42Q1 - THE QUINTINIAN, SPRING 1942

EACH time the Quintinian is published, both the Editor and myself fear that it will be the last in the present size and form. However, we still wait and see how long our small circulation can be maintained in the present style.

It seems a long time since the Christmas holidays, but I should like to put on record my thanks to all the Governors and others who contributed to the Christmas entertainment fund. As already set out in the Polytechnic Magazine, we were able to have a very pleasant time, and votes of thanks to the kind donors of funds were given at the main activities. The biggest event was the Boxing Day tea and entertainment. All Masters and their wives who were in Minehead rallied to the enjoyable "duty" of preparing for and running the show, which was voted to be practically pre-war in standard.

To help the entertainments we were fortunate in having (at the end of term) an Army Concert Party, which was run by one of Mr. Merrills' many Army friends. It was a splendid show and, to the boys, an unexpected change in style from the usual excellent "home-made" end-of-term concerts.

The new School Hostel at Glen Lyn, over which Mr. and Mrs. Merrills preside, is doing well, and the boys who live there appreciate the constant work done on their behalf. They know they are on a good thing! At Glen Lyn there are 20 boys, at the Dene 36 senior boys, and at the Lodge some 55 boys - the total being just over 25 per cent. of the School numbers. I look forward to the time when all boys who wish it may be housed in such School Hostels, for, though there are very many excellent billets outside, and both the boys and the billetors there do not wish such a move, and I should not like to make it, there are other cases in which the change would, I think, be welcomed after 2½ years of war.

I was most gratified to have such a pleasing response from Old Boys to my appeal for news of them. I hope that those who did not write to me after reading the last appeal will do so now. The Old Boys' list is slowly being compiled, but there are still many vacant spaces in the column "present activity," so please write.

The Editor asked me to be as brief as possible, partly because of paper and partly because of time, which is an important factor at present, the printer having quite a lot of staff difficulties arising out of accident and the war. I must, however, mention a letter from the Rev. J. H. Clay which Mr. McKenna has passed on to me. He says:-

"I have heard from the parent of an ex-Poly. Secondary School boy, B. S. Lamb, who was quite well known in the Institute, that he has survived from the "Prince of Wales" and was then posted to the "T-------," and has again survived the sinking of that boat and is safe.

My full sympathy, and that of the whole School, goes out to the parents of J. I. Murchie, whose death in action is reported in the Magazine.

I leave to the last the especially good news of Campling. Like his friend, Berrill, he has been busy attacking important enemy ships. In his "star" effort Campling attacked the escaping German battleships, S. and G., and for his gallant action, after which he skilfully brought his damaged plane to England, he has been awarded a D.F.C. The School cheered the news of his award in a way Campling can well imagine. Good luck to him and all other Old Boys.

We reproduce at the head of these Notes the Christmas Card I had from Campling showing the special design on his plane.

THERE has been a scarcity of events this term, for there have been no Inter-House competitions except, of course, boxing. In this we scored a fair share of points, chiefly by the efforts of Manners and Watts; Manners not being defeated till the finals, in which he met Bawden!

The House extends its congratulations to those who obtained their A.T.C. proficiency certificates, and may the newcomers to both Cadet Corps do equally well.

The Inter-House Sports will be over before the next issue of the Magazine, so now is the time for the House to be reminded that, with steady training, it can achieve a good result in the finals. So what about it, Andrews?

National Savings cannot be stressed too much. Every day the need for savings grows greater and greater, so may I call on the House to contribute all the spare shillings which its members have.

Though the weekly totals are increasing steadily, thanks to the encouragement of Mr. Andrews and our conscientious representative, Jones, it is not enough, and more must be lent, so please do your best to co-operate; every little helps.

May I also draw the attention of the House to the fact that solid work is still essential so that the House may keep up to the good standard that it has achieved in past years.

A final word of thanks must be given to the ladies and the organisers who, together, gave the House a really splendid House concert and tea last Christmas.

I AM sure the House will join me in wishing Warren, who left us last term, every success in his future career. He showed us that he was a capable leader, and his athletic prowess was proved by the fact that he was a regular member of the school cricket and football teams. He was also the fastest sprinter the School has had for the last two or three years.

Catchpole, our new captain, will be, I am sure, just as strong a link in the chain of leaders of our House. Another new appointment, that of Muzikant to vice-captain, met with the full approval of the House.

On behalf of everybody connected with this House I take this opportunity of congratulating Campling, an old B.-S. man, who has been awarded the D.F.C. in recognition of his part in the attack on the German battleships, the Scharnhorst and Geneisenau.

By the time you read these Notes the Sports Competition will not be far away, and I give the usual reminder that this House Competition is not won by wishful thinking, but by regular training during the previous five weeks. GO TO IT.

THE main event this term for Hester's has been the election of Cliff. Woodage as the first School vice-captain. Let's hope he will soon get a long golden tassle. Heartiest congratulations, Cliff.!! There has been some Inter-House boxing this term, and out of four entrants - Za, Barringer, Morris, and Garret - Za got a bye all the way through, and the other three won all their fights. This was good work, but let's see a few more entrants next time.

Steward tells me that War Savings for the House is not up to the usual Hester's standard. Although every Hester-Lowe man is in some sort of War Savings scheme, I think they should support this School branch more fully. In the last House notes the name of Steward was unfortunately omitted in connection with his appointment as full Prefect. Congratulations to him, and also to Chatterjee and Gibbons on being made sub-Prefects.

NOW that the merrymaking and festivities of Christmas are over, we must turn our attention to other matters. The Spring term is now drawing to a close and most of us are beginning to think of the Athletic Sports. The Inter-House athletic sports meeting, usually held at some time during the first half of the Summer term, is one of the most important events in the School year, and all members of the House, particularly the new boys, should bear that fact in mind. The sports are, now that House competitions are so reduced, still more important than in peace time; therefore each individual boy should make it his business to help put Lambert's on top next Sports Day. The House's success depends on some good, honest training, and the entry of as many boys as possible in as many events as possible.

Unfortunately, for the greater part of the House, a small number of boys in the Middle and Lower School are rather letting us down in the matter of conduct. Lambert's fellows have recently constituted more than one-sixth of the names on the detention list, so an immediate improvement is hoped for.

Finally, a word about National Savings. With a House of over 60 boys, we should be able to make an advance on the present average weekly total. We still compare favourably with most other Houses, but we ought to try to set an example to the others by a substantial increase in our own takings.

THE Easter term is normally the shortest and least eventful in the year. But in some of the activities which have occurred Kerridge's have been outstandingly, successful. Not only have they once again won the Inter-House Boxing Competition, and so maintained a tradition which is at least seven years old, but they have won it so decisively as to gain more than twice as many points as the second House, Lambert-Newman.

It is gratifying to note, too, that the number of proficiency certificates gained by Kerridge members of the A.T.C. was well above the average for the Houses. Robertson informs me, however, that the situation regarding the Rangers' Cadets is not so good, and that K.-S. has dropped to third place for the size of the House contingents. In view of the National Registration Scheme, some of the senior boys would be well advised to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Corps, and so restore Kerridge's to the position they held last year - at the top of the list.

The situation of the House National Savings, while it is an improvement on last term's standard, is by no means all that could be desired. An excellent start was made at the beginning of the term, but since then contributions have dwindled considerably.

The need for a united effort applies not only to National Savings, but to the School Sports. In this sphere the House has held first place for some years past, and if it is to retain it, every boy must pull his whole weight. Remember that it is training which is decisive in athletic events.

THE past term has been marked by no athletic event in which the House could distinguish itself, although in the Boxing Competitions several of our members gave a good account of themselves. We are, however, expecting the House to do well next Sports Day, which is not far off; and in spite of the loss of Graham, who was one of our most reliable and consistent runners, a serious and sustained effort by everyone should make good the deficiency.

Reports of Mr. Beadon's progress continue to be encouraging, and I think we may soon hope to have him with us again to take his former lively interest in all House activities.

The National Savings campaign has increased the keen rivalry between the Houses. This term we have collected, Beck tells me, no less than £25, of which the greater part was the result of a united effort by the whole House during the recent Warship Week.

BEFORE we begin a resumé of this term's activities, we must congratulate an ex-C.S.M. of ours, Campling, on winning his D.F.C. Many seniors will also be pleased to hear that F. Branscombe, an ex-C.Q.M.S., has obtained his commission in the Indian Army.

This term the recruits we mentioned in the last issue have materialised ; our numbers are now nearing the 100 mark, and there is a waiting list in Platoon III (juniors). At the time of going to press the uniforms which we have been waiting for have not arrived, although they are expected any time.

During the Christmas holidays six n.c.o.'s went on a course at B-------, Somerset, the object being to instruct them in most sections of infantry warfare, and at the same time instil in them the "offensive spirit." As most of the School probably have heard from one source or another, the course was entirely satisfactory. It proved so popular that another is being held at Easter, to which we hope to send a number of Cadets. 2nd/Lt. Elgood took his Cert. A while on a training course with other officers. We are pleased to say that he passed, as well as coming "top" of his class. Our O/C, Captain Smith, went on a stiff course as well. He was placed on the strength of a King's Own battalion, and was in the Army proper for a time. The information gained from these courses is being used to train 30 Cadets who are taking Cert. A, part I, at Easter. These boys take part II during the Summer term, when 30 other Cadets are taking Cert. A, part I.

The weather has been too bad for shooting, but it is hoped to begin again in the very near future. Apart from this the weather has been kind to us, and we have had all our Saturday parades in the open, as well as short Sunday morning "ops." The Corps had a contingent of 30 boys in the Warship Week parade, where they gave a good account of themselves.

To conclude, we have started this year in our strongest position since evacuation. If the Cadets and n.c.o.'s "play the game" and help the officers to the best of their ability, then we shall soon be on a level with the Corps of pre-war days.

ALTHOUGH the routine work and training have gone on steadily, there are several outstanding events to record. On February 8th we paid our first visit to the Service station to which we are affiliated. Some instructional work was done and about a dozen Cadets were given flights. On Saturday, 28th February, the Unit made its first public appearance in the local Warship Week parade. A number of model aircraft of very high quality were exhibited in the Strand Cafe.

A proficiency examination was held at half term, and 25 Cadets were successful. A total of 35 Cadets have been successful in this examination during the past year.

By the time these notes appear the Unit will have visited another R.A.F. Station to see training for ground crews.

DURING the past term keen members have attended the Troop meetings regularly on Fridays, and good work has been done and games have been enjoyed. A mock Parliamentary debate one evening gave members an opportunity of letting off steam on various subjects. Rudolff, as Prime Minister, had an answer (of some sort!) for every question, and this gave a most life-like atmosphere to the proceedings!

A day's outing was spent at half-term, which included some stalking. Starting from Dunster, those who braved the weather enjoyed a good tramp through Broadwood to Withycombe Common, where lunch was eaten in the most sheltered spot which could be found - a small disused quarry. More outdoor work should be possible next term.

J. T. Mills has passed his Tenderfoot, and R. O. Williams and D. Rubin their Second Class. Williams has also qualified for the Fireman and Artist Badges, and G. Todd for the Interpreter Badge. All these are to be congratulated, as also is W. E. Thie, P.L. of the Swifts, since a re-shuffle of the Troop.

OUR strength has been maintained and our usual activities have continued. We have had several additions to our list of volunteers for the A.R.P. messenger service.

The Poly. Sea Scouts were specially chosen to escort the model ship, Taunton, during the Warship Week there, where they received a welcome that will not readily be forgotten. Some of our Scouts, too, were chosen for similar duties in Minehead's Warship Week. On both occasions the contingent was led by Troop Leader R. Worsnop.

THE Troop now meets in the Gym. on Monday evenings, and has taken every opportunity of the increased space and facilities offered. A number of new recruits have been enrolled, and several have passed their Tenderfoot tests. We are very grateful to Mr. Turner for a most interesting talk. He brought along some model aeroplane engines and arranged for Scouts to visit the electricity works, where they saw the engines running. Mr. Eckersley has continued with his signalling classes, and Wells has very kindly given some aeroplane recognition tests. More boys are struggling to provide themselves with Air Scout uniform, which is difficult to obtain, even when the necessary cash and coupons have been supplied. However, we were able to be represented in the official parade at the beginning of Warship Week and the new uniforms looked most smart and effective.

HAVING lost two redoubtable footballers in Alec. Woodage and D. D. Jones at Christmas, we looked forward to this term's games with a little trepidation. Our fears were groundless, however, for good substitutes have been found, the play of other boys has improved, and therefore we have had a very successful term.

The opening game against Dunster Home Guard was a great disappointment for, after leading by 5-1, the final score was 6-4 in our favour. It was a newly-constituted side, lacking cohesion, and though we won it was an unconvincing display.

On the following Saturday we played a return game against Minehead A.T.C., a very superior side in ability and speed. We lost 8-1, but our boys are to be congratulated on a spirited display against a far better team, and they were fighting to the end.

Our visitors on February 7th were again the ------- Batt., R.A., and, as anticipated, it proved a ding-dong struggle. The soldiers were much heavier than our boys, and they played with great determination; yet, by skill and equal determination, we proved winners by 2-1. Perhaps we were lucky to win, but no-one would deny that it was the best performance of the term.

The match against Taunton Y.M.C.A., on February 14th, proved a happy occasion, as the game was played in a fine sporting spirit. The result was a draw, 3-3, but this time we were unfortunate. Having had most of the game, we presented three goals to our opponents in consequence of three glaring errors.

A week later the Dunster Home Guard visited the Dene for a return match. As it was half term, and two or three boys were ill, we had a comparatively weak side out, but ran out easy winners, 4-0.

Then came the return match against Huish's School, at Taunton. Here our side gave an excellent display. They worked well together all the time and dominated the game from first to last. Hartley was never seriously tested, and we deserved a 3-0 victory.

The story, unhappily, was different in the following match against the Vehicle Maintenance School. Our side showed little combination, there was an air of lassitude most of the time, and the chief impression left was that of long periods of desultory play. The result was 4-0 against us.

Since it is my last opportunity, I would like here to pay tribute to Woodage as Football Captain. He has led the team most ably and inspired them by his example in skill, in pluck and determination, and, above all, by playing the game in a fine sporting spirit.

We have very much missed Mr. Dixon's services as referee, but Mr. Sambrook has taken his place this term in most matches, and proved an admirable substitute. He has handled the games splendidly, and he deserves our gratitude.

The Boxing Club has been very successful this term, and has been strengthened by the enlistment of several new members. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the popularity of boxing in this School, as in most others to-day, is rapidly growing, and it is noteworthy that this new interest is not merely confined to the Junior part of the School.

The Inter-House Boxing Competition was held on the 7th and 14th February, and produced the following results:- 1, K.-S., 43 points; 2, L.-N., 20; 3, H.-L., 18; 4. B.-S., 11; 5, R.-M., 10; 6, A.-H.,9.

There were many surprises, and most of the bouts were keenly contested. What was most noticeable in the competition was, in fact, not the excellence of some of the boxing, but the aggressive spirit of many of the competitors, which produced plenty of good hard fighting. The psychological attitude of the contestants frequently proved decisive. Mr. Chenappa and Mr. Sofia are to be thanked most warmly for their kindness in judging many of the competitions; while at the finals B.S.M. Clues and L/Bdr. Spurr, who are respectively the middle and the featherweight champions of the Minehead Area, gave an excellent exhibition bout, in addition to judging some of the contests.

At present an attempt is being made to arrange a tournament for the junior members of the club with Gainsborough Road School.

IN common with most other societies of this nature the 49 Club has suffered from the numerous calls which the war has made upon the services of youth. The majority of our members have much of their spare time occupied in training with Cadet Units or in performing other forms of national service in addition to their normal School work and, naturally, find that they have to restrict their other activities. In spite of these handicaps, however, which have meant less frequent meetings and smaller attendances, a small but enthusiastic band has maintained the traditionally high standard of discussion of the 49 Club and developed the power of intelligent criticism, which is essential to the healthy working of democracy.

An analysis of the nature of war and of the problems of strategy, tactics, and communications which confront the modern commander was made by Kaufman in a stimulating paper entitled "Warfare." During the lively discussion which followed, several new strategical concepts were evolved which were extremely interesting if, perhaps, a trifle unorthodox.

Cockman turned our minds back to a problem which will have to be solved in the post-war world in his paper, "Contested Refuge," which dealt with the complicated situation in Palestine in a very comprehensive manner. In discussion the meeting soon found that every remedy was beset by innumerable difficulties, and decided that no permanent settlement could be reached until the disputing parties became willing to co-operate for their common good.

A very interesting paper entitled "Are Britain and Russia democracies? " read by Mr. Coates, gave the Club an opportunity to discuss the essentials of a democracy and to realise that the term "democracy" embraced the economic as well as the political sphere. The question was hotly discussed and thoroughly analysed. The decision reached was that Britain is a political but not an economic democracy, that Russia is not a political democracy, and is fast losing her economic democracy.

In conclusion, I would like to thank those who have attended the Club during this term, all of whom, I am sure, will join me in wishing success to the other discussion Clubs which have been recently formed in the School, the best of whose members will later inherit the high traditions of the 49 Club.

THIS term marks a raising of the standard of music played at the meetings of the Society. This is largely due to the willingness shown by one or two "outsiders" to play their works. On behalf of the members I should like to thank them, and also Mr. Hough, who kindly gives up his evenings to act as M.C. and explain any technical points that may arise.

Two performances of Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto and one of Beethoven's famous 5th (Victory) Symphony, supplemented by lesser works from the School records, provided lovers of symphonic music with much pleasure. For the Chopin enthusiast, there was an evening devoted to his pieces. An evening was also given over to ballet music. The rest of the meetings this term consisted of programmes of miscellaneous records.

Although there is no lack of interest in music in the School (shown by the appreciation of the pieces played at the Sunday morning services), the attendance is, at times, only fairly good, probably because Monday night is unsuitable to many, but, unfortunately, this cannot be altered. However, the enthusiasm shown by the few boys who do come, with that of the Minehead residents they bring, makes the short meetings worth while.

It is to be hoped there will be a greater number to hear better programmes next term.

ONE of the most successful events of the recent Warship Week was the exhibition of models at the Strand Cafe, on the Esplanade. By far the greater part of the exhibits were ships and aircraft, but included were dressed dolls and posters.

The room was arranged so that the Poly. had a corner to itself, next door to the County School's table, where were arranged the School's contributions in ships, posters, and and aircraft. The space was divided into two - one with a blue background, across which cruised a modern battle fleet, every vessel from battle cruisers to motor torpedo boats, which all seemed very well built, assembled, and painted. Outstanding were the fine models by Bonafou and Ladbrook, both of which were awarded prizes. The other space, with a black base and background, held the model aircraft. Across the centre, in eschelon, were the models made for the Air Training Corps, and around these 11 flying models, including several large sailplanes, ranging in size from 6½ft. to 20ins. in span. There were also among this 11 a racing model, scale models of a Beaufighter, a Battle, a Hampden, a Brown B-3, and a duration model.

The posters were arranged around these models. Many of them were very original and ingenious. Perhaps the most striking was one by Morcombe, which took first prize.

I think it may be said that in this, as in so many other fields of activity, the Poly. has held its own and demonstrated great capabilities.

Policeman: Can you please give me some information about your master's murder, which took place on the night of March 26th?

Butler: I had only been employed at my master's place six days before the incident. I must make it clear that I was only on a week's trial and hadn't been given any key of the house.

Well, this is what happened. I went out on that night as it was my half-day off. I went to visit an aunt who lives quite near to where I was employed. I came home at 10.45, as far as I remember. I then went to the door and rang, but there was no reply.

Butler: No, not that I know of, as the maid also has her half-day off on Thursday. After ringing, and getting no reply, I went round the back to look into my master's room, and I rubbed the frost off the window.

Butler: Yes! positive, as I remember my hand getting wet. Well, after rubbing the frost off the window I saw my master slumped on the floor, then I came to you.

I HAVE often walked over the top of Grabhurst, but not until last week round the south side, and therefore I was ignorant of the beautiful view that can be obtained. The hillsides were still covered with the rusty brown of last year's bracken, and splashed with the green of the furze. The fields in the valley looked like an intricate patchwork quilt cut short in places by the numerous dips and folds which stretched from the slopes of the hills. Above, on my right, loomed Dunkery, looking serenely down on the surrounding valleys like a guardian watching over his wards. Here and there I noticed patches of white which, at first glance, I thought to be snow, but on further examination proved to be lime laid over the fields in preparation for the forthcoming crops. In some of the meadows were smaller patches of white - they were lambs gambolling around under the proud yet anxious eyes of their mothers; anxious lest they should fall and break their young and flimsy-looking legs. Glancing up, I noticed a kestrel hovering in the sky, waiting for his prey.

A slight shimmering haze lent enchantment to the whole scene, and there was silence and stillness over all.

WHAT a film! The hero had just killed three gangsters. The heroine was looking on; admiration in her eyes (and false teeth in her mouth). I was enthralled. The hero then left the house in chase of the big-time crook, the boss of the gang. What a chase! The thrill of that car ride, and as he drew his gun and shot a hole in the tyre! I gave a cheer -

"Well, you can write this out a hundred times: An arithmetical progression is . . . . "

IT all happened one Saturday evening. I had just come home from School and went into my father's laboratory to greet him. When I entered nobody was to be seen. So, as might be expected, I started fiddling about.

I was looking around when my attention was caught by a big cylinder. Going up to it, I released the valve, the gas hissed into my face, and, for the time being, everything went black. The next thing I knew was that I was standing beside the huge table. I mixed various powders and liquids and poured everything into a basin. This mixture had a green colour, and I was naturally very curious to find out what it was. I perceived no smell, and so I very cautiously tasted. Suddenly I gave a terrific shudder! The table started to grow, while I shrank with lightning speed. Before I realised what had happened I found myself standing at the foot of a huge, square pillar, which actually was the leg of the table. I was scared out of my wits, but soon managed to control myself and tried to survey the situation. The first thing I did was to look for my father. I started shouting and, fortunately, my voice had suffered no change. Soon I heard my father coming in. He looked around, apparently saw nothing, and went out. Again I shouted at the top of my voice. He returned and said, "Come out of your hiding-place, you young rascal!" This time I almost screamed, to direct his attention to me, and this time he saw me. He opened his mouth in blank amazement, his eyes almost popped out of his head. But a moment later he put down his hand and I scrambled into his huge palm, stumbling over the thumb. I related the incident to him and, judging by his face, he seemed to be quite scared, too. When I had finished my story he went back to the table, but found that the liquid had evaporated. Whether his first reaction was a sense of incredulity or whether his scientific mind was already scheming to reverse the process, I don't know. "Well," he said, "there is nothing I can do. You had better come along to have supper." He then carried me to the table, and I started scrambling about the vast, coarse sailcloth that was really a fine linen cover. I went up to his teacup and saw only now that my height was a bare two inches. In the meantime my father had put several crumbs on my plate (loaves to me) and I commenced eating. But, feeling rather thirsty, I climbed up the handle of my father's cup and bent down to drink. Splash! The next moment found me struggling for life in the steaming tea. Father came to my rescue with a tea-strainer and fished me out of this steaming, hot bath. Obviously I was soaking wet, so I undressed, and father wrapped me up in his handkerchief. I must have looked like an old Roman, for my father laughed aloud. I finished supper without any further interruptions. Now I went to the edge of the table. Oh! I seemed to be standing on the top of a chalk cliff. I only remember losing my balance and falling, falling, falling. Coming nearer and nearer to the ground when . . . . crash!?!! . . . I was sitting on the floor beside the laboratory table, dazed, blinking, looking rather stupid. My father, who had heard the crash, came hurrying in. "What have you been up to now?" he asked in a stern voice. I could only point to the cylinder, as I could not find any words. "Ah, laughing gas," he said, when looking at the cylinder. And then I realised I had dreamt everything!

TO be a Commando is one of my greatest ambitions, and, in common with thousands of other British boys, I hope to join this part of the Service when I join up in the Army.

The men in this Service are taught to be self-contained units, to need as little help from outside as possible, and to give as much to help as they can. They have to be able to stand rigorous marches on little or no food, to be able to fight in the toughest spots, in all weathers, times, and conditions. They are taught to fight with guns of all types, makes and countries, grenades, knives, stones, iron bars, sticks, and even their bare hands; to cross rivers and marshes in full kit, by fording, swimming, or just hanging on to planks or logs. They have to be masters in the art of camouflage. All these points and many others go towards making an excellent Commando.

The nearest approach to this that I can get at present is in the Cadet Corps. There the training is easy to learn and not too rigorous. Many people on first joining the Cadets may think to themselves, "Huh! what the devil has this got to do with the work of a Commando!" These people must remember that one must start at the bottom, and it is easier to do so gradually with the Cadets now than very fast when one joins the Army. Still, I hope that very soon a Junior Commando unit will be formed in the Cadet Corps for picked persons to undergo a bit more rigorous training, and I hope to get into this unit.

THE business man walked into the large store. Straightening his bowler hat, he walked across to one of the counters. "Ahem, I'm buying a present for my wife. Those boxes of scent look very nice. Can I have one? What? they're dummies? Well, can I have a real one? No real ones? Oh,, you haven't got any? Well, give me a box of powder. They're dummies, too? Where is every thing in this store?"

Straightening his bowler hat, he went to another counter. "Ahem I would like to buy that box of handkerchiefs. Pardon? Clothing coupons. What for? I'm not buying any clothes. I can't have them without? Oh, well."

Straightening his bowler hat, he went to a third counter. "Ahem, how much is that box of assorted soaps? Six and six? Yes, I'll take it. What book? Ration book? But we're not going to eat the soap. All right, I'll leave it."

Straightening his bowler hat, he went to a fourth counter. "Ahem, those look nice tins of fruit. I'll buy one or two and give my wife a birthday tea. I haven't seen many about lately. What's that? Ration book? Good heavens, I won't have it, then."

Straightening his bowler hat once more, he went to a fifth counter. "Ah, a box of chocolates. Chocolate isn't rationed. How much is that box of chocolates? Seven and six? Well, it's a large box. I'll have it. What's that? You've looked in the book and found that it's reserved for a special customer? Is there nothing I can buy?"

Clamping his bowler hat on his head, he went to the opposite counter. "Ahem, give me a toothbrush, please. What ? What ? You've sold out? No, of course, it doesn't matter."

AND lo it came to pass, that there came to the land flowing with milk and honey a tribe known as the Poly's. Two score and ten of this tribe were governed by the Pharisees known as Bill and Fred, and they appointed nine lesser scribes who were known as prefect, and kept fatigue scrolls, which were kept in high places. At sunrise the number were awakened by a Pharisee sandal, and partook of a morning bathe, and many anointed their heads with Jossop, and on hearing the "alarum," girded their loins and made for the dining hall with great speed. The repast being made ready, one of the Pharisees demanded silence for grace.

Having finished their morning banquet, the multitude departed forthwith to prepare their beds, and some left the place of living and made their way to the great hall of the Masonic tribe. The great multitude, having feasted, made their way to School for what was known at this time as their "siesta."

The afternoon being ended, they returned and made ready the evening meal, during which one Elder took the scroll for those desirous of visiting the "flicks," while the other smote the manes of many tribesmen and commanded them this wise: "Depart forthwith and have your locks shorn." The evening having drawn to a close, the tribe prepared for bed. Thus ended another day.

HOW many of you are familiar with such names as Staniland, Unwins, Bulman, and Parker? Not many! And yet it is men such as these who risk their lives that other less experienced airmen shall fly in safety.. When a plane comes out it is the test pilot who is the first to take it up. He has got to find out what the plane will take, and literally try to break up his plane in mid-air. (The test pilot who is not a member of the Caterpillar Club must be exceedingly rare). Some of you may remember the visit to this country by American test pilot Al Williams. Well, his performance in his specially-built Gulfhawk was enough to give just an inkling of what a test pilot has to do to a fighter before it is accepted by the R.A.F. The testing of a heavy plane is not so thrilling, but just as exacting. For instance, stalling a Stirling, as you may imagine, is no joke.

However, these test pilot's job does not consist completely of hair-raising aerobatics. While in the air he must keep a constant watch on his instruments, noting anything abnormal on to a special pad attached to his knee. He must have sufficient technical knowledge to suggest necessary changes to the designer.

MAN in his efforts to advance his civilisation has created the main cause of its destruction. In his attempts to hurry life, he invented the internal combustion and the steam engine. These two mechanical devices have become a positive catalytic agent to nature, and are bringing it to destruction. To-day we have the result, a jerry-built civilisation, whose very foundations are crumbling beneath it. The reason that it is jerry built is that it was built too quickly and before the world was ready for it.

These machines have brought with them an infectious disease called industrialism. In his attempt to bring certain commodities within the reach of all, man has created that living inferno - the industrial town. Here one finds poverty, dirt, disease, smoke, and grime. Here people cease to be human beings and are turned into automata. They are valued not by their true merit, but merely by what they can produce in a certain time. Day after day, and month after month, they must hurry and scurry in their attempts to race time. They must follow the same automatic routine year in and year out. A few of the more fortunate escape this grey monster of civilisation for two weeks each year - if they are lucky! -but eventually they are compelled to return to this unnatural existence. There are many in these towns who have never seen through the smoke and beyond their grey walls. Many of them have no desire to do so, for they are finding that they now depend on the mechanical contrivances, and could not exist without them. Every day this net of civilisation is closing in slowly and steadily, and we are being drawn further and further away from Nature.

Where once green fields and woods existed we find that this grey monster has covered it with the dark trail of industrialism. But this is little compared to the moral and spiritual damage caused by these damnable machines.

To-day man has achieved. something far deadlier with his inventive genius. He has found the tank, the aeroplane, the submarine, and innumerable other weapons of destruction, by means of which he can now kill 10 women, whereas before he could only kill one, and whereas before he could mutilate but 10 men, he can now mutilate a hundred. Is this, indeed, not a glorious achievement? But where will this all end? Are we to return to the Dark Ages? I cannot say! But one thing is certain, we must change our social system, our mode of living, and our aims if our civilisation is to survive and recover. This must be a radical change, and I do not believe that it will be brought about merely by any political creed. Our salvation lies in one thing, that is, the spiritual education of the people.

TO-DAY, in a world of madness and error, we find ourselves more than ever obliged to be patriotic. We wonder if we are patriotic, and ask ourselves what patriotism is.

Primarily, it is "love of one's country," but there is far more in the word. Cold print can never say what can be thought or felt; only the heart can do that. But it can help us to see what our minds are trying to grasp.

Patriotism does not merely entail the love of one's country; it also entails a love of beauty, peace, friendship, unity, freedom, all the things we are really fighting for; a mere victory is of secondary importance to these, our ideals. These must be protected. What beauty we know we must always remember; what we love we must hold sacred and fight for to the last.

War on England affects the whole world in one way or another. Thus we cannot afford to fail at our job. Many a heart beats strong under difficulty because others still believe in you and me. By letting them down we are being bad neighbours, which is akin to being unpatriotic. I am no politician, my only politics are happiness, freedom, and brotherhood - too simple for any party ideals.

Patriotism must be cultivated and nurtured on these bases. We are too self-centred and selfish. "An Englishman is free as long as he can grumble," say the wags. But we are not wags; grumbling has become a defeating germ which costs too much to keep, thus it must be got rid of. Many eyes are turned our way, and they are reproaching us because few of us are really doing our BEST. The only answer to those eyes is a mighty effort by each of us. This effort now is the real patriotism.

EVERY age of great advancement has been followed by an age of reaction induced by a psychological reverse in the mind of man. This change in the orientation of the mind always tends to follow when the full creative and progressive potential of the mind has been reached. At this point the mind becomes obsessed by its own intellectual powers and despises the achievements and ideals of its immaturity. This attitude of mind is known as cynicism, and, although cynicism need not be intellectual in its origin, it is rarely successful unless it is so. It is an attitude which is wholly to be deplored since it produces a denial of the ultimate perfection of the human race and a retrogressive tendency which, if it infects the whole flock, can only result in the gradual extinction of humanity. It is unlikely, however, that the whole of the human race will reach such a high intellectual point that cynicism will be its guiding principle in life. Yet this minority exerting a negative force becomes larger with the progress of time, and proportionately more dangerous. If, therefore, the world is not to end in stagnation the cynical and negative attitude will have to be replaced by a positive spirit of faith which will make man as eager to create as he is now to destroy.

The age of negation is with us now. The great progress in civilisation made during the 19th century has exhausted the creative resources of man, and millions of the world's citizens have willingly supported leaders who preach a gospel of negation and destruction. The old ideologies and beliefs are being swept away and replaced by a culture based upon Pagan custom and Machiavellian theory, maintained by barbaric force and civilised diplomacy and apologised for by false biological concepts and pretentious claims to divine inspiration. Such is the culture resulting from a form of consummate cynicism, and it is clear that it cannot be destroyed merely by armed force, but must be defeated also by the existence of a culture surpassing it in virility and transcending it in creative thought and practice.

Yet the remaining part of the world has no culture which is vital and creative enough to oppose the dogma of negation. Self-interest and self-enjoyment have been the creed of these peoples, and if they have refused to destroy they have been unwilling to create. The arts in which they had formerly expressed the inspiration of their souls have degenerated into refined intellectual cynicism. Lyricism in poetry has been replaced by rough unmelodic verse extolling the delights of immorality or portraying all that is worst in human nature and life; and lyricism in music has been succeeded by series of mathematical permutation of notes or by chords which do not harmonise. There are, of course, exceptions to this negative tendency, but they are, unfortunately, in the minority.

These free peoples who are fighting for their lives and for their culture must, therefore, release their minds from the stagnation into which they have settled and evolve a culture which is as creative as the other is destructive. If this is not achieved, though they may win victory by force of arms, it will be of little use, for they will live in a world of negative values, in which the same complications will arise and in which there can never be a lasting peace.

A. LAZARUS, who was taken prisoner in Libya, is now at Chiavari, near Genoa, and there he has met another old Poly. boy, Gordon Felber. We regret to hear that Lazarus was wounded and, in addition, is very ill with jaundice.

E. DRAKE, now L.A.C., writes from somewhere at sea, but says he will send us news of himself, and of several other fellows who were with him at the Poly. as soon as he lands.

E. DAYTON and N. H. BAMBER write to us from "an outpost of intellectual life" - University College, Southampton - "thirsting for news of the Poly." Bamber is working for B.Sc. (Engineering), Dayton hopes to take final B.Sc. (Econ.) this year.

L. B. SEAMAN who was an Old Boy of the School, a temporary member of the staff, and then a member of the Crafts School at Winscombe, is a military clerk in the War Office in the Directorate of Army Kinematography. He writes: "There is a good sprinkling of schoolmasters here. I was originally called up with a group containing a former Senior History Scholar of Oriel, Oxford, a product of Uppingham and Emmanuel, Cambridge, and an elementary school headmaster. I have now been promoted to the rank of corporal."

A. C. WILKINSON, former secretary of the O.Q. Club, but now A.C.2 R.A.F., has sent a letter "from the high seas." He adds: "We have come a long way without anything untoward happening, and we hope nothing will happen during the further long way we have still to go. So far we have stopped at one port, but without leaving the boat. Natives came alongside in canoes peddling their wares and diving for coins." Later we hear he landed at Capetown and was entertained by the Masons of the Francis Walter Lodge there.

J. C. BENNETT sent us an airgraph letter, conveying best wishes to boys and staff, and hoping they had a better Christmas dinner than his - bully beef and biscuit - in the Middle East.

A. BANNISTER, who left us at Christmas, is in the Trade Division merchant ship Plotting Section of the Admiralty. He traces the movements of all ships (except H.M.S.) in the Red Sea area, but as the work is all "secret," or "most secret," he can't give us any further details.

The splendid achievement of CAMPLING in gaining the D.F.C. has been already mentioned in the Headmaster's Notes. The following is the official notice, and is reproduced from "The Times" of March 4th.

Fl.-Lt. E. F. K. CAMPLING, 142 Sq. - This officer participated in the Channel attack on the enemy warships on February 12th. While making his attack at 700ft., his aircraft was hit and became temporarily out of control. When 300ft. from the water, it was attacked by two enemy fighters. The rear gunner was unable to retaliate owing to damaged hydraulics, but Fl.-Lt., Campling regained control of his aircraft and, evading the attackers, came back to this country.

PAUL MARKSTEIN (1938-41) is a corporal in the Pioneer Corps, and has been recommended for a commission.

R. M. COOPER, formerly a notable figure in the O.Q. Football and Cricket Club, now a corporal in the Field Security and Intelligence Corps, sent an airgraph letter from the Middle East. He says there is no pessimism in that part of the world, and he hopes to be home soon with the rest of the serving O.Q.'s helping to run the Club again.

A. C. TRACY (Lc.-Cpl. Somersets) is serving with "hush-hush" troops. He has been home on sick leave, but has disappeared into the unknown again.

H. R. BEANY (Gunner R.A.) is also serving in the Middle East, and met Cooper on the boat going out.

W. F. TODD is now in the Royal Navy, and writes that he is shortly to be posted to a ship.

A. N. HUTCHINS (O.Q. Cricket Club secretary) is a Cadet in an Officers' Training unit in Scotland.

The secretary of the O.Q. Club, Mr. T. H. WOOD, to whom I am indebted for many of these news items, writes: "Sergt.-Pilot G. H. EVANS knows a good deal of the Battle of Britain, and chases Jerries relentlessly, just as in the old days he used to chase the School's outside left at footer."

L. WYNICK, Pilot-Officer in the R.A.F., has just finished his training in Florida, U.S.A., and has been posted to a Squadron.

B. WARREN, who left us last year, has been taking leading parts in plays in a Repertory Company in Llandrindod Wells, but is now doing film work in London, under the direction of Noel Coward.

E. E. WALLIS is in an R.A.F. station in Gibraltar. He says he volunteered for service on the Rock in order to utilise his knowledge of Spanish, "a fact which will," he adds "doubtless be gratifying to my old Spanish Master, Mr. Byrne."

J. SHUTTLEWORTH is at Bristol University taking a course in honours maths. He has gained a Higher Exhibition from Gloucestershire County as well as a grant from the Board of Education.

"I have had to resign myself to waiting till I was 18 years 3 months, but the time is not far off now when I shall take my place beside the lads of the R.A.F - indeed, I am leaving the office on January 17th to spend a week at ----- Fighter Aerodrome for the specific purpose of obtaining flying practice."

T. KNEALE went, in July last, to Lincoln Flying School, and later to the Basic Flying School, at Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.A.

F. R. WALKER, of last year's U6 Mods., has been accepted for the R.N.V.R. He says that PEGRUM has volunteered for the Royal Marines, and SAMPSON (U.6 Arts) is going into the R.A.F. Walker's cousin, JACK VIGERS, who left the School about 10 years ago, has been in the Navy for four years, and says Walker, "He wouldn't change his job for £1,000 a year."

E. LAWTON is in the R.A.F., in training at Brantfords Ontario. While he was at Toronto he met PAINE (6 Modern about three years ago), who was on his way, with KNEALE, to a Flying School in U.S.A. Lawton's letter was posted on December 18th, 1941, and he writes that he expects to get his "wings" about Christmas time.

TYLER, of the Maths. and Physics Department, is a Flight-Lt. in the Meteorological Section of the R.A.F., and is stationed in British West Africa. He says that he has met ABBOTT, AUSTIN, and GILLESPIE, all of the Secondary School.

Mr. MARSHALL, of the same department, is also F.O., Meteorological Section. He is in Cyprus.

S. J. HOWARD (U.6, Science 1939) went as a Draughtsman to the Standard Telephone and Cables, Ltd., at Woolwich. Later he was given the post of junior engineer in the circuit design and apparatus engineering section, at Leicester. He states that he has tried several times to get into the R.A.F. or the Army, but the firm will not release him as the work they are doing is of urgent national importance.

S. T. FAITHFUL, our last year's captain, writes from an R.A.F. Depot, in London: "As you will see I have been called up and, after a hectic fortnight of drill, tests in maths., morse code, innoculation, and filling up of forms, life is becoming a little easier and I am in a flight of potential observers. On my first day I ran into two O.Q.'s; firstly, one of the many GOLDSTEINS. He tells me he left the School in 1939, from 5B. He is going in for being a pilot. The other was LADBROOK, who left U.6 Mods. 18 months ago. He wants to be a radio observer (night fighter), but is registering as a pilot."

D. C. AVERY is an apprentice with Merryweather and Sons, fire engineers in Greenwich, and is getting along satisfactorily. He has joined the Home Guard (K.R.R.'s). He adds that PORTER is in the surveying department of the G.W.R., and is also in the Home Guard (Royal Berkshire Regt.). DIBBEN is in the Royal Navy.

LIGHTFOOT writes that his regiment has been converted into a Tank Battalion, equipped with "Churchills." He was sent on a tank gunnery course and came away qualified as a first-class instructor. He has now been posted to the Directorate of Selection of Personnel, and is near Manchester. He adds: "My area includes the whole of the North-Western Division (i.e., Lancs., Cumberland, Westmorland, and Cheshire, plus Stoke and Stafford). My colleague has the rest of the Midlands and Wales. My job, in a nutshell is (a) to be responsible for the work of Sergeant Testers who administer selection tests to all recruits to the Army and A.T.S. at the various recruiting centres, and to work in close liasion with Recruiting Officers and the Command Psychiatrist; (b) to organise, arrange, and be generally responsible for all unit tests ordered by the War Office. In January we have dealt with nearly 20,000 men, and we shall have more in February. I am very happy in the new job, also the proud possessor of two pips now, with good prospects of a third soon."

ST. JOHN is in the employ of Messrs. Bakelite in the Research Department. He says he is working on the production of a varnish for coating the inside of food cans, and one for the inside of shells. Meanwhile he is working for his degree, and last November passed his subsidiary subject, Physics. He adds in his letter to Dr. Worsnop: "As I often meet CLOVER, DELASALLE, PENNY, GOLDSTEIN, and many other O.Q.'s, I don't feel that I've really left the Poly. I should like, if it is not too late, to wish the best for this year and the years to come to you, the staff, and especially the grand host of 'helpers' who mothered me so well when I was still at school at Minehead."

Mr. DENCH, who retired 10 years ago, writes to me sending his best wishes to all the staff and the many Old Boys who will remember him. He says he had, until recently, received letters from one of our Old Boys, MORGAN, who was tin mining in Ipoh.

GERALD KERSH, another Old Boy, and one of the most brilliant contributors the Quintinian has ever had, seems to have scored a great success with his latest novel, "They Die with their Boots Clean," a book based on his own experiences in the Coldstream Guards. The literary critic of the "New Statesman" says of it:-

"They Die with their Boots Clean" is less a straight novel than an evocation of the spirit of the Guardsman. It is not written out of disgust at the soldier's lot, nor does it glamourise a Hollywood Hussar pouring out the sawdust of a phoney life pro patria. It witnesses to the delight of a not insensitive mind in discipline, in regimental tradition, in comradeship, in the astringent comedy and the narrow pride of men who travel light and live hard. The characters in the story, for all the vividness of their portrayal, are not so much individuals as aspects, local variants, of an archetypal Guardsman in whose image they are moulded. Frequently they even speak in the same voice, a remarkably racy and almost rhapsodic idiom which, I imagine, owes something to Mr. Kersh's invention. This is not the Brave New World we were led to expect, but it is certainly braver and, in some ways, newer than the original prescription: newer, that is, in the sense of being more unexpected. The celebration of combat and professional soldierliness, the devotion to the rigour of the barrack and to what I can only describe as an emotional frugality - these things seemed to pass their prime with the Crimean War, to fade out in the Boer War. "They Die with their Boots Clean" is the most original. and distinguished contribution to the literature of this war that I have read."

We deeply regret to report the death of J. I. MURCHIE, who left the School just before the outbreak of the war. The Staff and many of the older boys will remember him as a good musician, a splendid athlete, and a boy of fine and lovable character. Murchie was in the R.A.F. and was killed during a bombing raid over Germany.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his father and mother.

We are writing this from the wide open spaces of America, with the boys of the R.A.F. overseas training scheme. It seems so far from the days of 309, Regent Street and Grove Park, Chiswick, but out here, far away, we find ourselves billetted in the same room, and we derive much pleasure reminiscing, on what "so and so I" used to say, or what "so and so" used to do.

Before coming here we were stationed at Camden, South Carolina, our first base after leaving Canada. We stayed there for 10 weeks, and had the distinction of being the first two to solo in the Class. The school was disciplined by U.S. Army officers, and managed on the rigid American Cadet system, which, at first, rather. galled us Britishers. What little off duty time we did have we spent as civilians, but, even so, the course there was no "Poly. tour." Our off duty period consisted of Saturday after lunch until Sunday tea time, and during that time the majority took advantage of the warm Southern welcomes that were given to the British boys.

The climate is comparatively tropical to that of England, and so copious flows of soft drink, "Coco Cola," are the main beverage of on duty periods. Hot dogs and hambergers are also more than just "something Americans have in books." Summing up on the food question, to us there is nothing like a good old English roast.

The sports and P.T., Calisthenics as they call it here, are all very strange, except, of course, basket ball. We have been introduced to volley ball and baseball, but here again there's nothing like soccer (if the weather was cooler, although we played for about 30 minutes here).

At the end of our primary course, after passing our final checks, we revelled in aerobatics - slow rolls, loops, split S's, lazy 8's, spins, &c. It was grand fun, but after the 10 weeks we moved from Camden to Macon, Georgia, for another 10 weeks basic training. In all the course takes 30 weeks, and is run on peace-time lines, and naturally the boys feel that this could be speeded a little to meet existing conditions. We are the pioneers of this scheme, so I expect alterations will be made for those following. The 'planes we are now flying are heavier and much more powerful, the engines developing 450 h.p., which, at first, seemed quite hefty. The plane has a dozen times as many controls and dials as the primary plane, so it has been like learning to fly all over again. In this part of the training we cover interesting forms of flying, including night flying, formation, cross-country, &c. Then, after completing this 10 weeks, we go on to our final part at advanced School.

We keep in touch with England with letters and radio, and all look forward to the time when we can get back and go into action and renew our acquaintances. We send our best wishes to all at the Poly., and any other Old Boys with whom you might be corresponding.

You possibly remember my son, Peter, who left the Poly. in 1938? As you probably know, he is a prisoner-of-war in Italy. He writes quite cheerfully, and is anxious to continue his studies. He hopes to tackle the Calculus. Also, you will be pleased to hear he has captained an England XI. in a Test Match versus Australia! The bats were pick-handles and the ball home made, and England won by one wicket. We also hear from two other Poly. boys who left in 1938 - JEFF WARE and ERIC COX. Ware went to France after Dunkirk, and came back to England after an exciting six weeks abroad. He has left for overseas again and is now in the Near Middle or Far East. Cox has seen service in Egypt and Greece.

Mrs. WHITTARD has sent me a most interesting collection of letters written to her by her son, Geoffrey, who left the School in 1936, and is now Flying-Officer in the R.A.F. He was through the campaign in Eritrea, from there went to Heliopolis, then took part in the campaign in Crete. After that he went to Irak, and later to Libya, where he is now Navigation Officer for his Squadron. The following is taken from one of his letters:-

"I'm just recovering from one of the most interesting experiences I've ever had. A certain Sheik, who is the big noise in these parts, issued an invitation to the C.O. to bring a few officers along to his place to dinner. We arrived at his house about 7.30, and were shown up to a very big balcony, where we sat talking with the help of an interpreter. Just before dinner we had some really grand tea - no milk or sugar, but a marvellous flavour. Then came dinner. There was a terrific bowl, about 6ft. in diameter and a foot deep (made of silver), absolutely heaped up with rice and various other concoctions, and on the top of that a few chickens and a whole sheep.

The ten of us squatted round it and, after having washed our hands, we tucked in with great gusto: no weapons to eat with, no chairs to sit on, so we had to behave exactly like our host, sitting on the floor and using our bare hands - or rather hand - as the right one is supposed to do all the work. We were told that the host took a poor view if we didn't do justice to the meal, and so you can guess we had to drink plenty of water in order to get our second winds. I don't know what you would have thought if you had seen us breaking off a leg of chicken, poking a hand into the sheep's inside and drawing out a handful of nuts, raisins, and sultanas, or grabbing a fistful of the rice and rolling it in the palm of the hand and then popping it into the mouth. The bottom of the bowl was "lined" with a kind of pancake, which served as bread. You can imagine the size the "loaf" must have been to cover the bowl all in one piece; you had to break off a piece from the edge and then chew. If, in searching for something rather different, you put your hand deep down into the rice you would withdraw it pretty quickly, as the lower part was boiling hot. After we had had our fill we again washed our hands - a very necessary action - and polished off some lovely sweet iced water melon.

The house was a magnificent building, and the grounds and gardens were in keeping. The Sheik himself wore beautiful clothes and a dagger and scabbard which must have been worth a small fortune - solid gold and silver set with wonderful jewels. He told us his house was to be considered as ours whenever we wished to visit it.

There are plenty of insects to keep us company; the very first time I went inside my tent I saw a scorpion - a black one - crawling along. He didn't last long, but when I saw a fair-sized tarentula in the corner immediately afterwards, I began to wonder if I had come to the right place. Still, when you remember how few people are actually bitten by the pest you realise that the danger usually associated with them is exaggerated. There are hundreds of very big grasshoppers, or something like that, which, though perfectly harmless, make you jump when they start leaping about in the dark and land on your face or chest. They are very pretty as, when they jump, their bodies are uncovered, revealing very bright colours. The birds, too, round here are beautifully coloured. Mosquitoes have not bothered me so far, but sand-fly nets are essential during the night."

When I received my copy of the "Quintinian" a fortnight ago I thought it was about time I wrote to let the old School know that I haven't forgotten them, despite a year's neglect. I must admit that Dr. Worsnop's appeal for news of Old Boys has also influenced me in writing this letter. When I last wrote I was still in civilian life, and was being actively considered by a University Recruiting Board for posts in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. I finally made an application for a commission in the R.A.F.V.R. for technical duties, and by a stroke of luck managed to be accepted. Therefore, on August 22nd, 1941, I left civilian life behind and became a Pilot Officer in the Air Force. I am afraid I cannot provide thrilling material for your Magazine in the nature of descriptions of raids over Berlin and such like as, for one thing, I have not yet finished my training, and also I am not on flying duties. I am training to be a signals officer, and when I go out on to a station I shall be in charge of all the radio equipment and other means of communication and of the personnel manning them. To acquaint myself with all the duties involved I am undergoing a six months course, a pretty stiff one, of training at Cranwell, three months of which have already passed. For two months before coming here I was a supernumerary on an operational station, and had a fine chance of seeing how the R.A.F. works from the inside. Another three months time and I shall be a fully fledged signals officer playing my own part in the war effort.

It has not taken me more than a term at Cambridge to come to the conclusion that I prefer Minehead. I have several reasons for this statement:-

There is no scenery to speak of. The scenery there is should not even be thought of. It is impossible to find solace in a woodland walk. If one walks any distance out of Cambridge one arrives:- (a) in a quarry, (b) in a brickworks, or (c) in a river. They dig up Gault clay by the ton round here, allegedly to make bricks, but more probably to make College puddings. This lack of natural beauty is not quite balanced by the many aesthetically beautiful parts of Cambridge. I expect, however, that for a great many people the beauty of man's handiwork here would be sufficient.

Six out of every 10 people here are affected, two are really clever, one wears a beard and sandals, looks mad and probably is, and the remaining one cannot even tell the time, and doesn't want to.

About 90 per cent. of the 4,000 chaps here wear corduroy trousers. Consequently, everyone looks like Felbrodt at a distance, and this is beginning to affect my nerves.

We have to work too hard. I am reading for the Natural Sciences Tripos, a mad movement in three rushes, performed for the benefit or otherwise of Natural Scientists, of which body, praise be to Allah, I am still one. For the privilege of taking part in this mad marathon, I wear myself out once a week cramming up Physics - with or without radio (chips 4d. extra), Chemistry, Geology, Electronics, and Maths., for the fun of it (this last being an obscure jest on the part of a Tutor whose sense of humour apparently leaves nothing to be desired). The rest of the time I sleep, or spend being knocked down by bicycles, which seem to congregate in Cambridge for the express purpose of running into me in the blackout.

Of this blackout I have more to say. If you ever come to Cambridge while this war is on it is a thing you must not miss: the quarter of an hour's walk from my digs to the College is the liveliest I have ever done, with never a dull moment from start to finish. There are 4,000 undergrads in Cambridge, as well as the townfolk, and everyone owns a bike (some of them own two for sheer spite). As soon as it is dark everyone creeps out and leaves his bike on the pavement. The rules are quite simple:- If I discover a bike without falling over it I can kick it into the road. If I try and be cunning and step into the road I can be run over.

In spite of these trials I have managed to maintain the placid equilibrium of my outlook on life. The only time I have lapsed was when I subjected a demonstrator to an electromotive force of 200 volts. I told him of a chap I knew who had taken over twice as much and lived, but this only seemed to excite him.

The only Poly. boys I have met here are L. S. SMITH and A. C. LAKE. I have also met two chaps wearing O.Q. ties who had never heard of the Poly.

A. C. Lake is training to be a pilot, and during the course of his stay in Cambridge he came to tea several times. He had met quite a number of Poly. boys in the various Forces. He told me that Murchie is missing, believed killed, from a raid on one of the Channel ports. The flight was to have been his last before taking up the role of Sergeant-Instructor. Lake was about to leave for America, the last I heard from him.

There's certainly a change on the way. Almost before this reaches you we shall be plunging into our big offensive. *japs will be sharpening their snickersnees preparatory to committing hari-kari, berri-berri, rolli-poli, and harumskarum. You watch! It's in the air. You take my advice and start selling off those things you can't take back to London.

That brings me to holidays. Having just written home to their mothers for those boys in the 6th Form whose handwriting is unreadable, it struck me we might have a standard card for the whole School for sending home just before the hols. Here's a specimen.

My position this term is more or less near the top, middle, approximately bottom.

The butler made a mistake when he said he rubbed the frost off the window. Frost is always on the inside.