the term.
Many Senior Cadets will be leaving this, term, some to Universities and some to the
armed Forces. There will be vacancies for younger members of the School over 14. It is hoped
to have a fuller programme of outside activities next term.
As usual, Captain Smith has been extremely hardworking in the interests of the Corps,
ably assisted by Lt. Elgood and the senior n.c.o.'s.
A. E. ROBERTSON, C.S.M.
*
*
*
A RECONNOITRING PATROL.
ONLY a slight rustling disturbed the deathly silence of the wood; a number of mud-covered
faces peered from behind bushes, rushes, trees, and logs.
An owl hooted twice and one of the figures nudged the others and whispered, "Come on."
Flitting from tree to tree, crawling on our stomachs when we crossed clearings, the only sounds
heard were an occasional twig snapping, the leaves rustling in the breeze, and the distant sound
of the waterfall. "Down," said the Section Leader, and as we all dropped flat we heard the sound
of mud squelching under boots, and a moment later a column of figures passed within 3ft. of us.
Looking very determined, we again advanced towards our destination, which was the area
around the waterfall. Once within this area we heard somebody shouting in German. Stealing
away, we retreated stealthily till a series of short sharp blasts on the whistle recalled the patrol
and we marched back into camp to report that an enemy force of a certain strength was in
occupation of the waterfall area; and then to bed, after drinking a mugfull of steaming, scalding
cocoa.
K. SHEPPARD, 4A.
*
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A.T.C.
THE writing of these notes is one of the pleasantest tasks the writer has had. Successes have
come in from all sides. First of all, the most serious side, the unit now has 45 active Cadets who
have passed the proficiency examination, 85 per cent. of the total strength. Secondly, the
Spotters' Club, a large proportion of whose members are A.T.C. Cadets, has awarded to
members of the unit 30 3rd Class Certificates (involving knowledge of 60 aircraft) and six 2nd
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Summer 1942
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Class Certificates (involving 120 aircraft). Now the winners of 2nd Class rank are anxious to try
their skill on the 1st Class test, involving 200 aircraft. A splendid result for Mr. Elgood and the
Club.
At short notice an athletics team (captain, Cpl. Dunford) was got together, trained, and
made into a real team by Mr. Beadon, to compete in the 1st Somerset Inter-Squadron Athletic
Meeting, held at Street on Sunday, June 21st. About their outstanding success Cpl. Dunford
writes AIR TRAINING CORPS ATHLETICS.
THE first Air Training Corps sports meeting took place at Street on June 21st. The weather was
perfect, and our team were in the best of spirits in spite of the fact that we were competing
against 18 other Squadrons from all parts of Somerset, and our chances of success seemed
slender.
The meeting started with the heats of the sprint races, and, although we did well in these,
we just missed being in the final. Then came the one mile flat. There were 36 competitors for
this event, and there was quite a tussle for the inside position. However, Dunford managed to
take the lead at the beginning and kept it until the finish, thus coming in first and winning three
points.
Sheardown followed this up by winning the high jump and obtaining second place in the
long jump, thus gaining five valuable points.
Our finalist for the 440 yards was Jackson, who ran an excellent race and came in second.
Our total now was 10 points, and our chief rivals were No. 41 Squadron, from Taunton, who
had 11 points.
Our success depended upon the relay, the last, and the most important, race of the whole
meeting. Almost every man in our relay team had previously run, but was determined to run as
never before. Eighteen teams lined up for the start, and it was obvious that there would again be
a struggle for the inside position . The race was over a course of one mile, starting with a halfmile, followed by two 220 yards, and finishing with four distances of 110 yards. Dunford started
off on the half-mile, gaining the inside position, and handed over to Pantry with a lead of about
six yards. Pantry and Jackson in turn gained another six yards each, so that by the time Norman,
Freedman, and Za had finished, Grant, our finishing man, had a good lead of about 30 yards to
start with. It was with a most spectacular burst of speed that Grant dashed past the winning tape
a good 35 yards ahead.
This meant that No. 622 Flight Polytechnic had won the Champion Cup of the whole
sports and the Relay Cup. These were presented after the sports by Air-Commodore Smyth
Osbourne. He also presented the individual winners and each member of our relay team with
certificates. And so a great day ended.
No. 622 Flight attributes its victory to the combined effort of its athletics team and to the
invaluable coaching of Mr. Beadon.
*
*
*
Finally, we are looking forward to our July camp at our parent R.A.F. station. Our best
wishes go to those who will not be with us in September, and especially those who will shortly
be joining the R.A.F. We hope and expect that happy memories of this great year for the unit
will be yours as well as ours.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
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THE POLYTECHNIC SPOTTERS' CLUB.
THE Spotters' Club was formed at the beginning of the term with a complement of 40 members.
Since then our members have increased and we now number over 60.
We are proud to say that we have Dr. Worsnop as President, Mr. Checkley as chairman,
and Mr. Elgood as competition officer.
Our chief aim is to get boys proficient in aircraft spotting so that when they leave School
to join the R.A.F. and other units they will take with them Third, Second, and First Class
Certificates, which will automatically cut out a lot of initial training.
Mr. Elgood recently held Third, Second, and First Class tests, which proved most
successful. Our results up to date are 30 boys with Third Class, 16 with Second, and 8 with
First. I think the most outstanding results are those of H. D. White, who managed to obtain 99
per cent. in First Class, and G. P. Green, of the Air Scouts, who passed First Class at the age of
13. As far as we know only a few people in the country hold First Class Certificates, and we
should like to thank Mr. Elgood for the hard work he has put in and the splendid results
achieved.
With this good start, the Poly. Spotters' Club hopes to do even better next term.
F. DUNFORD, Secretary.
*
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SCOUT NOTES.
2nd ALCOMBE TROOP.
THE Friday meetings have been going on as usual, but with a rather depleted attendance. Early
in the term we had a wide-game with the Sea Scouts on two consecutive Fridays, but the
outcome has not yet been decided and is generally considered a draw(?)! These games have
been the only outdoor work the Troop has had as a whole.
At half-term seven Scouts went to camp at Bossington, which was enjoyed by all, despite
the weather. A short while ago another seven Scouts went on their first-class journey through
Timberscombe and Winsford to Tarr Steps.
Only four new members have been enrolled this term - Masters, already a 2nd Class
Scout; Farmer, who has since passed his 2nd Class; Bedford and Smith, two wholly new
members to scouting.
R. GREENAWAY.
*
*
*
SEA SCOUTS.
DURING last term the Troop re-formed into two Patrols - Curlews (P/Ldr. R. Worsnop) and
Seagulls (P/Ldr. A. Taylor). Patrol Leaders take turns as Troop Leader, thereby gaining useful
experience.
The Seagulls had a Whitsun. camp - enjoyable, despite wet weather.
Wide Games have been enjoyed in company with our next door tenants, the Land Scouts;
their S.M., Mr. A. Parsons, taking charge, Exmoor providing everything for exciting adventure.
Much badge work has been done this term, and there is keen competition between the
Patrols. We now have a King's Scout, and very likely there will soon be another to record, but
"badgehunting" of itself does not necessarily mark all that is most excellent to true scouting
standards.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
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Our Civil Defence service proceeds vigorously.
We now have monthly meetings, attended by P.L.'s only of the three School Scout Troops,
and just now we are arranging a sale, to be followed by a play, in order to raise funds for the
B.P. Memorial. The Scouts have elected their own Chairman, Secretary, and Publicity Manager
to attend to the business side of affairs. Stamps, books, old coins, and the like are required for
the sale.
W.H.S.
*
*
*
AIR SCOUTS.
A NUMBER of new Air Scouts have been invested this term and several others are now
completing their 2nd Class tests. The longer summer evenings have enabled boys to do more
work out-of-doors, and we are grateful to Jones for his help with the tracking and pioneering
courses.
Wells has continued to give especially valuable help to those Scouts who have entered for
the Air Mechanics Badge. Difficulty in obtaining material for suitable models will mean that
small-scale models will have to take the place of planes built to fly. A number of other boys
intend to get their Air Spotters' Badge, and several have taken advantage of Mr. Elgood's class
and already passed a recognised 3rd Class test.
Interest in all the many varied branches of Air Scouts' work is as keen as ever, and after 18
months work the members show no sign of falling off, although we have, with some regret, had
to lose keen Scouts as they get older and pass on to the A.T.C. or Cadet Corps.
G.A.S.
*
*
*
DRAMATIC SOCIETY.
BY the time this issue of the Quintinian is published more news will be known of the date we
are putting on another three-act play.
We had a few newcomers to the society this term, one or two of whom show promise of
some acting ability.
I should like to offer my thanks here to Dr. Matthews, who has given up hours of his time,
and without whom the society would not be anything.
Many old members will be leaving this term and will, I am sure, take with them some
happy memories of plays produced.
E. W. METHLEY, Secretary.
*
*
*
MUSIC SOCIETY.
MOST of the works played this term have been of the larger symphonic form, little time being
devoted to songs and solo instruments.
The few works by contemporary composers were received with mixed feelings. An
example of this was Symphony No. 2, by Sibelius. Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a theme of
Paganini" elicited very little enthusiasm, and opinion was divided over his second concerto.
The works composed in the classical and romantic periods were very popular. An
outstanding success was a performance of Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony. Other items included
Elgar's "Enigma Variations," Dvorak's "From the New World" Symphony, Liszt's "Hungarian
Fantasia," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll," and Beethoven's Violin
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
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13
Concerto. Before the end of this term it is hoped to present a recording of Faure's Requiem, a
work little known in this country.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Messrs. Hough, Bryant and Grey for their splendid
co-operation in making the meetings successful.
H. V. BECK, Secretary.
*
*
*
LETTERS FROM OLD BOYS.
------------ Squadron,
R.A.F., Home Forces.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT
It is a long time since I last wrote you and you're probably wondering what's become of
"J.R.H." Well, I'm still alive and kicking and have great honour in commanding this Squadron,
which is the County of ----------- Auxiliary Squadron. I've got to the exalted rank of Squadron
Leader, and never regret having entered the Service in the early days of 1937. Experience counts
a lot these days, and it's sometimes rough on chaps who have come in since the war, especiallly
if they're not adaptable and quick in the uptake.
Half of this Squadron broke away and went to Russia, but you know all about that from
the broadcasts and newspapers. Owing to censorship here it's difficult to say much, but when we
get to England I'll give you more "gen."
I met Phelps in a town near here a few weeks ago, but didn't stay with him long as he had
to dash off to his ship. He's in the Navy. Apart from him I haven't bumped into any O.Q.'s, but
would be interested to hear from you on any of the old types. My regards for all the Masters.
Yours very sincerely,
RONALDSON LEWIS.
*
*
*
Medical Department of the Navy (Admiralty).
May 27th, 1942.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,
JUST a few lines from one who has always appreciated your kindness and your guidance in my
younger days. I do not know whether my brother, Raymond, has ever communicated with you.
He was conscripted to the Buffs in May, 1940, and after five weeks of training, his
colleagues, 260 in number, were told they would form the 5th Division. Before the Colonel
finished his address he asked Pte. Henery to fall out, and with that he was given a stripe and told
he would start training a new batch of conscripts the following Monday. After six months in all
he moved up to Sandhurst, where, after three months with the Guards O.C.T.U., he passed out
as a 2nd/Lt. He was drafted to the South Staffordshires, and shortly after volunteered for India.
He looks very fit and, as he says, his progress was due to his admirable training in the Poly.
Cadets, and to subsequent good fortune.
For my part, I joined the Navy as a Surgeon-Lt. in March, 1940. Three weeks later I
volunteered for landing parties with the Marines, and had a most exciting time in Norway.
Before landing our ship was sunk and, consequently, all our equipment was lost. However, we
landed at Namsos under cover of darkness, being landed from destroyers, and spent two weeks
there. The time was hazardous as we had no aerial support, and the town was soon laid low by
the German planes. In spite of this, however, the Marines fought a rear-guard action and again
under the stillness of the Norwegian midnight sun, the evacuation of Norway was carried out.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
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42Q2
Not long out at sea, however, the Germans found us and gave our convoy 24 hours of hell.
Thanks to good fortune, I was transferred from a destroyer, H.M.S. ------- to an A.M.C. (armed
merchant cruiser) with a view to operating on an appendicitis case. The ------- was lost soon
after. After many days at sea the convoy reached Scapa, having lost only two ships. Never was
one so glad to be in an English terrain and see the green country after three weeks of continual
snow-bound scenery, with mischief lurking around every corner. Our maximum sleeping hours
were four per night, and our diet bully beef three times a day with ship's biscuits, which were as
hard as iron. In retrospect, one really had a magnificent experience, and I wouldn't have missed
it for worlds. At the time it wasn't so funny, but time has made me appreciate the experience
more and more.
After 15 days "survivor's leave" I was M.O. i/c of the Portsmouth defences, but soon after,
on request, the Admiralty posted me to Chatham Naval Hospital, where I was fortunate enough
to join my former chief, now Surgeon Rear-Admiral Gordon-Taylor, C.B., O.B.E., M.S., B.Sc.,
F.R.C.S., &c., &c. Together we got back to surgery once more, and after seven months there I
was sent for by the Surgeon Rear-Admiral (S.R.A.) in charge. I ventured into his office
trembling with fear, thinking I had been put on the mat, but, to my amazement, he said the
Admiralty had decided to form a Blood Transfusion Service, and I was appointed as officer-incharge. This meant my promotion to the Admiralty to work, and I've been here ever since. That
same S.R.A. is now the Medical Director General, and a Vice-Admiral and in complete charge
of the Medical Department of the Admiralty. After two weeks there I put in for four nurses and
one sister, and set about finding laboratories. These we found at X-------, and now, after 18
months, my staff has grown to 50 in number including four other doctors. I have also
requisitioned the Royal Veterinary College in London, and have just completed them as
transfusion labs.
My work has been to supply the whole of the Service afloat with dried human serum,
which we prepare ourselves, and also to organise the issue of resuscitation equipment and
instructions to all ships and landing parties. My own work now is just that of a glorified office
boy, and so being still single and a little energetic I have applied for draft. My application has
been accepted and a Surgeon-Commander, R.N., has been gazetted as M.O. i/c R.N. Blood
Transfusion Service.
Where I shall go and what I shall do I do not know, but I hope it may be adventurous, and
where I may utilise what surgical and resuscitatory experience I have had the good fortune to
gain, and in my spare time I hope to knuckle down to reading for my Fellowship in Surgery.
During the blitzes in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Portland, and London I went out at night with
several nurses on rescue work and resuscitation, and it was very gratifying to see in the New
Year's Honours List that my two main V.A.D.'S were both decorated with the highest award a
Naval V.A.D. can receive. They had their investiture at Buckingham Palace last Tuesday, and
now both wear the ribbon of the A.R.R.C.
Other Old Quintinians I have run across are N. Gaunt, who is i/c of a Gunboat as Lt.
R.N.V.R.; Dick Newsome, who is a Sub-Lt. R.N.V.R.; and Alan Simmons, who is a Captain in
the R.O.A.C.
I should like to hear any news you may have of Old Boys.
My kind regards to you all, sir, and God speed.
Yours ever sincerely,
FRANCIS HENERY. Surgeon-Lt., R.N.V.R.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
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Blue Star Line
DEAR MR. ECKERSLEY,
It is a long time now since I have written to you, but unfortunately I have had very little
leave till now. Last time I wrote I said I would write again and tell you about an air attack I was
in in one of my convoys. Well, here it is.
I turned in at four, after a midnight to four watch. At seven I was awakened by a rat-a-tattat from machine-gun fire. I jumped out of my bunk and looked out of the port, which was open,
and shouted to my mate, who slept in the bottom bunk, and was also awake. "They've got the S------. And sure enough they had, for she had a list to starboard. Both of us slipped into our
clothes as the alarm was given, and hurried to our positions on the machine-guns it was our job
to man in the case of an emergency.
The 'plane, for it was only one, dropped another bomb on a ship that was abeam of us, and
a ship of our company. The bomb, without exploding, blew a winch to bits, the bits perforating
the funnel and landing on the forecastle head. The bomb then went over the side, taking a
sanitary tank with it, and causing the baker's shop to collapse. The bomb then exploded in the
water. A third bomb was dropped, but this exploded harmlessly in the water. The 'plane later
appeared on the horizon, and the naval ack-ack guns opened fire upon it, but it got away. This
action took place in less than 30 seconds, and we were the only ship to open fire when the 'plane
attacked.
Since this I have been on a salvage job. We had to salvage the good meat out of a ship that
had gone on the rocks. We were six weeks at it in the boiling tropics, and it was no fun. After
finishing the salvage we went to New York to fill up the space that was left. We were in the
Queen Mary's berth, and we were only 20 yards from the Normandie, so I had a good view of
her before she was burnt.
I have also been transferred to the commodore ship of the Company, where I am acting as
Fifth Officer. This ship is a big passenger ship, also carrying cargo, and we are fast enough to go
without convoy. My duties are very much the same, except I have more responsibility. I still
keep the 12 to 4 watch, but I do more navigational work. I am also responsible for the flags on
the ship. These include three sets of flags of the international code and ensigns of many different
countries. I have also under my charge one lifeboat which will have about 40 people in it if it
comes to the point of using it.
This is about all the news up to date, except that I would like to say I have now done seven
trips abroad, six of these to South America and one on salvage.
I send my congratulations to W. J. Woodage on his School Captaincy, and I am glad
Hesters are keeping up their good standard of the past. Go to it Hesters!!
All the best to you and my old House,
Yours sincerely
CLYDE A. WATTS.
*
*
*
DEAR MR. ECKERSLEY,
As I expect you remember, I disappeared from Minehead society at the beginning of last
September, to be swallowed into complete oblivion for three days at the recruiting centre, P-----.
While at this place the raw recruit is attested, given a trade, and kitted out. The remainder of his
time is spent in marching to and from meals, undergoing medical inspections, and being
confined to exceedingly cheerless billets.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
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From P----- I was posted to B--------, which opened up brighter prospects. The weather
was fine, the life was hard but healthy, and altogether I really enjoyed the six weeks' disciplinary
training. Foot and rifle drill under the blistering suns of last September were very gruelling, and
often as I stood painfully to attention on the promenade at B-------- I used to gaze wistfully
across the water in the direction of Minehead, and think of those care-free Poly. boys disporting
themselves on the sands, in the swimming pool, or on the hills. However, I had my moments,
too, for merciful n.c.o.'s used often to give us a respite from our labours, and one was always
free to enjoy the cool of the evening, which was, after all, the best part of the day.
I was very loth to exchange B-------- for Merseyside. My business here is to study
electricity and wireless theory, and to try and score 80 per cent. in the final examination, in
which case I shall be trained in the mysteries of that modern necromancy known as radiolocation. Failing that, I shall ultimately become a wireless mechanic, a less exciting, though no
less useful, individual than his radio brother.
The course here consists of lectures and a great deal of laboratory work, interspersed with
a little maths and workshop practice, a modicum of P.T., and an occasional drill parade. This
town is an extremely unpleasant place, and I really don't know how I should get on here were it
not for the really splendid concerts and plays which it has to offer, and which, in my eyes at
least, form its only redeeming feature.
My course is due to finish within the next week or so, and I hope to be home on leave
again before the end of the month. After leave I shall have to go through a more advanced
technical course in wireless proper, or radio-location, as the case may be, before being finally
posted to a station.
As you can see, the training of radio and wireless mechanics is lengthy and extremely
thorough, and should, I imagine, turn out men very competent to handle what is now a vital
branch of work in the Air Force. My only regret is that I haven't the least ambition to become a
radio mechanic, but would prefer to follow my bent in the Intelligence or some other branch,
more in keeping with the training which I have enjoyed for the past four years of my life.
Yours sincerely,
LESLIE SMITH.
*
*
*
Prisoner-of-war Camp, Italy,
April 20th, 1942.
DEAR MR. ANDREWS,
I was very pleased to receive your letter and to hear that things were still going smoothly
with the School. I certainly wish I were back there. Since I left things have never seemed as
important as "Andrews" did to me during those few brief years. I envy my young brother. I
expect that this is an unusual, I hope unique, place for an O.Q. to be writing, it is certainly the
one place I do not wish to meet others. Still I must not complain. It has taught me not to get
mixed up in a rear-guard action again.
I have, as far as possible, settled down, and am, I think, making the best of things. We
were fortunate in having a short, though cold, winter, and by mid-March were basking in
glorious sunshine. We are situated in an extremely fertile valley, surrounded on all sides by
fairly high mountains, snow-capped at the moment; in fact, there is nothing to complain of in the
climate or scenery. Boredom is our chief enemy - never again will I complain of overwork.
Books are our chief pastime, and a very comprehensive library covers most of our needs and
tastes. I am studying German and acoustics to pass the time. Unfortunately there is little room
for active recreation. Football is in progress, but a knee injury sustained playing in England two
years ago keeps me out. However, I hope for some cricket later on. I hope that Mr. Beadon has
recovered from the illness that my brother informs me has affected him. My best wishes to you,
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
17
the rest of the staff, the School, and especially to "Andrews." I am confident the end is not far
off.
Yours very sincerely,
R. P. FIELD.
*
*
*
DEAR MR. SMITH,
I have taken the opportunity of a junior officer's post in the local Cadet Force, as you
suggested. The crowd that are afflicted with me are C Coy. of the 3rd Cadet Battn., Middlesex
Regiment There are about 125 in it, three other 2nd/Lts., and a Captain as O/C. As he is also a
H.G. Captain we are O.K. as regards instructors, although there seems to be a dearth of n.c.o.'s.
My platoon is No. 1, but they are the newest, or rather rawest, excepting No. 5, which is entirely
recruits.
There are three parades a week. Sunday, from 10.30 hours till 12.30 hours. Tuesdays and
Thursdays, from 20.00 hours till 21.30 hours, approximately. But the officers never seem to be
able to get away until 23.00 hours.
Doubtless you have received notice of the new form of Cert. A, and it is for the individual
part that we are aiming. About a dozen chaps have passed this and are getting their section
leaders' tuition.
On Sunday we go off, in Platoons, for platoon instruction from the officer in charge.
Generally this is field craft, or practice map-reading or some other outdoor instruction. Every
fourth Tuesday, by Platoons, we do P.T., under the C.S.M., a little, tubby bloke. Failing this the
platoon officers take their Platoons in a class-room and give them a lecture on, say, mapreading, and on Thursday the theory is put into practice. About every fourth week, after
receiving lessons on the rifle, the blokes get a chance of firing on a miniature range.
We are going to institute a certain level of physical fitness in the Company, similar to the
A.T.C., but it will not bar a man from staying in the Corps if he fails. He shouldn't fail, though,
as we have a cinder-track, three swimming baths, and a C.S.M. who lectures on P.T., all at our
disposal. There is also a scheme whereby n.c.o.'s can take a month's P.T. instruction at Hendon.
I haven't seen any ex-Cadets, though I did see Duggy Minns on his way to A.T.C. one
evening. I hope you are as successful in your instructors (in which you better us, as we have no
automatic weapon) as you were last year.
Yours sincerely,
V. STEEDEN.
P.S - We are able to run a camp at Whitsun, from Saturday afternoon until Monday
evening, for about 5s. all in. That includes fare, as we are not so fortunate as you are in having a
J.O. Training School practically next door, and transport is thus available. This camp will be at
Chesham, and the amenities include h. and c. water in the huts.
*
*
*
DEAR MR. SMITH,
About three months ago you were kind enough to inform me of the fact that it was
possible for me to take up a Commission in the Cadet Force. I should like to apologise for not
replying to your letter because I was already a non-commissioned officer in my local Cadet
Corps, the 2nd Cadet Battn. of the Essex Regiment. I joined the Essex Battn. a week after I left
Minehead, and discovered that one of the officers, Lt. A. H. Luckman, was connected with the
Poly. and knew you personally. I do not know if he told you that he was going to be called up,
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
18
but he left the Battalion about a fortnight ago to join the Royal Artillery. I understood that he
was going to apply for a transfer to the infantry as soon as he reached his unit.
At the moment I am a Platoon Sergeant in command, there being no officer platoon
commanders of a Platoon consisting of 33 Cadets. There is a possibility that three senior n.c.o.'s,
including myself, will be commissioned in the autumn to make up for the shortage of officers.
The whole 2nd Battn. is about 500 strong. The headquarter Company and A Company,
which are in Ilford, have a strength of nearly 250 Cadets. but only two officers. The other
Companies, B C, D, and E, are spread out over South-West Essex. The R.S.M. was telling me
the other day that in the Silvertown Company, that is B Company, the Cadets come on parade
with string in their boots instead of boot-laces, and address the officers and warrant-officers as
"Guv'ner" in the best East End slang.
The Ilford Companies have only got two n.c.o.'s with Cert. A - myself and a corporal who
is also a member of his School J.T.C., but 17 of the n.co.'s passed Part I. about three weeks ago,
and are now preparing to take Part. II. Lord Bridgeman inspected us in March to see what the
new battledress uniform looked like. I am hoping that my Company Commander will be able to
arrange for me to go on a course during the summer vacation.
Mr. Andrews and Mr. Turner would, no doubt, like to hear how I am getting on as a
prospective quantity surveyor. I am doing fairly well at all the subjects that have to be studied in
the first year, except building construction and book-keeping. The drawing part of the building
construction gets me down sometimes, because I was never very brilliant at drawing of any
kind. Quantities are not started until the second year, and are not one of the subjects in the
Chartered Surveyor's Institution's first examination. I shall have to make application to be
admitted to the Institution as a student before very long.
The class which I belong to is not the best disciplined in the School of Architecture,
because one of its members is Edmonds, who was in the same Form as I was throughout most of
the time we were in the Secondary School. He is studying to become a builder.
Please remember me to all my old Masters.
Yours sincerely,
GEOFFREY GIFFEN.
*
*
*
NEWS OF OLD BOYS.
In our spring issue of the Quintinian there was an interesting letter from Flight-Lt. G. R.
WHITTARD of a dinner with an Arab Sheik, in Iraq. I have since received a letter from his
mother to say he has been awarded the D.F.C. The official account says: "This officer has acted
as leading bomb aimer on many occasions when large formations of aircraft were involved.
Among several outstanding examples of his skill is one particularly brilliant attack on dispersed
aircraft in Maleme aerodrome. Photographs of the results have been widely published. The keen
competitive spirit which exists among the observers of the Squadron is largely due to his ability
and enthusiasm." We all send Whittard our heartiest congratulations and good wishes.
*
*
*
D. PEGRUM is in the Marines, and has been recommended for a Commission. He is in a South
Coast town practising "invasion exercises" in preparation for the attack on Germany.
BASIL LEWIS, who left the U6 Mods., in July, 1940, is now training as a wireless mechanic in
the R.A.F.
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
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"DICK" WORSWICK, now Pilot Officer, writes to say he has met Campling, Hawkes (now in
Canada training as a pilot), and Marlow (a surveyor in the Army).
G. J. EDWARDS (in the R.A.F.) writes: "Since my last letter I have been extremely busy with
one course and another. First, I passed an armourers' course, obtaining the elevated position of
AC/1. Then followed a course for junior armament instructor, which I was lucky enough to
scrape through, and an appearance before an L.A.C. Board, which I also passed. So I am now a
lordly corporal instructing would-be armourers on machine guns. I have always wanted to see
whether I had the ability to teach, and here is a glorious opportunity."
L. J. CROWLEY (1931-6) is a signaller with the East African Forces. He writes: "Since I came
out here a little more than a year ago I have moved about a great deal. Beginning in the Western
Desert, I later came down to the Sudan for the Eritrean campaign. Then I went to Abyssinia,
working with the Patriot Forces for some months. I returned to Eritrea after the fall of Gondar."
G. A. WARE writes that he has met Eric Cox out in the Near East. Cox is in the --th Armoured
Brigade Signals, and is also a L/Cpl. He is quite a veteran now, having gone through the Greek
and Libyan Campaigns.
G. WARREN is now taking at Edinburgh University the six months' course for potential Army
officers. He had previously done some hard training in a Scottish R.A. camp.
J. T. DRAKE is in the Army in the wilds of Yorkshire, and has applied for the job of despatch
rider. He hopes, however, to get into the Intelligence Service later.
D. D. JONES has joined a London A.T.C. Squadron (about 300 strong), and after one match
with their 2nd XI. is now in the 1st XI.
H. J. FLORENCE has been serving with the R.A.F. since the outbreak of war. His brother,
W. R. Florence, has also joined the R.A.F.
L. G. HADLEY is an apprentice to Messrs. Young, Austen, & Young, heating and airconditioning engineers.
A. C. LAKE joined the R.A.F. last August, and is now at an E.F.T.S. in London, Ontario.
A. W. THOMSON is now an L.A.C. at an E.F.T.S. in Wiltshire, and has already done a
considerable amount of flying. He has been doing a good bit of boxing, scoring six wins out of
eight bouts, and gaining the best loser's prize for the other two.
*
*
*
ADVENTURER'S END.
THE wind was howling in the pines. Time after time I regretted the instinct within me that had
brought me out on a night like this. But just as I was going to bed that night I had taken a look
out of the window, and there, in our grounds, I had seen a dark shape just climbing over the
wall. Thinking that it might be a burglar, I got dressed, went downstairs, and quietly let myself
outside. Since then I had seen nothing. Suddenly I was nearly startled out of my wits as a dark
shape flitted by a few yards from me. I stood stock still for a second, and then followed in the
same direction. Keeping in sight of my quarry, I was startled to see him round by Professor
Jones' house and enter the spacious ground. Then, for a few moments, I was puzzled by a faint
chugging sound I could hear. At last I realised what it was. It was an aeroplane warming up.
Wishing to see what was happening, I started to run, and ran straight into his arms. Once in his
grip I realised that he was a very powerful man. The next moment he whistled, and out of the
gloom appeared two men. Between them they carried me to the 'plane I had heard. It was
obvious that a hasty departure was about to be made. The man I had met first went up to the
pilot and muttered something in French. The next instant I was hustled into the 'plane, followed
by my "quarry." After we had been in flight for some time, during which there had been a
heated discussion, the man I had met first opened the outside door (he had to use all his strength
to keep it open). He signalled to two of his companions, who seized me and carried me to the
Quintinian LII
Summer 1942
42Q2
20
door. Before I realised what was happening, I had been flung through the door. I felt myself
falling, falling . . . - then a terrific bump, and I had hit the ground - and woke up to find myself
in my bedroom, on the floor.
W. HARRIS, 3A.
*
*
*
THE AXIS THREE.
(Tune: Covered Waggon).
Roll along, Mussolini, roll along.
You won't be in Libya very long,
For when all our tanks get going
You'll start wishing it was snowing,
So roll along, Mussolini, roll along.
Roll along, Adolf Hitler, roll along,
You won't be in Russia very long,
You'll be right back in Berlin,
To be bombed by the Sterlin',
So roll along, Adolf Hitler, roll along.
Roll along, Marshal Tojo, roll along,
You won't be in Malaya very long,
For when Uncle Sam gets going,
He will stop your noisy crowing,
So roll along, Marshal Tojo, roll along
S. SOLOMONS, 3A.
*
*
*
THE SCOUT CAMP AT WHITSUN.
AFTER school on Thursday afternoon, we set off on our journey for Bossington, a little village
fully six miles from Minehead. This distance seems easy to those of you who did not come with
us, but when I tell you that we were riding overloaded bikes, and that half the journey is uphill,
well, perhaps you will realise that the journey was not so easy after all. The heads of this
expedition were Thie and Greenaway, who had made the necessary arrangements beforehand.
When at last we reached camp site we first of all pitched our tents and then had a meal.
We did not seem to be able to sleep that night, and when at last we fell asleep we were not able
to sleep for long.
Next morning we awoke early and went down to a nearby stream for a wash, and came
back and had breakfast. After breakfast all the Scouts except Greenaway and me went back to
Minehead for the rest of the stores. While they were gone Greenaway and I went to Porlock for
bread. We came back and had just put the potatoes on the fire to cook when it began to rain. But
we succeeded in keeping the fire alight by putting the table over it. Then, just as we had finished
cooking, the rest of the Scouts came back, soaked to the skin.
On Sunday, after an afternoon on the beach, just as we had finished tea, we were surprised
to see Frank Henry ride in on his bike. We helped him to unload, and managed to squeeze him
into our tent.
Quintinian LII
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The next day it rained so hard that it was impossible to light a fire So we lived on bread
and jam for that day.
On Tuesday it was still raining hard, and we had to borrow an oil stove to cook our dinner
on. In the afternoon, as the rain stopped for a brief interval, all except four of us took the chance
of going home.
Next morning, the four of us went back to Minehead again, wet, but happy.
J. T. MILLS, 3B.
*
*
*
THE SPORTS DAY.
The Poly. sports were held this term,
But first place K.-S. still held firm,
Then Russell's took the second Place,
For every boy did jump or race.
And every boy put forth his best
To make his House beat all the rest.
Then Lambert's in the summing-up
For the third place were coming up,
And this they did, we all know that,
Then Hesters picked up on the Flat,
With Broodbank's coming very near,
And poor old Andrews' in the rear.
F. M. HENERY 3B
B. H. WITHEY 3B
*
*
*
A SHIPWRECK.
Plunging madly through the sea,
That good old ship, the Santa Fee,
Heard the loud insistent roar
As she neared a rocky shore.
To the shore she nearer drew,
With her grim, but fearless crew,
Dimly through the gathering day
The captain saw the rising spray.
Firmly on the deck he stood,
Heard the splintering of the wood,
He heard the rolling noise, like thunder,
As the hull was split asunder.
The captain, holding his head high,
Shouted, "I'm prepared to die,"
As by one huge sweeping wave'
He plunged into his watery grave.
B. WITHEY, 3B.
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A WAR-TIME RHYME.
Little Jack Horner
Spotted a Dornier,
One that was not on his schedule.
Each put in a burst,
But Jack got home first,
And now he's awarded a "medule."
R. SMITH, 4B.
*
*
*
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO COCKNEYS.
"We must be free, That speak the tongue that Shakespeare spoke. - WORDSWORTH."
"WELL, if it ain't ol' Bill Chase. 'Ow are yer, Bill, an' 'ow's yer old gel gettin' alon' nah?"
"Same as usul, grousin' from mornin' till ni' till she gets 'er pint at the Seven Bells. 'Ow's
yer's?"
"Not s' dusty. 'ow abaht a spot a' grub at ol' Joe's?"
"O.K. Won't say no to a gen'rous offer."
"Wh' yer goin' to 'ave?"
"Cup of cawfee an' a lump o' kike."
"Do yer know, Bill, I go' 'alf a mind to star' a grub stall in Pe'coat Line."
" Well, why don' yer ? Yer don' alf mike money wiv'a grub stall."
"Well, 'ow am I goin' t' star' i'?"
" Seasy. First yer ge' a stall an' get yer ol' gel to mike yer a lo' o' kikes and sawsige rolls
an' fings, and den yer mike a lo' a' tea an' cawfee and buy a few packets o' gawspers an' the'
y'are."
" 'Ow abaht the cups and sawsers?"
"Well, 'alf-inch all those yet go'a'home - and Bob's yer uncle."
"Well, cheerio, Bill. Thenks for the tip; see yer soon."
"Tha's O.K. Enyfink to oblige is my motter. Go' luck, mite."
K. SHEPPARD, 4A.
*
*
*
"WHY?"
AT one of London's big hotels there was staying the Rajah of Bangalor, who was an envoy from
India, and was going to present the King with some jewels on the following day. Also staying at
the hotel was an expert jewel thief, Slim Atkins, who, for some time now, had had his eyes on
the jewels. At last his chance came. He knew the Rajah was out, so he took the opportunity to go
up to the Rajah's room to look around for likely hiding places. To make quite sure the room was
empty he knocked on the door and waited for a moment. He was surprised and rather
disconcerted to find his knock was answered by a bodyguard, who opened the door. The
bodyguard asked Slim what he wanted. Slim kept his head and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, I
must have come to the wrong room. Mine is next door," and, once more apologising, he walked
away.
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The bodyguard called the house detective and said, pointing to the retreating figure of
Slim, "Keep an eye on that man."
Why?
(Answer on final Page).
L. JACOBOVITCH, 4A
*
*
*
THE TANK.
Tank of the Empire,
Terrible and monstrous,
Hard in the battle o'er moorland and lea.
Emblem of freedom,
Of power and magnificence,
Fight in the battle for England the free.
Wild is thy fury found,
Far in the battle ground,
Might gives it energy, might gave it birth.
There in its turret top,
Where mercy showeth not,
There shines a victory, a victory on earth.
J. R. MORRIS, 4A.
*
*
*
INVASION.
IT was about seven in the morning when we were awakened by the ringing of St. Michael's
Church bells. Alcombe bells soon took up the cry 'till the air was full of their harmony. At first I
awoke thinking it was Sunday and then, as I collected my thoughts, I realised that those bells
brought only one message, "Invasion had started." Within a few minutes I was dressed and
downstairs. The streets were filled with people; on every lip was the word, "Invasion." Rumours
spread like wildfire, "London was in enemy hands. Ireland had been captured by the Germans."
Then suddenly we heard an outburst of firing in the Channel, but nothing could be seen,
except a lot of white smoke. Half-an-hour later, while the sirens were still going, about 100
German troop-carrying 'planes, escorted by fighters, came over from a south-westerly direction,
and a few seconds later bombs came raining down upon us. One bomb sent the Regal Cinema
up in smoke, while others blew up Floyds, the Gasworks, Woolworths, the Library, St.
Michael's Church, and many other important buildings. This havoc was followed by the
dropping of paratroops. Some fell on North Hill, the Marshes, and outside Alcombe. These
immediately got ready to attack. But the Jerries weren't allowed to carry out this operation
without interruption, as by now our fighter 'planes were on the spot and a general dog fight
ensued. These paratroops were aided by other Germans who started to land on the coast in
barges. Most of these were sunk before they reached the shore. Those that did reach the shore
came under fire from the coastal pill-boxes, manned by the Home Guard.
All this time the din was deafening. Shrapnel was filling the air, especially on the seafront, as the Germans on North Hill were firing 2in. mortars on to the defending shore batteries,
so that it was very dangerous to be in the streets. Every now and again one heard the shrieks of
agony of some injured people, while the roads were littered with bodies. By now the Jerries
were in occupation of Alcombe and getting ready to attack Minehead itself. The main German
party was slowly advancing down North Hill, and so cutting off the shore defenders in spite of
strong Home Guard resistance. Eventually, only the Police Station and a bit of the surrounding
ground were not captured by the Jerries.
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Then suddenly a new sound reached our ears, and round the corner came light tanks and
lorries filled with British troops. The Jerries were now outnumbered, and after some desperate
fighting Minehead was once more in British hands. The hospitals were full of patients, both
Army and civilian, and the fatal casualties were very high. A tragic sight was the ruined houses
from beneath which came cries for help. These cries were being promptly answered by the
rescue workers, and it was through the splendid work of the Civil Defence that many people's
lives were saved. Gradually the fires were extinguished, and as night fell Minehead went to rest
shattered - but free.
K. GOLD, 4A.
*
*
*
A TRIP DOWN THAMES.
IN the summer of 1939 I went, with a party, on a trip aboard a paddle steamer down the Thames
to Southend. We made our way to Mark Lane, in the City, and while arrangements for tickets
were being made, we were left to observe some interesting groups of fishermen - obviously
from Billingsgate Market, which is along by the Tower of London. Then we went down by the
Tower to our boat, the Crested Eagle. Soon the boat started up, with passengers lining the decks,
and, before long, the Tower Bridge loomed up in front of us majestically, as if proud of its
splendour; then traffic stopped on the bridge while the ship's siren sounded. The bridge opened
up, like a lion devouring its prey - only this was a tame lion! We passed the bridge at length, and
the sun bathed us in brilliant rays of light. One thing which thrilled me as I gazed round was the
number of warehouses and grain storages all along the Port of London, right up to Woolwich,
and I never realised before what a great centre of commerce London really was. Then
recollections of labels seemed to flicker through my mind - "Argentine Meat," "Packed in
Seattle, North America," "South African Oranges." Ah, yes, this surely is a great storage port!
At Greenwich we pulled in, and from the boat I could see Greenwich Hospital, and high on a
hill a glass-roofed building - the Observatory. We started off again. Gradually the river was
widening, and we passed bigger ships, such as trawlers and merchantmen - the messengers of
food. On looking over the other side of the river I could see the grass-topped hills of Kent. Then
there, in front of us, about two miles away, we could faintly distinguish the pier of Southend,
jutting out from the mainland. We drew closer, until the pier could be seen in detail, with people
crowded in the end part, like ants on a hillock. When we got out on the pier I looked at my
watch, and recorded that the trip had taken 3½ hours. Well, good-bye, "Crested Eagle."
R. SMITH, 4A.
*
*
*
RADIO TIMES.
The sort of thing we get nowadays:6. 0 a.m.
10. 0 a.m.
10.15 a.m.
11. 0 a.m.
1. 0 p.m.
1.15 p.m.
2. 0 p.m.
2.15 p.m.
3. 0 p.m.
4. 0 p.m.
5. 0 p.m.
Quintinian LII
Keep fit. Gymnastic Exercises for stout ladies.
Keep fit. Gymnastic Exercises for men who wouldn't, or couldn't, get up earlier.
Short Interval.
Long interval.
News (if any!)
Mr. Churchill, on " How to make your Sugar Ration last."
Short talk for backward boys.
Long. talk for forward girls.
"Who killed Aunt Fanny?" Play by I. Did.
Concerto. Played by Duke Ellington and his Boys.
On the Kitchen Front. To-day: Banana Stew and Boiled Grapes.
Summer 1942
42Q2
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5.30 p.m. In your Garden. Talk by D. Ighard and Dick Harder.
6. 0 p.m. News. Read by George Formby, as it is Alvar Liddell's day off.
6.30 p.m. Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Henry Hall.
7. 0 p.m "Tall, Dark, and Handsome." A musical comedy, written by Big-hearted Arthur.
8. 0 p.m. The Three in Harmony will sing to music by Beethoven.
8.30 p.m. "Race Track Driving," by Gaspard Steponitt.
9. 0 p.m. News (what, again?).
9:30 p.m. "Don't get Drunk." A warning, by I. C. Spots.
10. 0 p.m.-Big Ben.
10.15 p.m. Recording of last week's news, followed by the Charwoman, who had come to
scrub the floor for next morning.
F. FISHER, 4c.
* * *
THE HARBOUR AT DAWN.
OVER the docks lay a delicate peacefulness. The gentle lapping of water upon the piles and the
faint creak of a ship's cable only served to make the silence more profound. Over the whole
scene the slowly-rising morning mist lent enchantment; and as it slowly receded the dawn came,
and the whole eastern horizon was transformed into a fiery glow, which grew in intensity until
the sun in all its resplendent majesty topped the distant range of hills. As the heavens changed
from black, red, purple, blue, to a fine azure, so the water, or what was visible of it through gaps
in the billowing mist, changed, black, grey, blue, green.
As the first rays of morning entered the mist and filtered through it, they made a delicate
luminosity which sparkled and glittered on the shimmering water, like an ever-changing
kaleidoscope of fascinating colours. Then the faint chuff of a distant engine announces the
beginning of another day. The noise echoes among the wharves and dies away, and silence once
more regains his supremacy. The warehouses are now darkly outlined by the early pale sun, bars
of light between them being made golden by a little dust wafted up by a breath of morning
breeze.
By this time the morning mist, which had shrouded everything in its all-embracing cloak,
had vanished, and another kind of cloud was made. This time man was making a determined
effort to intrude into the still domain of silence. As the early train rolls into the station and
screeches to a standstill, a flood of workmen descend and proceed to invade the docks.
Within a few minutes a dockside crane has broken the silence with a shattering, clanking
roar, accompanied by a cloud of steam. Human figures scurry about like ants. Another day's
work has begun.
G. HAMPEL, L5A.
*
*
*
THE DESERTED NAVY.
(With apologies to Goldsmith).
Around the straggling ships across the bay,
With Musso's flag unprofitably gay.
There, with their mighty guns designed to rule,
The British Navy made him look a fool.
There, scuttled ships did disappear from view,
Our Navy soon showed them a thing or two,
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Each trembling Fascist did his flag disgrace,
And dived into the sea with frightened face.
That night we laughed so very merrily
At Haw-Haw's jokes, for one big joke was he.
He even tried to tell us we were drowned,
And the ships that we were on had gone aground.
D. POCHIN, L5B.
*
*
*
THE BATTLE.
Down on hands and knees we go,
Crawling, oh, so very low:
We have lots of ammunition,
Now we're taking up position.
Now the foe comes into sight!
Ready, comrades, for the fight.
Let your bullets, sleek and round,
Whizz and whistle all around.
They are many, we are few,
Let your aim be swift but true.
"We're outnumbered. What's the odds?"
Shouts a voice, 'tis Private Todd's.
Forward, men, into the fray,
Fight the fight to win the day.
See, the foe is backward driven,
And the air with shouts is riven.
WHEATLEY, 4B.
*
*
*
DO YOU KNOW?
1
What English Bank-holidays are not observed in Scotland?
2
How many sheets are there in a quire?
3
Can the V.C. be worn by women?
4
How many Universities are there in England?
5
What four meanings do you attach to the word "Bully"?
6
What colour is named after a battle ?
7
What is the motto of the United States?
8
How many signs of the Zodiac are there?
9
How does port wine get its name?
10
What town is noted for its soles?
11
Where is the German Embassy in London?
12
How many quires make a ream of paper?
13
What did Nelson have nailed to the mast of the "Victory?"
14
What two countries are the largest consumers of tea in Europe?
15
How many farthings may be given in legal tender?
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16
What is the origin of the name "dandelion"?
17
What Regiment is the Blues?
18
Who is your grandfather's son's father?
19
How many weeks after Easter does Whit-Sunday occur?
20
What letters are there on an English penny under the head?
21
What is the age of the oldest horse?
22 What would it cost to shoe a horse with 32 nails beginning at ¼d. and doubling for each
successive nail?
23
In boxing, what are the maximum weights of:(a) Welter Weight, (b) Feather Weight, (c) Light Heavy Weight?
24
What is the approximate highest speed of Partridges, Pheasants, Pigeons?
25
What is the lowest single innings in first-class cricket, and when?
(Answers on Final Page).
R. KING, L5A.
*
*
*
CONGER FISHING.
IF you have ever been fishing for conger eels you will know the thrill that the continuous
tugging on your line gives you. Of course, you do not always get the persistent tug-tug; you may
have a long steady pull, or a few quick jerks, and then a slack line, that makes you think that in
those last few tugs the eel has got off the hook. This, of course, is often true, but not always, for
the conger eel is an artful fish.
There are no "off days", with conger eels, as they are solitary fish and do not hunt in
shoals like herring and mackerel. On some days, of course, you get less luck than on others, but
this is usually when you fish near the end of the season, which lasts from November until early
February. Another reason that people get few fish is that they use for bait fish that is three or
four days old. The conger will not take that, for, although some people differ on this point, he is
essentially a clean feeder and will not touch putrid or rotting flesh.
There are some who tell stories of congers 20ft. long. This may be true, but no-one has
ever seen one of that size around the British Isles. There is an instance, however, of a man
landing one of 136lbs. on Tunny tackle. The majority of congers do not grow more than 5ft. to
6ft. long, although some giants of 10ft. have been recorded.
In my opinion, the best conger ever caught on light tackle was one of 78lbs. in 1934, on a
No. 4 dab-hook and line of 60lbs. breaking strain. The heaviest fish I have seen caught was of
40lbs., and it took 10 minutes to pull in. Yes, indeed, fishing for conger eels is a good sport.
P. CRATON, L5B.
*
*
*
THE MATADOR.
WITH his long black hair curled up neatly at the back of his head and with his three-cornered
hat majestically crowning it, the matador satisfied himself that he looked worthy of entering the
arena. His exquisite breeches fitted perfectly and the vivid scarlet waist band, spun many times
around his waist, gave a contrast to the deep blue of his silk blouse. His mantilla hung gracefully
from his shoulders, and one last look in the mirror showed him the gorgeous array of colours,
matched so artistically and superbly. With a nod of approval to his men servants, he left his
dressing-room and halted by the arena. With a prayer on his lips, he walked into the ring and
smartly bowed to the cheering of the audience. On his cocked arm was the red cloak, and by his
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side was a long, slender sword. To the most important onlooker he threw his mantilla, and then
braced himself for the ordeal. Suddenly the gates were flung open and the bull rushed into the
arena. For fully a minute he stood still, blinking and getting accustomed to the dazzling rays of a
fierce Spanish mid-day sun. Then he saw the matador. With a furious bellow he lowered his
head and charged straight at that infuriating red cloak. This procedure continued at least a dozen
times, but the bull met no initial success. The footwork of the matador was excellent, for,
without any apparent exertion, he nimbly dodged the onslaughts. Spears, which had been lodged
into the flank of the wretched animal, maddened and wounded him to such an extent that he was
now worked up into an intolerable frenzy. Sand was hurled up by his snorting, and where he
pulled up in a vain attempt to gore his tormentor. What a wicked and piteous spectacle to see
that animal weakened and dying from loss of blood. Behind that cloak the matador now held his
sword. With his head lowered, the bull charged once more, but this time the matador's sword
plunged into his heart. He fell to the ground, dead. Although dead and defeated, how noble and
king-like he looked, lying in a pool of his blood, and how gloriously had he battled with his
armed opponent. But glory is wasted now. He had fought and he had lost.
R. P. CHESTERTON, L5c.
*
*
*
A MINELAYING PATROL.
THE other day I had the privilege of going out on a minelayer. It was after dusk when we set
sail, with a thin drizzle, a high sea, and a sea mist rolling in. The small, sturdy minelayers
buffeted their way through angry seas, the mist curling and twisting like wraiths around the bow.
The strong, silent men stood around in secluded groups at their posts, the rain dripping off
their gleaming oilskins. The orders passed in hoarse whispers, as if a heavy blanket of worry
was pressing on their minds. The distant hum of the bombers going to pay their visit to the
Channel ports would rise to a crescendo and die away on the rain-laden skies.
At midnight we were in position to lay. I went to see the fuses set. The 'bosum and mate
were handling the mines with their deadly horns as if they were playing with beach balls. They
were loaded carefully on to their carriers and pushed to the edge. The rain hissed down as if to
stop the "playballs of death," or "devil's footballs," as I heard them called, from going over.
Then, they went one by one, leaving their entrance marked by a phosphorescent swirl of water.
All through this process the throb of the Diesels seemed like the beating of a drum in the
gripping stillness. As the last one disappeared, the men scattered and went to the mess. The mate
still stayed on board watching for any lurking E boats. At five o'clock, as dawn was breaking on
a leaden sky and a choppy sea, the fleet pulled in, their sirens sounding a soft V through the
damp mist.
D. BARNETT, L5c.
* * *
THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE.
He looked up the lift-shaft to see if the lift was coming down.
It was. - Aged 41. . . . . . .
During the blackout she stepped off the bus to see whether it was moving or not.
It was. - In loving memory . . . . . .
He walked in front of a target on a shooting range to see if the Home Guard could shoot straight.
They could. - In remembrance . . . . . .
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To see if the gas was Carbon Monoxide or not the inexperienced chemist took a sniff.
It was. - R.I.P . . . . .
S. STEER, L5C.
* * *
WHORTLEBERRY PICKING.
HAVING heard of large sums of money being earned from the sale of whortleberries picked on
the surrounding moors, three of us set out one afternoon from Alcombe with our bicycles
weighed down with large tins and jam jars to contain the fruit. It was a boiling, hot summer's
day, and we laboured our way perspiringly up the Hopcott road to the moors. We deposited our
bikes at the top of this road, and set out eagerly (with tins and jam jars clutched under our arms)
to look for the nearest bushes. After a short walk, during which we passed hundreds of bushes
with scarcely a whortleberry on them, we were rewarded by the sight of a few people bent over
the shrubs busily picking the fruit. Declining the back-breaking position of bending over, we
seated ourselves in the midst of the bushes and clumsily commenced our first attempts at
whortleberry picking. At first, most of the berries picked were either squashed or eaten, and our
tins seemed to fill at a painfully slow rate, but before long we became more adept at the job, and
the berries pattered into the tins in quick succession. We continued our picking until the early
evening when, with full tins and blue-stained hands, we made our way back to our bikes and
cycled home. The following morning we sold the fruit at a local shop, and we were greatly
pleased with the increase in our finances afforded by our first attempt at whortleberry picking.
D. COWELL, L5c.
*
*
*
ALL IN A DAY'S WORK.
IN the air-crew room about 15 pilots, all ready to go on patrol at a moment's notice, pass the
time away. Then suddenly a buzzer begins to emit a high-pitched note, and a yellow light begins
to flash on and off. Two pilots jump to their feet and rush off through the entrance. Let us follow
them on patrol.
Over the 'drome Flight-Sgt. Brown switches on his R/T and calls base. "Hello, Control,
Wallace 17 calling. Am airborne and over base." Back comes the reply. "Hello, Wallace 17.
Control answering. Course 17 degrees at 15,000ft."
They set off on their course, and very soon are shooting through the sky at the correct
height. Then, very suddenly, over R/T "Hello, Yellow Section, you are approaching bandit, who
is at 8,000ft. Over to you, over!"
At this both planes dive to 9,000ft. so that they will be able to spot the enemy more easily.
Then he spots the Hun. There he is, a Me 110, scooting across the tops of the clouds, probably
on a "hit and run" raid. Then Brown talks to his companion. "Tally ho! Tally ho! Snapper on
port beam at 8,000. Prepare to attack! Go" At the word "go" the steady roar of their engines
changes to a shrill whine, their noses drop, and they go screaming down on the Jerry. But Jerry
has seen them. Turning sharply, it dives into the clouds, Brown hard on his tail. Brown's
companion dives through to the cloud base in case the Hun decides to "hedge-hop." Brown
soons hits a clear patch, and there, dead ahead, is the 110. One burst is enough, the cockpit cover
being ripped off and the crew killed, or injured. The Me. turns slowly on its back, and then
whips into a terrifying inverted spin, which takes it to its doom. Back at the base Brown makes
his combat report, and then, with his companion, takes his place in the aircrew room, waiting WELLS, 5A.
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THE LOG.
Once I stood a tree so proud,
And in the wind I cried aloud.
I was stately, big, and strong
Before the day I suffered wrong.
Then came a man with axe and saw,
The wind will stir my leaves no more.
I felt the blows of that hard axe,
So hard, then harder, then relax.
I felt the teeth of that keen saw,
I knew I was a tree no more.
And in the river I was thrown,
I fought its wave with many a groan.
This carried me against my will
Until I reached a great saw-mill.
The big teeth of a powerful crane
Bit into me against my grain.
A common log I now am made,
And by my friends' side I am laid.
No more I lift my powerful arms
To sun, the sky, and all its charms.
No more I'll feel the rain, so sweet,
From tiny pools around my feet,
Nor feel the soft, cool, flaky snow,
Or gentle breezes through me blow.
Although I miss this beauty rare,
I really cannot find a care.
For soon small children I shall warm,
On Christmas Eve round me they'll swarm.
And though I know my end is near,
And life for me has been so dear.
Thank you, oh God, for letting me
Do this one small service all for Thee.
N. S. MACFARLANE, 5B.
*
*
*
THE FOX.
SHE was a vixen, heavy in cub, Her wonderful chestnut-brown fur bristled as I crawled in the
mouth of the old earth. She was trapped in her low-roofed, underground hide-out, to which a
few moments before I had been attracted by Ben's excited yelpings. There was hardly a sound in
the dull interior of the old earth, except perhaps for the occasional drip, drip of the water in
some distant corner, with which the heavy winter rains had soaked the hills. Unlike most earths,
this one had only one entrance. She cringed and issued forth with a low snarl as Ben made to
move nearer. Her ears lay back on her wicked head, her eyes glowed like a cat's in the gloomy
earth.
As I watched, half trembling with exhilaration and excitement, I noticed something else
which, in my excitement at seeing the vixen, I had overlooked. I moved closer for a better look
and, as before, she snarled and her top lip curled up. Then, to my dismay, I saw it - the slim
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outline of a baby lamb only a few days old. I stopped petrified. If it had been a rabbit, or bird, I
should not have been so surprised. But a lamb!
Still, what could I do? The poor little thing was quite dead. I crawled out of the earth, half
sorry, half angry, to leave her to her prize. Anyhow, I thought those ever-hungry cubs would
most likely do more good with the one lamb than anybody else.
Often now as I walk past the hole in the earth, I think of the vixen, the cubs. and that poor
little lamb. Often I venture to peep in the hole, but, alas, all it contains is a pile of bones - never
another vixen.
R. TURNER, 5A.
*
*
*
ACHTUNG SPITFIRE!
MANY times during the Battle of Britain has the exclamation "Achtung Spitfire" been the last
words of German pilots. Everyone knows the Spitfire by name, sight, and some even by its
sound! But hardly anyone knows the name of its designer, Reginald Mitchell. Mitchell was
probably the first man to see the advantages of the monoplane over the biplane. He designed a
type known as the S3, S4, S5, many of which flew in Schneider Trophy races and won first
prizes. The best of this type was the S4 and S5. The S4 smashed all existing records with a
speed of 226.75 m.p.h. Then with the S5, in 1927, he again broke the records of average speed
with a speed of 281.84 m.p.h., and from that day Britain has never lost her speed supremacy in
the air.
From Mitchell's S6 was developed the fastest single-seater fighter, the Spitfire. This was
the fastest fighter in the air for about three years after it was first produced in 1937.
But it was to be Mitchell's last 'plane, for, on June 1st, 1937, he died from cancer. Even
when he was dying, Mitchell stuck to his work and finished the designing of the 'plane that gave
the chance of shooting down over 2,000 enemy 'planes.
How great a part Mitchell played in winning the war must be a job for the people of
Britain to decide when victory is won.
But they must remember Mitchell suffered pain and shortened his life by designing what
is the best fighter 'plane the world has ever known.
A. M. SHERIDAN, 5A.
*
*
*
"GERMANY'S GREATEST WEAPON."
SO much nonsense has been written and said by the international allied bally-hoo vendors about
Germany's weakness that we already incline to regard her as an unworthy foe, whilst we are
invincible. We read that German soldiers are drug-soaked, Germany is starving, millions are
dying on every front, the State does not trust its servants, who are incompetent and treacherous,
the political, economic, military, and social positions are all hopelessly impossible, soldiers are
deserting, the occupied countries are feverish and unmanageable. These are a few extracts from
English, Free Dutch, Belgian, and French papers printed recently. It is time that those who have
most to lose by an Axis victory, namely, the world's youth, were given some sane facts instead
of a pack of fallacious ideas and statements to think about. We must realise that the Axis is not a
decrepit war-machine merely waiting to be wiped out. It is important that youth should not be
blinded by mis-statement and over-confidence. Too much depends upon our beliefs for them to
be twisted and politically corrupted.
Germany is still a major menace in every way. Her strength, as ever, is in her youth, and
their strength lies in Nazidom - the law, religion, word, and deed. Nazidom is Germany's motive
power and is dependent upon its tremendous youthful following. Nazism is plainly and simply a
Quintinian LII
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system of psychology, whereby one captures a mind and utilises it for divers reasons. It is
almost hypnotism - the difference is that it goes deeper and further; like hypnotism it is based
upon mental attraction to a physical and mental force. It reveals itself in ostentation of all kinds
and, despite all said to the contrary, it is a kind of Communism in itself. Youth has ever desired
the company of youth. Mass gynmastic displays, long marches to hearty mock battles, tests of
endurance, displays of strength, the skilful handling of weapons, the primitive instinct to
worship a man and not an abstract God, uniformity of purpose, movement, and even dress.
These, and a fiercely perverted sense of patriotism, are the symptoms of Nazism.
This is what we are up against. This fact cannot be denied, disregarded, nor too often
repeated. We must be ready to combat its menace, to which we are all vulnerable. The struggle
has been hard, is hard, and will be harder. Fine words are useless against this thing, and they are
doubtful allies. But we have Allies of strength and of purpose. One of these allies is levelheaded British sanity - and it is the greatest of them all!
S. W. B. PAYTON, U5B1.
*
*
*
RISING EARLY.
I THINK it may safely be said that in circumstance of any comfort to rise early is one of the
greatest achievements of man. What can there be in life which involves such utter selfabnegation, such rigid self-control, such unrelenting mental flagellation as the practice of tearing
oneself from the depths of the warm and comfortable nest in which one has been cosily
ensconced for the last eight or nine hours? There may be in our midst hardened breakers of
Serpentine ice, who will affirm that the whole process is easy: one wakes, one gets out of bed,
one dresses; that is all. But these are they who sleep deeply and wake suddenly: they can have
little inkling of the delicious feeling which we luckier mortals undergo; we do not wake in the
accepted sense of the term - we gradually, and with no conscious effort, float to the surface of a
long, warm well, which becomes progressively lighter as we approach the surface - the surface
which we do not reach, for we have woken thus before, and we know all will be spoiled should
we break surface and emerge into the cold light - and air - of dawn. So, when we are sufficiently
near the surface to be in a kind of sombre, pleasant haze, we sink back into the pillows, and lie
thus, warm, comfortable, and only just conscious, at the zenith of physical ease.
And in this condition we may allow all sorts of pleasant illusions to flit through our heads,
to turn our thoughts to that subject which, at the moment, seems most pleasing to us, and then to
let our brain, which, poor logician at the best of times, is now quite incapable of taking control
of its own progress, weave the most delightful fantasies against the background we have chosen.
And thus at once, at the acme of physical and mental enjoyment, we are able to pass a
motionless hour, except perhaps to stretch gloriously once or twice, or to shift with no great
effort to a more comfortable posture, and then to sink once more into that land of shadowy
delights and delectable fancies that may not be grasped, nor will endure with the morning light.
W.A.B., U6, Arts.
*
*
*
THE MARTYRED SOIL.
Heydrich is dead! Heydrich is dead!
The butcher of Europe's last orders are said,
A sigh of relief passes over the lands
Lands stained with blood, and all by his hands.
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As the blond brigand fell on his face in the street,
And dark pools of blood encompassed his feet,
As the killer was killed, ironical fate,
The gangsters of Berlin went crazy with hate.
Wooden-faced bullies-duped Nazis still,
Leapt to the summons to kill and to kill.
"Anyone, everyone - we're told to kill all.
Take that sullen fellow who wrote on the wall."
The guns echoed loudly all over the land,
Men's lives signed away by the stroke of the hand.
"Death to them all" was the terrible shout.
All innocent people - their lives were snuffed out.
Throughout the free world we all heard with dismay
Of the pillage and terror that ever held sway.
Not since degenerate Rome had there been
Terror and turmoil as now could be seen.
Now Heydrick is dead, but his terror will stay,
No rest for the suffering for many a day.
Yet that day is coming, that last day of toil,
When the last Prussian foot will have left martyred soil.
A. GOLDSTEIN, U5B.
*
*
*
THE RICK.
Here let me sit for ever against this stubbled wall,
Watching the summer's glare and peacefully wait the fall
Of evening with its chilliness and scented, starry cloak.
Here lies man's hopes and efforts cut with flashing stroke,
Drawn with pounding hooves, stacked into mighty forms.
And time will come when hungry herds will cast it down on morns
Clouded with mist and hung with ice.
And snow will come to pile itself, and winter's gales will blow.
But only the shimmering fields are seen to-day,
And I must lead the swaying cart away.
Along the lane that's rutted deep with wheels
We'll go until the chime of evening peals
And our day's work is done.
G. J. COCKMAN, U6, Arts.
*
*
*
ENIGMA.
T'is sought by many,
Though the way is hard,
Beset by griefs and furrowed with distress.
Men's hearts beat quick as surely up they climb,
Yet many fall as eager yet to grasp
They reach too soon
And fall forlorn.
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The way is not for those meagre men
Who'd grudge the spheres their music,
Who'd look upon Velasquez,
And with a listless eye
Let fall their gaze.
Nor yet for those whose heart
Recks not of sorrow,
Feels not emotion,
Mocks joy.
For whom the wheel of pleasure
Dizzily is spun,
Till when it halts
Bemused they slip
Into unending night.
'Tis only for the wise of men
Who've used their talents well,
Who've sought not after worldly goods,
Riches, honours, power,
Nor chased repute.
For, in their life, they had one object pure,
To seek perfection:
Though, they knew, in vain.
P. PANTRY, U6, Arts.
*
*
*
THE ANNUAL SPORTS, 1942.
THE 15th Annual Sports of the School were held on the Irnham Road Recreation Ground on
Tuesday, June 2nd, and proved in performance and enthusiasm to be well up to the standard of
the series. No School records were broken, but this is quite understandable when the bends and
rises in the Irnham Road track are considered in contrast with Chiswick conditions. Never the
less, there were some performances of outstanding merit which deserve special mention.
The outstanding event of the day was undoubtedly Dunford's performance in the mile
open, which he did in 5min. 5secs., very little outside the School record. He took the lead from
the start and kept it to the finish. He capped this with a very good show in the 880 open, in
2min. 15secs. In fact, the open events standard was consistently high. Tourret's 100 yards in
11secs. and his 220 in 24.4-5secs. provided a splendid double.
In the open high jump the standard was again high, Sheardown's 5ft. 4ins. being a fine
performance, considering the conditions. In contrast, the long jump was poor - 2ft. 6ins. below
the School record. Jackson in the ¼ mile open ran powerfully, to win in 58.3-5sees., whilst his
performance in the 220 open was also very good.
In the Junior Class (14-15) Zinsheimer, a new boy, did splendidly in beating O'Neill - a
new experience for the latter - in the 220 yards for 27.1-3secs. (the School record being 26secs.),
and by winning in fine style the 100 yards in 11.2-5sees. and gaining the decision in the long
jump, his was the leading junior performance of the day. Wardlaw, too, in the 13-14 class, is to
be congratulated for winning the high and long jumps and the 220. Two promising colts, to be
sure.
The one mile walk was again a lugubrious affair, and unless training for this event is taken
more seriously by entrants it will remain the hardy annual for criticism, and the weakest spot on
our programme.
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The figures of the results of the House Competition require no comment. Kerridge-Swan
House is to be congratulated on their run-away victory. It was the last event of the day which put
Russell-Matthews second and Lambert-Newman third. It is pleasing to report that House rivalry
is as keen and sporting as ever before.
Finally, Mr. Compton and the Sports Committee are to be heartily thanked and
congratulated on the clock-like efficiency in which the programme was arranged and carried
through. The annual sports of 1942 - our third in Minehead - was, indeed, one of the best of the
series.
S.N.
*
*
*
RESULT OF HOUSE COMPETITION.
JUNIORS.
POINTS.
1
2
3
Kerridge-Swan
Broodbank-Stevenson
Hester-Lowe
1
2
3
Kerridge-Swan
Russell-Matthews
Lambert-Newman
POINTS.
113½
53
46½
263
124
109
4
5
6
ALL EVENTS.
4
5
6
*
*
Lambert-Newman
Andrews-Hough
Russell-Matthews
44½
37½
25
Hester-Lowe
Broodbank-Stevenson
Andrews-Hough
91½
85
63½
*
SPRING DREAM.
In the sky the silvery wraiths
Twist and spin fantastic shapes.
Dragons glow a velvet red,
Almond blossoms nod their head.
Many a petal'd swirling flake
Falls to join the white mosaic,
Or on the azure mirror glides
Where the unseen lily hides.
Glaring green the primrose path
Rushes by with joyful laugh,
Yellow buntings from the trees
Are blown adrift upon the breeze
And mingle with the lilac and the honey-laden bees.
All this comes before my eyes,
A kaleidoscope of birds and skies,
Flowers and gnats: and still is heard
No dull tune from the cuckoo bird.
Brightening skies forget the day
When their length was banked with grey,
And the earth was cold and dead.
Now only summer lies ahead.
Is this Spring my first or last?
I cannot tell, but as I cast
Into the current of my mind
No greater wonder can I find.
G. J. COCKMAN, U6, Arts.
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42Q2
AUNT KATY'S KORNER.
MY DEARS,
Now is the time when we have to say "Good-bye" to many Senior boys. For me it is a
moment of heart-burnings and palpitations. I address my words of valediction (or is it
malediction? I always confuse these two epitaphs) mainly to those who are going. I have seen
you all grow from fat little dimpled cherubs in short trousers, from tots with shining faces,
where smiles and tears alternate as do the rain and sun at Minehead, into long-trousered boys
who have studied with such zest that Masters have cried out to me in horror that sooner or later
you would over-work yourselves; from long, baggy betrousered lads to charming young men in
black coats and striped pants, those "longs" with immaculate creases and pin stripes that make
such an excellent test for astigmatism. I have watched you shyly take to washing your necks, at
first surreptitiously, and then with nonchalant boldness, gently toying the while with bristly
chins and feathery upper lips. I have noticed with dismay how, in the fours, you cheeked the
County School girls right and left, and now, at 17, you walk by on the other side whenever a
charming young lady in red, green, or blue cotton check squares, with bow to match, heaves,
hoves, or hoofs it, in sight.
And now you are men, and come secretly to wish me "Goodbye," and to thank me for all I
have done for you. Il n'y a de quoi! Que voulez-vous! San fairy Ann! Honi soi qui mal de mer!
C'est une bagatelle! Funny stuff this French! Isn't it? I am only too, too, proud to have had the
opportunity to have helped you. There! It sounds much better in good English. I can only say
that my loving care of you does not cease when you have gone. Write and tell me how you are
getting on. If you return to Minehead I shall be ready at any time to be taken out. I can, at a
moment's notice, find a place where you could get a lunch or dinner, or the dansant for just us
two.
I expect most of you will be joining one of the armed Forces. If you find any difficulty
about being accepted let me know, and I will write to the commanding officer about you. I know
plenty of people in His Majesty's Forces, except the Marines. If your bent is in that direction I'll
hand your letter on to Mr. Broodbank. Some of you may not know which to try first. There are
several methods you can adopt. The personal is generally considered the best.
(a). Blue eyes, plus a wicked look of insouciance - Navy.
(b). Brown eyes, brave, handsome, tooth-brush moustache, freckles, stutter, and under 6ft. 6ins
- Air Force.
(c). Odds and ends - Army.
The Air Force is now, unfortunately, full. It consists almost entirely of old Poly boys, with
a little sprinkling of County School chaps. But the Commandos are the coming thing. For that
you have to:1 - Have green eyes.
2 - Swim under water - five miles.
3 - Throw a snickersnee, boomerang, stiletto, blunt instrument, lassoo, battle axe, guillotine,
bottle party.
4 - Be able to shave with a blow lamp and sandpaper.
5 - React favourably to an electric charge of 200,000 volts.
6 - Sock a German sausage silently with a saucepan.
7 - Eat a tin of bully beef without using a tin opener, and wash it down with sand and sea water.
8 - Be able to get into a billet after lights-out without waking the landlady.
Boys who have been taught Maths. by Mr. Andrews are exempt from tests Nos. 2 to 8.
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Well "Good-bye" Dear Boys. Do be careful of trains and mind your fingers in the doors.
Now don't forget to change your undies on Mons., Weds., and Fris. Send any socks that want
mending to me, c/o the Poly., and I'll look after them for you until the war is over. You'll find a
clean hankie marked with your initials under your pillow. Have you got that little bottle of
camphorated oil I gave you? Rub some on your chest nine times a day after meals if you feel a
bit sniffy.*
Bye Boys!
A toi,
Toute Auntièrement desolée,
KATE (AUNT).
*We must apologise to Aunt Kate here for an omission. The ink in the next 954 lines of
her script was almost completely obliterated by little wet blobs - EDITOR.
*
*
*
SOLUTION TO "WHY?"
"Slim" had knocked on the door. In this he made his mistake because in a hotel you don't
knock on the door of your own room.
L. JACOBOVITCH, 4A.
*
*
*
ANSWERS TO DO YOU KNOW?
1
Easter Monday, Whit-Monday.
2
24.
3
Yes.
4
10.
5
a, a cowardly tyrant; b, tinned beef; c, first rate, capital; d, the placing of the ball "in play"
in hockey.
6
Magenta.
7
E pluribus unum.
8
12.
9
From Oporto.
10 Dover.
11 Carlton House Terrace.
12 20.
13 A horseshoe.
14 Great Britain and Russia.
15 24.
16 Dent de lion from the toothed edge of the lea
17 Royal Horse Guards.
18 Grandfather.
19 Seven weeks.
20 B.M.
21 Old Billy, who died in 1822, aged 63 year
22 £4,473,924 5s. 3¾d.
23 10st. 71bs., 9st., 12st. 71bs.
24 32 m.p.h., 38 m.p.h., 27 m.p.h.
25 12 by Northants v. Gloucestershire.
6a
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Summer 1942