41Q2 - THE QUINTINIAN, SUMMER 1941

AS a result of a special concession in time for completing these notes, I am able to record the visit of Sir Kynaston and Lady Studd to Minehead. They have been here for a week of perfect weather, and have been able to see much of the School.

To-day, Sunday, 6th July, they were both at the School Sunday service at 10 a.m., and have just set out for London. The whole School appreciates the fact that of the very limited time Sir Kynaston and Lady Studd have, from their duties in London, they have spent so much of it with us. At no place could they have been more welcome, and the regret at their departure was shown by the crowd of boys who waved "God-speed" as they left this morning.

Cadets, Air Training Corps, Scouts (Land, Sea, and Air), were all inspected on Saturday (5th July), and cricket matches at the Dene ground during the week, and again on Saturday, when the School won at home against Timberscombe, were also visited. The Town Clerk (Mr. Mansfield) and the Chairman of the Council (Mr. Dewar) at Minehead, Lord and Lady Cromer, and others also met them, and they were able to refresh their memories of most sides of the School life.

The annual sports took place at the Recreation Ground, Minehead, this term, and although we were sorry not to have Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey with us as last year, we had a good meeting, and some local visitors, including the Chairman of the Minehead U.D.C. and some representatives of the L.C.C. from Taunton.

No records were set up on the ground, but a good meeting resulted in Kerridge-Swan being Cock House.

Congratulations to W. J. Woodage, School Cricket Captain, and to H. Norman as Vice; also to G. Warren, School Athletics Captain, and R. Graham as Vice; to P. Manners as Swimming Captain, and E. W. Methley as Vice.

Scouts continue to show a keen outlook, and the 20 Sea Scouts, 30 Land Scouts, and 40 Air Scouts are all enjoying their Troop work because of the keen spirit they are showing. Mr. Sambrook, Mr. Eckersley, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Rowe Smith, and J. S. Shuttleworth are to be congratulated on their performances.

The Cadets continue to show their enthusiasm for military training, and Captain Smith, with help from the Junior Leaders' School and other Army units, is trying to put up a new record in the Certificate A examination later this month.

The A.T.C. have shown no diminution of the keenness which marked the formation of the unit, and Mr. Checkley is satisfied with his command. When they have the blue uniform their parades will show a smartness which will be hard to beat - judging from their mufti parades. Mr. Beresford, as second in command, and all the non-officer members of the Staff who co-operate in the training of this unit and of the Cadets, are to be thanked for the splendid work they are doing.

Sub.-Lt. D. A. Berrill, who left the School to join the Fleet Air Arm just before the war, was in action against the Bismarck and was at first reported missing, but we are glad to know that he was later picked up and is again to be seen in London. It is grand to know that the School had an Old Boy in that action. Congratulations, Berrill!

News of Masters and Old Boys on service is scarce, but is recorded elsewhere. I had a line from Mr. Cottam, who, apparently, was on the Lofoten expedition, and is now on P/W work.

Lanman has now completed his training, and is doing big things on the engineering side of the war effort.

Mr. Tyler is in North Africa, Mr. Marshall is in Cyprus, but no detail is available.

We have been glad to have Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey here during the term and look forward to seeing them again before we stop regular lessons. Dr. Williams came with Major Marchant and gave the School their usual inspection. He could find no trace of malnutrition in the boys; so, physically, as well as in all other respects, the boys are able to report "progress at least normal."

The School Certificate and Higher School Certificate examinations are in progress, and we hope for good things in the results in most Forms, and hope for surprises in some cases!

On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of July a joint Dramatic Society of the School and the County School is presenting the play, "For the Love of Mike," at the County School. Already many tickets are sold, and Dr. Matthews assures me that at recent rehearsals he has been well pleased with the cast, and that he fully expects first class performances.

The term ends on Wednesday, 23rd of July, and no lessons will be arranged until 11th September. We hope that the boys will have a good time here and, at the moment, I am waiting for news of schemes of forestry, &c., which I hope may be possible in the holiday!

To all boys leaving we wish the best of luck; and to all connected with the School I would like to pass a hint that there will be a chance for some new boys to take the places of the leavers. Applicants supported by friends of the School, will naturally have a strong pull when I make out my final list of new boys for September.

IT must have occurred to many of you that the present chaotic state of education cannot continue indefinitely. Sooner or late a drastic reform of the whole educational system will have to be undertaken, and I should like to indicate briefly the general trends which education after the war seems likely to follow, and also to give my own opinion as to what is, and has been, wrong with education, and the reforms which I consider desirable.

For many years there has been a steadily increasing feeling that not only is our present system of education at its best inadequate, but also that the whole approach to it is entirely unimaginative and unenlightened. This is illustrated not only by the Spens Report of 1935, and by the discussions in the House of Commons, the Press, and the B.B.C., but by the constant flow of children to Private Schools. I am not disputing the fact that in many cases this latter is due to snobbery - it certainly is so - but at the same time it is evident that many parents feel that in sending their children to Private Schools they are gaining a more imaginative education than the stereotyped education, often by inferior teachers, proffered by the State as elementary education.

It seems to me that the whole approach to education is radically wrong. All that modern education does is to instigate a competition amongst Schools to determine which can produce the most effective human sponges; in other words, which School can produce children able to soak up the greatest possible knowledge in the least possible time. Once the mass-production machine is running smoothly the system is able to turn out "educated" children at a fairly consistent rate and to announce with almost monotonous regularity the percentage rate of success at the examinations; with apologies if the production of human sponges is below par, and with congratulations if the children are more knowledgeably "wet" than usual.

I believe that the present system of examinations should be entirely abolished. Children in the early stages should be taught things in order to provoke their thought, exercise their mind, and make them wish to learn more. In the secondary stage children should be taught to regard knowledge not as an end in itself but as a means to wisdom, and should be encouraged to apply their knowledge to individual research. The General Schools Examination should be replaced by a number of treatises, spread over a number of years, upon set subjects, that are the product of the child's individual thought backed by knowledge. This would enable the child's analytical, critical, and appreciative powers to be brought into being, and would thus be much more comprehensive than the purely memory test. All subsequent exams. should consist of theses submitted over a number of years.

There are other aspects of education, however, such as social education. Yet we never, or rarely, teach children things like the rights and duties of citizenship, the responsibilities of property owning, the social and economic function of the family, and a hundred other intricacies of social life. We evidently expect our children to be educated by practical experience - but what a hard school and how unnecessary. What fatal mistakes must have been made, what tragedies unfolded, what ignorance revealed amongst all; even amongst those supposedly fully educated. If "man is fundamentally a social creature" why does he neglect to teach even the elementals of social living? The answer is, because the Government is afraid of the potential power of educated masses. Imagine a people fully equipped with a knowledge of what social services ought to be, and could be, fully conscious of the Government's responsibility and their own power, and with a new hope for a new life. That would be far too democratic. The Government would be exposed as a negligent and very much biassed organisation ruling in the best interests of the class they really represent - the aristocracy.

It is not my desire to attack schoolmasters in particular or in general, and yet I must offer criticism. Most of the better type of schoolmasters are well qualified in the subject they have to teach. But is that the only essential? It is not the depth of knowledge which counts so much, as the power to impart the knowledge at their disposal. I believe that that power should be cultivated in the training of teachers and also that knowledge of child psychology should be essential. It is better to learn these in the beginning than to warp children's minds whilst gaining experience.

Thus briefly, and with many omissions, I have stated general trends and my own opinions. Throughout the whole of my reflections it has not been my intention to lay down principles, to assert doctrines, or to establish dogmas; but if, in my search after truth, I have blown into the reader's mind a spark of thought which craves to be fed, my purpose will have been completely fulfilled.

BY the time this is published the 1st C/Bn. 6th K.R.R.C. hopes to have successfully survived an annual inspection, piloted some 15 cadets through a Cert. A Examination, and got all arrangements in hand for a summer camp. This is a somewhat ambitious project; but our new password is "Star," and this in Quartermaster parlance is:- "Star - hitch your waggon to. One."

We have been easing up on parades for the last month until boys have taken their School exams.; and the Headmaster has promised that we may then put in a couple of weeks of intensive training. This will include day excursions to perfect our fieldcraft, squad and arms drill (already the Candidates are showing progress in voice control and are well up in timing their words of command), knowledge of the rifle and Bren, and mapping.

Candidates for Cert. A must have been in the Corps for two annual inspections at least. This is, therefore, the moment for us to do a spot of recruiting.

A Certificate A will go a long way to helping a senior lad to a Commission in the Army. If he can add to that the fact that be did much of his training under the guidance of regular Army instructors, who have of late received certain tokens of favour from the War Office, then he should be well away. It follows that boys of 14 to 17 years who join now will be in a position to take their Cert. A in just over a year's time.

We are out to train "Stars," to make leaders with a capital "L"; to find men who know their work inside out, so that we at least can knock those miserable words "muddle through" out of our English vocabulary.

Finally, remember that this last is said in no way to prejudice a boy against any other School Cadet or Scout Unit. I want to see recruits make their choice and then back it with all they have. Every boy who joins a School Corps now is helping all the School Corps.

WORK in the instructional classes was suspended early in the term so as not to interfere with the final preparations for external examinations. To make up for this time the Headmaster has agreed to arrangements for a fortnight's intensive course at the end of the term. This will enable boys who are leaving to take the proficiency examination before they depart and, we hope, continue their training in another Squadron.

Through the kindness of the Adjutant of a local Military School, the unit was allowed to observe and, in effect, take part in an exciting exercise. This has been the high-light so far in a term of quiet work.

DURING this term the light evenings have enabled the Troop to hold some of its meetings in the open air, and some very good games have been played in the open country around.

Five members, having completed their Tenderfoot tests, were invested during the term, while three gained their Second Class badge. The following proficiency badges have also been gained:- Firemen, by Barnett, Peissel, and Thie; Pathfinder, by Bennett and Peissel; Signaller, by Peissel; and Artist, by Humphreys.

THE Troop has been meeting on two evenings a week and excellent progress has been made. Now that the badges have arrived most boys will be invested with their Tenderfoot, while many have almost completed their Second Class tests. Patrol Leader Tom has obtained his Interpreter's Badge and is awaiting a test for signalling. Patrol Leader Manners has qualified in ambulance work. We are all most grateful to Mr. Eckersley for his interesting course of signalling talks, and Scouts are now looking forward to doing some work with him out of doors.

Mr. Checkley's series of lantern lectures on the History of Flight has been interesting and very instructive and will help all boys in their air work. We want to thank both him and Bidgood, who has been in charge of the lantern, for giving up so many Monday evenings. Bidgood has also given a most helpful talk on aeroplane modelling and he and Doswell have promised to help boys with their models when work begins on them at The Dene.

There is keen rivalry between the four Patrols, and at the moment the Swifts lead in general proficiency.

THIS is probably the last time that I shall write these notes, as I shall be saying good bye to the Troop at the end of this term. Here's to the day when we are all reunited in London. The Sea Scouts have, I think, good cause to be pleased with this term's work, having gained 9 Second Class, 3 Pioneers, 2 Signaller, 2 Ambulance Man, 3 Swimmer, and 3 Rescuer Badges. A large number of Scouts also have passed sections of their 1st Class badges.

The Troop has been able to start a 4th Patrol, owing to the officer's quarters being moved outside The Den. Ralph Worsnop, who has been doing good work as Troop Quartermaster, was unanimously elected as the new P.L., and he with his second, Hardcastle, have decided to call the patrol the "Curlews." The starting of this new Patrol leaves two vacancies in the Troop, which we hope will soon be filled.

By the time these notes appear in print the District Sports will have been run, and although we will have a shortage of entries for the senior events, we hope to be able to give a good account of ourselves. We are also looking forward to the Summer Camp at Homer, where we hope to enter a Patrol for the County Flag competition.

In conclusion, I should like to mention one of our most important activities, the combined "Scouts Own," on the first Sunday each month, when all the "Poly." Troops meet for a short and informal prayer meeting. These have been well attended, and we are looking forward to many another pleasant hour in the future.

SO far this term the School XI. has acquitted itself really well, and we have enjoyed some most interesting cricket.

We opened our programme against the County School with a runaway victory. School scored 155 for seven wickets, thanks to a brilliant century (not out) by Alec Woodage. Our bowling proved too good for the County School, who only made 16, Cliff Woodage having the excellent analysis of eight wickets for three runs. Truly, it was a "Woodage" match.

The match against Queen's College, at Taunton, was perhaps the most exciting of the term as the result was so very close. After we had scored 63, Queen's replied with 71 for nine wickets, their victory being largely due to the excellent wicket-keeping of their captain, who had three victims.

We next had a visit from Wootton Courtenay, and narrowly lost by 96 to 108. The result might have been very different had not Alec Woodage been run out when he had scored 30, and seemed well set for a big score. Several good wickets have been lost owing to a lack of understanding between the batsmen.

Against King's College, Taunton, the School team were hopelessly outclassed by opponents superior in all departments of the game. Conditions were wretched and we were only able to knock up 32 against excellent bowling. It had been raining lightly during our innings, but when we took the field it was raining hard, so that it was difficult for our bowlers to get a footing. King's then knocked off the runs for the loss of only one wicket.

On Whit Saturday our opponents were an R.A. Battery XI. Unfortunately our captain, Cliff Woodage, was not well and stood down, so that our bowling strength was seriously impaired. Since the Army XI. included Lt. Burns, a former Lancashire player, who scored 14 and took three wickets for two runs, we can congratulate the XI. on only losing by 70 to 95. Alec. Woodage played a grand innings of 37, and was unlucky in being out hit wicket.

In the return match against Queen's College, at home, we avenged our defeat at Taunton, though time prevented our winning. Our score was 122 for eight wickets, Jones, D. D., making a spirited 50 not out, Hartley 35, and Whitmarsh 23. Our bowling, full of sting, was the best of the season (C. Woodage six wickets for 11 runs), and Queen's only made 18 for nine wickets. They very sportingly offered us extra time to force a win, but we failed to part the last two batsmen, who played gallantly to save the game.

Our win in our home match against Huish's School, Taunton, was the best performance of the season. It would, perhaps, be correct to say that their batting and bowling were superior to ours, but the deciding factor was the high standard of our fielding and the spectacular catches that were taken. Hartley scored 25, Whitmarsh 23, and Norman 23 not out. Cliff Woodage was the spearhead of the attack, bowling throughout the innings and taking six wickets for 39 runs. We richly deserved our win by 105 runs to 84.

When we met an R.A.F. XI., at Dunster, we had the unusual experience of a tie, each side scoring 33, our last man being unfortunately and foolishly run out. Three men were run out in this game, so that, again, bad running between wickets cost us the match. Cliff Woodage had the fine analysis of five wickets for eight runs.

On June 28th we visited Timberscombe, playing the match in delightful surroundings, and narrowly losing by 61 to 45. Warren, G., bowled better than ever before, taking 3 wickets for four runs, and Jackman got two very good wickets for eight runs. Witmarsh played a dogged innings of 19 not out, and if anyone could have stayed with him, we should probably have won.

The return match with Timberscombe, on July 5th, proved the most thrilling of the season. On this occasion we were privileged to have Sir Kynaston Studd as a spectator. He watched the game with an expert eye and was well pleased when we dismissed Timberscombe for 57 runs. Both bowling and fielding were first rate, and C. Woodage had the excellent analysis of six wickets for 16 runs, this probably being his best performance of the season. The School's innings opened disastrously, wickets falling rapidly and few runs being scored. When six wickets had fallen for nine runs the match seemed as good as lost, and with ignominy. But, as Sir Kynaston reminded us, no match is lost till the last man is out. Norman and Booker came together and the whole outlook changed. While former batsmen appeared to be hypnotised, this pair treated the bowling with contempt, finding the boundary time after time. Norman scored 34 and Booker was undefeated after scoring 54, our final score being 97 for seven wickets. We offer our congratulations to both these boys on their excellent performance.

On the whole our batting is uneven and uncertain; the opening bowlers are excellent and full of "devil," but then there is a lack of variety, though G. Warren has improved considerably during the term; the fielding is keen and of a high standard. The team is well captained by Cliff Woodage, who has borne the brunt of the attack. He must be warmly congratulated on taking 45 wickets for 167 runs at the time of going to Press. This means that he has taken more than half the wickets which have fallen to our bowlers in the eight matches so far played. Alec. Woodage leads in the batting averages with one of 22.

A GREAT deal of publicity has been given to the above subject. Every day newspapers print the advice and recipes of their experts, the B.B.C. broadcast their ideas daily, and so the housewife and the bachelor (yes, there are still some) have a wide range from which to choose their next meal. But, in spite of all this assistance, people still worry about their next meal, and that is the reason why I am writing this article.

Throughout my career as a chef I have found that if sausages can be obtained you have always the basis of a good meal. Now you say, "Supposing I am in a hurry and the shops are closed, where are the sausages coming from?" and I reply, "Madam, have you ever considered your cat? The tail end of your cat? Don't look at me aghast; think how quickly it can be done. One smart blow of your knife and you have enough tail for about four good sausages. No? You don't like the idea, but if you cut off his tail the children can't pull it, and annoy the cat; after all, we've an got to make sacrifices in this war, even the cat. It's off? Good. Now clip the hairs short to prevent their singeing and spoiling the flavour of this unique dish. Having prepared the tail, lay it out ready to roll in breadcrumbs. No bread crumbs? Then that pile of dust in the corner will do. Now frying, you must economise on the fat, so get out that half-used tin of paint. The paint contains plenty of oils essential for frying, and if it can make a chair or a table look nice I'm sure it will make the sausages look more tempting. Now you need a vegetable to go with it. What about potatoes? You have none? I'm sure you can find some chips. Now look at that old box; break off some pieces and boil until tender, and then fry. It's got death watch beetle in it? Excellent - they will add more flavour. I think you'll agree that is quite a tasty dish and easy to prepare.

Now a lot of people want to know how to make their sugar go farther. Well, if you leave some washing soda out in a jar for a few days, the water will evaporate and leave the crystals of soda. Grate them up, and it looks like sugar; that is one advantage. Another is this - chemically, sugar is an alkali and soda is an alkali; as soda is a stronger alkali than sugar, it must, therefore, be better than sugar.

Butter can easily be produced by buying a tin of ordinary cycle oil and a yellow dye. The dearer the dye the better the quality of the butter. Mix the dye into the oil and boil to ensure a thorough mixing, leave it to stand, and use as ordinary butter.

Now there is a shortage of suet for dumplings and puddings you need a ready-made mixture of unrationed ingredients. Well, just try taking the flock out of an old mattress, mix thoroughly with some glue, and boil to satisfaction. If you want a currant pudding, use the above mixture, only add a few sprinklings of soot.

I hope these few hints will give you some assistance in planning your day's menu. Good night!"

ONE fine day during the Easter vacation a group of Poly. boys assembled in what appeared to be the loneliest and certainly the bleakest spot in Somerset. This was a small clearing alongside the strip of gravel that passes for a road on top of Croydon Hill. We gathered there at the early hour of 10 a.m. for the purpose of acting as beaters for a group of deer-hunters from Dunster Castle. We started off, clad in our oldest clothes, at a steady pace, in a semi-circular sweep through shoulder-high saplings and knee-high gorse bushes. After about an hour we finished this particular sweep and, having achieved nothing, wended our way back to our base for a leisured packed lunch. After this lunch half the beaters decided that they had endured more than enough, and went home. The remainder, having decided to stay on the job, girded their loins and commenced a grand sweep from Croydon Hill down the valley into Broadwood, past the logging camp, and up Croydon Hill once more back to the hunters' cars. The entire distance, although on paper looking simple enough, was through almost impenetrable country, being thickly covered with woods, plantations, "bush-veldt" (the latter being just scrub-land left to its own devices) and, with hidden ditches to act as an incentive for breaking one's ankle. At last, however, after about a couple of hours hard work, we arrived, torn, bruised, cut, and battered, back at our base, to find that, although we had "roused" at least half-a-dozen deer, the guns had only managed a small "kill." However, the experience we (the beaters) gained during this day made our abrasions well worth while, and made us eager to renew the experience.

FOR the first week of the Easter holidays the Cadets held a camp. Fifteen of our "Certificate A" candidates, under the command of Captain Smith, attended it. Our camp site was in the corner of a field about 700ft. above sea level, a mile or so from the village of Berrynarbor.

We were preceded by a vanguard which took most of our equipment by an Army lorry to the site. The remainder followed them by lorry the next day.

We were divided into three squads of five Cadets, including an n.c.o. Four squads slept in bell tents, whilst the squad on guard duty slept in the guard tent.

Reveille was sounded at seven, when all Cadets turned out for a cup of tea, which had been prepared by the guard. Then all, except the orderlies, did P.T. until breakfast. At nine hours tent and equipment inspection took place, after which we had an hour or so to ourselves until we had been given orders about the day's arrangement.

There was a reconnoitre to Sherracombe for each squad, but our squad was the most successful. We were chased by a bull, and as we took one of Sergt. Jeffrey's famous short cuts, we walked an extra five miles to save walking one mile, and in the end we did a grand total of 17 miles by foot.

Cooking was very well organised by R.S.M. Shuttleworth. Mrs. Smith sometimes came up from the farm to help us, and I should like to give an extra vote of thanks to her on behalf of our squad.

Every evening we had a sing-song, and we were accompanied by C.Q.M.S. Robertson's "band," which consisted of two "squeeze-boxes," one mouth organ, two Cadet drums, and four tin soup-plates.

On the evening before we left we were invited to the house of the farmer on whose land we were camping, and we held a concert and a sing-song. Again our C.Q.M.S, showed himself an accomplished entertainer.

The following day two lorries called to take us back, and we arrived in Minehead at seven o'clock. We all enjoyed the camp and are hoping to hold another one during the summer holidays.

ON Wednesday, May 28th, the School held its second Sports Day at Minehead. The weather was kind, and, in addition to the full turn-up of the School, we had the pleasure of the company of many visitors, including the Chairman of the M.U.D.C. (Mr. Dewar), Mr. Mansfield (the Clerk of the Council), the Rev. A. H. Balleine (Vicar of Dunster), two inspectors of the London C.C., and many others.

Socially, certainly, the day was a great success, as it was also from the athletic side. No School records were broken, or equalled, but it should be remembered that the Irnham Road track is not quite the same as that at Chiswick. It is slower, and in places not quite flat, necessitating uphill runs. Yet, in spite of all, a very good standard of achievement was reached, one above the average.

As in previous years, competition between the Houses was as keen and as vociferous as ever. The results of the day showed a runaway victory for the Kerridge-Swan House, which is to be heartily congratulated on its success. But other Houses may learn in defeat some lessons from the victors. I note, for instance, that Kerridge-Swan scored some points in every event except three, which means that they had good entries for each event. In some events some Houses were not represented. Points cannot be gained if there are no entries. Again, Hester-Lowe, with no outstanding talent, came second, due, I feel sure, to the number of entries they had for the events.

The full results are given elsewhere, but here are some personal notes of interest. Triple events were brought off by G. Warren, Branscombe, and O'Neill. Branscombe put up a splendid run in the 440 (15-16), doing it in only 2secs. under the record, and O'Neill deserves mention for the 100 yards (13-14) in only 3/5secs. below the record.

The mile walk provided the usual disappointment, the style in general being poor, disqualifications too many and the time slow.

Two other individual achievements worthy of note were those of Dunford in the half-mile (15-16), and Metz in the open half-mile. Both performances, I think, on the home track would have come very near the record.

No account of Sports Day would be complete without recording the extremely efficient arrangement of the programme and the remarkable timing with which it was carried out. For this Mr. Compton, the Sports Committee, and all members of the Staff are to be heartily congratulated.

BOYS who were with us in Regent Street will remember the success of this Society, the fascinating despatches and photographs we received from the Captain, Officers, and Crew of the Sinnington Court in their journeyings all over the world, and also the selected few will cherish the memory of a delightful visit we paid to "our ship" when it was berthed at the Surrey Commercial Docks.

Unfortunately, the war and evacuation put us out of touch for a time with our ship, but I am pleased to say that we have now again made contact, but in somewhat changed circumstances. At the beginning of the war Captain Donald was transferred to the Mersington Court, which soon after was sunk by enemy action. I am pleased, however, to say that the Captain was saved and was to all intents and purposes uninjured. I am sure that the whole School will wish me to convey to him our congratulations and best wishes for his future safety.

Another change that we shall feel most severely is the fact that Mr. J. E. Cowper, the Chief Engineer, who used to send us those fine, long informative and salty letters, has left the service of the Court Company and, so far, we have not been able to get into touch with him. All those, however, who knew him, either personally or through his letters to us, will not be surprised to hear that he has been awarded the Lloyds War Medal. Towards the end of last year the Committee of Lloyds, with the approval of the Admiralty and the Ministry of Shipping, decided to strike a new medal "for bravery at sea," to be bestowed on officers and men of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets in cases of exceptional gallantry at sea in time of war. This is the official record, brief but thrilling, of what happened:-

The ship was heavily attacked by E-boats and enemy aircraft. The front of the bridge was blown in, the engine-room damaged, and the steam pipes burst. There was a crater in the cargo, which was on fire. The Chief Engineer stopped the engines and went to the aid of the Second Mate, who was badly hurt. He and Acting Able Seaman Robson got the wounded man across the skylights and into a partly lowered boat, but in so doing Robson was hit by a machinegun bullet. The Chief Engineer then returned to look for the Master in the chartroom, but he could not find him The eight or nine uninjured survivors and the wounded whom they had rescued got away from the ship, which was then on fire and seemed about to sink."

Again I am sure you will all wish me to convey to our good friend, Mr. Cowper, our heartiest congratulations on his decoration and to wish him the best of luck in all his voyages.

The command of our ship, the Sinnington Court, has now been taken over by Captain J. Thomas, who I feel sure will prove to be a very staunch and loyal friend. Arrangements have now been made for the School Sea Scouts, with their headquarters at The Dene, to take over the work performed in London by our School Ship Committee. They have already got into touch with Captain Thomas with a hefty mail, and Shuttleworth will be pleased to forward all letters from Poly. boys direct to the ship. Will all boys also please get ready parcels of books, magazines, and comforts for the ship's crew, let the Sea Scouts have them, and they will be sent off at the first opportunity to them.

Look out for announcements about "our Ship" on the Sea Scouts Notice Board. Let us all show that we appreciate the wonderful work our Merchant Navy is doing.

"Ah, here's an empty compartment; now get in, my dear, and take a corner seat facing the engine!"

"Now, let me see, there's my suit case, my hat box, the parcel with the odds and ends, my raincoat, my gas mask, and my umbrella."

"Isn't it funny how you can't think of anything to say when you're seeing someone off?"

"There's the whistle! Oh, no ; that's for another train. Give my love to Aunt Emma, won't you."

"The train's started to move now. Well, good-bye, dear. I hope you enjoy your book on the way down, and I hope you have some fine weather, and write and tell me if you can't find your butter ration!"

"£20," said the Managing Director, "was set aside to pay for our staff lunch. We got a flat rate from the caterers - so much per head, I mean - so we have a balance in hand of 8s. 11¾d."

This has been a term of examinations. They began at about half-term and continued almost until the last day of term. The Modern and Mediaeval Languages Tripos was one of the first to begin, so that although I had only four weeks in which to prepare to meet my fate, when it was all over I had nearly three weeks on my hands, though most of this time has been taken up with rowing.

In order to bring all the Old Quintinians in Cambridge together, a little party was held in Nash's rooms on 3rd June. Although the imminence of exams. kept Lewenhak and Naglovsky away, Lewis, Junge, Nash and myself had a very pleasant chat about the School, and our present pursuits. Junge is a recent discovery. You may not remember him, but he spent two terms with us in the Lower VI. Arts of 1937-38. He left to join the Bartlett School of Architecture, London, and when war broke out, being of German parentage, he was interned in Canada. He was later released, however, and rejoined the Bartlett School in Cambridge, where he remained unnoticed by his fellow O.Q.'s until this term. He has now completed his fourth year, and will be taking his finals next year. At the Poly. he spent much of his time in the Art Room, and he asked to be remembered to Mr. Merrills.

Naglovsky is also at the Bartlett School, and took his finals this year. Lewenhak has been extremely busy with his finals in Economics, which he has taken in two years instead of the usual three. Lewis has taken first year finals at the London School of Economics, and has been rather harassed of late by his duties as manager of the L.S.E. Dramatic Society, which gave a public performance this term. Nash has taken Part I. of the Natural Sciences Tripos, and should, I think, achieve a satisfactory result, in spite of the time which he has devoted throughout the year to Socialist activities,

One is for ever meeting the most unexpected people in Cambridge, and the other day I ran into Dos Santos, who is now with an R.A.F. Cadet Training Unit at Trinity Hall. We arranged to meet for a chat later, but unfortunately missed one another.

The May Races were held, as usual, this term, and in spite of somewhat unfavourable weather conditions were a great success, the standard of rowing at Cambridge having suffered surprisingly little as a result of the war. Since Nash and Lewenhak could not spare the time for rowing this term, I think I was the only Old Quintinian taking part. Mr. Compton and Mr. Ellgood will, no doubt, be pleased to hear that the St. Catharine's crews were very successful, though Mr. Pratt will probably not welcome the news that Jesus is no longer head of the river, having been bumped by Clare and Trinity Hall.

Very few of us in Cambridge expect to be returning next year, so I hope the sixth form will make every effort to fill the gaps in our ranks next October.

P.S. - I have not heard how the other O.Q.'s fared in their exams, but I have just learned that I gained 2nd Class honours in Part I. of the Modem Languages Tripos.

(We were very pleased to hear that in addition to his State Scholarship Smith has also been awarded a Kitchener Scholarship. - EDITOR).

From a letter from Mrs. Whittard, whose son, Geoffrey Whittard, left the School in 1936:-

"Did you know Geoffrey is a Pilot Officer, and is now in the Sudan? He left England during the last week in July, 1940. You may remember hearing (about the end of December) about Squadron Leader Stapleton getting the D.F.C. for going to the rescue of the crew of one of our bombers in the desert. Well, Geoffrey was with him. He is Squadron Leader Stapleton's observer navigator. Geoffrey said it was one of the greatest thrills of his life."

Three years away from the Secondary School has not made me lose interest in its activities. What names I do recognise in the Magazines do not seem to conjure up familiar faces, all the people about my own age seeming to have left in the last year or so. Since leaving in 1937 I have had three years of evening classes at Regent Street, managing to get a B.Sc. General Degree, with second class honours. I am now taking advantage of the blitzkrieg to rest on my laurels and try to remember, without doing any work, those few facts which I did learn at School. I doubt if this is being very successful, but at the moment my main interest is having as easy a time as I can in between studying for an exam. and going into the Army.

Hoping this finds you in the best of health, and all best wishes for the New Year.

P.S.-Would you please remember me to Dr. Haskey and Dr. Mathews when you see them.

I was very pleased to receive a letter from you, and I am greatly indebted to you for remembering me to the Staff, and wish to thank both you and them for wishing me luck in my new life in the R.A.F. Whilst on this subject you may be interested to learn that since my last letter to you I have been away to Oxford for two days stay with the R.A.F. and successfully passed my written examinations and flying medical, and in a final intriguing tussle with the Aviation Candidates' Selection Board was fortunate enough to get my papers as a pilot. After being sworn in, I was placed on deferred service for three months; and now I am officially designated 1318052 A.C.H.-Pilot Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. I was not at all surprised to read in your letter that many of my school-fellows are in the R.A.F.; for the very nature of the work undertaken by this Service provides an irresistible challenge to the sportsmanship instilled into all Poly. boys.

It is always a pleasure to write to you and keep in touch with those grand old Regent Street days, which cannot return until this show is all over; and I shall continue to write and let you know of my progress in the Air Force.

I have just received from home the Quintinian and was reminded that you may care to know that I am in the R.A.F. I have been here for nearly six weeks for arms training, &.c., and shall move in a few days for further training as a radio operator. I was interested in Drake's letter as I, too, have heard during the last few weeks from Todd and Wynick, and some time ago I heard from L. A. Page, who was near Cairo, and A. H. Tracy, who is at Gibraltar.

Please give my kind regards to those of your colleagues who remember me and, of course, accept them yourself.

I am indebted to Mr. Andrews for the following items of news, which are from letters sent to him by Old Boys:-

ALLAN H. SMITH, after training at Handley Page works (where Voss is now working) as an aeronautical engineer, is now training as a sergeant-pilot in Northern Ireland.

P. FIELD, who left us in 1937, was captured at Benghazi, and is now a prisoner of war in Italian hands.

C. NABARRO writes that he is going to volunteer in the R.A.F. with the hope of becoming a pilot, but hopes to come to Minehead before then. He had met Campling, who is now a pilot-officer and has been doing some good work over the Ruhr.

C. V. LEDDON writes: "You will probably be interested to know the result of my R.A.F. tests, which I had about 2-3 months ago. I wanted to get in the air crew, either as a pilot or observer. Unfortunately I was unable to pass owing to my eyes being rather weak. The Selection Board gave me the impression that I would do admirably as an observer (which I finally decided to be). However, I am to become a wireless mechanic. I am sure it is because my maths. were pretty good, thanks to you."

F. G. HALE is still going strong in the Navy. He is training to become an R.D.F. (something to do with listening for approaching subs.) and is stationed in Northumberland.

K. R. W. SHEPPARD is in Morayshire with the R.A.F. at a Pre-Initial Training Wing. He is doing Morse, navigation, armament, aircraft recognition, and maths., and adds: "I have managed to get a little instruction in the link trainer. I have also been up for a flip in a bomber for two hours, which was also an experience, as I had never been up before."

K. H. MILLER, who left us in 1939, writes: "My first 15 months were spent at Cambridge in feverish preparation for my second M.B. exam. I took the examination last December, and fortunately managed to get through. Although it was hard going, I managed to indulge in my favourite sport, rowing, and in my last term was elected captain. On January 1st, 1941, I left Cambridge and started my Clinical training at the evacuated Bart's. Hospital. A good number of the patients here are air raid casualties from London. For the first three months here I was a surgical "dresser." This meant that I had half-a-dozen or more beds in a surgical ward. I had to examine the patients, discuss them with the surgeon on ward rounds, and assist at any major operation. At the moment I am working on the medical side, listening to wonky hearts and wheezy chests, and arguing about them with my chief, the professor of medicine."

LEEFSON is in the Royal Engineers, and was seen by Mr. Andrews not a thousand miles from Dunster.

The older members, at least, of the Staff will remember Harold Jones, who left us in 1932 to go to the School of Dramatic Art, where he became an actor and "Griffith" Jones. Since then he has gone far - but let us tell it in the lyric words of the film critic of the Sunday Express (June 22nd, 1941):-

Griffith Jones, of the noble brow and voice like a whispering baritone, was asked to be leading man to both Norma Shearer, and Katherine Hepburn. Norma wanted him for "Romeo and Juliet," Katie for "Mary of Scotland." And he said "No."

He is 31, married, lives in Chelsea, is a gold medallist of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (1932). Was Elisabeth Bergner's leading man in "Escape me Never," Peggy Wood's in "Operette," Luise Rainer's in "Behold the Bride" (the play); has appeared in Shakespeare, Shaw, and many other productions of distinction.

In 1937 after a success as a Cockney waiter, he was wanted for the part of a public school boy.

The American boss of the film company who had seen him in "Gertie Maude," said: "Gosh, how can a Cockney guy play the part of an English public school boy?"

Temptation was dangled before Griffith. "Sign this contract." he was told, "just a matter of seven years, sonny boy-and you can have a Tudor mansion, a swimming pool, servants, cars, goldfish for breakfast, and your own swing band."

The only thing Griffith Jones couldn't have was the acting opportunity he wanted. He already owned a nice bath in Chelsea. He had a house and a car and a sufficiency of vitamin B to keep him alive.

Therefore he said "Nuts!" to the proposition, or words to that effect, and he escaped the serfdom of seven years' "hard" in Hollywood.

So he is a live wire instead of being a dead piece of celluloid. He is young instead of old. And I don't blame him for valuing all this at more than £100.000.

HARRY PILE. Died 17th April, 1941.

PETER GEORGE PANTING. Killed 26th April, 1941.

Sapper O. H. WORLEY-WELLS (1927-1930). Killed on active service.

WE were all keyed up to breaking point. For weeks things had been coming to a head and, at last, the great day had arrived. It had been arranged that we were to take the enemy by surprise, capture the bank, and, after that, it was not known for certain what we would do. All of a sudden buzzers rang through the still air. Gripping our weapons, we charged and captured the bank without much opposition.

In the meanwhile the enemy had arranged themselves in a straggled sort of order in front of us. Our Commander saw that the enemy were rather nervous and that a quick charge would result in victory for us. So we passed the word round that we were going to charge. A minute later the second in command gave the order and in another minute we were in amongst them. All of a sudden they wavered; they were running! Then in the moment of our victory a stern voice called out, "All in," and 3A retired triumphantly to their classroom.

"HERE is the nine o'clock news and this is Alvar Liddell reading it. Little news has been received since this morning about the fighting in Germany. Fierce fighting is still going on just outside Berlin, and our casualties are feared to be heavy. On the eastern side of the city Russian troops are now in contact with British and American troops; this means that the city of Berlin is now entirely surrounded. Except for mopping up operations in the regions of Milan and Turin, the whole of Italy is now under our control.

"An R.A.F. communique from Northern France states that fierce aerial combats are going on over Berlin. Since yesterday 45 enemy planes are reported to have been shot down and 15 badly damaged. Our 'planes have constantly been bombing the aerodromes in Berlin, and machine-gunning the enemy's lines and fortifications. From all these operations 17 of our 'planes have failed to return to their bases.

"Agency reports say that an important conference is being held between Mr. Churchill, Mr. Roosevelt, and Stalin. It is believed that they are discussing the present war situation.

"Since this news bulletin began a message has been received saying that the city of Berlin surrendered at two o'clock this afternoon, and that British, American, Australian, Russian, and other Allied troops entered soon afterwards. It also states that Hitler left Berlin earlier in the morning for Switzerland. No news has been received from Switzerland yet, however, to confirm this.

"That is the end of the news, and now listeners of both the Home and Forces wavelengths will hear a talk on 'What should be our peace terms,' given by the Foreign Secretary."

I HAVE spent many pleasant hours wandering through this delightful little Combe on warm, summer days, listening to the songs of the birds and, in early summer, the cuckoo. Walking by the babbling brook, or through the shady paths, some sombre, and some with occasional sunny patches, where one can rest and ruminate, and as one sits there, almost lulled to sleep by the steady hum of the insects. There are sudden turns in the paths which give one delightful views of the coast sweeping round to Blue Anchor Bay, and sometimes, on clear days, up as far as St. Audries. Then another sudden turn and one can look upon the cool, fresh green of the foliage, or the faint purple of a patch of fox-gloves in bloom.

Sitting on a log in the shady parts of the Combe, one may be lucky enough to observe a squirrel taking his evening meal, but if one makes the slightest movement he will scamper off into the depths of the fir wood or dart up a tree out of sight.

Then above the song of the birds and the steady hum of insects one is disturbed by the drone of an aeroplane. Only then are the horrors of the present day remembered.

THERE is a ghost story connected with Minehead, in the days when it was a prosperous seaport. An old lady, named Mrs. Leakey, died in 1634, and after her death she was said to come down to the shore whenever her son's ship was coming into port, and blow a whistle which had the power to produce a storm. There seems to be no suitable reason why Mrs. Leakey should have wished to wreck her son's s ship. But in the end the old lady ruined her son, as he could not persuade any men to sail in his boats. Sir Walter Scott gives the account of the "whistling ghost" in the notes of his poem of Rokeby. A Commission was held on the ghost by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who decided the story was entirely untrue, and his summary was the following: "That there never was any such apparition at all, but that it is an imposture, devised for some practical ends, but what they are we know not!"

I OPENED my bedroom window and inhaled the sweet, cool, refreshing night air. I heard the gramophone playing a soothing melody that reverberated throughout the still air, accompanied by the merry voices of the visitors talking and laughing in the room below. "What a lovely night," thought I, as I glanced out of the window. Before me, past the garden, lay the lake in darkness. Everywhere darkness, except where the moon, that was almost opposite me, made a golden path of mystic light across the still waters.

Oh, beautiful lake. How well I remembered the first time I saw you. How well I remembered coming over the far, distant mountains and being stricken with awe and amazement at your irresistible beauty. I was enthralled by your splendour as the late afternoon sun shone on your blue waters, shone on the white, glistening sails of the numerous yachts, on the green fields and red-roofed houses that surrounded you, and on the green leaves of the trees on Haven Island in the midst of your mystic charms.

I could see the twinkling lights on Haven Island slowly get brighter as my eyes got accustomed to the dark. How fascinating they were to watch. But, hark! I heard my guests call me. With a sigh I closed the window and withdrew.

DAWN is approaching; nothing stirs; all is still and at peace. Slowly the first heralding rays of the coming day gleam in the Eastern sky. A horrible laugh is suddenly heard reverberating amongst the dusty rafters. Cold shivers come to all who hear this terrible sound. Terror strikes at their hearts, for they know their fate is sealed. Full well can they realise the reason why for many times has he struck, and surely many times again. They are innocent, kind; they want no power; peace is their one aim. But no! Because a tyrant wishes it their whole lives must change at his every whim and caprice. They have had to do this before, and as surely as this very day is approaching will they have to do it again. The time draws nigh; futile plans of escape flash through their minds, only to be dashed to the ground as the awful footsteps approach. Nearer, yet nearer, they come. Rebellion strikes in the hearts of the unfortunate victims. Their minds are fixed, their jaws are set. They will foil him of his gloating victory. They creep nearer the brink, and with a mighty heave hurl themselves into space as one man.

The waking-up Prefect at the Lodge opens the dormitory door and, to his intense disappointment, finds all the boys already out of bed.

RATTLE! rattle! rattle! Heinkel, Junkerschmitts 20's were cooling up on the tarmac. These dive fighters were going to bomb a vital new material used in the production of a low explosive. It was a milky substance gained from the rhubarb tree. These trees grew near the great industrial city of Minehead.

As these crates of the sky took off nuts and bolts showered down, for most of the 'planes were held together with string and wire. Nearing the English coast bombers took off to intercept them. These 'planes were Bristol Supermarine Wellingtons with a top speed of 15 m.p.h., which was considerably greater than that of the German 'planes.

Nearing their objective, they saw a huge battleship just putting out from the great shipping port of Minehead. It was the Emma Louise, escorted by the destroyer Skylark. Her guns fired at the 'plane until they were red hot, pouring out shells at the terrific speed of two every quarter of an hour. Not far away could be seen the "balloon barrage," which was the largest in Britain, around the nearby city of Dunster. Then the Heinkel, Junkerschmitts 20's swooped down. There was a snap of string and one of their engines dropped out. It fell and hit the ground with a tinkle.

The bomb-aimer then pressed the button to release the bombs, but nothing happened. Then he remembered they used their only bomb the other day, so they turned home.

That evening it was announced on the German radio: "Our glorious Air Force completely ruined the rhubarb trees, and out of 50 of our 'planes that took part in the raid 62 returned."

In the middle of a beautiful dream a hand descends with a smack, a boot comes down to connect with blanket-swathed flesh, the blood-curdling words resound, "Come on, juniors, all out."

A flash through the kitchen, a clanging of bowls, a terrific splash, and Johnny Gaylor has finished his first spud.

Mr. Judd strides into the common-room, stands before the assembly and, with a piercing eye, he gazes round the cringing occupants, until at the end of what seems an eternity he says: "I want some volunteers for the allotment; I'll have Rosen, Dallimore, and Price."

THERE is no more fascinating or healthy recreation than fishing, and few, if any, can claim so many ardent enthusiasts. The sea, rivers, and lochs provide enough variety of sport to suit everyone, and, more important, every pocket. But to my mind fishing with the fly is by far the most thrilling. It demands a fair amount of skill and concentration, for there is no fish which fights harder than the game trout of the river. Tackle must be of the best quality obtainable, while the rod should be of split cane or greenheart, preferably 10ft.-11ft. in length for a beginner. It is essential, however, that the rod is sufficiently supple for dry fly casting. The line must be "dressed" trout line type and should be between 25yds-30yds. in length. A tapered cast of 3x or even 9x should be used, for the finer the end the more fish caught, and even though the tackle might break, the fishing is infinitely better. The question of flies varies largely with the time of the year, the district, and the prevailing weather conditions, so I shall not attempt to say anything about them. Anyone going fly fishing would be wise to get information on flies and likely pools from a local man, who will generally give this information most readily. The procedure when a fish is hooked is to lift the tip of the rod, thus producing a tension between the fish and the rod, then, after playing, the fish has to be landed. This in itself requires a good amount of skill. When at last, however, the fish is caught it compensates for the hours which you may have been waiting for the rise.

WHEN we climb into bed at night and settle down to sleep I wonder how many of us notice the silence. The tick of the clock seems to increase rather than lessen it; one small noise sounding through the dead-silent room makes us realise how silent it is. But the most impressive silence that I've ever known was when the tube train stopped in the tunnel.

I was the only one in the whole long compartment and noticed idly the rattle and crash of the wheels underneath, the lights chequered on the wall outside, the telephone wires and pipes leaping, wriggling, and twisting on the walls like live things. The train then slowed to a halt; the grinding of the wheels became more noticeable until the creaking of the coachwork became more audible, then, with a strange suddenness, I found myself with nothing to listen to. The silence seemed to cling round me, like a mist. It startled me, this sudden change. I creaked my seat and coughed. I expected these solitary noises to resound in the empty carriage, but they seemed muffled. I felt I'd like to hear a noise that instead of being absorbed would echo with a sharp crack. I felt quite pleased when an accumulator box underneath gave a click that echoed in the tunnel. I heard the rustle of a turning newspaper in the next compartment that seemed quite unlike the usual crisp crackle. In the distance I .heard the rumble of an approaching train, not a succession. of sharply defined noises, but a continuous, dreary noise, merging with the other noises of the train. Then, with an abrupt jerk, our train lurched forward grinding, echoing down the tunnel. I felt a feeling of delight, of relief, we were leaving that place of lost noises.

"What do you mean by giving me this filthy work . . . . I asked for it last Monday morning."

(The Editorial Staff is unable to give all the answers, but no prize is awarded for a completely correct solution,-ED.)

(Having an idea who "this man" was, we showed him "Hahnenmann's" verses and received the following reply.-ED.)

OH! what a worry, a Magazine article for homework. Boys seem to have written about everything before.

"I don't want air combat stories, or crime stories, or anti-climax stories. I've had hundreds of them, and I don't want any more," Mr. Eckersley had said. What! ten o'clock already, and I have been thinking since nine o'clock. Ah! I have got it, "A visit to a Fighter Aerodrome." No! air fights are banned. There can't be anything left to write about! How about an Inspector Hornleigh thriller? I'll make their blood curdle. Oh, dash! detective stories are banned, too. Does the teacher want me to get brain fever trying to think of something to write about? I've got it; I will write about one of my queer experiences. This will grip every reader with its excitement, its humour, and its mystery. Although I say it myself, it will be the best thing that the Quintinian has ever published.

We are eagerly awaiting the Master's verdict. Yes, he's got my story in his hand now. He'll be telling me I'm to get a merit card for the best contribution! He's saying . . . What??!

"Of all the half-witted, illiterate things it has ever been my misfortune to read, this abomination by McVey is about the worst. To ask boys to pay money to read this in a Magazine would be little short of swindling. I don't believe you gave the whole thing more than five minutes casual thought. I . . . . "

And here's my new "Oh! to be" poem. The same can be safely sung at least one hundred yards away from any habitation or dwelling.

A certain boy, who shall be nameless, has just sent me the following question:- "If I wear a barrel instead of a pair of trousers, am I liable for any clothing coupons and, if so, how many?" The answer is, "No, Ridgewell, but you must still wear your School cap, and for goodness sake be careful when you leap up from your desk to answer one of Mr. Hough's mathematical posers."

Now we come to my competition. Answer the following. Write on both sides of the paper, in the margin, and on the edge. The Editor's decision will, as usual, be fine ale (if obtainable).

1. - Where are the following, and why? - Przemysl, Bydgoszcz, Nowysacz, Piotrkow, Ptonsk, Pinsk, Minsk, and Skinsk.

4. - When the *german invasion barges are moored to the posts so kindly provided for them on the Minehead beach what do we do next?

Here's my saying of the day. It'll do rather nicely for you boys who are booked for a spot of forestry, and it comes from the black backwoods of the White Russian front.

BATTING:-	A. Woodage	...	...	22
	Booker	...	...	21	.25
	Whitmarsh	...	...	12	.7
	Norman	...	...	11	.5
	Jones	...	...	9	.1

BOWLING:-	C. Woodage	...	45 wickets	- average 3	.7
	G. Warren	...	16 "	" 5	.5
	Hartley	...	13 "	" 6	.3