40Q2 - THE QUINTINIAN, SUMMER 1940

WE are now coming to the end of our first year in Somerset, and I must say that in general appearance the School seems to be none the worse for its adventures. In some respects it is looking a bit better, but, of course, it has a sneaking - but not often-expressed wish - to get to the less ideal corner of Regent Street.

Everyone has been entering into the life of the town in one way or another. The most obvious thing that we have been doing of late is the collection of old metal. When there was a very slow response in the town for collectors they approached me to get the School busy. The boys jumped to it, and in a week the dump of old metal grew from something which indicated a possibility to something which left nothing to doubt, and as the days have gone by the heap has got bigger and bigger, until finally £50 worth of old metal was sold to a Bridgwater firm by Mr. Rainforth, the local organiser. One of the most exciting evenings in this respect was when the local steam roller was borrowed and boys fed in ordinary tin cans and took away the squashed remains. This was, of course, to assist in packing, but it certainly did give us a grand evening

The Staff and many of the Senior Boys have been vigorous members of the L.D.V. For some weeks two members of the Staff and four boys manned a post on the top of a hill overlooking the surrounding country, but we have now taken the duty of manning a post every night in a less exposed spot and with more comfortable sleeping quarters.

A new activity of the School has been the cultivation of vegetables. It was not designed to do good to the Masters and boys who were doing it, but I am sure it has done them no harm, and already they have sold their products for much more than the seeds cost us. Mr. Hough gets eloquent about the endeavours of the School Allotment Brigade.

Sunday services still continue to be held at the School each Sunday, instead of in the local Churches. We broke this rule for the National Day of Prayer in order that we could hold our service at exactly the same time as that held in the Polytechnic. It was attended by almost everyone in the School, and was held in the Methodist Church, kindly lent by the Rev. A. R. Slater.

Every Sunday we have a collection for the local Hospital, which has done such good work for us. The only exception we have made to this rule has been when we had a collection for the Red Cross Ambulance, which Minehead was hoping to buy. Our weekly collection was doubled for this occasion - £2 2s.

The boys taking Matriculation had the opportunity of seeing performed in the School Hall here the "Merchant of Venice," one of the plays for the examination. The Osiris Players put up a very good performance, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The School Certificate and Higher Certificate Exams. are now in progress, and we all hope for the best of -results.

Already we have had good news of scholarships. G. R. Fish and P. J. Clover, both of the Upper 6th Medical set, have been awarded open scholarships. G. R. Fish obtained the Open Entrance Scholarship in Botany and Zoology to the University of the South-West, Exeter, valued at £80 per annum. for three years. P. J. Clover has brought the Sambrooke Entrance Scholarship at King's College, London, to the School again. This is worth £90 per annum, and all will congratulate them both and wish for them a distinguished career. I am always particularly glad to find good students from the School going to King's, where I spent so many happy years.

Dr. Williams and Major Marchant continued the medical examination of the boys and confirmed their earlier report of the excellence of the progress in all cases. We were hoping to see them again later on, but, unfortunately, they have not been able to manage it.

The School Sports were held on Thursday, 9th May, at the Recreation Ground, Minehead, after having had one day's preliminary events the week previous. For the sports we were delighted to receive not only Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey but Miss Helen Bentwich, Chairman of the Higher Education Committee of the L.C.C.; Mr. Berry, the Chairman of the Minehead Council; Mr. Mansfield, the Town Clerk; and many other distinguished members of this community. We had a marvellous day, both from the point of view of the sports and the weather. Once more the Sports Committee ran the show with clockwork precision, and were able to have tea at Newcombe's Cafe at precisely the time arranged for it, and here, in reply to a few informal remarks on my part, Miss Bentwich gave us a delightful account of the L.C.C.'s point of view. This also gave me a chance to thank Miss Misa for the great work she has done for the School down here. In so many cases where trouble of an exceptional character has arisen in billets Miss Misa has always suggested some solution, and her knowledge of local affairs has been invaluable.

Three weeks later our under 16 team had the satisfaction of winning the Invitation Relay at the Minehead County School Sports, where Jones, D. D., just managed by a magnificent last lap to gain us the victory.

As I write these lines, steps are being taken to form a School Hostel. This will be a hostel for boys who find it difficult to study in their billets, and is intended for the older boys. The scheme is to follow out proposals made by the Board of Education and will be sponsored by the L.C.C. As far as I can see it looks as though it should meet an important demand in the way of a school boarding house. I am just in the process of getting a Matron to help me to run it.

Last week Mr. Lightfoot left us to take up his Commission in the Loyal North Lancashires, and has written a very interesting letter from his training depot. He seems now to be getting in the way of "forming fours" - or its modern equivalent - and lifting his knees in marking time. How he has managed to go on in the Cadet Corps all these years I really don't know, but, no doubt, we shall have proper "Guards' show" in the Cadets when this War is over.

A few requests have come to me concerning the evacuation of the boys to Canada. So far, no steps have been taken by the School as such, but possibly some four or five boys might be going as private individuals in parties arranged in London.

We hope to finish the term on the 23rd. This date is provisionallv fixed because Sir Kynaston arrives here on the 22nd July, and I should like him to be here to see our "end of term" concert, which, I believe, will be very good. Although not having a complete School "musical comedy" as in the last two breaking-up concerts, we still have good. material, and I have heard really good music coming out of the School Hall on certain evenings during the week when the choir have been performing. Probably more of this will be heard in the next issue.

The Old Boys of the School are doing their full share in the War and, unfortunately, we have heard of some who have died in action (as reported in the Old Boys' Section). There is no doubt that the rest of us of the Poly. will try our best to do our share - parents, boys, and Masters - by doing what we can to carry on in a cheerful way in these separated conditions.

Cricket, this term, has been played in strange circumstances, and we now realise our good fortune in having such a fine ground as Chiswick. Since there was not sufficient accommodation for the two Schools, it has been necessary, in some cases, to play a combined XI., consisting of boys from both Schools.

(a) The team opened its season on May 4th against a strong Minehead side, and though we lost, it can be considered a good performance.

(b) On May 18th we had a visit from Huish's School, Taunton, and this proved a close and exciting game.

(c) Our fixture against Ilfracombe Grammar School was not only a cricket match but also a tour of Exmoor, our coach leaving at 11 a.m. Although we were narrow losers in a low-scoring match, the day will be long remembered.

Ilfracombe were dismissed for 40 runs, thanks to good bowling by Shampan (4 wickets for 17) and Woodage major (3 wickets for 5 runs).

Everything pointed to victory, but to our great disappointment, we could only make 36 runs, several wickets being absolutely thrown away.

In this match the Poly. turned out its own side, the Minehead School being engaged at Bridgwater.

d) On June 15th we travelled to Wootton Courtenay to meet the village team, who have the reputation of being a strong side. This was an interesting afternoon's cricket, the School team being on top throughout the match. Wootton Courtenay made 54 runs, Clark being the successful bowler by taking 5 wickets for 8 runs, a most creditable performance.

(e) In a return match against Wootton Courtenay, on June 29th, the School, after dismissing the village team for 86 (Woodage taking six wickets for 26), could only reply with 30.

(f) On July 6th, the School had a match against a strong Williton side, played at Watchet. Williton, who declared at 121 for four wickets, dismissed the School side for 56.

(g) On June 1st we played a Colts match (under 16) against Queen's College, Taunton, and a large crowd on the Recreation Ground were rewarded by seeing an interesting day's play.

(h) The under 14's met Gainsboro School in an evening match, and this resulted in a tie of 30 runs each.

(i) Only one game has been played by the 2nd XI. They visited Dunster and were easily beaten by the village team. After we had scored only 21 runs, Dunster made 48 for 9 wickets.

In addition to the above matches we have run a most interesting series of evening matches between our Forms and the corresponding Forms of the Minehead County School. These resulted as follows:-

THE match against Ton Pentre, at Bristol, was played in an uncomfortably short hall, which increased our difficulties in dealing with a good team which had had regular practice. In spite of our disadvantages, the play - not the scoring - was fairly equal in the early stages. Unfortunately, one of our players had to retire for four rather trifling and, probably, accidental personal fouls. Five players against four made Ton Pentre's scoring very heavy, so that we were rather severely defeated.

But it should not be forgotten that by playing the match after practically no practice we did our part in keeping English Basketball alive.

WE close this Term by losing our C.O., Captain Lightfoot, who leaves us after many years' service to take up a commission in the "Loyal North Lancs." Captain Lightfoot's place is being taken by Mr. Compton, and we wish him every success.

The Saturday morning parades this term have been well attended, and all ranks are to be complimented on their smartness and bearing. The mid-week parades were not so well attended on the whole owing to morning lessons and to scrap-iron collecting.

The Whitsun camp, at Combe Martin, in Devon, was an outstanding success, and all who went returned with increased health and spirits after an excellent holiday.

Cadets will be grieved to hear that our parent Regiment, 60th of Foot, were almost annihilated in the epic stand at Calais. We can he sure that they upheld their fine fighting tradition to the full.

Shooting has, at last, appeared once more among the Corps' activities, although, at present, it is not as well attended as it should be. We have quite a good team in training, and our first match is against the County School Air Cadets. We hope to arrange a few postal shoots in the near future. With these in view the Corps looks forward to a new term of increased activities.

FRIDAY, 10th. - Cadets and baggage paraded at 10.30 hours at H.Q. Our conveyance arrived punctually. After much squeezing together 27 of us were safely (?) ensconced. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey and the Headmaster were there to wish us "God speed." Porlock and Countisbury Hills gave everybody a thrill - even the R.S.M.!

Thanks to the kindness of Mr. Burgess, two of his waggons enabled us to convey our equipment to the Camp site in time to have our eight tents pitched (all shapes, from bell to hiking) and cookie to have a hot meal ready by 18 hours.

The site is ideal, hills surround us; through a gap we have a glimpse of the sea. Everybody retired tired. The C.O. was very satisfied with what had been done.

SATURDAY, 11th. - Everybody awake by 4.30 hours. General "settling-in" day. Guard tent pitched and sentries posted. Each n.c.o. put in charge of a Duty Squad. This gave us five squads. One squad looks after the cooking, washing-up, and water, and wood carrying for its appointed day. Night guard instituted - no lack of volunteers.

SUNDAY, 12th. - Church parade to Berrynarbor Church. After the 2½ miles march and spiritual refreshment, dinner was more than ever welcome. Round a camp fire the Corps showed that, following its marching song, it was indeed the "ragtime infantry."

MONDAY, 13th. - Our portable wireless was found to be extremely popular for other programmes besides the news. The camp ornithologists find the local bird life interesting, especially the buzzards, which continually soar about the camp.

'TUESDAY, 14th. - Morning parade for platoon drill and instruction in deploying. An impromptu cricket match afforded sport for most of the camp in the evening.

WEDNESDAY, 15th. - The Platoon attacked through a field of gorse on an adjacent hillside. The "enemy" was the C.O., "armed" with field-glasses, watching movements and communications whenever visible. A muggy afternoon in no way damped the spirits of the camp. The night guard chased a badger from the kitchen just before midnight.

THURSDAY, 16th. - Under cookie's supervision and the guiding hand of Mrs. Lightfoot the food, everyone agrees, has been excellent, far above the standard they expected at camp. The camp fire to have been held outside took place in the farmhouse, at the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. It proved to be a real, rollicking evening.

FRIDAY, 17th. - Reveille at 6.30 hours, half-an-hour before the usual time. Camp struck after breakfast, everything complete before dinner. Striking of colour parade before we moved off. L/Cpls. Robertson and Rawlins promoted to corporals. Captain Lightfoot duly thanked for arranging and organising everything so that the camp proved a complete success.

I WAS very lucky in being able to interview Mr. A. V. Cornish, a very active and prominent member of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, who gave me the following very interesting information in answer to my questions.

In this district we see all the Tits, except the Crested, which, of course, belongs to Scotland. We have all the Wagtails, the White on migration, but the Yellow has nested here. All the Woodpeckers are moderately common, and most of the Owls come here. The Woodlark and Owl Bunting, which are rare in most districts, are often seen here. I have observed the Woodlark at Selworthy. I often see the Whinchat, Stonechat, Nuthatch, Tree-creeper, and Goldcrest. Wheatears are found on Hurlstone Point and on the Golf Links. The Green Wheatear is sometimes seen on migration. I saw one in Blenheim Gardens last year; it is a bigger bird than its cousin and more buff on the breast. The Fieldfare comes very early and haunts the Hopcott Woods. The Firecrest, a very rare bird, I saw on migration two years ago. In the rocky streams, with a few trees about, we get the Dipper, a strictly local bird; it is very shy and you must get out early in the morning to be really sure of seeing it; Horner is a good spot. The Redstart is fairly common and the Black Redstart (the Robin of the Alps) I have seen on Dunster Beach in winter. It is really a fine bird, and quite tame.

Quite a large area of the moors comes under the National Trust, and Grouse can be found here. Pheasants are more common along the Exe Valley and at Dunster. The Common Partridge is not so common as the French or Red-legged Partridge. Magpies and Jackdaws are nearly as common as sparrows. The Cuckoo is quite common, and the Red-backed Shrike (the Butcher Bird) bred last year in a bramble bush near the Golf Course House and, what is more, managed to raise a brood of five.

The Kingfisher is a comparatively rare bird in the district,. and when one is occasionally very privileged to obtain a fleeting glimpse of it flashing past with the sun scintillating on its dazzling array of green and blue, as my wife and I did not long ago, the sight is all the more pleasing. Unfortunately, our streams are not the right sort. I have actually seen one on the beach diving into pools left by the tide. It is surely an English bird of paradise, with its head and wings of greenish blue, mottled with sapphire, its back of azure, and tail of indigo, cheeks of crimson, a whitish throat, under parts of deep orange, and a black bill and red legs.

Since Minehead is on the coast we naturally see a great number of sea and water birds. I have seen Brent Geese flying over and White-fronted Geese are shot Watchet way. We often see the handsome Sheld-Duck; the Mallard is naturally common, and so is the Teal to a smaller extent. Widgeon can always be seen along the coast in winter, Pochard on the Golf House pond. The Tufted Duck, Scaup, and Scoter are occasionally seen in winter.

The Gannet has been seen, and I saw 11 Cormorants flying west on August 26th. If you are lucky you may see a Little Grebe on the Golf House pond, where they bred last year; Herons come here, the nearest Heronry being at Dulverton.

In the Exmoor district of Somerset our three special birds are, according to my way of thinking, the Buzzard, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Raven, the last-named being one of the most interesting. The Dunkery and Exford district (above the 1,000 feet level) is a fine locality to see the rare Ring Ousel. Then, on the Moors, we have the Black Grouse and the Blackcock, a very strictly local bird, and the Merlin. The Merlin is the smallest hawk, often called the Blue Hawk, because of its bluish back.

The Chough, a very rare bird indeed (there are only a few pairs in England), has been seen here. I have been very unfortunate in not observing one myself, but on report of one being seen I spent many hours on the prowl on the Marshes. I did see it - dead - shot by some "sportsman" who had not even taken the trouble to take his prize away.

Naturally the Sparrow Hawk and the Kestrel. Occasionally Harriers are seen. There are three Peregrine eyries along the coast. This bird has a flight like a bat; it soars up in circles, then stoops like a bolt from the blue. The Buzzard is quite common here and nests within half-a-mile of houses on North Hill. I once saw nine together at Exford; it was just like hearing a cat with a litter of kittens mewing in the sky.

It is very extraordinary that, though they are extremely plentiful on the Dunster side of Minehead (I have heard nine within half-a-mile at Watchet), there are none on the west side of Minehead; Alcombe appears to be the dividing line.

The Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover are very common. I always say the Ringed Plover looks as if it is on wheels. As it moves in gliding jerks you can hardly see its twinkling legs. The Golden Plover is common at times, and there is an occasional Grey Plover. The Lapwing is here all the year round, and breeds on the Marshes. Then we see the Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Redshank, and Bar-tailed Godwit. The Common Snipe (I call it a firework with wings) can be seen on the Marshes; the Jack Snipe is sometimes seen in winter. A few Woodcock are shot in the woods.

Our Common Gulls are the Herring, the Black-headed, and the Greater Black-backed. We see the Common Gull, a misnomer, for it is not common, occasionally.

Once a Robin built in a resting-box within 6ft. of our dining-room window. After some time I approached the nest to count the eggs. A whirr of wings and a vicious peck above the ear was an unpleasant surprise, especially as it was repeated three times in quick succession. Then, finding me immovable, Mrs. Robin stood on my head to consider the matter. A call brought my wife upon the scene, but even then I had to move away from the nest before the bird would leave me.

Unfortunately, no-one has the time or the money for active protection, but many people, including coastguards, have their weather eye open. There are one or two collectors about, but none very notorious. A lot of the moors comes under the National Trust, and shooting is not allowed. Shooting and collecting are strictly forbidden along the beach for many miles, but shooting is allowed on the Marshes; therefore this prohibition defeats its own purpose to a great extent.

In this division sum each of the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 8, 9 is used once and once only. What is the sum?

THE only activity of note in which the House has engaged since the last Notes appeared has been the Athletic Sports, which were a source of credit to all concerned.

Although, as a House, we had to rest content with 5th place, our Juniors put up a magnificent performance and won the Junior Competition, scoring no less than 97 points. This does not mean that the Seniors and Middle School did not pull their weight. The whole House keenly supported Reid, the athletics captain, and that we did not take advantage of the fine lead that our Juniors built up was due to a lack of Seniors and not to any lack of enthusiasm. Their success was so much the result of united effort that praise for individual performances hardly seems fair. One name, however, cannot be omitted. O'Neill won all his three events and also contributed to the victory of our Junior Relay team. Incidentally, their time was only 2-5ths. secs. outside the School record, a wonderful feat when the adverse conditions are taken into account. Gibbs, Gregory, O'Neill, and Taylor are to be congratulated on their splendid effort.

The House has been well represented in School Cricket, both Cocks (K. P.) and Norman playing for the 1st XI. and Watts, C. A. H., Cocks, A. T., Scarborough, and O'Neill playing for Junior teams.

Mrs. Haskey and Mrs. Merrills have continued their good work, looking after the ragged and sick, and the House greatly appreciates all that they have done for us. Thanks are also due to our House Masters for the interest they have taken in us, which has proved, in some cases, almost embarrassing!

With such promising Juniors in the House, we can confidently look forward to a successful future and the day when Andrews-Hough is again Cock House is surely approaching.

The House Captain and House Officials have earned the sincere thanks of the House Masters for their untiring energy and their whole-hearted efforts of the past year.

May the best of good luck attend them in the near and distant future! They deserve it!

NORMALLY, at the end of the Summer Term the House Secretary would have the job of reporting successes or otherwise in many fields of sport. It has been rather disappointing that the athletic sports competition was the only one for which we could compete. In the sports we finished rather lower in the list than was expected, but there were some excellent individual efforts, Warren's three wins in open events being the most noteworthy.

Although there have been no House cricket matches, Weksler, our cricket captain, and other members of the House, have represented the School in the 1st, 2nd, and under 16 School XI.'s.

We were glad to see Sampson back at School after several weeks of illness. After his return to School he spent several weeks training the School Basketball team which he captained at Bristol, in the Junior National Basketball Championships.

Every boy in the House has the chance of doing his bit of National Service. Many of the Senior boys have joined the Local Defence Volunteers, and willingly interrupt their night's sleep to help in the defence of the country. I hope every member of the House has given up at least a little of his spare time to help in the collection of scrap metal.

Finally, as this is the end of a School year, I should like to bid farewell to those who will be leaving us, and to wish them the best of luck in their careers.

THE term has been a rather uneventful one for House activities, except for the Sports, and even in these we were not as successful as we hoped or expected. The general lack of success, however, was broken by the brilliant efforts of Lawton in the mile flat, Elvery in the mile walk, and Jones in several well-run races. We must also congratulate Jones not only for his inclusion, but for his outstanding performances in the School under 16 Relay team.

As for cricket, the term has been comparatively quiet. There have been no inter-House matches, but it is hoped that a knock-out tournament may be arranged. If so, the House can reasonably expect a good result, for, besides retaining many of last year's 1st XI., we are well represented in the School teams.

I would like to remind you that there may be swimming races arranged. If these plans are successful, we should like as many boys as possible to enter, and I would strongly advise you all to take advantage of our nearness to the sea to put in some useful training. I would also remind you of the Studies and Conduct Trophies, and urge you all to do your best in the term Examinations, not only for your own sakes, but also for the good of the House.

Finally, I must repeat our feeling of gratitude to our House Masters and helpers, and particularly to Mrs. Haskey, for the untiring work they have all done to make us comfortable in unusual surroundings and trying times.

ALL those House and School activities which we usually associate with the summer are this year sadly lacking, or very much curtailed.

Cricket has not been extended this season to the Houses, but the House Captain, Shampan, has been ably leading the School 1st XI.

Once again this House demonstrated its superiority by winning the annual School Sports. It is gratifying to note that we owed our success not to a select band of shining athletic lights, but more to the general all-round brilliance of the House as a whole.

I do want to impress upon the House the gravity of the present situation, and everyone can do his utmost to contribute to the nation's effort. Younger members of the House, remember more and more old iron is ready for collecting. Older members can join the Local Defence Volunteers. All can help, and must help. But remember, we are still students. School work, too, must carry on. Prepare for the peace that will follow the war.

These notes close with thanks to our House Matrons, Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Gellard, and, of course, to our billettors - ugly word in itself to describe the householders of Minehead, and Dunster, whose efforts to make us feel at home have undergone no relaxation with the advent of the summer season.

THIS Term we have had the misfortune to lose for a while one of our House Masters, Mr. Lightfoot, who has left to join his unit with a Lancashire regiment. Most of us will miss the ready wit and cheery manner which he invariably displayed in class as well as at House meetings, and we all wish him the best of luck and a speedy and safe return to his normal duties.

House activities this term have again been cut down considerably by difficulties involved by evacuation, and a cricket competition has been impossible. Whether there will be distance swimming or a swimming gala is not yet clear, but I think boys will find it an enjoyable combination of business and pleasure, as it were, to get into training in case these events take place.

The Sports, of course, were held as usual, and were a great success. The House finished fourth in the contest, but this result, as Mr. Lambert said afterwards, was nothing to be ashamed of, for every competitor undoubtedly did his best, while in some events we lost many points as the result of sheer bad luck. Trussell and Gallop both gained firsts in open events, and in the Senior relay our team finished a very good second. The Juniors showed promising form, but next year they must try to furnish a few more competitors and to put in a little more serious training.

At the time of writing Mr. Lambert has had occasion to speak to the House about conduct, and I should like to point out that those of the House who are not endowed with athletic prowess can do their bit by steering clear of demerits and detentions. Please don't forget that there's a conduct trophy.

All those who knew him will have heard with the deepest regret of the death in an Air Force flying accident of G. B. Sprange, one of the splendid leaders under whom Lambert's won the Cock House Trophy in 1934 and 1935. It was with real regret that we learned of the tragic curtailment of his most promising career.

THE Summer Term has not seen great House activity. Up to the time of writing there have been no Inter-House cricket matches.

In the Sports, Russell's came second to Kerridge's, beating Broodbank-Stevenson on the result of the Inter-House relay. It was only a victory over Broodbank's which gave us the second place.

At the end of this term we are to lose our captain, Derek St. John. Since we first came to Minehead he has managed the responsible job of House Captain with quiet efficiency, and I think I may speak for the whole House in wishing him the best of luck in his career.

We have been very pleased to receive the following letters from Old Boys. We should welcome at all times other letters or items of news of Old Boys' activities.

My brother (R.W.) has had his medical exam. and is awaiting his call to colours. His reply, when one asks, what regiment, is "The P.B.I." If you don't see this in any handbook I'm sure Mr. Lightfoot can oblige with the correct translation - or should I say interpretation.

We dined on Saturday night with Alan Simmons and Trevor Griffiths (A.-H. House). Simmons you already know about, and Trevor is with the Royal Veterinary College, which has evacuated to --------. He is on the teaching staff, and sent his papers in several months ago for the R.A.V.C.

For my part I shall be here until June, when I sit the Primary F.R.C.S. examination. The Admiralty have been kind enough to keep me ashore until then. After June I know not what, but I learn on good authority that if one can get the Fellowship whilst in the service the Admiralty grant you promotion to Sugn. Lieut.-Commander. As I intend to get this exam. some day, well, why not start now?

Should any of the Staff be coming to or near here I should be only too pleased to entertain them. Just give me a ring.

As you know, when I left I went to Handley Page, Ltd., as a student-apprentice, where I found myself to have been preceded by P. L. Crombach. Since I'd obtained Inter.B.Sc. before leaving I was required to start a course for Finals. This occupied two evenings, and one day at the Northampton Polytechnic, where all our 25 apprentices get their technical education.

I. J. Hart followed me to Handley Page in December of 1938, and, of course, we've seen a good deal of each other since then. Together we've been in touch with J. M. Hands, now with the Percival Aircraft, and Robb, who is at Gas Light and Coke Co.

In my year at the Northampton Polytechnic now are J. Kemper (De Havilland Aircraft, experimental inspector) and N. Kirkaloff, who is at Ford Motors. These two have transferred from the Acton Technical College. There seem to be several other O.Q.'s at the N.Poly, but I've only met one, Neals.

At the moment I come to Regent Street once a fortnight, on Friday evenings, to go to the Library, but I'm given to understand that there are not many O.Q.'s to be seen on Fridays.

My only news of the Poly. has been obtained from the notes in the Poly. Magazine. I'm glad to see that a strong Hobbies Club is now running, and I should like you to put me in touch with them as I may be of some use where model aircraft are concerned.

I see from this month's journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society that Crombach was successful in the Associate Fellowship exams., and took first place in Aircraft Materials and Structures.

I have received all the Quintinians since the Evacuation number and I am very grateful to you for sending them to me. Since I left School I have attended a nautical school for 4½ months, and been one trip to S. America.

I thought it might interest you and other masters who knew me to know the sort of work I am doing. When I am at sea I get up at 7.30 a.m. and clean our cabin, bathroom, &c. At 8.30 I go on the bridge and relieve the other Cadet, who is on watch from 8-12. He comes back at 9 and then I have my breakfast. From 9.30 to 11.30 I do deck work, e.g., painting, sewing canvas, inspection of lifeboat equipment, &c. At 11.30 I wash and change for the bridge. I go on the bridge at 12 and go on watch for four hours, being relieved for lunch at 1 p.m. At 4 p.m. I go off watch and have the rest of the evening to myself. During that time I do washing, ironing, mending, or study, or anything that takes my fancy. At 6.30 I relieve the fourth officer for his dinner, and I have mine at seven. At 8 p.m. I turn in to be called at 11.45 p.m. for my 12-4 morning watch. At four I turn in again and get up at 7.30 a.m.

On Saturdays, at 4.30 p.m., we have boat drill and fire drill. We also occasionally have gun drill, and I am in the crew of the A.A. gun. Last trip we did not have any trouble at all. At Montevideo I saw the Graf Spee, but there was not much of her to see.

As the War has already affected the present members of the School in diverse ways, the evacuation, &c., perhaps they would care to hear the troubles of an old one.

A member of a Territorial Searchlight Unit, I was called up on August 22nd, 1939. Pleasant news to hear on a lovely sunny afternoon while busy importing timber? Dashing home and getting all my kit together took roughly three hours, and then off to the Drill Hall in full marching order. For just over two weeks waiting for War to be declared and for the rest of our personnel to report, we were stationed at A.

Everyone assembled, we travelled convoy to a training camp for a month's intensive training, after which time we moved out on to our War stations. Seeing a convoy on the move is a most impressive sight. Lorry after lorry, coach after coach, flash by with an occasional Don. R. running up and down the line, making sure everything reaches its final destination. Here detachments deployed, and have remained so ever since, guarding Britain's shores.

Many people seem to think that we are not soldiers. Ever seen in the newspapers, "Britain's Forgotten Army"? Well, we are not soldiering in the strict sense of the word, but we are maintaining an ever-vigilant eye for Nazi raiders, and form an extremely vital link in the Air Defence of Great Britain, especially whilst the present state of affairs exists. Should any parachutists appear we are fully prepared to deal with and shorten their lives.

My job is n.c.o. i/c. Control Room. This is probably the most interesting and perhaps exciting job in the Company. The C.R. is the "nerve centre" controlling every S.L., consolidating reports, and posting Brigade. As for the Army life, although it is in every respect different to civilian, it meets with my full approval. It is an open, fresh air existence, healthy surroundings, and dozens of jovial pals. The food is of A.1 quality, well cooked and plentiful.

The weather now is glorious and the countryside at its best; but during that cold spell, we had snow feet deep and where drifts had formed 7ft. or 8ft., sometimes more. At the height of the spell several of our detachments were isolated for two days before we could clear roads through to them and resume delivery of normal rations.

So far it has been a quiet War for us, a war of nerves, expectancy, and hope. In my opinion, though, the defences of the Anti-Aircraft Units are such that a raid on this country would prove to be too costly. We are all standing by confident of being able to deal with any situation which might arise.

J, P. Darke visited me here just before Christmas, and we correspond frequently. He's mixed up with aero engines just across the Channel.

Pilot-Officer G. N. Street, R.A.F., another old School Captain, wrote to me last week. He's very active and finds his work interesting.

I am also extremely busy and have an interesting job amid some very beautiful virgin country. Rather like the country around Minehead, in fact. I distinctly remember cycling in those parts when I was at School. We descended from Exmoor into Dunster, had a long awaited tea, and slept the night at your now famous Minehead Hostel, I was with my brother, and both thought Minehead a pleasant spot.

I am afraid the sea took my brother a short time ago. He went down with H.M.S. Gurkha, off Bergen. I had passed safely over the same waters twice last summer.

I have been taking evening classes at a Technical College near here this winter so as not to neglect all my more elementary studies. Altogether I've had little time to look around.

I have changed my job (or should I say it has been changed for me), and now am on the Anti-Submarine Patrol. My ship is about three times as large (350 tons) as those about which I wrote in my last letter to you, but it still rolls and tosses appreciably. It doesn't worry me now, and I am beginning to appreciate the sea, whereas, before I got over sea-sickness, I used to look on the various voyages as a penance for my sins.

Previous to this I had a fortnight's course at the Signal School, where I was fortunate enough to pass for Signalman Q - a rise of 1/3 per day. Whilst I was there the King inspected us. It snowed the whole time, but we were amply compensated when he ordered the main brace to be spliced.

I have been recommended for a commission, and am now waiting to go before the Selection Board. I don't really know whether to feel pleased about it or not as I am having a fine time as I am. However, I haven't been accepted yet, so I suppose I mustn't make any plans.

Being separated from the other Faculties, at Swansea, I have been out of touch with the general College activities, most of which happen at Aberystwyth - according, at least, to the local papers! Gilroy, I believe, is rather notorious at that College. I have definite news of Naglowsky, however. He is with the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College, at Cambridge, and is famed far and wide as Editor of the "Bartlett Beobachter." There is very little else of interest, save possibly that all members of the College are of the opinion that there's no place like home, and we eagerly await a return to Gower Street.

As I was in the R.A.F.V.R., Air Observer Section, during peace time, I started full time training on September 4th, 1939, and after having had a navigation course and gunnery and bombing course I eventually arrived at the above address. I should like to hear from anyone who was at School with me (1929-34), as it's good to think of the Regent Street days occasionally.

Much water has passed under the bridges since last I saw you! I trust you are enjoying the bracing Minehead air, as indeed you need do. These are worrying times, and it must be extremely difficult to educate boys when you know that they may step straight from school into the ranks of the Allies to face the ruthless hordes of Nazis.

I have some sad news to relate, which you may or may not have seen in the Press. Geoffrey Sprange was killed in a flying accident on April 25th. I saw his mother when I was on leave a fortnight ago and promised to write to you. Will you please ask Mr. Eckersley to announce it in the next "Quintinian." Sprange had been in the Volunteer Reserve Air Force for some time and, in September, he was called up as a Sergeant-Pilot. At the time of the accident he was stationed at a Flying Training School in Scotland. He was going to be a Fighter-Pilot, and must have been flying Hawker Harts. Apparently he was making a good landing and was pulling up across the aerodrome, when the wind. veered and tipped his wing. Not usually a serious accident, but on this occasion, through sheer bad luck, he broke his neck.

It was not my intention to talk about myself, but you may like to know what has been happening to me. Two years ago I had a shot at flying, but as I had not "made the grade" after 15 hours dual, I was told that flying was "not my cup of tea." Shortly afterwards I joined the Equipment Branch of the R.A.F., and here I am still. I've been here since July of last year, and a fine station this is. We boast of many valiant actions and several D.F.C.'s.

My athletic activities during the past year have been limited, as 15 months ago I twisted my knee playing squash and tore the cartilage. I tried to manage without an operation, but five weeks ago the M.O. consented to cut out the offending cartilage, from which operation I have almost fully recovered.

Do you remember T. R. Lewis, of "Lamberts?" Well, he came here a few weeks ago. He is not attached to either of the Squadrons here, but is with a flight of aeroplanes doing odd jobs until they are called elsewhere. Lewis has been in the Air Force for three years, and is a pilot with the rank of Flying Officer. I'm one below him with the rank of Pilot Officer, but I'm due for my "extra stripe" in July.

I should like to know all about the old School, and shall look forward to a line from you. School days are a happy but quickly-fading memory. Would that I could live them over again!

My regards to the other Masters - Mr.Compton, Mr.Coates, Dr.Matthews, Mr.Checkley …

THOSE of us who were mobilised in those days towards the end of last August, when War was imminent, but not yet upon us, answered the call with something of the same thrill as was felt by the Schools as they evacuated. And as we moved out to our stations there was the same occasional glance towards the sky to see if the expected enemy was already upon us. Few of us knew what lay ahead, and because we did not know the future, but at least expected excitement and probably danger, we sang and cheered as we moved away.

In the event, as everyone now knows, there was very little of either, and perhaps the difference between actuality and our expectations was the first and most serious enemy we had to defeat. But the realisation of that fact inevitably came slowly, and for the first few weeks we carried on cheerfully with our work.

The most vivid impression left by those early days was the way men blithely took to a mode of life entirely different from anything they had been used to. Members of the Stock Exchange, directors of companies, and even schoolmasters, were content to feed from bare tables, to work hard with picks and shovels, and to empty sanitary buckets. If we did get fed up ("browned off" the Army calls it), we disgustedly called ourselves navvies, but for the most part we cheerfully "dug for victory." And, quite apart from any military considerations, we did enjoy the change of job. There was something very satisfying in the physical work in the perfect weather that blessed the beginning of the War. And it was with genuine pride that we saw our gun emplacements take shape, and felt that they were a really solid piece of work.

One other important skill that had to be acquired quite early in the War was that of packing all one's worldly goods in as small a compass as possible and moving from place to place. It is not permissible to give details of our various moves, but by Christmas they had reached double figures.

It can well be imagined that after a few months of such life a practice camp came as a most welcome change. Hitler would not send us the targets for which by now we were almost longing, so we rejoiced at the possibility of firing at a "sleeve" towed through the air by a friendly plane. It was a grand moment when, for the first time, one could give the command "Fire," and away went the first round to burst quite reasonably near the point aimed at.

Back to War stations, and this time in all the rigours of winter. Still, the same waiting, and again a good deal of digging. And to use a pick in ground turned to steel by a fortnight's frost was indeed a change of occupation that might well try the academic muscles of a schoolmaster! But, thanks to liberal helpings of hot tea, and, at night, a precious tot of something stronger still, the job was carried through. Worse, perhaps, even than the frost was the mud that came with the thaw, for there are few things harder to get rid of than sticky clay. If you want a really absorbing problem, try towing a heavy gun over a nice wet fallow field!

More recently, for me personally, the Army has provided a further change, for once more I have become a sort of schoolmaster. Not a specialist in French, but an instructor in anti-gas. This has meant a very different kind of life. The job itself is interesting, though one misses one of the main attractions of a schoolmaster's work, that of seeing one's students gradually develop in all sorts of ways, through a number of years. A course repeated every few weeks to a different squad of men cannot provide that interest.

And now, as I write on Whit-Sunday, 1940, the War has taken a yet more dreadful turn, and not all the beauty of another perfect day can banish from one's mind the thought of War. I am, in fact, on duty by a telephone, on the alert for the message that may announce that a raid is imminent even in this remote corner of England. Waiting, still waiting, but now with greater expectation . . . Yes, there she rings! I pick up the receiver. The A.T.S. telephonists are asking when someone is coming to clear the rubbish box in the 'phone room! We wait again.

The War Comforts Section of the O.Q. Club is considering extending its scheme to cover all those serving in H.M. Forces, whether at home or abroad.

The following Old Boys are serving with the Forces. We should welcome names and addresses of any others. Readers wishing to write to any of them should send their letters to the Editor, who will forward them.

ROYAL NAVY.

Signalman J. V. Ayling.

P. H. Beveridge.

Midshipman D. A. Berrill

Paymaster Sub.-Lt. S. Elsey.

O/Signalman J. F. Marlow.

Midshipman R. K. Pexton.

Sub-Lieut. J. M. Smith.

Cadet C. A. Watts.

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

Pilot-Officer F. J. Austin.

Bartrum.

E. F. K. Campling.

A.C.2 E. C. Little.

J. McLaren.

Pilot-Officer D. Murray.

Corporal L. A. Page.

A. H. Williamson.

Pilot-Officer G. Whittard.

THE ARMY.

Gunner L. R. Baars, R.A.

" K. L. Barbour.

" E. Canter.

Sergt. J. Chapman, R.E.

H. W. Croucher.

L. Crowley.

Pte. D. Cobb, R.A.O.C.

E. Cox.

H. W. Day.

Pte. W. J. Dibben, R.A.O.C.

Lieut. H. G. Everett, R.A.P.C

R. P. Field.

Gunner M. K. Furey, R.A.

R. H. Gable.

E. J. Gillingham.

Sapper K. E. Hadley, R.E.

K. H. Jobson.

R. W. Mowat.

Signalman D. R. Norris, R.A

J. H. Parker.

Lieut. H. Pozner, R.A.O.C.

H. A. Reid.

Cpl. T. R. Ryan, K.R.R.

Gnr. K. E. Shaw, R.A.

Signalman L. G. Short, R.C.S.

2/Lt. A. Simmons, R.A.O.C.

N. Simmons.

L/Bomdr. A. J. Smith, R.A.

R. A. Sweeting.

Sapper A. J. Telling, R.E.

Pte. A. E. Willis, R.A.O.C.

It is with deep sorrow that we record the deaths of two of our Old Boys -

G. B. SPRANGE, R.A.F., and

J. V. AYLING, R.N.V.R.

SPRANGE left the School in 1935, and joined the R.A.F. shortly after the outbreak of the War. He was killed on May 22nd in a flying accident. Many Old Boys will remember his fine athletic performances for "Lamberts" and the School, and all who knew him will never forget his modest, lovable nature.

We published in our last issue a long letter from AYLING, telling of his experiences on a minesweeper. In our present issue there is another letter from him, written only a month or so before he lost his life, on June 1st, on War service. He was a grand fellow at School, always cheerful, manly, and self-reliant, and, as we watched his burly figure - he was 6ft. 2½ins. and broad in proportion - batting for the O.Q,'s against the School, we little thought it was the last time we should see him alive. The School is proud of these, her sons, and deeply mourns their loss.

Whether this is in time, or suitable, for the Quintinian I know not, but you asked me to drop you a line, so here goes. I'm getting over the "new boy" feeling very nicely thanks to a fine lot of brother officers and a grand bunch of over 2,000 real Lancashire lads.

Since I arrived I've been put through the mill pretty thoroughly, and the process still goes on. My hours of, "school" are 8.20-12.30, with a twenty-minute break, and 2-4.45. I am being liberally dosed with instruction in all kinds of lethal weapons, rifles, anti-tank weapons, machine guns, and all the rest of hell's armoury. I brought down several imaginary aircraft with imaginary bullets from a real gun to-day.

All the drill is quite different from the Light Infantry variety we did in the Corps, and has been changed from the ordinary drill of my own School O.T.C. days, so I've had to go right back to the beginning. Still, we're all doing very nicely, thank you.

If Adolf allows plans to ripen I shall probably find myself in a Southern town in six or eight weeks' time. On the other hand, I may be in the front line in --------? Who knows?

In the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition we were very pleased to note that two of our Old Boys had their work hung. S. A. RAY had two etchings, Before Going Out and The Milliners, and D. UFLAND a pencil drawing, Mary.

Ufland has also been awarded an Exhibition Scholarship tenable at the Royal College of Art for a Diploma Course lasting for three years.

G. H. NORTON, who is with the Ministry of Agriculture, has been transferred from the publications section of the Ministry to the Research Section, and is now evacuated to a Lancashire holiday resort.

THE chemist was on the verge of a great discovery. For months he had been working on the new explosive that would abolish wars. He was now examining a green-coloured liquid in a small phial. "Weston, Weston," he called .excitedly, "I have discovered it. With this phial in my hand I could blow this building sky-high. With this I could crumple up the armies of the earth like a gardener spraying green fly."

Weston's (his assistant) eyes narrowed. Suddenly he drew an automatic, fired, and mortally wounded the chemist. The latter gasped out, "England will get you," and then rolled over, dead.

Weston, whose real name was Von Bergner, hurried over to the 'phone and dialed a number. When he got a reply he walked over and gingerly picked up the explosive.

Suddenly, as he turned, he stumbled over the dead chemist, the phial slipped out of his fingers. He made a frantic grab at it, but it crashed on the stone floor.

There was a tremendous explosion and the building collapsed! When the blinding smoke cleared one could see a huge heap of debris, under which was the mangled body of Von Bergner.

ONE dull, lonely winter afternoon, when it was nearly black-out time, I was sitting in a comfortable armchair by the fireside. I had just finished my homework and had an hour of leisure before going to bed. All evening I had been longing to continue the book that had gripped me so much, "The Murder of Jack Mason."

Picking up the book from the floor, where I had thrown it down, I continued reading. I could just see the words by the dancing firelight, and I read:-

"Jack Mason settled down in his armchair, looking in the fire. He did not notice that opening the door was a sinister-looking man. This stranger went towards Mason, and his icy-cold hands, with the long nails, gripped him by the throat and strangled him till his last gasping breath died away."

I lifted up my eyes and stared in the fire, picturing this thrilling scene. I wondered why Mason didn't shout for help.

I yawned and closed my eyes. Suddenly I felt an icy cold breath in my neck! I immediately opened my eyes and felt something on my shoulder. Out of the corner of my eyes I caught sight of a pair of hands and felt their cold touch. My thoughts went back to Jack Mason. I lost my breath, and in a hoarse voice I screamed, "Help, murder!" I threw my book up in the air and knocked over the vase with a crash.

The lights suddenly went on and, astonished, I saw my mother. She looked terrified, and said that she had just come in in the dark and had only looked over my shoulder to see what I was doing, and I had yelled out and had thrown a book at her.

We were soon laughing together over our misadventure. But no more reading of horrors in the firelight for me!

I HAD been cycling all the afternoon along the leafy lanes and by the coast of Somerset and, tired and thirsty, I stopped for tea at a little cottage bearing the sign, "Plain and Cream Teas."

The only other occupant was a stout, middle-aged gentleman, and we soon got into conversation. I told him that I was on a cycling tour, and it was this that led him to tell me of a strange experience that he had had cycling in this very spot.

"I was living in a bungalow," he said, "on the top of a cliff. It was a very lonely place to choose to live in, but I needed solitude as I was writing a book. I spent a year there, my only pleasure being cycling.

One day I went to visit some friends some four miles away. I spent a very pleasant evening there, but just as it was time for me to leave a violent storm arose. My friends tried to persuade me to stay for the night, but I insisted on going, so I rode cautiously into the night.

I quickly realised that this storm was by far the worst I had ever encountered. I could hardly see a foot in front of me, and my lamp, although nearly new, grew faint, and at last went out altogether. But I pedalled on trusting solely on my sense of direction. Suddenly, my front wheel thudded into something, and the next moment I was lying in the muddy water of a ditch. Although dazed, I scrambled to my feet. I couldn't possibly ride my machine, the front wheel being badly buckled. So I decided to return to my friends as I had only covered about a mile of my journey. When I arrived there I had a hot bath and retired immediately.

I awoke next morning and I gazed out of the window across the bay to the cliff where I lived. Then I stood transfixed. During the night there had been a landslide, the cliff had disappeared - my bungalow with it.

And then I knew why my sense of direction had failed and my bicycle crashed the night before - why it had refused to take me to almost certain death. It had not been my hand that guided it, but the Hand of Fate."

IT started when my friend and I went to fly his aeroplane in the Deer Park. We heard the sound of shots and went to investigate. After a while we found the shooters. There were three men, one with a double-barrelled gun, the other two carrying the ferrets and the ammunition. We followed them cautiously. After a while we ventured to carry the ferrets and ammunition for them, then the man with the gun gave us some sweets, which, I must say, tasted good. We wandered further and further, and the man with the gun "bagged" more and more rabbits. He had an easy time. because the ferrets went in the hole and he just shot the rabbits as they came out.

After a good while my other friend joined us (he had been. to football); he was lucky because he had football togs on, and was it hot? The man with the gun did some magnificent shooting left to right, and most of the time he only used one shot on each rabbit. There was a big, golden retriever, called Roger, which brought the dead rabbits back in his mouth after they had been shot. This saved us a lot of running about, especially as some of the rabbits were quite a distance away. At one stand we got ten rabbits, and even then there were probably more. After a few hours I was sent a long way back for two ferrets; I had to carry them in. my hands as there were no boxes. I will never forget that time; it was very hot and the sweat ran off my face. The pesky ferrets tried to scratch me, and after a time I decided to rest and put the ferrets down. I put them down, after holding on to their tails, so that they would not run away. Thankful for the rest I sat down and let go of the ferrets. I nearly lost them, and I just caught them in time. I held them by their tails, which could not have hurt them, as I saw the men carry them like this. After a good deal of bother I managed to get back to the shooters, and after a good day's shooting we were rewarded with a rabbit each; and no wonder, because they got 70 odd rabbits. It was only when we got home that we knew that the man with the gun was Mr. Luttrell. We realised that we had not touched our caps to him. But we did so next time; and, "boy, oh boy," did that rabbit taste nice?

"AND the little Formidable broke the line. . . . The first to vanish in the smoke. . . . Men jostle and climb to meet the bristling fire. . . ."

Little Edward, or should we call him big Edward, for he was full ten, lay in bed thinking. His hard day had been interrupted by a certain amount of tomfoolery. For instance, while Mr. Groyster was struggling along with his old "Foametics," Ed. was throwing inked pellets at Bert Popham; and when Miss Edger was teaching the full multiplication tables Ed. was reading his "War Poetry."

He had come to bed late that evening; to be precise, 9.30. He'd insisted on eating cheese for supper. At last, here he was. He reflected on his deeds, good and bad, that day.

It was the same evening 12 years later. War had been declared against Germany. The whole responsibility for the War had been placed on a dictator's shoulders.

Edward, now Captain Edward Greames, had been detailed, with his three companies, to some small forward posts.

Three days later, and without much more ado, Ed. placed his 150 men carefully into ten little outposts. Each outpost had a runner in case the post was attacked.

For three days the "All's well" was given. Then, at 1 a.m. and 1.12 a.m. respectively on the fourth day runners came from two consecutive outposts with news that a line of some 80 tanks, supported by about 700 infantrymen, were advancing.

Greames, of No.1 outpost, immediately communicated to G.H.Q. "Counter attack," was the curt order. The men from the other posts gathered at the attacked outposts. A 2in. and 30 lin. anti-tank guns were brought into play against the enemy. (The guns were made by the Formidable Anti-Tank Factory).

And the little Formidables broke the line. . . . Men jostled and climbed to meet the bristling fire. The first to vanish in the smoke. A shell exploded in Ed.'s face.

THE arm of the signal fell and the twang of the tautened wires had hardly died away when around the corner of the dim track shot the night express, crimson steam streaming over its glowing cabin; the warning eye of the signal gleamed green through the darkness, heralding the approach of the hurtling monster. In an instant it was upon us, a glimpse of bronzed bodies feeding the glaring maw of the firebox, and then the carriages with diners enjoying a cigar over the lamp-lit tables, then a crazy frieze of light and dark, throwing silver squares upon the changing shapes of the country. There was a rush past with a clatter and rumble of wheels crossing points, the dark square of the guard's can, and then it was gone. The dwindling light of the tail-lamp turned a bend in the line, and then silence, save the dying sound of wheels fading into the distance. A startled bird fluttered in a nearby oak tree, and with an indignant chirp settled down to sleep again. The hoot of an owl echoed over the fields and woods as the night prowler stood out in sharp relief against the silver disc of the moon and, turning silently, swooped upon some ill-fated creature. Nature reigned once more!

WHOLESALE slaughter, that's what it was, and yet he, the youngest, had been chosen to carry out the killing. He told himself he'd disobey, he wouldn't be made a bloodthirsty murderer. But what was the use - hadn't he received his orders? hadn't he given his word? So he'd have to do it, whether he liked it or not.

A gurgling sound coming from a corner of the shed caused him to turn his eyes there. He sickened as he realised. his weapon; this latest deadly instrument was being loaded. Already he could see himself in control of it, able with one movement of his hand to wipe out thousands of lives. His. mind wandered to the sight which would greet him when he had ended this massacre. He could visualise the hundreds of bodies, dead or writhing in agony.

His thoughts were rudely disturbed by the crunching sound of footsteps on the gravel outside. They had come, there was no escaping now; he would have to go through with it. The footsteps stopped, the door was opening slowly. He heard voices. It was his father saying, "Here's the new syringe. Start with the beans, and if you have enough insecticide left over go on to the cabbages."

l. - What is the highest score made by a Test match team; where was it played; when was it scored; and what were the teams?

2. - What is the highest score made in a football cup tie; what were the teams; when was it played?

3. - (a) What is the record for staying under water and when was it done and where? (b) What is the longest distance swum under water?

LIFE is a path along which all must pass. The successful person does not ask to be shown the way - he is his own "policeman!" The failure, the man who does not command any successful achievement, is ever losing his direction.

So, no matter how hard the task maybe, be ever observant. Watch the Signposts of Knowledge, and you will arrive at that destination which we call Understanding.

A FEW months ago, in the second week of March to be exact, a party of boys, along with Mr. Hough, collected in the Domestic Science Room to discuss the School gardening which was to take place in the field at the top of the Hockey Field.

Saturday morning came, and after House meetings, we loaded a barrow with forks, spades, and mattocks, and proceeded to the allotment (to be), headed by Mr. Hough. When we got there and saw what was proposed to be a flourishing garden in time, very audible groans and comments could be heard. One favourite comment was, "Where are we going to get the tractor to plough it up with?" (We later learnt through Mr. Hough that the man who owned the tractor had actually refused to plough the ground). We got to work with mattocks and spades, however, and very soon had quite a considerable patch stripped of turf, though very few had ever done any gardening before. As the time went on we had two whole allotments cleared, but still all the hard work was not done. We had to dig the allotments over and, as we went, pick out the weeds (bind weed is the most common nuisance). The smaller boys weren't able to do the digging because it was too hard work, but they did a very useful job of work, more useful than most of them realised, by picking up stones on the allotments and throwing them away.

After many sweating mornings of "hard labour," as we termed it, we finished the two allotments and they were ready for seeds, plants, &c. The really hard work was over and we had the comparatively easy work of sowing; yet, we soon discovered, that sowing is not quite as easy as one would imagine on looking at the picture in the Bible of "The sower went forth to sow." Rows of seeds were planted, lettuce, beetroot, spinach, peas, beans, &c., and the early potatoes were put in in rows of about 2ft. apart.

Then there was the period of looking at the seeds to see if they were coming up (of course, we did other things besides look at them, because whatever time you enter a garden you will always see something that can be done, e.g., hoeing).

Gradually the seeds came up, all the young green leaves looking beautiful in straight rows. Weeding was done to make everything look its best.

Later, transplanting had to be done, rows of beans and peas had to have sticks stuck in the ground for the plants to grow up.

And so we come to the present time when we have three flourishing allotments. I must say the few (unfortunately, they are a very few) who have struck faithfully to the allotments from the beginning feel proud that it is their continuous effort that has made the garden what it is at present.

The boys who have stuck to work on the allotments will agree with me that after a few months of gardening under the tuition of Mr. Hough, we are able to say that we know at least "something of gardening," and as time goes on we hope we will become full-fledged gardeners like him.

I only wish that there were a few more boys who would come up and learn how to use a mattock, spade, hoe, &c., in the correct manner, as well as learning gardening for their own benefit perhaps for future years; they would also be "Doing their bit for our Country."

When the Fould, one of the ever-decreasing lines of windjammers, was 72 days out from Sydney, the breeze dropped to a mere zephyr, and the sea became as calm as a mill-pond. Finally, the wind died right away, leaving the Fould becalmed on a blue mirror, and the crew cursed, for they were now in a "danger" area as regards U boats. Three days later their worst fears were realised and a grey outline was seen surfacing 200 yards away. The crew felt utterly helpless; they couldn't move, they couldn't retaliate, except with two ancient Colt revolvers, but with these they kept the deck of the U boat well peppered. Then one of the ratings came up to the captain and said, "Excuse me, sir, but Robertson says he thinks he can send out an S.O.S. by oscillating on our wireless set." So it came about that Robertson laboriously tapped out an S.O.S. by touching two wires at the back of the receiver.

Twenty miles away a group clustered around the Wardroom wireless were annoyed to hear their programme of dance music interrupted by an incessant crackling. "Sounds like Morse, doesn't it?" enquired the Surgeon. "Call Sparks." And so "Sparks" was duly called and the eager group of listeners looked over his shoulder as he spelt out the message that Robertson, 20 miles away, was tapping out with the aid of the Morse code contained in a 6d. pocket diary. "Humph! the old man ought to see this," and "Sparks" disappeared through the door. So it happened that just as the U boat submerged to torpedo the Fould, a grey shape with a brilliant white bow wave appeared on the horizon. In a trice she was over the spot and fountains of water and patches of oil told of the depth charges' deadly work. Later the captain of the Fould, in seaboots, old reefer jacket, and scarf, greeted the spick and span naval captain of the destroyer. with a hearty handshake. "You came just in the nick of time, captain," said the Fould's skipper. "Yes, but what I don't see is how you sent us your message." Robertson was called to tell how he had tapped out the S.O.S. with the two wires and the crew's wireless set. Six months later "Sparks" Robertson stepped aboard a destroyer a fully-fledged wireless officer.

IN the summer of 1938, when I was still living at Cologne, my Italian professor, who was a major in the Militia branch of the "Faschio di Colonia," that is the Fascist party of Cologne, invited me to spend six weeks in a camp arranged in Italy every summer for Italian children. I gladly accepted the invitation, as it would give me the opportunity of spending some time in Italy, and of perfecting my Italian among the natives there. Every Italian child, in whatever country his or her parents may happen to live, is sent to Italy nearly every year to receive a Fascist training and to become acquainted with the country and Italian culture. All costs are borne by the Italian State. As I am a British subject and my name is a pure English one, it was Italianised into Driffi. One of my christian names, accidentally being of Italian origin, Guido Driffi sounded genuinely Italian.

On the 1st July a special train took 500 Italian boys from all over France, England, Germany, Czecho Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and the Balkans to Munich. They had all met in one town in Germany and were taken in this train from Munich. We went on via the Brenner to Italy. The camp was at a beautiful seaside place called Cattolica sul Adria. There was a unique camp on the beach of the Adriatic Sea. It had been constructed in the last few years to accommodate 2,000 boys. I say a unique camp because it was really a sight worth seeing. On the beach had been erected eight white buildings in the shape of huge ships, whose windows were like portholes, and all the fittings were like those in a ship, huge lifebelts hung down as ornaments, and the stairs were proper ships' ladders. Each ship had room for 250 boys.

All the sanitary conditions in these ships on land were of the most modern type. From the portholes above our bunks we looked upon the blue Adriatic Sea. On one wall of each ship hung a crucifix, on the wall opposite a picture of King Vittorio Emmanuele and one of Mussolini. The organisation in this huge camp was superb. Nuns of a holy order looked after us, made our beds, and served our food, and tenenti, that is, lieutenants of the Militia, lived in the ships with us and instructed us in sports and gym. We had our own cinema, hospital, and even a chapel. This chapel was very impressive. Above it was the inscription, "Stella Maris" (star of the sea). During divine service one side of this chapel was slid open and the altar stood open to view high up, and the 2,000 boys lined upon a square and could see the priest perform the service. He was a padre, a Catholic priest, who wore Fascist uniform in the camp. Every morning when the flag was hoisted, and every evening when it was brought down, the padre said the. prayers aloud, and the boys lined up in the large square, repeated line after line. Then the band played the Giovinezza and a cannon was fired. After that a huge dining room held us all for supper. The front side of this dining room was. composed entirely of glass doors that were opened by electricity. The day was spent in sea bathing, marching, and doing rhythmical exercises. These were musical, supple, and elegant movements compared with the stiff exercises of the Hitler Youth. All the boys were given a linen uniform while in camp. To my horror, on the second day of our stay, we were all sent to the barber's to have our hair shaved off, so that we looked like convicts. This was done so that there was no fear of vermin. Near the end of my stay there the 200 physically fittest boys were picked out and specially trained to be sent to Rome in order to do mass exercises before the Duce. Luckily I was among them, and spent a few days in the majestic town on the seven hills. We had to wear sailor's uniforms, consisting of white trousers, white shoes, a navy blue jersey, a blue scarf, and a white sailor's. cap, and it must have been quite a picture to see several thousand boys doing rhythmical exercises in this striking dress. We were allowed to keep these uniforms.

On my return to Cologne I found my parents very anxiously waiting for me as the first international crisis had arisen, and they were worried that they might not be able to get in touch with me, as I had lost my identity and was booked on a collective passport as an Italian boy. After having travelled for over 30 hours straight through from Rome to Cologne, I had one night's rest, and then hurried to England with my parents.

A funny thing happened to me the other day. I was seated demurely, as becomes me, underneath a stuffed parrot in the first cubicle on the left in the Library, ruminating bitterly over my past sins (for a short time) and meditating sadly upon my present impecuniosity (for a longer time), when a large oaf lurched wildly at my table and deposited a skull and a tibia at my side. I leapt to my feet, and was just about to ask Miss Gabriel to come and pinch me (or was I in Kingdom Come?), when I recognised my visitor as a big medical student of some renown. Really, these corpse-merchants should not give unprotected ladies such shocks.

Well, now to get on. Thank you for your nice cards and letters, boys. As usual, I have written personally to the polite ones. I must ask those dozen or so lads not to keep pestering me as to who Aunt Kate really is. One boy actually suggested I was Mr. Russell! or else Mr. Smith. What cheek! Why should I be any of those people instead of just myself? Once and for all, remember I'm plain Aunt Kate, and to prove it am enclosing my photograph. Here it is -

One boy has asked me, "Why isn't the Poly. a mixed School?" Well, that's easy. It is; very mixed.

I now burst, as usual, about this part of the page, into lyrical poetry, the balm of hurt minds and down-trodden toes. By the way, talking of toes, isn't it a relief not to have strap-hung for a whole nine months? And what a joy to be no longer one small pip in that human jam at Oxford Circus.

Ah! noble sentiments those! Hard work, too, especially the last line. I hand it gratis to the School and the whole lot may be sung or recited, subject to Workmen's Compensation Act, to the accompaniment of harp, sackbut, or psaltery.

Now we come to my Competition. Here is a charming idyll, entitled "Summer Time in Somerset," and you have to find out what is wrong with it. Prizes, as usual, will be invaluable:-

lst prize, complete parts of a bicycle (on show in Ridler's Yard). A splendid present for an intelligent boy.

Hand your copies in addressed Aunt Kate, "Competition Korner." The Editor's decision, as usual, will be futile.

THE drowsy hum of Lower 5A doing their bit of gym comes faintly echoing along the red-brick and glass causeways. They are quietly playing netball. Mr. Lambert is whispering softly a geometrical theorem as he ruminatingly bites a small piece off an exercise book and chews it. County School girls flitting, fairy-like, bedazzle the gaze of the inmates of Room 6, who envy them their grace and rhythm and the joy with which they cut and smash and drive with unerring precision on the immaculate, well-cut courts. A dog of no fixed abode or breed, or inclination, appears and cheerfully ambles in and out the windows until he comes to Mr. Hough's class-room. Here he halts, alters his mind, remembers an engagement elsewhere, and sidles off luffing steadily with his rudder hard down under.

A far off murmur drifts across the road from the distant cricket field, and the noise of repeated thuds draws tears of envy to the young master's eyes as the ball goes skimming across the close-cropped, well-tended grass to the boundary. Just by the School a fighter-plane - one of England's latest models - piloted by a young Air Cadet from 3B, comes gracefully to rest on the grass verge like a bejewelled dragon-fly that has been re-born with silvery wings to flit over ponds and reeds and sedges.

Masters, one by one, forget to set any homework as they dream away the happy hours.

Finally I come to my "Saying of the Day." It's from the ancient Chinese, and is dedicated to all Poly. cyclists. Here it is:-

5. - (1) Arsenal, (2) Sunderland, (3) Preston North End, (4) Portsmouth, (5) West Ham.

1. -	Kerridge-Swan	...	171½ points.
2. -	Russell-Matthews	...	133
3. -	Broodbank-Stevenson	...	129
4. -	Lambert-Newman	...	121
5. -	Andrews-Hough	...	102½
6. -	Hester-Lowe	...	72

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