43Q2 - THE QUINTINIAN, SUMMER 1943

MR. Eckersley has just reminded me that School Notes are now wanted for the "Quintinian," and I must say that I commence to write them with a background of sadness because this is the last issue of the "Quintinian" to be edited by Mr. Eckersley.

Ever since I came to the School I have admired the way in which the Editor has gently, but firmly, extracted articles notes, &c., from one and all. We have been only too glad to help such an Editor, and he in turn has always been willing to try out any suggestion for minor improvements. I cannot say too much whilst he is still Editor in case the blue pencil is used!

All of us wish Mr. Eckersley the best of good fortune in his new venture as Educational Adviser to Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co. We shall miss him very much in the School.

The 51st School Sports again took place in evacuation on the 11th June. Unfortunately the groundsman of the Irnham Road ground is no longer available., but we were fortunate in having the loan of the County School ground for this important meeting. A full report is given later; there were some very fine performances and the meeting was highly successful. Once more we were favoured with good weather, and a most enjoyable afternoon's entertainment resulted.

The School has been very much in evidence again in Minehead, this time in a book collecting drive. I think the best thing I can say about it is that it reminded one of the "Old Iron " drive which was one of the startling events in our early days of evacuation. Possibly the generous account of this, given in the "Free Press," will be of interest to readers, and the Editor of that paper has allowed me to reproduce it at the end of these Notes.

During the term we have been glad to welcome visitors from London. Many parents and Old Boys have been able to call on us. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey were also here and arranged their visit to coincide with Dr. Williams and Major Marchant, who were on their usual medical inspection visit. They were all very welcome.

At the time of writing Mr. and Mrs. McKenna and daughter are here for a few days enjoying the sun and combining pleasure with business.

Mr. Dixon and his wife are also down now, having a week in the "old billet." We were glad to see them both at School and at The Dene.

The good news has just come through that Sir Kynaston is about to leave hospital. We are all delighted to have this information and look forward to seeing him in Minehead again.

The School Captain for the remainder of the year is Eric Smith. This year he has added to his performance at the Higher School Examination of last year by pulling off an Open Scholarship in History to Exeter University College.

We are very glad to welcome back this term Mr. Broodbank, after his long illness. Most people agree that he is looking better than he has done for some considerable time.

An early effort to establish an Agricultural Camp was, unfortunately, unsuccessful, as many boys wish to take up employment of this character near their homes or on private farms. Since the first effort a second attempt was made to make a School Camp, but I believe that most of the boys who are capable and willing to do this kind of work are now fixed up privately, and I expect the School to be well represented throughout the country in this important national effort.

While I am writing these notes I am just considering a Forestry Camp, which is already arranged and to which several of the boys hope to go.

I finish these notes in the strain in which I started them - the loss of the Editor and a valued colleague. I hope that in our next issue, with Mr. Sambrook as Editor, I shall be able to give a fuller account of Mr. Eckersley's many-sided activities for the good of the School. I might be able to include some of his impressions as a full-time publisher!

Well over 3,000 books above the figure aimed at, 20,000, were received in the fortnight's book drive for Minehead and Alcombe. When the drive ended last Saturday night, they totalled 23,222, and more have since come in, bringing the final figure to nearly 23,300. When the Poly. boys' collection round was in full swing last week the books were coming in at the rate of over 3,000 a day, and on the last day, when a good many people dropped into the depots with a few extra they had managed to look out, the total approached 2,000.

In a report given to the Urban Council on Monday evening, Mr. A. D . Barron, as Local Salvage Officer, stated the result to that date and mentioned that the number of books sent to the Forces was 9,474. Many of the books received had yet to be allocated to the local and other libraries. Mr. Barron stated that the success in exceeding the target was very largely due to Dr. Worsnop, his staff, and the Polytechnic School boys who organised the issue of notices and the house-to-house collection. Their efforts resulted in the collections of some 16,000 books. The County School, elementary, infant, and private schools also did excellent work.

AT the beginning of the season only two of last year's XI. were left, so that we looked forward to the Cricket programme with some uneasiness. However, much latent talent has come to light and the team has played some most interesting matches.

In the opening match our opponents were the A.F.V.R., a useful Army side, but lacking practice. After knocking up 80 we kept up a steady attack and put out the other side for 68, Whiteson taking 4 wickets for 15 and Cocks 3 for 17.

On May 22nd we were privileged to play on the County Ground, at Taunton, against Huish's Grammar School. Batting first, we scored runs freely, and when the score was 95 for 7 wickets, Benjamin made a sporting declaration. When Huish's were 36 for 2 wickets heavy rain came on and the match was abandoned, thus spoiling our most attractive fixture.

Against Watchet Town we put up our best performance to date this season, for Watchet had gathered a strong side together. Batting first, we made 70 by careful play, Price being the most successful batsman with 21 to his credit. When Watchet batted the School XI. was right on its toes, and took every possible chance in the field. Bence was particularly good behind the stumps, taking two sharp catches and brilliantly stumping another victim. Reding contributed to his side's victory by two spectacular catches. Owing to smart work in the field and steady bowling, Watchet only made 54. Whiteson was the most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 11 runs.

We next played a return game against the A.F.V.R., and this time the Army men were more determined. School only made 37, but at the beginning of the Army innings it looked as if it might be enough to win, for four wickets fell quickly for 21 runs. Whiteson then was put on to bowl; he was completely off form, and our opponents were quick to seize their opportunity. A few bad mistakes were made in the field, we lost heart, and finally the Tank Corps put on 88 for 6 wickets.

The return match against Watchet Town proved a very tough struggle, resulting in a narrow win by 3 wickets. Watchet had to fight hard to score 59, for the bowling was sound throughout, and the fielding very good. The opening batsmen were both run out by smart work in the field, and all possible catches were taken. We opened badly, and there were five wickets down for 18 runs in a very short time. An old Somerset County player, Critchley-Salmonson, had the batsmen tied in knots, turning the ball both ways with subtle-variations in speed. Then Watts and Price came together and runs came at a better rate, and the former had a "life" when his score was five. At 32 Price was unfortunately run out, through a misunderstanding, and the game was then in a critical state. Rosen joined Watts and played a marvellous defensive innings, smothering the bowling and leaving the scoring to Watts. The latter scored 31, and Rosen's 11 was invaluable. Watts left at 59 when we had tied.

A House Competition has been run during the term. and, so far, it has been most successful. Both Senior and Junior games have been played, and great keenness has been shown. The scores have been low, but this was due to the long grass in the outfield. At the time these notes were written little more than half the competition has taken place, but it looks as if the issue will be between Kerridge-Swann and Russell-Matthews.

The match against Huish's School, Taunton, was played on the Irnham Road ground on June 20th, and resulted in a win for the visitors by 71 runs to 45. The School had to bat on a crumbling wicket and could do little against the excellent bowling of Vickery, Huish's captain. On the following Saturday, against an Army XI., we had an exciting finish and a narrow win in a low scoring match. The bowling and fielding of the School were excellent.

AT half-term an Inter-House Tennis Competition was held, in which each House was represented by two or three boys. After some very good games Freedman, Y., of Broodbank-Stevenson, won the singles, after a hard fight with Sinzheimer, of Lambert-Newman. The doubles were won by Smith, E., and Sheardown, of Lamberts, who beat Rosen and Lesser, H.

The standard of play was good, considering the little practice we had. It is hoped that further competitions will be held in the future.

THE most outstanding event of the term has been the Athletic Sports meeting, and, as members know already, our House gained third place in the final competition. A large proportion of the praise for such a commendable performance must be attributed to O'Neill, our Athletics Captain, who methodically arranged our entries and inspired others to train, with outstanding success. Of course, we must congratulate all those who obtained points, and console those who attempted but failed. We must endeavour to secure an even higher position next year, and if such enthusiasm continues, there is every chance of attaining that goal.

Secondly, a comment on the cricket is necessary. Although the Seniors have been showing excellent form, winning two games out of three, our Juniors have not proved themselves up to expectation. The House is well represented in the 1st XI. for the School, and Watts, our vice-captain for cricket, has proved his mettle, both as a bowler and a batsman.

We must also congratulate Jones, Buckeldee, and McVey on their promotion to sub-prefects, and Gregory on his promotion to full prefect. National Savings has continued at its steady level, due entirely to the conscientious work of Jones and the House Masters. At this point I should like to convey the gratitude of all the members to the latter for their untiring interest in our affairs. Lastly, we must convey our wishes of good fortune to those who are taking University Examinations, hoping that they meet with every success.

I MUST begin by welcoming back Mr. Broodbank, and by congratulating him on his spirit in returning so soon after his illness. In spite of the hard time he must have gone through, his cheerfulness and his unfailing good humour certainly do not seem to have suffered.

Our luck in our sporting activities during this term has been rather varied. Although the standard of our Senior House cricket was not up to its usual mark, credit is due to Sassoon, Hogg, Giachello, and other Juniors for their performance in some of their matches; we also have now three members in the School XI. We were compensated for the low position occupied by the House on Sports Day by the splendid achievements of Y. Freedman, who held first place in both 220 and 440 yards events open, and who also won the singles in the House Tennis Competition. which took place at the Alexandra Road tennis courts during the Whitsun vacation. I believe that in winning the 100, 220, and 440 yards open (the 100 yards was won by M. McColvin) in the same year the House has made history.

Our Sports Captain, M. McColvin, wishes to thank those who regularly attended the sports practices, in spite of impending examinations, and expresses the hope that we will attain the honour of being Cock House next year.

War Savings this term were exceptionally good. The House has repeatedly contributed each week more than any other House. We must also congratulate M. Lesser and M. Rosen on their being made School sub-prefects. All that remains for me to say now is to wish the House and its Masters a very happy summer vacation, and to say how much we shall miss those Seniors who will be leaving at the end of the term.

THE summer term has naturally been one of the most eventful of the year, and since writing the last notes many House events have taken place. We did very well in the boxing competition at the end of last term, gaining second place, a surprising number of boys from Hester-Lowe entering. Harvey Miller was also awarded a scholarship to Cambridge University, and has since been made a full prefect; congratulations to Miller, and to Goodman, who was made a prefect at the beginning of the term. The Junior cricket team has done very well this term, having already won two matches by beating A-H and L-N. The Seniors have, unfortunately, not been so successful.

The outstanding event, of course, has been the Sports. Although we were only able to obtain fourth place, practically every boy in the House entered, which showed a good spirit. We congratulate the winners of events: Barringer, 1 mile walk; J. R. Morris, half mile, 15-16; Holding, 220 and 440, 14-15; Saxton, high jump, under 13.

War Savings have improved favourably, owing to the enthusiastic efforts of Fish, and we trust will continue to do so. The exams. are about to start, and we wish the best of luck to all those School Certificate and Higher School Certificate candidates. Quite a few boys will be going on the land in the summer holidays to do some valuable war work. No doubt we shall be able to recognise these patriotic ones by their sun-tanned appearance when they come back. Finally, we hope the House will co-operate with the new officials next term as well as they have done with us for the past year.

In the past 20 years many Hester-Lowe's have said good-bye to me as they left; now it is I who must say good-bye to you. It has been a privilege and pleasure to me to be your House Master, and no-one could have had more loyal co-operation and real friendliness than I have had from all of you, past and present. House Masters and boys come and go, but the House goes on, and if you show, as I know you will, the same spirit to future House Masters as you have shown to me, the House will continue to be what we have, of course, always - secretly but quite firmly - thought it, the best House in the School, and the House Masters ought to be as happy with you as I have been. Good-bye and good luck, Hesters!

WE may be justly proud when surveying the House activities of the last year. The boxing competition, held at the end of the Easter term, resulted in an overwhelming victory for our House, and our boxing captain, R. A. Bawden, was presented with the trophy. Unfortunately, Bawden has left the School, but we must congratulate him on having organised the whole Inter-House Boxing Competition. Regular Inter-House cricket matches have been revived again this year, and we must note the good results of our Senior XI., and also congratulate Benjamin on his election as the School 1st XI. Captain, as well as the House Cricket Captain. We must also congratulate him on his appointment as a School sub-prefect, together with Branscombe, K. Freedman, and Stopps.

This year we have again carried off the Sports' Trophy. Thus we have won it for the sixth year in succession, a feat that no House has previously equalled. Congratulations are due to Davis and Branscombe, as House Athletics Captain and Vice-Captain respectively. We must note that it was the Junior part of the House which gave us the lead, and so we stand an excellent chance of winning next year's sports.

The House was glad to see Pegrum, who came to Minehead to visit us. No doubt boys who were in the School at the beginning of the war will remember him. The one black spot on our House record is the lack of contributions this term in National Savings; Barbieri reports a decline as compared with last term's total. I hope that more effort will be made next term in this direction.

Finally, we wish the best of luck to all those who took the University Examinations. All those members of the House who are staying next year to carry on the House traditions will join me in wishing those leaving every success in their future careers.

LAST year the House had occasion to congratulate Pantry on his gaining of an open exhibition to University College, Exeter. This year our captain, Eric Smith, won the award. Is there anyone who can oblige us with the hat-trick next year? We also have to congratulate Smith on his appointment as School Captain, and it has just been announced that the doubles champions in the recent House Tennis Competition are Smith and Sheardown.

During the course of the term House Cricket has been under the guidance of B. Jacobs, our new cricket captain. The Senior XI. has won one out of its two matches, although the Juniors have, unfortunately, lost two out of their three games. There is one item of news that came too late for inclusion in the last House Notes - boxing. In the Inter-House contest we were placed third, and although we did not have as many entrants as we might have had, they all fought well. In this connection the names of Sheardown, Hentschel, Nillson, and Sinzheimer come up for special mention. Sinzheimer, by the way, was a runner-up in the tennis singles contest. This term we have had four new sub-prefects chosen from the House - Stevens, Newman, Middleton, and White. Heartiest congratulations to all of them!

But by far the most important happening this term was the Athletic Sports. At last Mr. Lambert's renowned words of wisdom on the "fourth and fifth places" were heeded, and we had a very satisfactory entry. All the entrants showed exceptional promise and determination, and it was only by a very few points that we missed winning.

AS usual, the summer has provided plenty of news. First, I am sure the House wishes to congratulate Dunford on his appointment as the School vice-captain. We also welcome the new prefects - Worsnop and Seeler. Towards the end of last term the boxing competition was held at the Methodist Hall, and could not be included in last term's notes. The House won two weights, Robertson giving a very good performance, and with the help of runners-up we were well placed. The Sports results were not as good as usual, owing to a lack of enthusiasm on the part of some members of the House. Dunford won the mile and the half mile, both within three seconds of the record; Seiler and Money gave outstanding performances. Both Junior and Senior cricket, under Price's captaincy, has been particularly successful. The Seniors have won two and drawn one, and Juniors have won three, much of the credit being due to Collins. What success we have had in cricket, sports, and boxing is due in very large measure to the time and trouble the House Masters have taken in coaching us. During Whitsun there was an Inter-House Tennis Competition, and we managed to reach the semi-finals in the singles and the doubles. Up to Whitsun the National Savings for the House for the year amounted to over £30. That is quite good, but Beck hopes for much better results next year. Lastly, I should like to welcome those new boys who have recently joined the House, and to wish the best of luck to those boys who are leaving at the end of term.

DURING this term some 20 Cadets sat for the Proficiency Exam. and are now awaiting the results. Small parties of Cadets have had a week-end at an R.A.F. Station, and enjoyed some flying - particularly the Cadet who was nearly involved in a raid. In order to set up a Welfare Fund, the unit has held two social events - a whist drive and a dance. Both events were highly satisfactory, both from a social and a financial point of view. Arrangements for camp are well advanced, and most of the Cadets will spend 10 days at the parent R.A.F. Station. Once more we have the melancholy duty of saying good-bye and good luck to many efficient and enthusiastic members of the unit. We shall miss them all.

WORK this term has been mainly of a topical nature, as there has been no immediate need for Cert. A training. Much useful work has been accomplished, however, especially in weapon training. The H.G. helped us a great deal in this respect by providing us with lecturers on various types of weapon. By way of return we have provided the H.G. with Company messengers, H.Q. telephonists, runners, and signallers. Two very successful bivouacs were held within a few miles of Minehead during the term. The first, which was attended by the whole Company, was held at Withycombe Scruffets. The Company split up into two camps at night, but, instead of sleeping, as is the usual custom at night, the Cadets began an inter-camp battle, which continued into the small hours of the morning. Unfortunately, the C.O. was involved in some slight local activity, which resulted in his being taken prisoner. The other bivouac was held at Blue Anchor, and was attended by a small party of Senior Cadets, for some of whom that region has certain attractions. The Corps will be losing some of its Senior Cadets at the end of this term notably C.Q.M.S. Jeffrey and Sgt. Barringer. There will subsequently be openings for some of the Junior Cadets. We hope to fill our depleted ranks with new members next term. A cricket match was played against the A.T.C. during half-term, and although the Cadets lost, they put up a good show and everybody enjoyed the game.

Two events of importance will take place at the end of this term. The first is the General Inspection, which was postponed from last term; the second is the Cadet dance, the proceeds from which will go to Cadet Funds. Arrangements have been made for Cadets to attend a regular Cadet camp, near London, at Nork Park. This will be a change from the camps held near Minehead, as this camp is provided with modern equipment, which will be used under the watchful eyes of experienced Army instructors.

The Corps was pleased to see ex-C.S.M. Robertson when he came to Minehead. Robertson is now serving in the R.A.C. We hope he will get rapid promotion.

DURING the past term there have been many opportunities of getting out into the open country and, on the whole, the Troop has made good use of its opportunities. Most members have made real progress in scoutcraft and useful patrol work has been done, and there have been happy camp-fire meetings in a certain quarry not many miles from Minehead. All this has made us feel that we have had good scouting this term. At the moment there are four First Class Scouts, and three of these also hold the King's Scout Badge.

On Whit-Monday an enjoyable all-day tramp was held, which started from Dunster, covered the Croydon Hills and the Druid's Combe, Luxborough, and finished at Washford station. Senior members of the Troop are now looking forward to camping in the summer holidays.

A NUMBER of Tenderfoot investitures was made at the beginning of the term, and now we are looking forward to their becoming Second Class Scouts soon. With other Troops of the district we took part in the St. George's Day service, at Dunster Church.

Twelve Scouts attended the Whitsun Camp, held at Perry Farm, East Quantoxhead. The cooking was rather a problem, owing to the lack of large utensils, but, nevertheless, a good time was had by all. Dr. Worsnop helped us enormously by transporting our equipment to and from the camp. Mr. and Mrs. Hole visited the Troop under canvas and presented the funds with 10s., which we gratefully acknowledge.

Our Den is going to be expanded, so we will need some new recruits to help fill it. New boys are always welcome; bring them along.

OUR Monday evenings have been for the most part spent in activities out of doors this term. Jones, with his usual enthusiasm, arranged for a number of Scouts to camp with him over the Whitsun holidays, and I understand they had a good time and were able to do much useful work. After two years the Troop is able to boast of many badges won by individual members, and the enthusiasm of the Patrol Leaders has been marked during the last few weeks. Here again Jones has set a fine example. Wells has attended regularly to give much appreciated talks, and recently brought along a four-stroke motor engine for demonstration purposes. We were able to turn out a smart group in uniform for the St. George's Day parade at Dunster Church.

THE club's activities this term have continued in the normal manner, the position now being that the majority of the club members have already passed their third and second class tests, and are waiting for an official first class test, which, it is hoped, will be held nearer the end of the term. Supplies of recognition models, Inter-Services Journals, and large silhouettes are arriving in a fairly regular stream; and in future, with the aid of our own club room, there will be a greater opportunity of using these for the instruction of the new members. During the discussion on the Delegates' Fund at the last S.W. Regional meeting, it was decided that "the most obvious and satisfactory plan was for all clubs to subscribe 1d. per member per week" in order that the delegate's expenses on attending these meetings should be paid to the Hon. Regional Treasurer. It was also stated that there will be talks by A.A. or Searchlight Battery personnel, visits from Mobile Film Units, and visits to aerodromes as soon as it can be arranged. I am sure that the rest of the club will support me in congratulating Mr. Elgood, whose keen efforts have made every meeting interesting.

IN the face of certain insurmountable difficulties, the Dramatic Society this year has had to revert to one-act plays, with all-male casts. Since just before Easter work has been proceeding on four of these, to be performed during the last week of term. By the time these notes are published the public performances will in all probability, have taken place, and I hope our efforts will have been received as well as heretofore. Several members are leaving School this summer, but I feel sure that the Society, under the inspiring guidance of Dr. Matthews, and stimulated by new talent, will continue its activities next year according to the long-established tradition.

FORTUNATELY the weather was kind to us on the actual day, though we had not been so fortunate for our preliminaries. This year we were unable to get the Irnham Road sports ground, but Mr. Gibbs kindly allowed us to use the County School hockey ground for both the preliminaries and the final events. The day chosen was Friday, 11th June, and for several days beforehand volunteers were to be seen clearing the ground. Two final events were held on the preliminary day, the one mile flat and the half-mile walk for under 15. F. Dunford, of Russell-Matthews House, was the favourite for the mile flat, and he took the lead from the first and held it. Unfortunately he missed the School record by 2.25sees., but this was probably due to the unsuitability of the ground for long-distance running. Very good runners up in this event were E. Davis, of Kerridge-Swan House, and D. Fish, of Hester-Lowe. The half-mile walk was won by Martins, of Kerridge-Swan, with F. Datson second.

The first event on the final day was the one mile walk, open, which was won by Barringer, of Hester-Lowe, with A. T. Cocks, of Andrews-Hough, a very good second. This was followed by the sprint events, of which the open and the 15 to 16 one hundred yard events are notable. McColvin, of Broodbank-Stevenson, won the open one hundred yards, after a great battle with Seiler, of Russell-Matthews. The latter event witnessed a very close race between Sinzheimer and O'Neill; Sinzheimer won, completing the course in a faster time than McColvin had done in the open. Y. Freedman, of Broodbank-Stevenson, won the 220 yards sprint and 440 yards, both open events, missing the record by only a second each time.

Other notable events are the 440 Yards for under 13, which was won by D. Metz after a very close and well-run race; Dunford's second victory in the half-mile flat again missing the record by two seconds; and the half-mile for 15 to 16, won by J. Morris, after a very good race. The relays this year were very close, and all the House teams put up a very good attempt. In the junior relay the Kerridge-Swan team had a fairly easy victory, though the other teams worked hard. The Senior relay was very hard fought, and special efforts from Dunford, Russell-Matthews, McColvin, Broodbank-Stevenson, and Davis, Kerridge-Swan, may be noted. Unfortunately Broodbank-Stevenson team had some bad luck and fell back after McColvin's magnificent lead. The final positioning was Russell-Matthews first, Kerridge-Swan second, and Andrews-Hough third.

The close competition in points throughout was specially notable between Kerridge-Swan and Lambert-Newman House for first place; the final order was:- Kerridge-Swan, 169; Lambert-Newman, 153; Andrews-Hough, 129; Russell-Matthews and Hester-Lowe, 102; Broodbank-Stevenson, 81.

Junior House positions:- 1, Kerridge-Swan; 2, Lambert-Newman; 3, Andrews-Hough; 4, Hester-Lowel 5, Russell-Matthews; 6, Broodbank-Stevenson.

On the whole the competition was much closer than it has been for the two previous years, when Kerridge-Swan House walked away with the sports. This year, however, they have had a very hard fight for it and the Houses should be very satisfied with their efforts.

As a final note, I would like to express, on behalf of the School, our thanks to the members of the staff for their organisation, and to Mr. Gibbs for his assistance in the preparation of the ground. Lastly, let us hope that our next sports day will be just as successful as this one, but on our own ground at Chiswick.

Competitors found a difficulty in supplying a final line for the sonnet. The Editors do not feel that any is worthy of the prize. The best of a rather poor entry was:-

by R. Hentschel (U.5A.2). He will receive a free copy of the next issue of "The Quintinian."

ON Tuesday we set off on an all-day ride to Doone Valley. We arrived at Porlock about half-past ten, and bought a few cakes. Then we set off for Porlock hill, and it took us almost an hour to walk up. From the top we had a lovely view right across to Wales. However, we kept on till we arrived at a 'bus stop, and there we asked a man the road to Oare village. He told us to take the first turning to the left. So down we went, until the road ended and turned into a rough track. The road, or rather the track, gradually sank down into a valley until at last we came to a proper road again. This road twisted in and out till it came to the lovely little church of Oare, where Lorna Doone married John Ridd (whose motto, by the way, was, "Ridd, never be ridden"), but that's another story. Well, after looking round the church we followed the road till we came to a bridge, then as we rode over the bridge we caught our first glimpse of Plovers Barrow Farm (or Lorna Doone Farm). It was a lovely little farm, and for a while we watched the farm hands shearing the sheep. Then we sat down in the tea garden and ate our dinner of sandwiches. After that we had a final look round the farm, and then went home.

"I'LL meet you to-night at the Hotel Regent, at nine o'clock. Don't forget to be there. Good-bye, Mary."

"Good-bye, Pat." A smartly-dressed young girl walked quickly up the Strand, and a tall R.A.F. sergeant went down into Trafalgar Square tube station.

A peaceful afternoon at an aerodrome in one of the Southern Counties. Loud speakers blaring! "Scramble!" Men racing for their 'planes, and within a few minutes 125 Fighter Squadron is in the air. "And Green Section will attack the bandits out of the sun." Within a few seconds the battle was at its height. At 16.23 the battle ended as suddenly as it had begun. No.125 Fighter Squadron returned with one plane missing, and later in the Sergeants' Mess, they drank a toast.

The Hotel Regent - a radio. This is the nine o'clock news, and it is Frank Phillips reading it . . . . "and from all these operations one of our aircraft is missing."

HERE are the names of 10 countries, all in different codes. See if you can decipher them without looking on the last page.

THE young pilot was tired after his first operational flight. He rolled into his bunk, and after a few minutes he was snoring. Suddenly the "scramble" call went. He was awake in a second and raced to his locker, where he shoved on his kit. Then, amid a pandemonium of sound, as the other pilots of his flight raced to their planes, he reached his Spitfire IX. After a second or two, during which he switched on ignition, saw to the flaps, undercarriage, as well as many other things, to which he was used, he heard the coughs and splutters of the other planes' engines warming up. "Contact!" he called, "Contact, sir!" came the answer from his mechanic. The engine roared to life and he started off as the chocks were pulled from in front of his wheels, in the wake of the rest of the flight. They had only been flying a short while, about 10 minutes, he thought, glancing at his 24-hour clock when, suddenly, over the inter-com. came the Flight-Lieutenant's voice: "Tally-ho 1 Tally-ho! Snappers astern. Break formation!" As soon as he heard this our pilot yanked back on the joy-stick and climbed. Just in time, too, for immediately he saw tracer whistling into the space where he had been a moment earlier! But, suddenly, he saw an M.E.109F2 loom menacingly in his mirror. Then he felt his Spitfire shudder to the thud of cannon shells. He knew she couldn't stand up to that for long. Suddenly she went into a steep dive. Screaming like a dying hawk, it swooped nearer to the earth, looking so peaceful and green below. Nearer the plane roared, nearer, nearer, nearer . . . . . Suddenly there was a terrific bump. He looked around and saw other pilots with grins on their faces, and suddenly realised that he had dreamt it all!

SUNDAY is the big day in the Mexican week, and as they are good Catholics they go to Church first thing. After Church they go to Chapultepec Park (a large and beautiful park, where there is almost everything, including lakes and rowing boats). There they listen to the band, eat peanuts, oranges, and ices, and watch the "charros" (Mexican cowboy) riding up and down the "parade." This is a very gorgeous sight as they have marvellous horses, and the charro costume is aglitter with silver. The trousers have a wide strip of silver ornaments, like buttons, sewn up the outside, the shirt is often silk, and the jacket is almost buried in silver ornaments. He wears an enormous sombrero (hat) of white, grey, or black, and it is also sewn with silver. After the charro parade the natives then go out to Xochimilco (the summer palace of the Emperor), which quite resembles Venice, in Italy. The Emperor made huge artificial islands and anchored them in the water; now the canoes paddle up and down these waters between the islands, which are covered with trees and flowers, each canoe filled with people playing guitars, everyone singing. Meanwhile the flower sellers, in their canoes, do a tremendous business. But later the people hurry off again to the bull ring for the afternoon fight. This is the climax of the day, and after that the Mexican goes home.

"WE'LL do swotting to-morrow. I'm absolutely fed up with wasting my time. Some of you don't realise that Matric's in 2 weeks 7hrs. 20min. and 59secs."

"O.K.! we'll start to-morrow in real earnest with no messing around. See you to-morrow. Cheerio."

Sunday dawns bright and sunny; visitors crowd the pavements on their way down to the sea front. Among them are our two scholars. Underneath each arm are books on English and Chemistry. People passing by gaze in awe at them. Here they are quoting "Scholar Gypsy" and "Rabbi ben Ezra," &c. How clever these Poly. boys are! On reaching the sea front they wait 'till the ticket collector has gone past, and then sit down on deck chairs. Crash! Screech! Clatter! Clatter! Some more U.5A.iis have just arrived by bike. After taking some books out of their saddle-bags they join our previous two students. Then the quarrel begins. "What do you mean by doing two minutes swotting last night when we left you? I suppose you wanted to get ahead of us, eh?" "No! No!" the others answered virtuously, trying to defend themselves, "we didn't do any." However, after some annoyed neighbours told them to be quiet, all the five settle down to some solid work. Every few minutes they solemnly nod to some other sufferers who walk by loaded with books, and when a Master goes past they politely raise their hats, shouting out purposely to a friend, "How do you form nitrogen tetroxide?" and then feel decidedly bucked, thinking to themselves, "Oh! good, we'll be in B . . . . 's good books now that he's seen us swotting."

Overhead zooms a flight of four-engined bombers. Everybody looks up, except our brave boys. They don't even so much as move their heads, so intent are they on their work. At last they've got down to it. Hello! What's up now? A peculiar whistle came from the end boy, and now excitement travels along the line. They seem to be staring at something. Yes, every head moves slowly from right to left. There is a hurried consultation between them all as they try to persuade each other that they've done a lot of revision. There is a sudden exodus as they all go off in the direction in which they were last looking. Everybody around stares in amazement. How could such a transformation take place in these quiet, studious boys in so short a time? Surely the ticket collector isn't coming back? No! there they are walking down the promenade with her . . . . . Whew! Cheerio!

AT last the great day had come; at last the Meteor, the miraculous new high-speed fighter 'plane was ready to take the air for the first time. A little group of designers stood around the 'plane, glittering in the sunlight. The chief designer gave the pilot his last-minute instructions, and then they all stepped back as he revved up his engine. The chocks were jacked away, and the new 'plane began to taxi across the airfield, gathering speed every second. After what seemed an age to the anxious watchers it rose into the air. The designer flushed with pride, as the undercarriage retracted neatly into the engine naselles, and the 'plane skimmed over the trees at the end of the airfield. Once clear of the trees and buildings the 'plane ascended rapidly in a spiral. Having reached a safe height, it commenced the most amazing antics imaginable. For ten minutes or more it looped, rolled, dived, and "cut jig-saws" in the air. Finally, it climbed up into the sky till it was but a tiny silver speck. Then the nose dipped, the right wing lifted, and the 'plane entered a terminal velocity dive. Down and down it plunged, as if it would bury itself in the ground. Then when it seemed almost too late, the Meteor flattened out and skimmed across the 'drome at tree-top height. Almost as soon as it flattened out the nose lifted, just in time to clear the trees, and the 'plane "stood on her tail" for a few seconds. It climbed almost vertically for a few feet, but just above a nearby house, its speed dropped, the 'plane seemed to hesitate for a moment, then it stalled and, dropping like a stone, it crashed in the garden of the house, the petrol tank bursting and enveloping the 'plane in a mass of flames.

Ten minutes afterwards Smith Minor walked sadly home, carrying the twisted remains of what had been a wonderful petrol-driven model aeroplane.

L. & U.6. MEDICALS. - Who said no-one could enter our Form unless he wore corduroys?

U.5A.2. - L*b*rt to S*o*e: "It's only five days to Matric. Let's find a piece of really good homework." S*o*e to L*b*rt: "I just saw one going down The Avenue. Come on!"

U.5B.2 - Lat*h*o*d to G*ab*r: "Only a week to Matric. Coming to pictures?" G*ab*r: "Sure." Lat*h*o*d: "What'll you tell your landlady?" G*ab*r: "Just another extra German lesson."

5A - T*gw**d to R*d*ng: "Do you really-collect old fossils?" R*d*ng * "Yes" T*gw**d: "So that's why you go to Blue Anchor."

5B - F*sh*r to T*yl*r: "That's quite a zoot swim suit you've got there, Tub." "Swim suit, nothing! It s a tiger skin for my Tarzan act."

L.5A. - M*rr*s (Form Captain) to Fr*edm*n: "Shut up or get out." Fr*edm*n: "All right. But just you wait till the next election for Form Captain!"

THIS morning, at four o'clock, an air-raid Warden of the small coastal town of Watchet, situated a few miles from Minehead, in Somerset, found that during the night the Bristol Channel had dried up. He was, of course, rather surprised and, to say the least, alarmed, and it was some time before he recovered enough from the shock of his discovery to go to the nearest telephone and inform the police. The police, after verifying his statement, informed the Home Office, which broadcast an order to evacuate all towns within three miles of the coast of the affected area. Several geologists came down to find the cause, if possible, of the eruption. The geologists, after examining the sea bed, announced that the trouble was caused by a hitherto unknown volcanic force that had sucked out all the water down into the bowels of the earth, and that there was but small chance of a relapsing of the waters. The land uncovered by the eruption was carefully guarded by members of the Army and Royal Air Force; the Navy, of course, being useless.

For the first three months an army of pioneers were hard at work removing all large rocks, wrecks, fish, and other obstacles in the way of the foundations for roads, railways, and airfields that were planned to form the network of communications linking the West of England with Wales. Now hotels and guest houses are springing up to cater for the thousands of tourists, hikers, and general sightseers who are flocking to the sea bed. It is now more fashionable to go to the "Welsh-English Borderland," as it is now called, than to go to the French, Riviera. The fresh water problem is great, so great, in fact, that it is almost more trouble than the re-claimed land is worth, and, if it were rectified, it would make the "Welsh-English Borderland" the greatest resort in the world.

INSPECTOR Faraday was just enjoying his holidays when he was called back to investigate another murder. This time Mr. Hall, the famous shoe magnate, had been murdered in his home. The only information Inspector Faraday had so far was that what he had deduced from the newspaper accounts of the murder. This was that the murderer must have been known to Mr. Hall, as not only was there no sign that an entry had been forced, but also the murderer must have known that all the servants had their night off on Friday. When he arrived at the deceased's house he was met by the police doctor, who told him that death must have occurred at seven o'clock as all the medical evidence pointed to that time and moreover, Mr. Hall's watch had been found broken and showed that time. All the servants explained satisfactorily where they had been that night, so Inspector Faraday wanted to interview the dead man's nephew next, who, as the sole benefactor of the deceased, was the most likely suspect. However, the Inspector had to wait for a while before that could be done as the nephew lived 40 miles away. When he did arrive the Inspector broke the news to him of his uncle's death, and asked the nephew where he had been that Friday night. The nephew looked surprised and said, "Now, let me think. Oh, yes here it is. At six I went to a show. After the show finished, that was at nine o'clock, I went to have a cocktail. Then I went to my club at about 9.30, where I stayed until twelve, playing bridge. I was lucky that night as I won 10s. Then I went home. So you see, Inspector, at seven I was in the middle of the best show in London."

The Inspector, after thinking awhile, said to him, "I charge you with the murder of George Hall on Friday night, and I warn you that anything you say will be taken down as evidence against you."

THE sun was at its height as I took my gun from its rack and joined the rest of the hunting party at the corner of the sunbaked village street. Captain Reilly, our leader, told us our prey had left the village at the east end and gone along the narrow jungle track towards Assam. We thought we might catch up with it if we took a short cut through the jungle. For five hours we trekked through narrow jungle paths; the heat was terrific and my gun seemed to grow heavier with every weary step. Suddenly our leader gave a sign, our quarry had been sighted in a clearing on a bend in the track; they were settling down for the night. The Captain decided that we'd better make a detour and prepare a trap for it. All that night we dug a large pit and camouflaged it with bamboo poles and jungle foliage, and as dawn broke we were hidden in trees surrounding the pit, lightly fingering our rifle triggers. We had not long to wait, for soon we heard the monsters getting near, uprooting trees and shrubs that barred their path. There were two of them. They lumbered forward one behind the other. As the first reached the pit edge we opened fire at its eyes and, with a roar, it rolled over into the trap, and we considered that one a "kill." The other one turned to bolt, but was stopped by dense trees. "Pretty big one that," said the Captain. "Smith, you stick a '73' on the tracks; we'll get the crew if they run for it."

IT was twilight, and in the grim age-old wood lay a tree, once proud, but since blasted by lightning. Suddenly, out of the deathly silence there came a crack of a snapping twig, and a stealthy form crept out of the undergrowth, fell over a root in its haste, and jumped on to the tree, gave a hoot of an owl, and from nearby another answered him, and another, yet another, till the wood was full of owl hoots. In a few moments slinking forms were seen coming towards the tree, and soon there were about 40-50 of them. Then, "Let us drink first for there is much work to do," someone cried, and loud gurgles and watery "Ah's!" testified to the quality of the beverage. Then came a cry of " Speech, speech!" and someone climbed on to the tree. "Peace be amongst you, brothers! We have come here to decide on a plan of action against this nuisance, this outrage, this, this, words fail me, brothers." Sobs were heard from several parts. "Brothers, we can go on no longer." Still more sobs. "Brothers, we have been persecuted, tortured, abducted, press ganged to do manual labour which would have been an impossible feat for Hercules!" At this point someone breaks down completely and is taken away mumbling "Hercules," while a bottle of aforesaid beverage did much to restore him. "Brothers, what we want is blood, blood! Buckets of blood!" Then at this thrilling crescendo, when all their hearts had stopped beating, a voice cool, calm, collected, from the undergrowth said, "Here, I say, what are you doing?" These words terminated in a scream, a moan, and a bump, then 50 forms climbed off the body. "Lights! Lights!" Lights wore brought, and as soon as the light touched the face of the recumbent form a groan was heard and a voice wailed, "Gosh, it's --------," naming a Prefect well known for his lines, detentions, and ability to find wrongdoers something to do in their spare time. There was a rush and the earth trembled as 50 forms tore through and up the wood.

The Prefect is in hospital, and on his face are plain imprints of a boot as worn by the Cadet Corps.

JIM Burton liked the wireless. He always had done. It had exercised a kind of magic spell over him ever since the early days of broadcasting. In those far off times, punctually every evening, when he returned from his job at Mr. Brown's, the printer's, he would make himself comfortable before that frail, battered cigar box that housed his most valued possession, a humble crystal set. Taking up his earphones, he would open the lid of the box and run excited eyes over that apparently careless jumble of wires and pieces of metal to make certain that everything was in its right position. Once satisfied, with infinite patience he turned the plunger attached to the cat's whisker and waited. And when at last he did alight on the right spot you could tell he had found what he wanted by the boyish, eager twinkle in his brown eyes. If you'd seen him obviously straining his ears to catch every note, every syllable of the programme, you would have thought that he, Jim Burton, and not that chap Marconi, had invented this wonderful new instrument.

A quarter of a century later his hobby was still the same. But now it was a lot easier to get the stations; there wasn't so much of the "trial and error" idea about it; he just had to flick the knob, and there it was. Still, the wireless, or the radio as they called it now, gave him the same pleasure. His five-valve set was to him just that old cigar box "in a new overcoat," as he used to say.

Jim was never very particular about which programmes he listened to. Whether it was a dance band or a symphony orchestra, he still liked having the set on. He found it was good company when he was in the house on his own, rather like an old and dear friend that was always by his side. He liked plays most of all, though, and never missed one if he could help it. "I likes a good play," he'd often say, "something that's got some stuffing in it. Give me a good play every time." And he meant it, too; he'd never go out if there was a play on.

One day Jim had taken his chair out into the garden. It was a hot summer's day, and he thought it was much too nice to stay indoors. He'd turned up the volume of his old set so that he could hear it comfortably. His face wrinkled up into a smile when he heard the announcer, in calm tones, say, "We present 'Mystery at Charing Cross, a radio play by H. B. Smithson." "That's Frank Phillips, that announcer," (he knew all their names and their voices, and was very proud of his accomplishment) "he sounds as though he's got a bit of a cold to-day."

And so he settled down in his chair to enjoy the play. It was a thriller, and no mistake; all about gangsters and such like. Maybe professional critics would have decried it, but it amused him. and that was all that mattered as far as he was concerned. But, as he listened, he noticed that the noise of a train speeding along came into the play quite often; in fact, a bit too often. "They're fond of that record, " he remarked, "still, perhaps, they've got several copies of it and they want to wear 'em out." And so the play went on. He was introduced to more and more characters of the underworld, and still he heard those same train wheels which, by the sound they made, seemed to run repeatedly over the same stretch of track.

Then a change came over him. His back straightened perceptively. "Why do they keep on playing that train record?" he said in a voice that sounded strangely unlike his own, "gets on my nerves; doesn't sound much like a real train, either! "He hesitated a moment, then rose from his chair, went indoors for his hat, and set off down the road with a brisk, swinging step. He reached his destination without much difficulty, and after a short time succeeded in gaining admittance to the building. He took a lift and was soon on the fourth floor. Taking a quick look about him, he entered the first room that caught his eye, closing the door quietly behind him. He could see nothing but a short man bending over a gramophone turntable watching a record spinning round. Jim plunged his hand into a pocket and brought out a gun. He aimed and fired. As he moved in the direction of the door he saw his victim fall, and then this was blotted from his view as the door closed behind him with a click.

Next morning he was very interested, and at the same time amused, to read in the paper: "For some time we have been forced to criticise the B.B.C. Drama Department on account of the artificiality of its sound effects in radio plays. It now appears, however, that they are remedying this fault; the sound effect department did a remarkably good job in last night's production of 'Murder at Charing Cross,' all the effects being exceptionally realistic, especially the revolver shot in one of the train sequences, when the chief character, overcome with remorse, commits suicide . . . . . .

"Wake up, wake up, you silly old man," said Jim's housekeeper, shaking him violently by the shoulder, "Fancy going to sleep at this time of day; wake up, I say." Jim stirred himself, "Have I been asleep, then?", he said. "I should just think you have, for two hours or more. And very thoughtless you've been. too. That wireless orf yous has been blaring out all the time. You must think a lot of that set; why, I wouldn't be surprised if you dream about it!" "Nor would I," said Jim knowingly. "Yes, it's a wonderful thing, that wireless of mine, Mrs. Bates," he said wistfully, "a wonderful thing."

THE great day had come at last! The day he had been waiting for! Peter Smith felt very excited and thrilled at the idea of being able to see. He had been blind since birth and countless eye specialists and opticians had done all they could, but to no avail. Now, after eight long and tedious months of treatment from a new miracle-worker doctor, who claimed that he could cure blindness, he might be able to see again! But, and there was a but, the doctor said he might only see for a short time. At last, however, the bandages were off and he opened his eyes to see. "What was this?" he thought, for a dark greyness had come over his vision which grew lighter every second. His eyes streamed with tears awhile, but at last he could see! He could see!! He could see!!! Oh, the joy, the happiness of it! So that was a chair on which he had hacked his knees so often! And that a table whose surface had often guided him across the room. And this was a bed on which he had lain so many months in melancholy solitude, except when his mother was there to try to cheer him up.

He lay there for many hours absorbing with growing interest everything that came in his sight. "What was this?" he thought. "Is the room growing darker, or is my blindness coming on again? Yes, it must be that."It got darker and darker; he burst into tears and, crying, fell asleep. He was awakened, it seemed only a few seconds later, by his mother, and opened his eyes, which were immediately dazzled by a shaft of sunlight streaming through the window. "Mother, I can see again" he cried. "I thought I had gone blind again when everything went black a while ago."

"You poor boy," his mother cried, "that must have been last night." Everyone had forgotten to tell him that at night it grew dark.

THE Abnormal Boy: These boys become obsessed with the idea of writing an article for the Magazine. They rush to the nearest stationers and buy up all the remaining stock of paper, five bottles of ink, and six pens. They then take a week's supply of food and go to some remote and peaceful spot, there to write their article.

The Enthusiastic Boy: This boy is more commonly encountered than the last. He will begin to write it at the beginning of the term. By the time the end of the term, when he is to give it in arrives, he is so completely worn out that he has to have six weeks' holiday in which to recuperate.

The Normal Boy: This species of boy is very patriotic and believes in conserving paper. He is also very thrifty where time is concerned. He thinks it to be a good idea when in a bus, train, &c., instead of wasting time doing nothing, to write his Magazine article.

The Forgetful Boy: He is very commonplace and usually is found in the Middle School. He will forget completely about it until the Master reminds him the same afternoon. His mind is so occupied with other more important things that it slips his memory again until 12.30 p.m. the next afternoon. The thoughts of the Master's wrath that afternoon make him quite ill, and he is unable to eat his dinner. Whereupon his kind-hearted landlady tells him he had better spend the afternoon in bed.

The Quick-thinking Boy: This type of boy is rather like the last class. He will forget about it until one period before it is to be given in. He then does his article in French lesson, behind piles of cases and books. Strange to relate, Masters do not like boys to do things in a hurry, and usually give them a whole two hours to do it in.

Last, but not least, is the boy who, although he tries hard, never has the time.

GLEN LYN, made famous by a boy who tried a one-and-a-half back somersault, quarter turn, and belly flop, while looking through a window from the wrong side, is quite a place. 7.30 a.m. - Menzies comes round and wakes everybody up with a warning that the bacon is getting cold. 8.30 - Everybody gets up. This results in a terrific crowd in the washroom. Seligman starts washing everyone else besides himself, and Worger cleans the floor. Gold starts to clean his teeth. 9.0 - The porridge was very nice, and now the combined discord of O'Neill singing and Seligman whistling ruins one's ears. Gold has just finished cleaning his teeth.

After breakfast anybody coming in would see books, comics, and boys all over the place. and Barnett's chewing gum decorating the undersides of the tables. Out in the garden two boys are cooking "pastry"; three are sun-bathing; while two others are "picking up" the cherries from the ground. At the entry of Menzies (what a man!) there is a general exodus. In the common room Gold is writing a letter. Six p.m. - Gold is still writing a letter. Eight p.m. - Gold is still writing a letter; and opening up a new page of his volume, he starts on that. 9.30 - Menzies comes along and tells everyone about six times to get washed - and who listens to him? After wearing out three pairs of shoes in five nights through continually walking from Dorm. 6 to Dorm. 5 to tell them to be quiet, he goes to bed.

Anybody getting out of bed in the night has got to run the risk of treading in the fire bucket, bashing against the dressing table, knocking the cases over, falling down the stairs, and not finding the guiding knob on the bannister; probably someone took it away the day before. Up in the Dorm. Gold has just finished his letter.

Meal-times put a severe strain on the Prefects. O'Neill has a full-time job in covering the sugar basin with his left hand, lest some "dishonest person" is tempted.

When Menzies finishes his meal he comes over to Dorm. 5's table and relates his career as a magician. Just when he gets to the point of looking into the hat, and not finding the rabbit, Gold upsets something over his trousers (that's nothing new). If an analysis of Gold's trousers were made, besides a small percentage of trousering matter, there would be a large proportion of tea, milk, jam, marmalade, and cheese. He utters a roar, and on his way out to the washroom he knocks the table, and the tea gets spilt everywhere, especially on Gold's trousers. O'Neill makes a remark that the tea is spilt. What a life!

A CASUAL observer, standing near the County School on a Saturday a month ago, would have noticed a steady stream of girls and eager-faced Poly. boys wandering slowly up the School drive. If this same observer had looked more closely he would have noticed a slight nervousness in the boys' demeanour and a quiet confidence in that of the girls! I showed my ticket at the door and was directed to the cloakroom, where a milling mass of boys seemed to be executing a war dance, but, on closer inspection, I realised that they were learning to dance the waltz. Any person who could dance was indeed popular that night. On entering the dance hall I was immediately chilled by the frigid atmosphere. All the girls were gathered like pathetic wallflowers into one corner, whilst lining the walls were the Poly. boys - shy - for the first time in their lives. No-one dared raise his voice for fear that one of the girls might look at him (believe it or not).

The band tuned up and started to play and one couple took the floor. Ah! bold-hearted T. W . rr . n. The girls looked appealingly at the boys, and the boys looked blankly back at them; so T. W . rr . n and partner finished the dance on their own. Eventually, some of the stouter-hearted boys started to dance, and these were followed by their less-confident companions. The fact that the dance floor was crowded proved a blessing to some boys, who danced with the air of fairies, and the ungainliness of elephants. This pleasant feeling prevailed until the interval, when the refreshments were served under the ever-watchful eyes of the A.T.C Cadets.

When the dancing re-commenced R . d . . g (5A), who had been unable to find a partner with feet hard enough to stand his weight, received the surprise of his life when a young lady actually asked him for a dance and, with the utmost grace and dignity, he started to waltz. H . gg (L.5A) was seen dancing with somebody nearly twice his height and age. I still don't think he saw in which direction he was moving. There was a sudden reservedness of the girls towards their partners when J . k . J . c . bs (our noted columnist) entered; many wary glances were thrown in his direction, but when he smiled everyone relaxed.

Praise is due to the organisers for a very pleasant evening. Special praise is due to all the girls who, for 3½ hours, endured the excuse, "Well, I'm not very good, but you will help me, won't you?" When the Cadet dance occurs at the end of term I hope these girls will not have to endure the same silent agony.

TAPSFIELD (London Scottish, M.E.F.) writes to Mr. Lambert: "I have been extremely mobile since leaving England, for in all I have been in seven different countries."

G. NICHOLS (R.A.F.) writes: "I saw ERIC CHRISTMAS 'Gang Show' here last week. He asked to be remembered to all who knew him. Later in the same week I saw GRIFFITHS JONES in an Army Concert Party."

H. EASTWOOD is a private in The Buffs, but has been called before the War Office Selection Board with a view to a commission.

R. G. BURDETT is working for his degree as veterinary surgeon at the Royal Veterinary College. He and DOSWELL have been at an S.T.C. camp and have both passed Certificate B. Doswell, in a letter to Mr. Smith, elaborates on the camp: "The weather," he says, "was fine, rather too fine, for we trained all day and half the night till we were mines of knowledge, and whizzed round assault courses as if they were arterial roads. Not, of course, without damage. There were two broken arms, one badly twisted ankle, one strained gut, and many minor sorrows. We had several exercises with the local H.G.; one at 04.00, of which time we took a very poor view indeed. We invariably fight in denims, no helmets, blacked faces, light equipment, and quite often gym. shoes; we use large lumps of thunder flash and blank, which is a help."

GEORGE EVANS was in Benghazi Hospital with slight injuries, including a broken ankle, after an aircraft accident on April 22nd. However, Mr. Lambert received an airgraph letter from him, dated May 25th, and he was then back in camp.

K. S. FOX is at University College, Oxford, doing an Army course. He is doing S.T.C. signal work the greater part of the day, but finds time for rowing, and has been chosen for the College second eight. MAZOWER is also there.

PETER HORE volunteered for the Army in February and is now a private in the Middlesex Regiment. He has been recommended for a commission and is expecting to go to an O.C.T.U. shortly.

P. MANNERS, now in the R.A.F., has almost finished his initial training in Devonshire. In a letter to Dr. Worsnop he gives news of P/O. METZ, who, as an instructor, has taken over his first flight at an Elementary Flying School in Ontario; of D. SIM, also training in Devon with the R.A.F.; of JOHNNIE FOWLER, awaiting posting overseas for his pilot training; of R. SMITH, now passed out as a weather observer; of T. SMITH finding life more pleasant now he is on an operative 'drome, and of G. WARREN, who has got his first pip up.

A. E. ROBERTSON, now a trooper in the R.A.C., in a letter to the Headmaster writes: "I have been put forward for a commission. I have passed my Regimental Boards and go up for my War Office Board fairly soon. I am glad to say that my education, and my School in particular, have helped immensely in getting me this chance. Nearly every officer I have been before has said, 'You were at the Poly., eh? They give you a good education there, don't they?'"

Sapper J. P. WALSH writes: "Having left school, I volunteered for the R.E.'s. That was in January, and on March 18th I joined my unit. The life is not really so bad, although the work is rather heavy. I entered as a 'Pioneer Student,' which is a trade classification for potential R.E. Officers."

LESLIE SMITH, working as a wireless mechanic in the R.A.F., says: "I recently applied for a course in Japanese at the School of Oriental Studies. On the successful conclusion of this course, in the words of the Order, one is posted overseas with the rank of sergeant, and is eligible for a commission on arrival at one's destination."

DONALD S. DAVIES has been accepted as Observer-Navigator in the R.A.F., and is now in the midst of the training. He says that BOB MOORES has just completed a battle course with the R.A.F. Regiment, and GEOFF. PULLEN has almost completed his flying training as a pilot in Rhodesia.

J. BENNETT (L.A.C. in an Armoured Car Company of the R.A.F.) has sent me a long letter describing his work and experiences. In the course of the letter he says: "Valuable work was carried out in the recent campaign in Syria, and the capture of several important towns and forts were made possible, and in many cases carried out, by this unit. Another fact, which is probably unknown to most people, is that this is the only armoured unit (other than the Long Range Desert Group) to have passed through the E1 Agheila Marshes, prior to this campaign, and returned successfully. In the gallant retreat of the 8th Army from the Tmimi-Gazala to El Alamein, we were on patrol in the Bir Hacheim area and sighted 40 enemy tanks. We wirelessed back to base and the Boston, with which we are so familiar, started one of their famous bus services and routed the Hun tanks before they did any damage, while the cars stood by and watched the fun through field glasses. You may have read in the newspaper of an escapade in this advance where two fighter squadrons operated from a secret 'drome well behind enemy lines, and were guarded by R.A.F. armoured cars, but how many thought of what that actually meant, and what one had to go through to reach that 'drome. The entire success of this operation depended entirely upon the navigational accuracy of our C.O. None of us knew what was in front, except a vast expanse of desert, maybe minefields, or even enemy patrols, in which case we would have been hopelessly wiped out. The destination itself was only a few miles from a strong enemy fort, hundreds of miles south in the Libyan Desert, on the edge of the Sahara. Navigation is not easy at the best of times over land, especially difficult when the journey was nearly 200 miles covering ground with everything from soft sand-drifts and high hills to rocky escarpments, making a straight course impossible, but, above all, we made it and wirelessed back all clear, and the Squadron ground crews and supplies were then landed by air and the whole operation was successfully carried out. In our crews every man is a volunteer, trained in the arts of desert driving, which is far from being easy, knowing the mechanism of the engine, knowing how to operate and how the guns operate, having a knowledge of wireless (each man being a fairly proficient wireless operator), navigation, first aid, and every man is his own cook, as each car does its own individual cooking, and, above all, every man has that British spirit which cannot be broken under any circumstances. During all of our operations we naturally have had losses, but we also claim five enemy aircraft, which have attacked convoys which we have been escorting across desert tracks, and several more probables which have fallen victims to our guns."

D. B. BLACKBURN has written to say that he has been accepted for an Engineering Cadetship Course at the Northampton Polytechnic. The course takes 21 months, and comprises in Part I. Maths. and Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mechanics, Principles of Electricity, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Technology and Practice, and Physical Training. In Part II. there are also Properties and Strengths of Materials, Internal Combustion Engines, Theory of Machines and Hydraulics, Electrical Engineering and Workshops. Working with Blackburn there are E. METHLEY, who left us last year, and LANE, who was in the 6th with Blackburn. Blackburn says that the local A.T.C. Squadron takes up two evenings a week and Sunday morning. He adds: "At Squadron H.Q. I have also bumped into HERBERT, BAWDRY, and B. A. MAUND. Maund is in the R.A.V.R. I see TOURRET, too, every other week, as he and I are still as mad on railways as ever."

G. N. STREET is now a Squadron-Leader in the R.A.F. He is an equipment officer in Tunisia.

W. H. WARD writes: "After completing construction work in S. Wales I am now a scientific officer at the Building Research Station, working on a comparatively recent development in engineering science, called Soil Mechanics. I am concerned mainly with special investigations for service and other departments. All of the work is very interesting and entails a good deal of travelling. By sheer coincidence another Poly. boy is assistant with me. He is LITTLE, who was in the 6th with me. At present he is busy working for External B.Sc. (Eng.), in the summer."

Lt. E. R. COX (Signals officer in Middle East Forces), in a letter to Mr. Lambert, says: "I have been abroad now just over 2½ years. I came out here with an Armoured Brigade, and first saw service in Greece. I missed the most hectic time in Crete and returned to Egypt, where I served for a year. After being in the M.E. Signals O.C.T.U., I returned to the Division just in time for Alamein, and later Mareth and Wadi Akerit . . . . I met GEOFF WARE with an Armoured Regiment in my area, and I saw PHELPS in Cairo.

Sub.Lt. C. E. TIMBERLAKE (R.N.V.R.), writing to Mr. Chevrollier, says: "Since joining up I had 13½ weeks initial training, after which I was drafted to a destroyer and, within a week, found myself in the thick of last August's Malta convoy. This was, of course, my baptism of fire. Since then, apart from an uncomfortable trip to Russia and back last November, I have been taking exams and courses.

FAITHFUL has gained a commission in the R.A.F. Coastal Command and is a navigator. He says: "I was pleasantly surprised to meet P/O. CEDRIC NABARRO, of Lambert-Newman House, in a mess at a station before I returned to England. We came back on the same ship, and very much enjoyed recalling old days."

The following are extracts from a very interesting letter written to the Head by O'KEIFFE:- You may be interested to hear of several old boys whom it has been my good fortune to meet from time to time recently. H. F. T. SMITH was giving a party to celebrate his forthcoming marriage - this was at the Piccadilly Hotel dinner-dance, and we had the opportunity to renew our acquaintance for a few moments on the dance floor. You may remember that he was School Captain in about 1937 or 38, and went up to Cambridge on a scholarship when he left the Poly. He was an energetic member of the Dramatic and Play-Reading Societies whilst at school, and played a handsome Antony to my un-memorable Cleopatra. He had taken his degree and was awaiting his Service papers when we met, though in what capacity time did not allow of my learning.

Recently I was invited to attend a dance at University College Hospital, where I met CASHMAN and CITRON, both of whom were members of the U.6 Medical when I entered the LVI. in January, 1938. Cashman appeared to be taking a very active part in the social activities of the Hospital, and both were taking advantage of the shortened medical curriculum to have a stab at the whole of Finals M.B., B.S. this summer. Chances. in medical exams. are difficult of assessment, but the professed qualms belied the inner confidence of both. Finally I had a short meeting with COLEMAN, of the U.6 Science in 1940. He was in the uniform of Cadet Officer in some specialised branch of the Army, and volunteered the information that he had passed part of his B.Sc. before joining the Services. Apparently he is connected with radio, and since these things are not only hush-hush, but also sadly beyond my comprehension (my apologies to Messrs. Judd and Beresford), I did not press him for further details. I must add that I see quite a lot of H. SHAMPAN, who has been having rather a lot of health troubles since leaving the Poly, He was turned down as unfit by the Navy, but has now got a job as house manager of a cinema in Edmonton and appears to be in better spirits. He was working for the L.C.C. until a short time ago, and did some excellent work in charge of a local Rest Centre during some of the worst blitzes on London.

For myself, as the only representative of the Poly. at present in the wards of Guys, I thought I might take this opportunity to say a few words about this other alma mater of mine. This is in the hope that you may convey it to present and future members of the School's Medical 6, and thereby inform them, as well as you informed me in the past, regarding the crucial choice of hospital problem. Like most voluntary hospitals in the London area we were evacuated to scattered sector hospitals at the commencement of war, only a skeleton staff and advanced students remained at London Bridge to deal with the copious stream of air-raid casualties that were given emergency treatment, and in turn evacuated to the country during the blitzes. I joined the second year students at their retreat in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, but on frequent week-end visits to town I saw the efficient way in which the mess that the German bombers had left was cleared up. In particular I gained experience of the treatment of all kinds of injuries that I shall never forget. Amputations were being performed continuously in the theatres, though things have to be very serious before this radical treatment is carried out nowadays. Much plaster of paris was brushed from the injured as they arrived in the Reception Hall, only to be re-applied to their lacerated limbs in the theatres. This was treatment first used extensively in Spain during the Civil War, and now almost perfected and universally used in British Hospitals for all kinds of contaminated wounds.

Meanwhile I continued in comparative peace and quiet of the Wells, with the exhausting cram of anatomy and physiology, only terminated when 1 passed my 2nd M.B., B.S., and arrived in the London wards to commence the trek to flat feet and Finals. At last, after four years walk, I saw the first patient to whom I could lay at least partial claim, though the house surgeon, junior dresser, senior dresser, registrar, and senior surgeon all considered her their own as well, not to mention the sister of the ward. Alas! that first case was a small beginning - I remember her as the girl with the boil. Now, as I finish my first year of ward work we have an ever-increasing number of students returning to study at Guys itself.

There are many other aspects of the Hospital that I should like to write about. The social and sporting activities for instance, but this would savour of competition with the official handbook issued by the Medical School, so I shall desist.

It is with deep regret that we have to record the loss of three other Old Quintinians:-

Sgt-Pilot STEWART LEE lost his life in an aircraft accident in Scotland on March 26th.

P/O. FUCHS was killed in action, April, 1943.

F/O. "DICK" WORSWICK is reported missing.

The news of the loss of Worswick was sent to the School by F/O. LAWTON, who is in the same Squadron. He wrote:- . . . . . "while on operational sortie over the sea Dick had engine trouble. His navigator managed to send out an S.O.S. before they ditched. Despite intensive Air Sea Rescue search, no trace could be found of them. We can but hope they were picked up, maybe by an enemy vessel. We have had no further news."

As I was moonying up Alcombe Steep the other day on the look out for stray corpses, dead or alive, of Poly. boys or Masters thrown off their bicycles, I sat me down on the kerb outside the Co-Op. to meditate on the marvel of "Poly. Spirit." This was the afternoon of Wednesday, June 9th, as ever there was. You remember that terrible Wednesday when we all had to be at school at 9.30 a.m. What a day! The air above Minehead was positively electric at 9.15 as landladies struggled nobly to get their charges ready for school. Unaccustomed as we were to early rising at just after nine and greeting the dawn, Esprit de Corps, Noblesse. Oblige, Toujours la Polytechnique prevailed. There was bustling in great haste and magnificently superb team work together with verve and en bon point d'une dame de terre (Free French for landlady).

My thanks to you, ladies, one and all; and to they husbands of they landladies, men amour a toi; je vous verrai dans le noir-dehors sur le front a Montete. Except that one or two boys had to wash and have their breakfast overnight to be up betimes the toute ensemble was une parfaite pièce do gateau. By the way, keep up all your foreign languages, especially you senior boys. You'll bound to want one of them soon.

(Song sung to two Poly. boys by a landlady on the morning of Wednesday, June 9th, at 9.15,1943).

At this juncture the Poly boys aforesaid were haring down the drainpipe on their way to School, and the song ceased suddenly.

There have been so many rumours in Minehead lately about our going back to London that I feel it wise to make a few official announcements.

1 - We are going back, of course. You know I always think that for us Londoners the sunny South-West is a "Land of lost endeavour." We get lazy in the splendour and ease, the excessive sweetness of all this spare country. In Somerset one need not bother to go somewhere because anywhere's just as good. If you boys stay here much longer you will forget how to get out of the train at Oxford Circus without getting torn to bits or squashed flat.

3 - Four Remove, as their name implies, will be going and coming. Their morning lessons will be in Regent Street, and their afternoon teaching at Minehead. Lunch (at 4d.) will be served on the train, and the G.W.R. Bye-laws will be altered accordingly.

BEFORES - Meat, dehydrated, decontaminated, dejected, delaminated, depreciated, decomposed.

4 - Dr. Worsnop has made a start on this going home business by having Speech Day in London. Next year the sports, lessons, Cadets, Scouts, and Dramatics will be held in London, and Mr. Chevrolier's detentions in Minehead. Saturday morning assemblies will be on Friday.

5 - A special School Express will then be put on. It starts earlier, gets there later, and stops more often between stations. Tickets will be examined at Crowcombe, Stogumber, and Nether Wallop. The train will run express from Blue Anchor to Minehead only stopping at Dunster. Boys will carry emergency rations in case the train never gets anywhere at all ever.

5 - Boys who wish to marry and settle down in Minehead in the next six months must get a form from the office and the written permission of their parents, Headmaster, Form Captain, House Master, Billet-tor, Scoutmaster, and Sergeant Major if in the Cadets, and future bride if the boy is under 16. This rule is waived in the case of members of the '49 Club, and all full-prefects.

Here, to finish with, is your homework, which is to be learnt by heart, by to-morrow, by all.

And you'll be in Minehead Hospital wasting the time of nurses and doctors and missing all your lessons and coming bottom in the class, so that your mothers and fathers "wonder what we've been paying all that money for."

2 - Turn all the letters around till you have THALFR, and now go back three letters for each letter - MEXICO.

4 - Divide each number by two; the dividend is the number of the place in the alphabet that the letter takes - POLAND.

/ — - / — - - / — — — / - / — - — / — - /— - — — / — — / — - / Now change every dash into a dot and every dot into a dash, this now becomes: / - — / - — — / - - - / — / - — - / - — / - — - - / - - / - — / which, when translated, becomes AUSTRALIA.

/ - / — - - / — - — / - — - / — / — - - / Now change every dot into a dash and every dash into a dot; this

now becomes: / — / - — — / - — - / — - — / - / - — — / which reads TURKEY.

8 - Turn. the letters around until you have G T M F Z Q X; now go one letter forward - HUNGARY.

9 - Find the square root of the number to the nearest whole number, and this number is the position of the letter in the 26 letters of the alphabet - ENGLAND.

10 - Cross out every second letter. You now have AMRUB, turn the letters around until you have BURMA.

How did the nephew know that Mr. Hall died at seven o'clock unless he was the murderer?

Will all friends who would like a copy of the collected poems of the late H. O. Coleman please send donation (minimum 5s.) to Mr. Coates or Mr. Eckersley. The volume will be ready early in autumn.