THE STAFF OF HACKNEY DOWNS SCHOOL Hackney Downs School was founded in 1876 as "The Grocers' Company's School at Hackney Downs", It was the only School to be founded by the City Livery Company, The Worshipful Company of Grocers, in its Corporate right but was, sadly, made the subject of a gift to the Government by 1906 when its new title became "Hackney Downs School (formerly The Grocers' Company's School.)" Apart from the carved stone Coat of Arms which was built in to the brickwork above the front entrance, and the Company's Arms cast above the front gates, little now remains of the original building which was badly damaged by fire in 1963 and subsequently demolished when the new School was completed during the latter part of the 1960's That School is now also closed as the processes of change, sometimes, or so it seems, for change's sake, have overtaken the Borough of Hackney. Prior to its reincarnation as a Comprehensive, in the late 1960's the School had first been a minor Public School (though a founder of the Public Schools Association) and, following the 1944 Education Act had become a "County Grammar School". There were thus four distinct periods in the School's Life; the original foundation, the post-Grocers years (still fee- paying), the County Grammar and the Comprehensive. Little is known of the successes of pupils from the first of these periods (with some notable exceptions) but boys from the second and third periods, though different, established a fine record of achievement in many fields. These range from Transplant Pioneers, a physician to the Monarch, leading Actors and Playwrights, several senior Government Scientists, Lawyers and so on. These boys from pre-war middle class homes and post-war working class homes were taught by teachers of distinction, many of them giving their whole careers to Hackney Downs when they might have achieved even greater things had they themselves moved on. A number of staff from the 1950's and 1960's later transferred to Higher Education, taking doctorates or becoming Professors like many of those they had taught. These notes are a record of those men and women, gleaned from the School Magazine and elsewhere. The early archive is unfortunately incomplete and we can only guess, from a numbered record, and attempt to allocate names to the early period when one comes to light. There is a similar deficiency in the later years also when the Council's records became computerised and no thought was given to the archive value of written or printed lists. The record will be our tribute and The Clove Club would welcome anyone who is able to add further information. The numbers in front of each name are taken from the Staff Register which replaced an earlier volume, apparently destroyed, but giving, at least, an indication of the number of teachers employed. "No's. 1- 95 also in Old Register." The "New" Register appears to start around 1934. 1906 7. Charles James Charles Cruse was born on April 6th, 1876. Details of his early schooling are unknown but he was trained from 1895-1897 at St.Marks' College, Chelsea, where he gained a 1st Class B.of E. Certificate, before taking up an appointment at the City of London Day Training College (Cusack's) in 1897, a post which he held until 1901. From then until 1906 he was at the Essex St. P.T. Centre. In 1906 he joined the staff at Hackney Downs School. Also in 1906 he gained a B.Sc. at London, 1st Class, in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Physics. The Register notes that he "Rejoined after the War", Feb. 1919. 8. Thomas Robert Davies (on staff per Kellys 1926) Thomas Davies was born in North Wales on March 23rd, 1879 and seems to have been educated at the Friar's School (Grammar School), in Bangor. The register rather curiously records his dates here as 1902-1907 making him a rather mature student but, at the same time, cutting across dates of his University course. At the University of Wales (University College of North Wales, Bangor) he gained a B.A. (in 1902) and an M.A. (in 1904) with his Thesis "Le Globe et le Romantisme". His was a Second Class Honours Degree with a Certificate of Proficiency in Spoken Language, with subsidiary Lat, Greek and Philosophy. From August 29th, 1902 until March 4th, 1906, he taught at The Foundation School, Whitechapel Road, E.1. and was appointed to H.D.S. from March 5th, 1906 becoming Senior French Master from 21st September, 1936, teaching at the NELESS from March, 1940 Under "Particulars of residence abroad" it is noted that he stayed in Paris from June - October, 1901, went on various holiday cruises and stayed abroad most Easter and Summer Vacations. He retired on 21st September, 1946. The Review No 53 Feb 1906 quotes "Mr. Davies holds the degree of M.A. from the University of Wales, and is a specialist in French. 9. Leonard Charles Dice Mr.Dice was born on 28th June, 1881 and educated at Palmers' Endowed (Grammar) School, Grays, from 1894 until 1898 when he went up to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth (1898-1901) where he gained a B.Sc ("Special") in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry having previously taken an Inter B.Sc. at London, in the same subjects, in 1899. He taught at Bishop's Science Schools, Salisbury (January, 1902 until January, 1903; County Schools, Welshpool (January, 1903 until July, 1905); King Edward VI School, Chelmsford, (September, 1905 until December, 1905). From January, 1906 he took up his appointment at Hackney Downs School. He retired on 28th February, 1942, his last attachment being at the NELESS from March, 1940. (on staff per Kellys 1926) He died on 13th October, 1957 The Review No.53 Feb. 1906 "Mr. Dice is also a graduate (B.Sc.) of the University of Wales and joins us from the King Edward VI School, Chelmsford." 10. Edgar Penrice Doughty 1904 Mr.Doughty was born on 22nd April, 1880 and educated, between 1889 and 1899, at Great Yarmouth Grammar School and for the following three years, until 1902, at Pembroke College, Cambridge. At Cambridge he qualified in Classics in Classical Tripos I (Class 1, Division iii). He first took a temporary post at Oundle School, from January to July, 1903 followed by a few weeks at Loughborough Grammar School from September to November 1903. The news of his M.A. was announced in The Review No 56 in July, 1906. Doughty arrived at Hackney Downs School in January 1904. He became House Master of Greens House and retired from H.D.S. on 19th September, 1943. He did, however, carry on part-time at the HDS Tutorial Classes from 22.9.43. 20. Samuel Alfred (Ret'd 28.2.36)(1902) Mr.Richards was born on 6th March, 1872 and was first educated at The Grocers' Company's School from 1884 until 1889 followed by two years of private tuition. From 1891 until 1892 he taught at North Tawton School, and from 1892 until 1893 at a Private School in Hungerford. In 1894 he held two short term appointments, at The "Beaern" in Sevenoaks and Crypt Grammar School, before moving to Clyde House in Hereford until 1895. In 1896 he took post at Wesley College, Sheffield, finally taking a position at The Grocers' Company's School from 1902 until his retirement on 20th September, 1936. In 1895 he obtained a B.A. in Greek, Latin, English, French and Mental & Moral science and He had also taken further qualifications resulting in the Diplome de Français, dyze Superieur, mention très honorable (Universite de Caen) in 1901 and the Certificat d'Etudes phonetiques (Paul Passy) in 1908. He had made much use of his regular holidays on the Continent. In 1912 Richards gained his M.A. at London University in French Literature, Philology and Oral Exam, his Thesis being recommended for publication. He retired on 20th September, 1936. He became Senior French Master. (post reptd Kellys 1926) 24. Philip Henry LRAM F.I.S.C. (choir master per Kellys 1926) (1902) 'Pip' Henry was born on 17th November, 1876. He was educated at The Grocers' Company's School, leaving in 1892. He was a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (teacher of Singing) and a Fellow of the Incorporated Staff Sight-Singing College. His status on the Staff was 'visiting' and he held two appointments - from 1902 he taught singing at H.D.S. and from 1910 also at St.John's College, Finsbury Park. The Review for Christmas, 1946, recorded in its editorial: "Mr.Philip Henry, the Music Master of the School will resign his post at the end of this term, having reached the retiring age. His reminiscences, grave and gay, - the latter more numerous than the former - have been a happy link with the early days of the headmastership of the Reverend C.Gull, for Mr.Henry was then a boy at the School, and with the period from January 1902 onwards, when he was appointed Music Master. It is difficult to picture the School without Mr.Henry after his long association with it. An appreciation of him will appear in the next number of the Review: here, with feelings of deepest gratitude for his long and valuable service, we wish him a long and happy period of retirement." He retired on 21st December, 1946. The Spring Term, 1947 edition of The Review contained, as foretold in the Christmas 1946 edition, a full tribute to Mr. Henry: "There is in the Reference Library a vast Register of Admissions (now in Hackney Archives), whose scope stretches back from the later Gull period to those dim semi-mythical days when Courthope Bowen ruled the school. Turn to p.162 and you shall find the entry: - 1890, January 16, Henry, P.A. It is hard to believe that, with one short break, Mr.Philip Henry has been connected with the School for so many years. Still harder is it to find sense in the harsh age-rule that has snatched him from us; hardest of all to take pleasure in a Common Room that knows him no more. Common Room, note well; for the 'Pip' of the classroom, whose subtle magic has transmuted so many scruffy urchins into quiring cherubim is but one aspect of our many faceted Philip; if he is a fellow of infinite jest, he has also that infinite variety which age cannot wither, nor custom stale. Those boys who have joined his famous choir at St.Olave's know a little more of him; those of us who have marvelled at his virtuosity when he has broadcast or played at City dinners or great Masonic functions, yet a little more, but it is we, his colleagues, who savoured most fully the rich quintessence of him. Alas! That we cannot, for one reason or another, tell all we know. There was an Elizabethan pursuivant once, who boasted that his skilful racking had made a certain priest "six inches longer than God made him." If long-continued and fiendishly ingenious leg-pulling had the same physical effect, some of our Philip's colleagues would be even as herons on stilts. How many a newly-joined French assistant, nervously hoping on his first day to pass unperceived in a crowded Common Room, has found himself confronted by a grave unsmiling Unknown, and heard himself addressed in a language whose words were French, whose syntax English, whose meaning recondite? 'Quel applaudissement, mon vieux coq moineau!' said the Unknown 'j'espere que vous êtes allant sur tout droit." The hapless Gaul paled, b;lushed, smiled nervously, ne savait où se fourrer; then, as the grave harangue continued, as he caught references to Monsieur Comment Bien and Monsieur Rencontrai Veau, realised delightedly that he was the present victim and future friend of one of those rarest spirits among the mad English, those who are sealed of the Tribe of Shandy. One more anecdote: this to illustrate his uncanny skill in the composition of such lesser verse-forms as the Limerick and the Clerihew. A temporary colleague, whose stay among us was all too short, rashly challenged P.H. to make a Limerick, or even a single rhyme, upon his own unusual surname. Swift came the deadly riposte:- I said to my friend, Mr.Hollingworth, 'Pray, what do you reckon your calling worth? For the room where you teach (That's a figure of speech) Is much less a class than a lolling-berth'. But one could multiply such anecdotes; it is some small consolation to those of us who have known him longest and now mourn most his departure that we have the greatest share of them. Not that we can, or need, be content with memories. Though we have lost latterly too many rare spirits, yet there are times, Speech Days, Sports and the like, when they revisit us: W.J.T. and A.J.M., T.R.D. and E.P.D., S.D. and F.J.S., men of whom Jesus, the Son of Sirach wrote in his Chapter XLIV. Not least will shine among these welcome guests he whom mortals know as Philip Henry , but the gods as Pip. 25. Arthur James (1905) Arthur Marley was born on 16th august, 1875 and took his First Class Army Gymnastic Certificate at Aldershot on 1st July, 1895. Review 51 Nov 1905 "The Committee (of the Clove Gymnastic Section) have engaged the services of Instructor Marley, late Instructor of the 1st Yorkshire Light Infantry, who holds the Gold Medal of the All- Ireland Military Athletic Meeting, and who was a prize-winner at the Royal Military Tournament in 1901." He was appointed to the Staff at Hackney Downs School in 1905, retiring on 13th October, 1939. (kellys 1926 physical exercises) 27. Thomas Chilwell Sharrott.(1909) Thomas Sharrott - known as 'Patsy' - was educated at Nuneaton Grammar School from 1884 until 1890 and at Mason College, Birmingham from 1891 to 1893. From 1893 until 1897 he was at the Royal College of Science where he became a Chemistry Associate in 1896 and a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry, also in 1896. He graduated in Classics at Trinity College, Dublin in 1903 (B.A.) and 1905 (M.A.). Also A.R.C.Sc, F.I.C. (Kellys 1926). He began teaching with six months, from January 1898 until July, 1898, at Southwell Grammar School, followed by some years at Bovey Tracey Grammar School (from May 1899 until July, 1908). He was appointed to H.D.S. in April 1909, retiring from there on 28th February, 1936. 29. Alexander I. Johnstone (1912) Alexander Johnstone was born on 22nd June, 1880. He was educated at Harrow Green Elementary School, Leyton from 1885 until 1905 and, from then until 1908, at Wanstead P.T.Centre. From 1899 until 1901 he underwent further training at Borough Road College, Isleworth passing "1st class, in both divisions" in 1900 and again in 1901. From 1901 until 1908 he taught at Kirkdale Road School, Leytonstone, meanwhile studying for his degree which he gained (B.A. Honours, First Class, London) in 1907 in Physics with Mathematics subsidiary. (B.S.c. Lond reported Kellys 1926) From 1908 until 1911 he taught at George Green's School Poplar and, in 1912, was appointed to Hackney Downs School. During his service at the School he became Senior Science Master (in which post he was succeeded by Mr. J.F.Tucker). In 1926 he took his M.Sc. in History and Principles and Methods of Science, again at London. He retired on 21st September, 1943. 31. Charles Davenport Charles 'Davvy' Davenport was born on 25th August, 1883 and educated at the King's School, Worcester from 1894 until 1899. He went up to Cambridge (St.Catherine's), taking a B.A. in Theology in 1905. He also took various vacation courses in Geography at both Cambridge and Oxford, as well as Commercial , Royal Society of Arts and Chamber of Commerce Courses. He taught at Atherstone Grammar School from September until December, 1905 moving to Colfe Grammar School, Lewisham from January, 1906 until December, 1908. For three and a half years, January, 1909 until July, 1912, he taught at King Edward VII School, Sheffield before transferring to Hackney Downs in September, 1912. In March 1940 he was transferred to the West London Emergency Secondary School, resigning on 31st August, 1943. He then moved to King Edward VI School, Birmingham. C.Davenport reported resident master in Kellys 1926. 60. Thomas Bertram Barron Mr.Barron was born on 8th August, 1886. From 1898 until 1900 he was educated at the De Aston School in Market Rasen and, from 1900 until 1904, at the Kingswood School, Bath. He had passed Matriculation in 1903 and, following teaching experience, took his B.A. at London in 1914, studying Latin, English, Economics and History. He taught from September 1904 until July 1905 at the Wesley College, Sheffield and, from 1905 until 1907, at the High School in Trowbridge. He became an "Emergency" Master at the King Edward VII Grammar School in Sheffield from September 1907 until December 1912 becoming "Temporary" from January 1913 until July, 1913 and again from January to July, 1914. He returned to King Edward VII School after War Service (from 1914 until the end of 1918) and served there from January until April 1919 when, in May, he transferred and was appointed to Hackney Downs School. He became Senior Master in 1934, Richards House Master from September, 1936 and was transferred to the South London Emergency Secondary School in September, 1942 subsequently becoming the Master in Charge at the Hackney Downs School Tutorial Classes from May, 1943. He retired in September, 1949. 66. William Edward Griffiths Howell William Howell was born on 5th August, 1893 and attended School, from 1904 until 1910, at the County School, Ebbw Vale, from where he proceeded (in 1910) to the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, graduating in 1913 with a Second Class Honours B.A.(Wales)(Kellys 1926). He had studied French (Honours), Latin (Ordinary), Maths (Ordinary) and History (Intermediate). He taught first at Burnaston College, Etwall, Derbyshire, from October 1913 until April, 1914, transferring to the Warehousemen, Clerks and Drapers' School, Purley, where he taught from April 1914 until May 1915. He must then have seen service with the Armed Forces. His next service is recorded as with Rhondda Intermediate School, Porth, from September, 1919 until December, 1919 and he transferred to H.D.S. on 1st, January, 1920. At Hackney Downs he was promoted to Senior French Master in September, 1941, and to Second Master in September, 1949. He retired on 22nd December, 1953. 67. Edmund Clarence Pressnell Edmund Pressnell was born on 25th January, 1892 and, from 1897 until 1906, attended the Wilson Marriage School, Colchester. He was appointed to Hackney Downs on January 6th, 1920 and retired from there on 20th December, 1957. 70. Thomas Francis Fox (Ret'd 12/58 as recorded but ought to be 1957?) Thomas Fox was born on August, 1891. He first attended the Sir William Laxton Grammar School, and then Oundle School itself, from 1902 until July 1910. From 1910 until July 1913 he attended St.Marks College, Chelsea (Training College), and Battersea Polytechnic until July 1914. He received his Board of Education Teaching Certificate in 1912 and this was endorsed in 1913 on completion of his 3rd Year of Training. He obtained a 2nd Class B.A. in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Physics at London University. (B.Sc. per Kellys 1926) He was attached to the L.C.C. Mina Road, Walworth Central School (Boys Dept.) from August 20th, 1913 until April 19th, 1920 and these dates incorporated his War Service. From April 20th 1920 until his retirement on 31st August 1958, he taught at Hackney Downs School. 71. James Ellis Medcalf (Ret'd 12/56) James Medcalf was born on 1st November 1891. He attended Cowley Grammar School, St.Helens, Lancs. From 1900 until 1903, then St.Helen's School, Southsea ( a proprietary School recognised by the Army for Sandhurst) from 1903 until 1909. He obtained a 1st Class Honours (External) B.A. at London University, having studied both French and English. His first teaching post was at St.Edwards, West Malvern, Worcs. From January 1910 until July 1910. From 1910 until 1919 he taught at the Cheltonia College, Streatham, which included Military Service from February 1917 until January 1919. He then returned to his roots and taught at Wigan Grammar School from 1919 until 1920. On April 20th, 1920 he was appointed to Hackney Downs School. He remained at the school until retirement on 21st December 1956. He was appointed House Master of Pickfords in September 1937 and was attached to the Hackney Downs School Tutorial Classes from September 1943. From September, 1947 he became Senior English Master in addition to his duties as School Librarian 72. George Matthew Coombs (seconded to R.A.F. 1.9.36) George Coombs was born on 7th May 1886. He attended the Finsbury P.T.School from 1901 until 1905, the Borough Road Training College from 1905 until 1907 and the Evening School of London University from 1908 until 1912 (and again in 1920-23 and 1930-34). He gained his Board of Education Teachers' Certificate in 1907. He passed at B.Sc. (1st Division) at London University in 1907, taking Pure & Applied Maths with Physics and subsidiary Chemistry. He gained a second Degree, B.A., in 1912, passing in English, Latin and (again) Pure and Applied Maths. He also took a supplementary B.A. degree in Geography 1932. In 1927-1928 he participated in an Australian exchange, where he taught at the University High School, Melbourne, returning via New Zealand and Canada. For good measure he took the Final Examination of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries in 1929. He taught first at the Great College Street L.C.C. Schools (from 1907 until 1912), the Borough Polytechnic (1912-1914) and then was on the L.C.C. "Unattached" Staff at the Northern Polytechnic and Central Schools from 1914 until 1920, these years incorporating his War Service as a Captain, R.A.O.C. From 16th September 1920 he was appointed to the Staff of Hackney Downs School. He was seconded to the R.A.F. from 1st September 1936 until 31st August 1939, returned to L.C.C. Service from 1st September, 1939 and enlisted almost immediately in the R.A.O.C., from 21st September 1939. By June 1941 he was teaching at the South London Emergency Secondary School. He transferred to the L.C.C. Divisional Pool on ill-health grounds from September 1947, and was succeeded at Hackney Downs by Mrs. Irene Lyons. The Autumn Term issue of The Review contained this note: 'Early in the current term, Mr.G.M.Coombs, through ill-health and the strain of the long journey across London, resigned his post on the School Staff and joined the general teaching staff of the L.C.C. Divisional Officer at Streatham. Mr. Coombs was appointed to the Staff in September, 1920; he taught in Australia for the year 1926-27 (sic.), was seconded to the Education Service of the Royal Air Force from September, 1936 to September, 1939, when he rejoined the School at Upwell only to be recalled to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps - his unit in the First World War, in which he served until 1941. He taught for four years in Emergency Secondary Schools and rejoined the Staff of the School in May, 1945. To our thanks for his long service to the School we join our good wishes for a speedy restoration of good health.' 73. Michael Henry Edward Augustine de la Feld Mr. de la Feld was born on 14th August 1888. He attended Ratcliffe College, Leicestershire from 1899 until 1902, and St.Joseph's College (in South East London) from 1902 until 1907. He spent 12 years in the Argentine, teaching (from 1909 until 1910) at the Catholic International College, Buenos Aires and, for the next nine years, until 1919, at the "Carlos Pellegrini" National College in Argentina. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in 1920 and served until retirement in 1953. His overseas qualifications were accepted by the L.C.C. as equivalent to an Honours Degree. From September 1942 he was attached to the West London Emergency Secondary School and to the H.D.S. tutorial Classes from May 1943. He taught Spanish 75. George Walter Young retired 18.9.36)???? (On staff 1926 per Kellys 1926) George Young was born on July 8th, 1872 and was educated at Pirton (Herts.) Elementary School from 1877 until 1886 and, from 1889 until 1891, at Ealing Grammar School. From 1908 until 1911 he attended the London School of Economics where he gained his Intermediate B.Sc (Econ.), passing in Economics, Economic History, Geography (Economic), Accounting, Banking & Currency, Law (Industrial & Commercial), Logic, etc. In addition, he took courses in )Political Economics, Bookkeeping, Shorthand, Business Methods, and advanced Banking & Currency. He died in service ?????? on 18th September 1936. 77. Harry Gillett Nicholson (B.A. Cantab) per Kellys 1926) Harry Nicholson was born on 24th March 1884. He was educated at Chesterfield Grammar School from 1896 until 1899. From 1902 until 1905 he attended the Borough Road Training College He served with Liverpool Education Committee from 1905 until 1907, transferred to Shipley from 1908 until 1915, and joined the LCC in 1921 when, in September of that year, he was appointed to the staff of Hackney Downs School in due course becoming Head of Higher Commercial Side (per Kellys 1926) Between 1915 and 1921 he had attended Cambridge where he was gained a Double First awarded Honours Economics Tripos, Class I in 1920 and again in 1921 when he took Money, Trade & Prices, Labour & Distribution, Public Finance with European, American Colonial Economics and History. He retired on 10th January 1944 after serving with the North London Emergency Secondary School from 1940 78. Thomas Prosser Thomas B.A. Wales Tom Prosser Thomas was born on 27thAugust, 1890 and educated at the County Secondary School Ystalyfera (Glamorgan) from 1903 until 1908 and at University College, Cardiff from 1908 until 1911 where he gained his B.A. taking Special History with Ordinary Economics, Geology, Latin and English, at the same time being awarded the Board of Education's Certificate in Theory and Practice at Cardiff. He taught first a Callington County School (Cornwall) from 1912 until 1921, serving with the Army between 1915 until 1919). He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September 1921, retiring from there on 7th September 1952. 79. John Ferry Tucker John Tucker was born 17th November 1883. He trained at Westminster Training College from 1902 until 1904, gaining a 1st Class Teachers Certificate, and at Chelsea Polytechnic, from 1906 until 1911, where he gained a 3rd Class B.Sc (Internal) Honours, in Botany with Chemistry subsidiary. He taught first in Walthamstow (Elementary Service) from 1904 until 1921 and from August 1921 until July 1922 at Bloomsbury Day Continuation School. He joined Hackney Downs School on 21st July 1922. He served with the North East London Emergency Secondary School from August, 1940, transferring to the Hackney Downs School Tutorial Classes from August 1943. For much of the summer term of 1947 Mr. Tucker was on sick leave and underwent surgery. His duties were covered by Mr. Beurle. He retired on 30th April 1948. The Review, in Spring Term 1948, wrote: At the end of the current term Mr.J.F.Tucker will retire from teaching after twenty-six years' work at the School. Mr.Tucker was appointed to the Staff soon after the end of the first World War to re-organise the Biology Department, a task which he carried out with complete success. Many Old Boys, and particularly the "Medicals," will look back with gratitude to the help and inspiration received from him. Mr. Tucker went with the School to King's Lynn at the outbreak of war, and returned in July, 1940, to the North East London Emergency School, where he later became responsible for Biology and General Science. He joined Mr.Barron at the School in September, 1943, and undertook the organisation of the science course in the war-time classes. Despite the difficulties of war-damage, of occupation of the laboratories by other schools and other services of the Council and of an acute shortage of equipment, apparatus and books, Mr.Tucker restored the School Certificate course in Chemistry and Physics. He then began the preparations for the restoration of the Higher Certificate courses against the re-opening of the full school in September, 1945. Courses in Biology and Physics were provided for those who needed them at the beginning of the Autumn term: the full Chemistry course was available by September, 1946. In July, 1947, the General school Certificate candidates from the School took the papers in General Science for the first time, an object for which Mr.A.I.Johnstone, his predecessor as Senior Science Master, and he had worked for many years. Mr. Tucker now feels that he can lay down his office in the knowledge that much of the ground lost during the war has been recovered. To this very inadequate appreciation of his long and valuable service to the School, we join our best wishes to Mrs.Tucker and to him for many pleasant and happy years of leisured retirement. The Review of Spring Term 1948 also contained this more length appreciation:- J.F.T. Mr. Tucker has imprinted over 25 years of sterling service on our tradition. This gain is the fruit of seed scattered some200 years ago from Luneray in Normandy. The persecution of French in the middle of the XVIIIth century caused an ancestor, commemorated by the central initial, to settle within the City of London and engage in the wool trade. Our colleague is a worthy descendant: is tenacious of a rigid conception of right, generous to a fault, full of mental and physical energy. He delights to probe the alcoves of the Temple of Science, where dwell cycads, chiff-chaffs, nitric acid, venturi-tubes and Belemnites. Many have acknowledged their debt to Mr.Tucker for giving perspective to some corner of the vast panorama that is Natural Science. The write is almost certainly major-debtor and offers grateful tribute - seeking pardon for occasional; obstinacy. To a student overlooking a valley near Caterham appeared the revelation of pattern in Nature - the linkage of water supply, rock strata, plant distribution, human habitation and industries; the pledge of the missionary scientist had been redeemed handsomely. Boys liked the lively lessons, with things 'always happening': "I'll always remember 'starch' sir, though I perish with hunger." Lament for trains that might be lost is armour for any traveller to Chingford, especially when attention to laboratories often makes the train a late one; yet how easily pierced by a boy sobbing in the back play-ground - victim of a daylight frogspawn robbery - the pessimist returns and dispenses joy into a jar and boy. The God of Travel was also good. Traditional friendship of France and Scotland was a happy omen for Mr.Tucker's marriage: the children - an executive Civil Servant, a Ph.D., an M.B.B.S. and a B.Sc., reflect credit on a parental Biologist and his charming wife. We in the Common Room shall miss you deeply and your provocative contributions; but we cans speak less warily of that underworld of teachers - painting and decorating - now one expert critic is not listening. We wish you and Mrs.Tucker God speed, not in retirement, but in whatever variation of activity you may choose. The Review for Summer Term 1948 also contained a reference to Mr.Tucker: "On April 16th at a full Assembly, the School, through the Head Monitor expressed to Mr.J.F.Tucker, Senior Science Master, its high appreciation if his long and valuable service and its good wishes for happiness in his retirement. As a mark of affection and esteem L.Illis presented to Mr.Tucker on behalf of the School, some additions to his biological library which he had long wished to have." 83. Frederick James Swan Frederick Swan was born on 27th September 1892. From 1905 until 1911 he attended Davenant Foundation and from 1911 until 1914 he was at King's College. He attended the "Four Year Course" at London Day Training College from 1911 until 1915, the course being partly concurrent with his studies at King's. He gained a First Class Honours B.A. in Pure and Applied Maths in 1914. From 1930 until 1933 he attended Evening Classes at Queen Mary College gaining a General B.Sc. in Physics (excused Maths.) and taking his M.A. in Mathematics in 1933. (BA Lond reptd Kellys 1926 and Senior Mathematics Master) He began teaching at Rydal School, Colwyn Bay on 1st September 1915, remaining there until 31st March 1921 when he took up an appointment with Polytechnic Secondary School, Regent Street, W.1. He stayed there until 31st August 1925 when he took post at Hackney Downs School. He resigned form H.D.S. on 31st August 1945 when he became Vice-Principal of Camden Emergency Training College for Teachers and shortly afterwards, Principal of the recently-opened Wandsworth Training College, 84. Charles Adrian Gee Adrian Gee was born on 12th July 1903. From 1915 until 1921 he attended The Brunts School, Mansfield. In 1921 he went up to Nottingham University College and in 1924 transferred to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, gaining a 2nd Class Cambridge University Teachers Diploma. He gained a 2nd Class Honours B.Sc. Degree in Botany with Chemistry subsidiary in 1924, adding Honours Zoology, 1st Grade in 1929. On staff per Kellys 1926) He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in 1925 and remained there until retirement in July 1961. He was appointed Senior Science Master on 1st May 1948. 89. Norman Penistone Sutton Norman Sutton was born on 7th May 1893. He attended East Ham Grammar School from 1905 until 1913. He attended Pembroke College, Oxford from 1913 until 1914 and again from 1919 until 1920 gaining an Ordinary M.A. (War Degree) in 1920 in Classics, History, with Divinity. He taught at Highgate School from 1921 until 1922 and at Oxford Municipal Secondary School from 1922 until 1927. He took up his appointment at Hackney Downs on 1st September 1928. During August of that year he had completed a Vacation Course in the Theory and Practice of Teaching at Oxford University. He went to the Royal Artillery in November 1939, returning from War Service on 1st September 1946. He died on 5th April 1951. 92. Richard Woods Buckley Richard Buckley was born on 15th October 1903. He attended Liverpool Institute from 1916 until 1922, moving on to Liverpool University until 1925. He gained an Honours B.A. in German Language and Literature. He was the University Prize Scholar in 1925. In addition to his university course he spent one month in Marburg in 1925, 3 months at Heidelberg University in 1923, 1 month on research in Berlin in 1925 and gained a certificate at Freiburg University in 1925 with a further period at Strasbourg University in 1926. He started his teaching career at the County School for Boys in Gillingham, Kent where he served from 1925 until 1928. In 1928 he transferred to Hackney Downs becoming responsible for the teaching of German. In 1936 he gained his Certificate in Education as an External Student at London University. During the Second World War he was seconded to the Army Intelligence Corps (from 7/42), returning to the School in March 1946. In October 1946 he was again seconded, this time to the Control Commission then governing Germany, and in July 1947 he resigned from the School in order to remain with the Commission. The Reviewor Christmas 1946 recorded "The German in the School and the Junior Football XI's were already showing the effects of his control: we hope that his work in Germany will prove to be congenial and satisfying". 93. Joseph.W.Fowler Joseph Fowler was born on July 20th, 1886. He attended a variety of schools beginning with Victoria Council School, Workington (from 1890 until 1898) followed by the Higher Grade School in the same town for one year, until 1899 when he transferred to the Secondary School until 1901. For four years, until 1905, he attended the Pupil Teachers Centre Workington then completing a further two years at the Borough Road Training College, Isleworth (until 1907). He gained a Board of Education Teachers Certificate in 1907 and a Diploma in Shorthand in 1931. He taught at the Council School, Whitehaven from 1907 until 1908, and the Council School, Workington until 1911 when his fortunes once more saw him transferring to London. From 1911 until 1913 he taught at the Mina Road LCC School, moved to the Reddins Road LCC School until 1922 then the Walworth Central School until 1927 followed by a term or two at Camberwell Central School until his final short term appointment at Loughborough Central School. He also held an evening teaching post, at Goldsmith's College (New Cross) from 1911 until 1914. He transferred to Hackney Downs in 1928. In 1920 he gained his B.Sc. at London University qualifying in Maths, Applied Maths and Physics. He served at the South West London Emergency Secondary School during the war and retired from teaching at Hackney Downs, after twenty years service, on 30th September 1948. The Review for Summer Term, 1948, contained within the School Notes the following paragraph: "On July 30th at a full assembly the School expressed to Mr.J.Fowler its sincere and deep gratitude for his long and valuable service. Most boys since 1928 as they moved up the School, spent some time in Mr.Fowler's mathematical classes: members of the old Comm.V received through him their introduction to the symbols of Pitman's shorthand system. All will remember with affection and with gratitude Mr.Fowler's sympathy, his courtesy, his cheerfulness, his keen interest in their games and other activities and his insistence upon a high standard of work. The Head Monitor presented on behalf of the School book tokens which afforded to Mr.Fowler the pleasure of adding to his collection of English classics. We hope that many years of happy leisure await Mr. and Mrs. Fowler." Mr. Fowler also figured in a special tribute in the Spring Term, 1949, of The Review: MR.JOSEPH FOWLER. It was for a very special reason that there was chosen for our frontispiece a photograph of those members of the Staff who were here before the War. Theirs is a rapidly dwindling band; every term seems to make a new gap in its ranks; and this photograph was taken because it was their last chance before they lost in the person of Mr.Fowler, one who has long been very dear to them all. The hackneyed Shakespearean lines are as true of the pedagogic as of any other profession; for our own purposes let us set them down thus: that some are born to the limelight, some achieve it some have it thrust upon them. This man leads a House to victory; that one drives a Department to academic distinction; yet another directs one or more of the many school activities; and when one of these reaches the age of retirement it is felt that his place can never be filled. That is exactly how all who knew him feel about Mr.Fowler. Yet he falls into none of the classes mentioned above, and he has always resisted most sedulously any attempt to bring him into the limelight. Shy and self-effacing almost to a fault, he has always contented himself with doing his appointed job with meticulously conscientious care; his colleagues have always known that they could count on his generously given aid in their undertakings, but they have soon found that to thank him, or to attempt to push him into prominence was fatal. We have found in him, these twenty years past, but this one fault of diffidence, and even that is but an excess of the all-too-rare grace of humility. For the rest we know that none of his colleagues, and we are pretty sure that none of his pupils, has any but the most fragrant memory of him, or can remember his ever saying or doing anything unworthy, unkind, or unjust. It is no mean epitaph. 94. Spencer Sydney Moody Spencer Moody was born on 26th October 1898. From 1908 until 1916 he was taught at the private Modern School in Salisbury before going up to Christs' College Cambridge where he read History - Honours B.A. in 1922, M.A. in 1926 (History Tripos Cl.II Div I, Parts I + II). He taught first at the Downs School, Colwall, Malvern (Preparatory) from 1922 until 1924 then spent five years, from 1924 until 1929, teaching at Oundle School and Laxton Grammar School before transferring to Hackney Downs in January, 1930. He gained a London Teachers Diploma in 1934 and, finally, left Hackney Downs on 30th June, 1947 to take up a post with the Ministry of Education Inspectorate. The Review for Summer Term, 1947 records Mr. Moody's departure from the School in its School Notes:- Mr. S.S.Moody, who since January, 1930, has been Senior History Master of the School, resigned his post on June 30th on his appointment to the Inspectorate of the Ministry of education. Very many boys, particularly those who have been members of the VI. Arts, will look back with pleasure and gratitude to the years spent with Mr.Moody. His scholarship in History and in English and his personal influence did much to strengthen and maintain the Arts Course in the VIth. His breadth of outlook, his unfailing tolerance, his sense of humour, and his impartial judgment fitted him well for his work as VIth Form Master; his coolness, his versatility and his sense of duty made him a tower of strength in the difficult evacuation years. As House Master of Britten's he maintained in the house a strong house spirit despite its small numbers. He did much with Mr. Prosser Thomas to establish the Cadet Corps on a firm basis. Mr. Moody will be much missed in the School. We take this opportunity of expressing to him our sincere and deep gratitude for his valuable and wholehearted service to the School and our best wishes for happiness and success in his new and important work. -o- Mr. Moody's own article appeared in the same edition of The Review:- 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 FAREWELL MESSAGE In the old fashioned stories the Prefects, who have spent their lives in cursing the School and breaking rules without being found out, always attend School Chapel for the last time with tears in their eyes and sobs in their throats, so deeply have they become attached to the old place without having previously realized it. I cannot honestly say that I am weeping at the moment, but I can honestly say that I am extremely sorry to leave you all. My new job may have its compensations, but it cannot provide the constant human interests and friendships of a school. If one comes from the country, as I did, one's first impressions of Hackney Downs are not entirely favourable. The walk from the station - through the paper-strewn passage and past the strange archway industries of Andre Street - resembles the setting of 'The Dead End Kids' rather than the stately avenues of St.Winifred's or even of Narkover. The English spoken in the precincts is not always of the purest. The absence of a school uniform has its advantages, but no boy would be allowed to show up an exercise book in the state of dirt and disorder in which a few members of the School show themselves up every morning. But of course the material background is only a part of what really counts. People are more important than places. And when it comes to people, where can you find better than at the Grocers' School? No master in a big school can know all parts of the School equally well. It was one of the advantages of being at King's Lynn that out smaller numbers made us into more of a family party. At Hackney my work has been chiefly with Britten's House, with the Cadets, with all the matriculation forms in their annual contests with external examiners, and with sixteen successive 'years' of the Arts VI., so many of whom have continued as Old Boys the friendship they begun at School. To them and to you all I say goodbye with my very best wishes, and with a distinct sense of gratitude to you for not having given me more trouble than you have done. I am going only to the Surrey side of London, so I hope you will welcome me back on Speech Day and other state occasions. Many schoolmasters have characteristic phrases, which they repeat unconsciously and perhaps to often. I am quite conscious of having repeated some whole speeches. There is almost a traditional one to the Arts VI. and another to Britten's House. In some forms I not infrequently begin with the question, 'Which is the best form in the School?' The answer varies with the form room. But to the question, 'Which is the best school in England?' there is only one answer. This one is. Some wit has said that the present motto for education is Faith, Hope and Parity. I am not quite sure that Parity is an entirely satisfactory ideal. Fancy a House relay race with everybody starting on the same line and no one allowed to get in front of anyone else. In any case, as far as the other schools in England are concerned it is a futile idea. They couldn't catch us up if they wanted to. When the others get to where we are now we shall be far ahead. So, in the future, wherever I go, I shall look for those in the lead, because I know that there I shall see again the boys, past and present, of Hackney Downs. S.S.M. A further tribute to Mr.Moody, penned by Henry Woolf, then of VI Arts, also appeared in the Autumn 1947 edition of The Review: 1.1.1.1.1.1.2 MR.S.S.MOODY In Mr.Moody the school has lost more than a master, it has lost a fine man whose innate goodness and humour had become part of the school he taught in. Only after his departure when our loss comes full home to us do we realise how truly he symbolised all that was best in the school. Whatever his sphere of activity the magic touch of Mr.Moody's personality was always evident. His fertile imagination was always ready to bestow an aura of excitement and interest on any subject and he had the unique power of making the dullest task seem like an adventure. What boys who have been in the Upper Fourth form when Mr.Moody was form-master will ever forget Newton Wonder, the form ghost, who was liable to appear in any of Mr.Moody's lessons, or those riotous termly pantomimes about him which were all the products of Mr.Moody's versatile mind? Outside the classroom as well, Mr.Moody as organiser of training for the cadets worked hard to make the cadet programme interesting as well as instructive and no better testimony to the success of his methods need be sought than the result of the cadet War Certificate A examination which the cadets sat for. Mr. Moody's fine qualities were never more in evidence than during the period of evacuation in King's Lynn. The school as it was then, cut off from its own building, steadily dwindling in size and dependent to a large extent on the charity of others had a keen sense of its isolation and turned to itself for company and amusement. The small staff of masters was the only link the school had with its home- building and past traditions. All the boys who were evacuated will remember that small but brilliant constellation of masters who stayed with the school right through evacuation. Throughout that period Mr.Moody was always ready to give of his time and energy for the benefit of the school and the immense pride and interest he felt in school affairs served as a constant reminder that we did really have a school of our own. Perhaps the greatest of Mr.Moody's qualities lay in his sense of humour. He had a perfect sense of the mock-heroic and his soul- stirring exhortations to his forms, invariably so serious in aspect that no one could take them seriously, were unforgettable. With the departure of Mr. Moody, the school has suffered a loss which can never be fully made good, it is only partially lessened by the host of happy memories that this great man and master has left behind him. H.WOOLF, VI Arts 95. Harold Washington Benson No's 1-95 also in Old Register Harold Benson was born on the 11th of August 1888. He attended Sandbach Grammar School from 19i00 until 1903. From 1904 until 1906 he attended Middlesborough P.T. Centre and then Redditch P.T. Centre from Sept.1906 until July 1907, these two centres covering his Preliminary Certificate Examination. He commenced teaching at the Reigate British School for Boys (1907- 1910) when it appears he may have attended Leicester Municipal School of Art for two years. He recommenced teaching at Loughborough, Rosebery Street School from 1912 until 1914 when he again returned to training, this time at the Royal College of Art (from 1914 until 1915 and again from 1919 until July 1922 (gaining an Associateship in Design in 1921). Although his file does not say so it must be assumed that the period from 1915 until 1919 was connected in some way with War Service. In 1927-8 he attended a Board of Education Course in 'Principles and Methods of Teaching' at Leeds College of Arts and Crafts. In 1922 he took up teaching again, this time in Barnsley, at the Holgate Grammar School, until 1931 when he transferred to Hackney Downs School, remaining there until his retirement in August 1952. 97. Edward William Brown Edward Brown was born on 25th July 1899 and was, from 1910 until 1916, educated at the Coopers Company's School followed, from 1916 until 1920 by attendance at the School of Engineering at Battersea Polytechnic (but with war service between 1917 and 1919). He gained a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering at London University in 1920 and a First Class Pass in the City & Guilds Examination in the same year (following up with a similar pass in C&G Handicraft in 1928). His first appointment was a temporary one in the Engineering Laboratory at the Regent Street Polytechnic from 1920 until 1921 followed by 5 years (until 1927) as a Warranted Naval Schoolmaster in the Navy Technical Branch. From 1929 until 1932 he taught at the King Edward VII School, Kings Lynn. He was appointed to Hackney Downs in 1932 and left in July, 1937, transferring to St.Dunstan's College, Catford. 98. Percy Edwin Coffin Percy Coffin was born on 30th December 1890 and, from 1900 until 1907, was educated at the Bishop Wordsworth School, Salisbury. He read Economics and History at Birkbeck College from 1919 until 1920, transferring to the London School of Economics from 1920 until 1923 when he gained an Honours Degree in Modern Economics, History, Economics and Public Administration. In the two years after 1909-1911 he took a course at St.John's College, Battersea, gaining a Board of Education Certificate with distinction in Music. He taught at St.James' C.E.School, Gravesend from 9.10.11.until 18.4.12, then at the Greencoat School, Camberwell Green until January 1920 (apart from War Service from 1.11.15 until 6.1.19.) In January 1920 he transferred to The Friern LCC School, Peckham Rye, transferring in March, 1922 to Walworth Central School where he remained for five years until 1927 when he transferred again to the St.Marylebone Day Continuation School, W.C.2. During World War 2 he served at the NELESS from 15.8.40, transferring to HDSWTC in September 1943. After a further five year period he was appointed, in September 1932, to Hackney Downs School, a post from which he retired in April, 1952. 99. Donald Gordon Farrow Donald Farrow was born on September 23rd, 1908 and commenced his education at the Loxford Elementary School in 1913, remaining there until 1920 when he transferred to Bancroft's School leaving in 1927 to attend St.Catherine's Society, Oxford. He achieved a Second Class Honours B.A. in Modern History in June 1930 and gained his M.A. in August, 1934. He taught, for two years, as an Assistant Master at Cirencester Grammar School (1930-32), transferring to H.D.S. in 1932. With the outbreak of War he was transferred to Liskeard County Secondary School in October 1940, leaving in September 1941 to enter the RAF. He was subsequently appointed to the post of Deputy Director of Education in Great Yarmouth but the date of this appointment is not known. 100. Herbert Daniel Wing Herbert Wing was born on 25th August 1904 and received his secondary education at Hackney Downs from 1916 until 1923. He went to University College from 1923 until 1925 (gaining a First Class Honours B.Sc. (Chemistry main, Physics subsidiary). He completed a year at the Institute of Education (gaining a teachers diploma) before taking post at Barnsley Grammar School in 1926, remaining there until 1931 when he transferred to St.Marylebone Grammar School for two years. In 1933 he was appointed to the staff of his own old School, Hackney Downs. In the same year he gained an A.T.C.L. certificate in Violin. His time at Hackney Downs was cut short by the war when, in December 1940, he entered the RAF as an Education Officer. In October 1945 he took up an appointment as Senior Lecturer in Science and Education at Newland Park Emergency Training College for Teachers. By December, 1946, The Review was reporting his appointment as Principal of the Burdrop Park Training College near Swindon. 101 Harold Wade Bowen Bray Harold Bray was born on 23rd November 1899. He was educated at Cardiff High School for Boys from 1911 until 1917. The record shows a gap, which may be presumed to be war service, from 1917 until 1921 when he entered Caerleon Training College, leaving with a Board Of Education Teachers Certificate, in 1923. He gained a City & Guilds Certificate 1st Class in Woodwork in 1924, following with Metalwork in 1926. He added an R.S.A. Certificate in Typewriting Stage II in 1934 and Stage III in 1936. A number of teaching posts followed his training. He spent three months in 1923 at the Day Continuation School, Bristol, the first eight months of 1924 at Cork Street LCC School, Camberwell, then Globe Road LCC School, Bethnal Green until 1925, Smeed Road LCC School, Bow until 1926, Ecclesbourne Road LCC School, Islington until 1927 then Stoke Newington Central School, N.16, until his appointment to Hackney Downs on 3rd October 1931. He left HDS on 29th July 1936 but his subsequent career is unknown. 102. A.C.Scott A.C.Scott, whose names are not known, was born on Dec.3rd., 1909. He attended Leeds College of Art from September 1927 until July 1931, and the Royal College of Art from September, 1931 until June, 1934, gaining a Diploma (A.R.C.A.) in 1934. He was awarded the Owen James Medal for Industrial Design in 1930, gained the Board of Education Certificate (Industrial design) 1931, and the R.C.A. Certificate (Lithography) 1933. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September 1934, leaving on 31st August, 1939. His subsequent career is not known. 103. Thomas Oscar Balk Thomas Balk was born on 18th November 1889 and attended Oxford High School (Secondary) from 1900 until 1908 when he went up to Wadham College. He read History gaining a 2nd Class Honours B.A. in June 1911 and achieving his M.A. in August, 1925. His Board of Education Certificate was gained in 1911. He taught first at King Charles I School, Kidderminster from September 1911 until December 1913. The first six months of 1914 he spent at the Sorbonne. On return to England he took post at King Henry VIII School, Coventry from September 1914 until August 1915 when he is presumed to have been engaged on War Service. His teaching career re-started on appointment to Bradford Grammar School in September 1919. In August 1925 he transferred to a post at Andover Grammar School which he left in April 1929 when he moved to Henry Mellish County Secondary School, Bulwell, remaining there until August, 1935 when he was appointed Headmaster of Hackney Downs School with effect from 1st September, 1935. "T.O.B.", as he was affectionately known by all who knew him, coped with the difficulties of the Second World War, when the School was evacuated to Norfolk, and with some of his staff seconded to other schools, but remained a driving force in the Old Boys Association, The Clove Club, with a prodigious correspondence keeping many former pupils in contact throughout the world. He retired on 31st August 1952 and died on 1st October 1970. 104. W.Gaupp Herr Gaupp's file is notably empty and his date of birth along with his Christian name are lost. He joined the School on 1st September 1935 as German Assistant having been educated at Munster University from 1925 until 1930. He taught, from 1932 until 1935, at the Stadt Oberrealschule, Soest. He returned to Germany on leaving the School on 29th July 1936. 105. Jean Mounolou 1.1.2 Jean Mounolou joined the School as French Assistant on 1st September 1935. His education is listed as Professeur Suppleant a l'ecole normale de St. Andre de Culyas 'Gironde' and the attainment of L-ès-L at the University of Bordeaux. He had been awarded "une course de sejour en Angleterre pour l'annee scolaire 1935-1936". He left the School on 31st December 1936. 106. Raymond Capela Raymond Capela joined the School on 1st January 1936 as French Assistant, replacing Jean Mounoulou. He was accredited L-ès-L at the University of Bordeaux and served at the School until 23rd July 1937. 107. Joseph Kershaw Joseph Kershaw was born on 10th April 1893. He attended Hulme Grammar School, Oldham from 1806 until 1812 when he went up to Trinity College, Cambridge. He gained a B.A. (Part I Maths, 3rd Class, Part II, History, 3rd Class) in 1915.He held a succession of teaching appointments commencing with Norwich School from January 1916 until April, 1917. From May 1915 until January, 1919 he served as a Commissioned Officer in the R.G.A. He returned to teaching at Ludlow Grammar School (1919-1924), followed by another Grammar School (1924-1928) (Stand Grammar School, March?), Chichester High School, where he was also Second Master, (1928- April, 1933), Rye Grammar School for 1 month only (Jan-Feb 1934), Kings School, Canterbury (April-May, 1934), Bec School (Jan-Apr 1935), King's School (May-Aug, 1935), Denstone College (Sept. 1935). He joined Hackney Downs School on 3rd March 1936 and left, on 23rd July 1937, when he was appointed to Woodhouse Secondary School, Finchley. 108. Stanley Day Stanley Day was born on 11th September1901. He was educated at Portsmouth Boys Secondary School from 1913 until 1917, followed by Portsmouth Municipal College from 1917 until 1920. He gained a 2nd Class Honours B.A. at London University (English with French subsidiary) becoming M.A. some time thereafter. He taught first at Gosport County Secondary School from 1920 until July 1921. His next appointment was to the Royal Commercial Travellers School at Hatch End, Middlesex, from January 1922 until April 1923. He next served at Bablake school, Coventry, from 1923 until 1927, then the Grammar School, Dudley from 1927 until 1936. He joined Hackney Downs School on 1st September 1936 as Senior English Master, gaining an Oxford University Vacation Course for Teachers Post- Graduate Diploma the same year. He remained on the Staff at H.D.S. until December 1946 when he was appointed to a senior Lectureship in English at the Trent Park Emergency Training College in Enfield. The Governors appointed Mr.J.E.Medcalf to succeed him. The Review for Christmas 1946 recorded "Since he was appointed Senior English Master in September, 1936, Mr.Day has completely reorganized the English Department, he formed and has maintained in a flourishing condition the Literary and Debating Society, was responsible for the School Dramatic Society and its 1938 and 1939 productions "Twelfth Night" and "Escape" and for the maintenance of the dramatic activities of the School in King's Lynn. His own experience and skill as a player and as a coach proved of inestimable value to school football when he assumed control of this in the Autumn of 1937 and his methods and his enthusiasm were speedily effective. He increased the School fixture list, adding to it "Under 14," "Under 13" and "Under 12" matches because of his firm belief in the value of beginning early a boy's methodical football training and of giving him experience of inter-school games. For their appreciation of the English Language and Literature, for their introduction to the fascination and pleasure of play-acting and play-production, for their appreciation of the value of training, planning and serious practice in football many past and present pupils owe very much to Mr.Day. To its warm thanks for the great service that he has rendered, the School joins its best wishes for an equal measure of success and happiness in the responsible work which he is to begin in January." In the same edition of The Review (Christmas Term, 1946, No. 160), the following article appeared, written by Mr.Day:- 1.1.2.1.1.1.1 FAREWELL The Editor has asked me to write a valedictory message for the 'Review,' and I am glad to do so, for, although the work to which I am going will be over in four or five years, it is by no means certain that I shall be sent back to Hackney when it is done; and, even if I am, by that time the great majority of you will have left. To most of you, therefore, I am now saying goodbye - an unpleasant business, about which it is difficult not to get sentimental. Since the greater part of my ten years' service with the School has been rendered under war conditions, it is natural that, on looking back, I should think rather of King's Lynn than of London. It would be foolish to describe those six years of exile as entirely happy ones - the national background was too dark for that. But in spite of the troubles that war brings even to the non-combatant - bereavement, anxiety, nervous and physical fatigue, and a frustrating sense of helplessness - there were many compensations, not the least of which was the way in which the corporate life of the School flourished, to the benefit of staff and pupils alike. During that period, in the propinquity of evacuation conditions, we really became what a large school in a great city never seems to be - a community. That meant that links of a much closer kind were forged between us than had existed before, and I know that friendships that grew up during those years, both with colleagues and with boys (most of them now 'old boys,' of course) will bind me to the School, long after I have left it. Evacuation brought its problems, of course, but I felt that in staying and helping to solve them I was contributing to the life of a community if which I had really become a part. Even today, when we are back in our old home, the fact that we are still sailing in troubled waters makes it difficult for me to resist a guilty sense that in leaving I am evading a responsibility. The cynical may legitimately ask why, in that case, I am deserting a school for which I profess so strong a regard. The answer, I suppose, is twofold. First, I shall be rather better off financially, a consideration which only the affluent or the abstemious can afford to ignore; and I am in neither category. Second, I have had twenty-five years of secondary school teaching, and I feel that I am growing stale. A few years devoted work of a rather different character will bring me back to the classroom with a renewed freshness, and I welcome the change all the more because it takes me into a sphere of adult education, in which I have always been keenly interested. Perhaps, after all, this is only 'au revoir,' for I have a feeling that I shall not be able to keep away altogether from my old haunts. And if, occasionally, a once-familiar figure appears in the Common Room. At a meeting of the Literary and Debating Society, at a rehearsal of the School play, or, most likely of all at Lower Edmonton, I hope there will not be wanting one not two old friends to bid me welcome. S.DAY. In The Review for Spring Term, 1947, there appeared a further tribute article, unfortunately unsigned:- A TRIBUTE TO S.D. We had been at it for weeks, sweeping, sweeping, sweeping. We would anchor in the middle of the Adriatic at night, the minesweepers and danlayers in the middle of the 'leaguer' (to borrow a Boer-War term, revived by the immortal Eighth Army) the M.L.'s in a circle around us, ever on the lookout for E-boats, U-boats, or German aircraft. We would up- anchor at dawn and continue sweeping a channel up the Adriatic for the merchant packets to take supplies to the advancing Allied Armies. The only break we had in the tedious monotony of it all was a short trip at intervals of a fortnight or so to our base at half-ruined Ancona, to the south, where we would load stores and refuel at all speed and return to the dawn-to-dusk sweeping, day after day, day after day. On land the Eighth Army was advancing rapidly, we all knew it was the final 'Big Push' (for hadn't General Alexander himself told us in an Order of the Day issued a few weeks ago?). Then one afternoon, at three o'clock, I heard the glorious news. The war was over and the Eighth Army were in Trieste! (although apparently Marshal Tito of Yugo-Slavia doubted their right, but I didn't realise that until later.) However, our work was not yet over, we had to continue to clear the sea- lanes, and this time we knew for certain that Trieste was our immediate goal, we were to sweep our way in. After another tedious week or so we finally entered the port, only to find that a British cruiser had beaten us to it. She was anchored in the harbour, ready in case of any trouble between the 'Kiwis' (New Zealand 2nd Division) and Marshal Tito's troops. I was disappointed. I had not expected the band out, or cheering crowds, but I had expected some peace and a quiet run ashore, a welcome relief from the previous tedious and hot weeks of work. But the tension between the two 'allies' was a trifle high, and one could see the signs in the town. New Zealand tanks were at every strategic point and Yugo-Slav partisans marched through the port armed to the teeth. It looked as if my peace was not to be forthcoming. I wandered around the town rather aimlessly, exploring, until I noticed a series of steps up a t, and for want of anything better to do I mounted them. When I reached the top a welcome sight met my eyes. I found myself in a park, a memorial to the dead of the city and the harbour, everything seemed quiet and at peace, the two opposing armies were out of sight and forgotten. I was enchanted by it, it was what I had waited for for weeks. I sank down on the soft grass. Peace at last, it was wonderful. Then I began to think of similar beauty spots in England, and to my mind came a poem, one which I had almost forgotten during the years, but of which certain passages came back to me now. The poem was 'Grantchester,' by Ruper Brooke. 'Grantchester, ah Grantchester,' I said to myself, half aloud. 'And there is peace and quietness there.' I lay back, smelling the cool, scented air, dreaming of the cool babbling streams, the green grass, and the shady trees mentioned in the poem. 'And there is peace and quietness there ..' And if I never thanked Mr.Day for his tireless tuition, I thank him for it now, for it was he who brought the poem to my notice and made me appreciate it. -o- Stanley Day died on 18th January 1957 following a further period of service as Principal of the Dalston and Stoke Newington Literary Institute.. 109. Robert Joseph North Robert North was born on 18th May 1913. From the age of 13 he attended Sir George Monoux Grammar School, Walthamstow (1926-1932) going from there to King's College (1932-1936) where he read French and History. He gained a First Class Honours Degree in French with History subsidiary. He attended King's College Education Department in his last year gaining a London University Diploma in Teaching in July 1936. During his University studies he had stayed for three months "en famille in Caen" and for 4 months as student at the British Institute. He gained a Diplôme de Phonetique de l'Institut Pedagogique International and a Diplôme Superieur de langue et de litterature françaises at Caen. He joined Hackney Downs on 15th September 1936, staying for one term only, before joining Central Secondary School, Sheffield. 110. William George Stephens William Stephens was born on 31st December 1890. From 1902 until 1904 he was educated at Latimer School, Edmonton. He passed the Final Examination of the Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors in November, 1919. He became 'Accountant Lecturer or Instructor' at Upper Hornsey Institute (1930-1931), Westminster Commercial (1931-1932) followed by concurrent appointments at Highbury Commercial (from 1933), City of London College (from 1935), Westminster Technical (from 1936) and Hackney Downs School (from 24th September, 1936). He left the School on 31st August 1939. 111. Henry C.T.Kernot Henry Kernot was appointed to the School on 30th September 1936. He was educated at Kings College, Wimbledon. He had taken the examinations of the Incorporated Secretaries Association (A.I.S.A.); the London Association of Accountants; the London Chamber of Commerce Examinations in costing, bookkeeping, accounting, commerce, finance, economics and typewriting; Royal Society of Arts company law, typewriting and advanced typewriting, and commercial law; and a London County Council course in Pedagogy. He left the School on 31st August 1939. 112. Frederick Joseph French Frederick French was born on 26th June 1913. He attended Hitchin Grammar School from 1925 until 1931 then going up to Queen Mary College, London where he gained a 1st Class B.Sc (Special) in Mathematics, achieving a Mark of Distinction in Advanced Maths. He had spent one year (1931-1932) as a student teacher at St.Mary's Hall, Hitchin. His first full-time teaching appointment was at the North Manchester Municipal High School (1935-1937). He was appointed as a Mathematics teacher to Hackney Downs School on 1st September 1937, leaving on 31st October, 1946 when he took a position as Senior Lecturer in Maths at the newly-opened Wandsworth Emergency Training College for Teachers. He had returned to the School in February, 1946 following war service with the R.A.O.C. and had rendered valuable service to the School during his tenure. 113. Charles Normington Mitchell Charles Mitchell was educated at Fairfield School Bristol from 1920 until 1927 when he went up to Bristol University to study German and English during which time he spent 8 months in Germany. He gained a 2nd Class B.A. in 1931 and was awarded his Teaching Diploma in 1932. His teaching practice was at the City of Bath Boys School in February and March 1932. Following training he was appointed, in September 1932, to a position at the County School for Boys, Sidcup, Kent, staying until August, 1937. He was appointed to Hackney Downs with effect from September 1937. He stayed until April 1939 when he was appointed as Senior German Master to the Woodhouse County School, Finchley. 114. Herbert Reginald Keys Herbert Keys was born on 7th June 1905. He was educated at All Saints Elementary School, Chester from 1912 until 1920. He attended next the School for Science & Art, Chester until 1924, followed by a year at the Municipal Technical College, Liverpool until 1925. There is an unexplained gap in the record which shows him training at the Birkenhead School of Art from 1929 until 1930 when, at the same time, he was teaching at the North Corporation Manufacturing Instruction Centre in Liverpool. At this time he was awarded the City & Guilds of London Institute 1st Class Certificate for Woodwork and 2nd Class in Metalwork (1930) and a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. From 1930 until 1937 he taught at High Pavement Secondary School, Nottingham. He was appointed to the Handicraft Department of Hackney Downs School on 1st September 1937. During his appointment he was attached to Hackney Technical Institute (from August, 1940) and to the North East London Emergency Secondary School form October 1941. On leaving on 31st October, 1946 he transferred to Wandsworth Emergency Training College for Teachers as Senior Lecturer in Handicraft. During his service at Hackney Downs an almost complete reorganisation of the Handicraft Department had taken place and The Review for Christmas, 1946 records that he "had developed in the members of his classes high ideals of craftsmanship and of accurate workmanship". He subsequently held an appointment with the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education. 115. Andre Blanc Andre Blanc was born on 12th March, 1912 and attended the Lycee Lamartine Maçon from 1923 until 1930 when he transferred to the Lycee du Parc, Lyon (1930-1932) He attended Universite in Lyon, becoming Bacheleur-es-Lettres, Licence-ès-Lettres, Diplome d'Etudes superieures de langues et literatures etrangeres vivantes in 1934. During his university course he taught for short periods at Sutton County Secondary School (1932-1933) and Battersea Grammar School (1935- 1936). He was appointed to Hackney Downs from September 1937. 116. Hans Gerhard Röhl Hans Röhl was born on 14th March 1908. He was educated in Vienna (1926-1927), Giessen (1927-1928) and Berlin (1929) with the period from October 11930 until June 1931 at Exeter University (2 terms student, one term as a teacher). At University in Rostock he qualified as Dr. phil magna cum laude Staatsexamen Pädagogische Prüfung. He taught at the Realgymnasium Rostock, the Oberrealschule Rostock and at the Fliegerhorst-Kommandantur. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September 1937, leaving on 22nd July, 1939. His fate during the Second World War is unknown but his son is understood to have held a post with Sussex University. 117 Stephen Forrester Stephen Forrester was born on 28th November1913 and was educated at Manchester Grammar School from 1925 until 1932 and Manchester University from 1932 until 1935. He gained a 2nd Class Honours Degree in Zoology with Geology and Maths and received his teaching diploma, following further training, in 1936. He taught first at Wintringham Secondary School, Grimsby in September 1936 and for one year (1937-1938) at Leek High School. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School for one term only (to cover the absence of Mr.C.A.Gee on sick leave) and left on 31st December 1938 when he transferred to Wolverhampton Grammar School. 118. Joseph Brearley Joseph Brearley was born on 13th July 1909 in Batley. He attended Batley Grammar School, leaving in 1927 to attend University at St.John's College, Cambridge from then until 1931. He gained an Honours B.A. in 1931 (Part I Tripos, Class 2 Div.2 and Part II Tripos, Class 2 Div.2). He gained a Cambridge University Certificate in Education in 1932 and became M.A. in 1938. He spent several summer vacations in Germany. His first teaching post was at Collyer's School, Horsham, from September 1932 until April 1939 when he was appointed to Hackney Downs School. From March 1940 he was attached to the West London Emergency Secondary School and served with the R.A.F. from October 1941 until Ma, 1946. He returned to Hackney Downs School, after War Service with the Royal Air Force in the Middle East, at the beginning of Summer Term 1946 and became Second Master in 1953, from which post he retired in 1972. During the Spring Term of 1950 he attendeda course of study at the British Drama League and Mr.F.H.Rand deputised for him. He lived in Germany until his death in 1979. (??????) 119. Edwin Dolman Edwin Dolman was born on 20th September 1914 and was educated at Staveley Netherthorpe Grammar School from 1925 until 1931. He then attended University College, Hull, studying Mathematics, gaining a First Class Honours B.A. in 1934 and being awarded the University's Certificate in Education in 1935. He taught first at Rugby College of Technology & arts (from December, 1935 until August, 1940) and was appointed to Hackney Downs School on 1st January 1941. He left H.D.S. on 31st August 1943 on transfer to Swaffham Grammar School. 120 Phyllis Mary Buckley Phyllis Buckley was born on 14th December 1902 and was educated at The Queen Mary High School, Liverpool, from 1914 until 1921. She read German, with French, Latin and English at Liverpool University gaining her degree in 1925 and a Diploma in Education in 1926. She attended vacation courses in Freiburg (1927), Strassburg (1928) and made several vacation visits to France and Germany along with attending a vacation course in Grenoble. She taught at the Florence Melly School, Liverpool, from 1926 until 1927, and Ramworth Square School, Liverpool from 1927 until 1929. She then taught at Dalston Central School, E.8, in 1934 and 1935. She was appointed to the staff of Hackney Downs in September 1942 and left in July, 1945. 121 Joseph Kelly Joseph Kelly was born on 10th May 1900 and was educated at St. Bridget's School Egremont, Cumberland, from 1905 until 1914. From 1914 until 1918 (and again in 1920-1921 following service with the Armed Forces) he was engaged in gaining "Practical Industrial Experience" following which he moved to St.Luke's Diocesan Training College, Exeter where, after two years residential study, he passed the Board of Education's Certificate Exam (1923) "in the usual professional subjects", plus Geography (Credit), Maths, Elementary Science and Art. He went to Birkbeck College on three separate occasions; from 1926- 1930 when he gained a B.A. in Geography, Economics and English (failing in Latin); from 1933 until 1936, gaining a 3rd Class Honours B.A. in Geography with Economics and from 1938 until 1943, attending an M.A. Course. At the same time (1937-1939) he was a Lecturer in Geography at Westminster Commercial Institute. He taught first at L.C.C. Boys School, Shadwell, E.1 from 1923 until 1930, moving on to The Oratory R.C. Central School for Boys as Geography Master until May, 1943. He was then appointed to the Hackney Downs Tutorial Classes, leaving on 31st October 1945 to return to The Oratory School. He was succeeded by Dr. J.B.Gregory. 122. Harold Thomas Lyons Harold Lyons was born on 25th June 1908. He attended Hackney Downs School from 1920 until 1924. He started University in 1929 at Reading, gaining a Second Class Honours B.A. in Geography in 1932 and a Diploma in Education in 1933. He became M.A. at the Institute of Education and gained a second Geography Degree (B.Sc.). His university career was marked as continuing as of 10th May 1943. His teaching career commenced at Northwold Road Boys in 1933 and he was appointed to Hackney Downs from May 1943 when the war-time classes opened, becoming permanent on 1st April, 1946. He left (together with his wife) on 30th July 1948 on transfer to Northern Rhodesia for duty with the Rhodesian Education Service. 123 David Nathan David Nathan was born on 12th February 1887. He was educated at Elementary School in London until 1901 when he enrolled at the Mile End Pupil Teachers Centre (1901-1905) followed by King's College London and London Day Training College (1905-1908). He read Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Physics, and was awarded a B.Sc. followed by a Teacher's Certificate in 1908. He taught at an Elementary School from 1908 until 1942 and from October 1942 until May 1943 at Hoxton Central. In May 1943 he was appointed to Hackney Downs Tutorial Classes, became permanent on 1st May 1947 until his retirement in August 1949. 124. Francis John Spanton Francis Spanton was born on 10th June 1889 and attended elementary School from 1894 until 1903. He gained a First Class Physical Training Certificate (Army System), Physical Training HQ Aldershot in December 1912. He taught at the Royal Military College, Canada (1917-1919), at Deptford Men's Evening Institute (1920-1944), Day Continuation Schools (1930-1939), P.T. & Games Organiser for Rescue Service) (1939-1942). In regular teaching he was appointed to Highbury County school and elementary Schools (January - July, 1943) when, on secondment from L.C.C. Service, he was appointed to Hackney Downs School from 1st September, 1943. He left on 15th March, 1948 on return to the L.C.C. as a P.T.Instructor and his place was taken by Mr.L.G.Mitchell. The Review for Spring Term 1948 records: Mr.Spanton, who joined the Staff at the opening of the war-time classes in May, 1943, did much in those difficult days before the end of hostilities in Europe to raise the standard of physical training and to renew inter-school matches. Shortage of floor space, of equipment and of suitable gear never discouraged him, and his enthusiasm and energy have been an inspiration to all who have been in his classes. On Friday, March 11th, at a full School Assembly, the Head Monitor expressed to Mr.Spanton its gratitude for his valued services and presented to him an engraved wristwatch and a pair of sleeve-links as a token of appreciation. The Spring 1948 edition of The Review also includes the following tribute: As I write these lines of farewell to a much esteemed colleague I have before me two newspaper articles signed by well-known sporting journalists and both, describing the work Mr.Spanton has for many years carried on at a Deptford evening institute. One, it is true, calls him "Mr.Fred Spanton," while the other maintains that his name is Frank; but they agree very heartily on their estimate of his gifts. "One of the finest instructors I've seen," says one; " a P.T. expert in the last war and one the D.C.M.; at 57 he can give many younger men a start in physical fitness," says the other. Except that they do not mention that he was once P.T. expert at the Canadian Royal Military College, these two experts have given the outstanding points of Mr.Spanton's career. They have hinted, too, at some of his many gifts. But we of H.D.S., who have for five years worked with or under him; we who can say in the words of the old regimental march "We lived and loved together;" we can tell them a great deal more. We have learnt to know and admire in him a man who can make anything, from a lady's handbag to a suit of clothes; a cheerful philosopher who in the darkest days of doodlebugs and rockets never lost his contagious happiness; a teacher whose pupils enjoy every minute of his lessons and profit abundantly by them. There is not one of us, boy or master, who does not feel a real sense of loss at Mr.Spanton's departure. We hope that he will often look in on us, his friends, and that on Sports Days and such occasions, we may rejoice to see, not only the martial moustache and the far-famed bowler of the great R.S.M. Marley, but also the cheerful smile of his not less loved and honoured successor, Mr.Frank Spanton. 125. Samuel Schlessinger Samuel Schlessinger was born on 17th March 1891. He was educated at Elementary School from 1897 to 1902. His Secondary schooling took place at Eppingen, Baden and Karlsruhe until 1910. He attended University at Heidelberg (1910-1911 and 1912-1914), Munich (1911-1912 and 1919) and Geneva (1926). He spent time away from his native Germany in London (1913, 1924, 1927, 1930, 1936), Paris (1925, 1928, 1931, 1932), and Geneva (1926) on each occasion spending approximately 10 weeks away. In 1919 he passed the State Examination at Karlsruhe for teaching languages to University standard (passing in German, English, French and Latin). He taught from 1920 until 1935, holding posts in Eppingen, Mosbach, Mannheim, and Karlsruhe. He joined Hackney Downs School on 20th September 1943 and left in July 1945. 126' William Gerard Woods William Woods was born on 10th February 1910 and was educated at the Elementary School in Preston, Lancs, from 1905 until 1913. His Secondary schooling was split between Preston (1913-1918) and Roehampton (1918-1921). His University training took place at Loyola University, New Orleans (1921-1925) where he gained a B.A. and (1925-1926) when he became M.A. He undertook further training at Gouraga University, Spokane, Washington. His subjects were Classics, English and Philosophy with subsidiary Science and, for his M.A., Latin and Philosophy. He was awarded a Diploma by the State Department of Education in Alabama (1929) and Louisiana (1930). His teaching appointments were at the Jesuit High School, New Orleans (1926-1928), Spring Hill High, Mobile, Alabama (1928-1919), H.Stanislaus, Bay St.Louis, Mississippi (1929-1930), Belmont Abbey school, Hereford (1931-1933), Belmont Preparatory, near Dorking (1933 for one term), Ratcliffe College, Leicester (1934 for two terms), Macaulay House, Cuckfield (1934-1935), and St.Joseph's College, Dumfries (1935-1941). He was appointed to Hackney Downs School on 27th October 1943 and appointed to the permanent staff from September 1946. He left Hackney Downs on 31st December 1946 when he was appointed to Perivale Grammar School. The Review of Christmas Term, 1946, recorded: "Mr. W.G.Woods, who joined the Staff of the Wartime Classes of the School in October, 1943, was responsible for Latin and taught also general form subjects. To him, as to his colleagues, who, under Mr.Barron, successfully developed this 'home' section of the School, warm thanks are due. When the full School assembled in September, 1945, he became responsible for the Latin of the School and this term he has had charge of the newly-formed Junior Debating Society. We wish him success in his work as Latin Master in the Greenford School. 127. Irene Ethel Alice Lyons Irene Lyons was born on 16th August 1912. She was educated in London, at Winterbourne Road J.M. School, Thornton Heath (1917-1922), Mitcham Lane J.M. School, Streatham (1922-1923) and the County Secondary school, Streatham (1923-1930, before going up to Reading University (1930-1934) where she read Pure Mathematics, Physics and Botany, graduating in 1934 with a Teacher's Certificate and in 1936 with a B.Sc. She taught first at South Road School and West End School, Hemsworth, Yorkshire from 1935 until 1936, Sidcup Central School (1936-1941), Rye Grammar School (April, 1941 - December, 1941). She joined Hackney Downs School on 29th February 1944, staying until July, and she returned again in November 1947, succeeding Mr.Coombs and staying until July, 1948. She left to join her husband with whom she had been transferred for service in Northern Rhodesia. 128. John William Dorling John Dorling was born on 21st June 1900. He was educated at Holborn Grammar School from 1911 until 1916 and Holloway County School from 1916 until 1918. At University he gained an Honours B.Sc. taking Special Chemistry with Physics subsidiary, later qualifying in Chemistry, Physics and Pure & Applied Maths. He attended the London Day Training College (later called the Institute of Education) from 1923 until 1925, gaining a Teaching Certificate. He joined the LCC Teaching Staff in August 1925 and was seconded for short periods to a number of schools, namely: St.Mary Magdalene, Paddington (1925-1928), The Laycock (S.B.) (1928-1930), Barnsbury Park (Nov.1930 - Mar.1931), Thornhill Road (1931-1938), South Hackney Central (1938-1942), William Ellis School (then evacuated to Leighton Buzzard) (1942-1945). He joined Hackney Downs School on 17th September 1945, taking charge of Physics and Chemistry, until August, 1946 and then moved to the Junior Technical School of the School of Photoengravure and Lithography as Principal. Mr.Dorling had done much to re-equip the Physics and the Advanced Chemistry Laboratories. 129. Bernard John Burgess Redding Bernard Redding was born on 12th February 1922. He was educated at the College St.Bertin, St.Omer from 1925 until 1929, and at the Lower School of John Lyon, Harrow-on-the-Hill (1933-1939) He read English, French, Latin and History at University gaining an Inter-B.A. in 1940. He transferred to the University of Wales gaining a B.A. in English and French in 1943 and a further B.A.(Hons.) in French in 1944. He gained a Diploma in Education in 1945 together with certificates in Hygiene, Music and P.T. He taught at Hackney Downs School from September 1945 until August 1946 when he was appointed to teach French at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Mansfield. Mr. Redding's musical talks and recitals were much sappreciated by the many who heard them. 130. Dr.John B Gregory John Gregory was born on 23rd November 1896. He attended Edinburgh University from 1914 until 1921 (War Service 1915-1919). He gained an Honours M.A. in English Literature and Language in 1921 and was awarded a Ph.D. in 1931. He taught at Crewkerne Grammar School from 1923 until 1925 when he returned to training in Edinburgh for one year to gain his Teaching Certificate. He returned to teaching at Hebden Bridge Secondary School (for two months) and was then appointed to Mercers School, Holborn (1927-1933), the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe (May-Aug. 1934), and the Egyptian Government School (Sept. 1935 - Aug. 1936). He became an Evening Class Lecturer from 1936 until 1939 rejoining H.M.Forces (1940-1945). He was appointed temporarily to the staff of Hackney Downs School from October 1945, replacing Mr. J.Kelly, until April, 1946 when he, in turn was replaced by Mr. J.D.E. Hollingworth. 131. Jack Donald Edward Hollingworth Jack Hollingworth was born on 7th May 1910. He attended Cambridge University earning a B.A. History (Tripos, Pt.I, Class II, Div. I), (Tripos Pt.I Class II) English. He taught at Brentwood School, Essex from 1931 until 1934 then Central Foundation from 1934 until 1941. He served in the R.A.F. from October 1941 until April, 1946 and would, on demobilisation, have returned to Central Foundation (where he was Senior English Master) save for one term's secondment to Hackney Downs (May-Aug. 1946) when he replaced Dr.J.Gregory. 132. William Norris Littlejohns William Littlejohns was born on 12th May 1915. He was educated at Heaton Grammar school, Newcastle from 1928 until 1930 and Plymouth Corporation Grammar School from 1930 until 1933. He attended Queen Mary College in 1933 gaining an Honours B.A. in French (English subsid.) in 1936. He spent three months in Brussels in 1935 and three months in France in 1936 including a summer course at the Universite de Nancy. By 1937 he had received a Teachers Certificate. He taught for one year (until 1938) as Senior French Master at Wimbledon College and transferred as Modern Language Master at Sloane School, Chelsea (1938-1946). He saw war service in Italy, the Middle East and Germany. On demobilisation in 1946 he undertook a course of advanced study at King's College, London at the same time being appointed to teach French at Hackney Downs School. He succeeded Mr Moody as second-in- command of the School Cadet Corps in the Autumn Term of 1947. He left in April 1948 on appointment as Assistant Divisional Educational Officer, South Hertfordshire. 133. Hugo Thomas Edmund Miles Hugo Miles was born on 10th December, 1912. His schooling took place at Chatham Technical School from 1925 until 1928 and the County Grammar School, Gillingham from 1928 until 1931. He attended Southampton University, reading English with German subsidiary, gaining a Second Class Honours B.A. in 1934 and a Teaching Certificate in 1935. He started teaching at Stuny (?) Central School, Canterbury (1935- 1938) and Coventry Technical College (1938-1946) seeing War Service from 1940 until 1946. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September 1946 to teach English, leaving in March 1948 to become Senior English Master at Monoux Grammar School, Walthamstow. The Review in Spring Term 1948 also wrote: School Societies - Literary and Debating, Dramatic, Theatre-going - and School Games, particularly those of the fourth and second years and the Under 13 XI, have had the advantage and stimulus of his experience, interest, guidance or active participation. Mr.Miles was also celebrated in a full tribute, also in the Spring 1948 edition of The Review: MR.H.T.E.MILES. A full-dress valedictory article in these pages is something like a Royal Salute of twenty-two guns; a compliment that one does not pay everyone; a tribute reserved for masters of many years' service. Mr.Miles has been with us but five terms, but that short space has been so packed with useful and ungrudging work, so memorable to those who have had the pleasure of being his pupils or his colleagues, that there can be no question of letting him leave us with but a few lines of farewell in the School Notes. We knew, of course, when he had been with us but a few weeks that we could not hope to keep him very long; a man of such personality, a teacher of such quiet thorough efficiency was marked for early promotion. The Monoux School is fortunate, and we envy them; but we warn them that their good fortune will be as transitory as ours has been. As we have said, he has been with us but five terms. There can be no ambiguity when we say that it has seemed longer: he has put so much into those terms, has done so much for the School and Staff and boys that we feel now that we are parting with a very old friend. It is something that he is not going very far way, however. We gather that he is going to be in charge of games at the Monoux school: when they come to play us at Edmonton we shall take it very ill if he sends and underling and does not come himself. 134. Arthur Marfleet Mitchell Arthur Mitchell was born on 7th June, 1906. He was educated at Fairfield Grammar School, Bristol from 1918 until 1924. He attended Bristol University from 1924 until 1928 reading Physics (Maths subsidiary) gaining a 2nd Class Honours B.Sc. and a Diploma in Education. He enrolled for further study as an External Student at London University, gaining a Third Class Honours B.A. in Mathematics. He taught at Lucton School, Herefordshire for the whole of 1929 and at the John Lyon School, Harrow, from 1930 until 1940. He was released for service at H.M.S. "Vernon", Portsmouth from April, 1940 until September, 1945. On demobilisation he joined Finchley County Grammar School, Sept. 1945 until August, 1946, when he was appointed to Hackney Downs School to teach Physics. His appointment lasted until July, 1949 when he was appointed Headmaster of Shoreditch Central Secondary School. 135. Robert Grey Bevan Robert Bevan was born on 20th June, 1896. He was educated at Gowerton secondary School from 1908 until 1914. He went up to the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, reading Chemistry with Physics and Mathematics, gaining an Honours B.Sc. and earning a Teachers' Certificate in 1923. From January until August 1924 he taught at London Fields Boys School, then Eleanor Road S.B. School from August, 1924 until January, 1942. He served at the South East London Emergency Secondary School from February, 1942 until July, 1945 and St.Marylebone Grammar School from September, 1945 until July, 1946. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School as a Chemistry teacher for one term from September until December, 1946 when he transferred to Stoke Newington Secondary (Central) School. 136. David George Howell David Howell was born on 13th December, 1921 and was educated at Newport (Mon.) High School for Boys from 1933 until 1940. He attended Loughborough College from 1940 until 1942. In 1939 he had been awarded or passed a London University Inter-Science, in 1940 City & Guilds Handicraft 1st Exam, and a Board of Education Teachers Certificate in 1942 (Handicraft (Woodwork, advanced: Metalwork: advanced). He saw War Service in the R.A.F. (1942-1946) reaching the rank of Flight-Lieutenant and seeing service as a Night Navigator, Station Adjutant, Camp Commandant and Group Staff Officer for Education and Vocation Training Scheme. He joined Hackney Downs temporarily to deputise in the Handicraft Department (from Loughborough College) in October 1946, leaving in December when he was appointed to St. Olave's Grammar School. 137. Cyril Corner Cyril Corner was born on 11th November 1917. He attended Guisborough Grammar School from 1928 until 1936. He studied French and Latin at Reading University from 1936 until 1939, obtaining a 1st Class Honours B.A. and the University's Teaching Diploma in 1940. During his University career he spent three periods of study in France; at Auxerre in 1937, Lyons in 1938 (where he became L-ès-L) and Paris from July to September 1939. From July 1940 until February, 1943 he served with the Royal Artillery and from 1944 until September 1946 with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry. He was commissioned in 1941 as Captain and Adjutant. He became a Prisoner-of-War of the Japanese, witnessing and experiencing many horrors, of which he was known to speak publicly only once. He was appointed to teach French at Hackney Downs School from 1st January 1947 and was welcomed in The Review in Spring Term, 1947. Sadly, in May 1964, his life was cut short when he died as the result of an accident. 138. Jonathan Goodspeed Jonathan Goodspeed was born on 27th August 1904. He was educated at George Green's School, London from 1917 until 1922 when he went up to Queen Mary's College, leaving in 1926 with a 2nd Class Honours B.Sc. in Chemistry (Pure Maths subsidiary) and after 1 year of research work. He taught at the County High School, Wanstead from September 1926 until December 1946. He was appointed as a teacher of Chemistry to Hackney Downs School (becoming Senior Chemistry Master) on 1st January 1947 and was welcomed to the School in The Review of Spring, 1947. He left on 30th July 1948 to take a post as Lecturer in Chemistry at Borough Road Technical College (Borough Polytechnic). 139. Charles Godfrey Hawes Charles Hawes was born on 5th July 1914. He was educated at the County Secondary School, Sandown, Isle of Wight, from 1926 until 1933. He went to the University of Southampton to study Maths, obtaining a First Class B.Sc. Special (including an Optional Advanced Maths paper, followed by Teacher Training at the University. He started teaching at St. Helen's College, Southsea in 1937 (for two terms) before transferring to Elmhurst County Grammar School, Street, Somerset where his attachment was from September 1937 until December 1946. During World War 2 he was first attached as a Civilian Forecaster in the Air Ministry, followed by appointment as Flying Officer (1943) and Flight-Lieutenant (July, 1944), seeing service in North Africa, Malta and Italy. He stayed at Hackney Downs from 1st January 1947 (and was formally welcomed in The Review for Spring Term 1947), teaching Mathematics until 31st August 1955 when he left on appointment as a Lecturer at Kingston College. 140 Joseph William Hill Joseph Hill was born on 17th December 1912. He was educated at Carlisle Grammar School before going up to St.John's College, Durham, where he read Classics, obtaining a 2nd Class, Div. 1 B.A. in 1934, a Diploma in Teaching in 1935, becoming M.A. in 1939. He taught first at Bandon Grammar School from 1936 until 1939 and served in the RAF during World War II. On demobilisation he taught for one term at Newport Grammar School, Isle of Wight, before being appointed to Hackney Downs as a Latin teacher on 1st January 1947 being formally welcomed in The Review of Spring, 1947. He stayed until 31st August 1947 when he was appointed Latin Master at Thornbury Grammar School. 141. Frank Stanley Horsman Frank Horsman was born on 12th November 1919. He was educated at Bellevue Grammar School, Bradford and University College, London (1938- 1940) obtaining a 2nd Class Upper, Honours, B.A. in German, with French, in July 1940. He then saw military service spending, at one point, three months in Vienna, before being demobilised and attending the Institute of Education in 1946 where he earned a Teaching Certificate. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School as a German teacher on 1st January, 1947 but left at August to take up a post as Senior German Master at Bishopshalt Grammar School, Hillingdon, Middlesex. He was succeeded by Mr. Claydon. 142. William Henry Warburton William Warburton was born on 25th January 1912. He was educated at the City of Bath Boys School from 1923 until 1929. He attended a City of Bath Education Committee course for training handicraft teachers from 1929 until 1933 which included 6 months full-time teaching and during which he passed London City & Guilds 2nd H.C. Examination in Woodwork (1932), later taking Metalwork (1935). He also passed the Union of Educational Institutions Senior Examination in Practical Woodwork Drawing and Solid Geometry. His other qualifications included Oxford University General School Certificate (1928) and London Matriculation (1931). He taught first at Bath Technical College and City of Bath School (April-July, 1933) as Assistant Woodwork Master. He moved to the Alexandria Boys School, Wood Green (1933-1934), Lordship Lane Boys School (1934-1939) and participated in the Evacuation and Homework Scheme from 1939 until 1941. He saw War Service in the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman (2-11/41), Able seaman (11/41-2/43), Sub-Lieutenant RNVR (2/43 - 6/45) and as Lieutenant (6/45 - 2/46) this latter appointment being as Divisional Officer i/c Ratings Training, R.N. Barracks Portsmouth. Part of his service was seen in Corvettes, notably the "Geranium". On demobilisation he returned to Lordship Lane Boys School (from April until December, 1946) before being appointed as Handicraft teacher at Hackney Downs School on 1st January 1947. The School at Lorship Lane changed its name to Wood Green Modern Secondary School according to the report in The Review of Spring Term, 1947. 143. Henry J. W. Henry Miller was born on 23rd October 1895. He was educated at Royal St.Anne's School, Redhill and the Royal Academy of Music. He was qualified A.R.A.M. and held various appointments including one at Bombay Catholic High School. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School on 1st January 1947, replacing Mr.P.Henry as Music Master. He left on 20th December 1948 to take a full-time appointment at Santley Street Secondary School. 144. Aubrey Colin Beurle Aubrey Beurle was born on 16th November 1925. He was educated at Caterham School (1943-1946) and the Royal College of Science (1943- 1946) where he obtained a B.Sc Special in Chemistry with Physics and Maths. He was appointed to H.D.S. as a temporary replacement for Mr. J.F.Tucker (who was on sick leave). On leaving in July 1947 he is understood to have left the teaching profession. 145. Henry Arthur Shearring Henry Shearring was born on 16th May 1923. He attended Hackney Downs School from 1934 until 1941. He attended Queen Mary College for one year, resuming his studies after war service, when he went to St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. He served two periods at his old School: July 1947 as stand-in for Mr.S.S. Moody and two weeks in April 1948, standing in for Mr.H.T.E.Miles. 146. Cyril Francis Claydon Cyril Claydon was born on 18th October 1920. He was educated at Southend High School from 1931 until 1939 and attended Magdalene College, Cambridge from October 1939 until June 1942. He read French and German, obtaining a B.A. From September until December 1947 he was appointed to H.D.S., succeeding Mr. Horsman as German Master but leaving on 31st December to take up private teaching. He was, in turn, succeeded by Mr. J.Meltzer. 147. Kenneth Arthur Hooton Kenneth Hooton was born on 18th November 1913. He attended Brentwood School from 1923 until 1932 followed by Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied History and English, gaining an Honours Degree. He gained his Teaching Diploma following a year at the Institute of Education (1936-1937). He started teaching at Earls Colne Grammar School (January 1938 - October 1940) but his career was interrupted by the 2nd World War. He served in the Royal Navy from October 1940 until June, 1946, first as AB Leading Radio Mechanic, from June 1943 as Warrant School Master and, for the last two years as Instructor Lieutenant. On his return to teaching he served for one year at the County High School, Wanstead before taking up his appointment at Hackney Downs as Senior History Master from September 1947. He left on 31st December 1954 to take post as First Assistant at West Norwood School. 148. Christopher Dixon Pritchett Christopher Pritchett was born on 21st December 1915. He was educated at the Royal College, Colombo from 1925 until 1933. He attended University College, Colombo where he gained a B.A.(2nd Class) in Latin, Greek and Philosophy with a final year (1938-1939) at University College, London. He served in the R.A.F. from July 1940 until May 1945 when he was demobilised. Following a term at Essendine Road School (London, W.9.), he undertook Teaching Training at the Institute of Education, receiving his Diploma in July 1946. His first teaching assignment, which lasted only two days, was at Huntingdon Road School (London, W.9.) followed by re-assignment to Westminster City School where he taught until August, 1947. He then transferred to Hackney Downs School, succeeding Mr. Hill as Latin Master and where he remained until August 1950, leaving to take post at Harrow County School. 149. Norman Reginald Mackinlay Norman Mackinlay was born on 19th January 1899. He attended Wallasey Grammar School before serving during the First World War in the Pembroke Yeomanry and the R.A.F. being released from service in May 1919. From September of that year until May 1919 he undertook training at Liverpool University. He taught in Preparatory Schools from April 1921 until July 1926 before attending St. Boniface Missionary College, Warminster, as a Tutor Student from September 1926 until February, 1928 when he was appointed to St. George's College, Buenos Aires. He stayed until December 1928 then returned to Preparatory School teaching until December 1940. For six months in 1941 he taught at Merchant Taylors' School, Great Croby, and for three months at Wycliffe College, Stonehouse. From 1942 until December 1945 he taught at Alsop High School, Liverpool returning to teaching in Prep. School until July 1947. From 6th October until 31st October 1947 he took a temporary position at Hackney Downs School, retiring on health grounds, which may give a clue to the reason why his career was punctuated by periods of absence. 150. Leslie George Mitchell Leslie Mitchell was born on 29th December 1914. He attended Mardy Junior School from 1921 until 1925, and Ferndale Grammar School from 1925 until 1932. He taught in Junior Schools in South Wales having gained a Further Education Teachers' Diploma in Physical Education - First Class, 1935, from Glamorgan Education Committee. On joining the Forces at the outbreak of the Second World War, Leslie Mitchell's strengths were recognised and he quickly gained a Royal Air Force Physical Education Diploma - First Class, in 1940. He taught briefly at his old School (Ferndale) from January to July 1946 and at Bishop Wordsworth's School, Salisbury from July until December 1946. He underwent training at Borderop Park Teachers' Training College for the whole of 1947 when, upon the recommendation of his College Principal, he applied for a post at Hackney Downs School. He gained a Ministry of Education Teaching Diploma (Advanced P.E. and English Language and Literature) in 1947. He joined the staff of Hackney Downs School in January, 1948, replacing Mr. Spanton. His further qualifications were: F.A. Referee's Certificate 1946, W.R.F.U. Referee Certificate, 1946, R.L.S.S. Teachers' Certificate and Silver Cross, 1947 and a St. John's Ambulance First Aid (Advanced) Certificate. He remained at H.D.S. until April 1960 having succeeded to the position as Head of Department. On his departure from Hackney Downs he was appointed Principal of Hackney Commercial and Technical College, where he remained until his retirement. 150A. Joseph Meltzer Joseph Meltzer was appointed to the Staff on 1st January 1948. He had been a pupil at Hackney Downs, where he completed the Higher School Certificate in English, French, German and Latin, and had completed his National Service in the Mines. He completed a course at University College London, qualifying him to teach. He succeeded Mr.Claydon in teaching German and, on leaving the School in August 1948, took up an appointment at Leyton County High School. 151. Walter Alleyn Lewes Hill Walter Hill was born on 7th April 1899 and was educated at the Pannal Ash School, Harrogate, from 1907 until 1917. He saw service in the First World War as a Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, from 1919 until 1922 gaining a B.A. in Natural Sciences and Chemistry. He taught at his old school, becoming Senior Science Master, Senior Master then Head Master, from 1922 until 1938. He held administrative posts in local government from 1938 until 1941 (e.g. Chief Organising Officer for Civil Defence, London Borough of Wandsworth), before serving as an Intelligence Officer in the Middle East with the R.A.F. (from 1941 until 1944). He took up teaching again at Tonbridge School, from 1944 until 1946, where he served as a VIth Form Science Teacher. He moved next to the post of Head Master at the Royal Merchant Navy School, Wokingham. He came to Hackney Downs, replacing Mr.Tucker, at the beginning of the Summer term, 1948, leaving to take a position at King's College, Wimbledon at the end of the same term. 152. Linden Charles Huddlestone. D.o.B 11.3.24 English Linden Huddlestone was born on 11th March 1924. He was educated at Mercers' school from 1933 until 1941, Queen Mary College (where he gained an Honours B.A. in English with French) from 1941 until 1943 and at the Institute of Education from 1947 until 1948. His education was interrupted by War Service with the Royal Marines in which he served as F.A.A. (Air Mechanic), W.O. School Master, and Instructor Lieutenant, R.N., the latter post being at the Depot School, Chatham and the Royal Marines Depot, Deal. He had three months initial teaching at his old school in the first quarter of 1944 and was appointed to Hackney Downs School on completing is course at the Institute of Education in 1948. He came to the School at the beginning of Summer term 1948 when he replaced Mr.Miles. He left in August 1949, when he was appointed to Wilson's Grammar School, Camberwell. 153. John Henry Green John Green was born on 13th June 1920. He was educated at King Edward VII Grammar School, Sheffield from 1930 until 1932, then High Storrs Grammar School, Sheffield from 1932 until 1939. He gained a B.Sc. in Maths and Physics at London University and was awarded his teaching certificate by London University in April 1947. He had commenced teacher training at Borough Road T.C., Isleworth in 1939 and 1940, completing training in 1946-1948. Details of his war service are not known. He joined Hackney Downs as a Mathematics teacher in September, 1948 and left on 31st December 1952. 154. Alan Ralph Hall Alan Hall was born on 11th April, 1927 and was educated at the Commonweal School, Swindon from 1937 until 1942 and the Headlands School, Swindon, from 1942 until 1944, before going up to Kings College London (1944-1948) where he earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics and Maths. He completed one month's teaching practice at his old school (Headlands) in September and October 1947. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September, 1948 to teach Physics and left on 31st December on appointment to the post of Senior Physics Master at St.Dunstan's College. 155. Eric Hargreaves Eric Hargreaves was born on 22nd June 1922 (as recorded, although this date is suspect). The record shows him attending University College, Nottingham from 1932 - 1935, gaining a B.A.(Hons) in German in 1935, and being awarded a Cambridge University Diploma in Teaching by UCN in 1936. He taught at Rothwell Grammar School Leeds from May to July 1937 and Johnston School, Durham from March until July 1938. He is recorded on the staff of South East Essex Technical College, Dagenham from September 1938 until August 1948. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School on 1st September 1948 as Senior German Master and left on 31st August 1952 on appointment to Morecambe Grammar School. 156. Llion Wyn Owain Llion Owain was born on 9th February 1922 and was educated at Caernarvon Grammar School from 1933 until 1939. He saw war service but details are not known. He gained a Ministry of Education Teaching Certificate in 1946 (44/5056) and Proficiency Certificates in Principles and Practice of Education; Health Education; English Language. He took Course at Ordinary Standard in History, Welsh (with Credit) and Drawing, and Courses at Advanced Standard in Physical Training and Geography (with Distinction). He taught for four months in 1946 at Caernarvon Junior School before being appointed to Dury Falls Secondary School, Hornchurch (until August 1948). He was appointed to Hackney Downs School on 1st September 1948 as a Geography and P.T. teacher and remained until 31st August 1955. 157. J.A.Richards J.A. Richards was born in 1918. He was educated at Brockley County School in South East London from 1928 until 1936 whence he attended Kings College, London from 1936 until 1940, gaining a B.A. in English, French and History. He saw war service with the Royal Artillery from 1940 until 1946 before concluding his training at Kings College (1946-1948). He served for only three months at Hackney Downs as an English teacher, from September until December 1948. He left to become an Assistant Principal at the Ministry of Education. 158. Peter Newman Wilson Peter Wilson was born on 4th May 1927 and was educated at Hamond's Grammar School, Swaffham from 1936 until 1944. He attended University College, Nottingham from 1944 until 1948, gaining a B.Sc. Sp. 2nd Class in Chemistry with subsidiary Physics, and a teaching certificate from the Institute of Education, Nottingham. He was appointed to Hackney Downs School in September 1948 as a chemistry teacher and remained until August, 1952 when he took up an appointment as Senior Chemistry Master at King Edward VI School, Chelmsford. 159. Ronald Ernest Ewell Woods Ronald Woods was born on 26th November 1916 and was educated at Wanstead County High School from 1928 until 1935 followed by three years at University College, London (1935-1938) and one at the Institute of Education, London (1939). He graduated with a B.Sc. General (1937), taking Pure Maths, Chemistry and Physics, and a B.Sc. Special (Chemistry), 1938. In 1938 he also gained a certificate in Vocational Guidance from the National Institute of Industrial Psychologists and a Physical Training Certificate from Loughborough Summer School. He qualified M.A. (Education) in 1952. He taught first at Drayton Manor County School, from September 1939 until July, 1940 when he was appointed as a Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Supply, which position lasted until 1947. He recommenced teaching at East Ham Grammar School, from September 1947 until August, 1948 when he was appointed to Hackney Downs School as Senior Chemistry Master. Concurrent with his service at East Ham he also taught for various terms at South East Essex Technical College, Acton Technical College, South West Essex Technical College and East Ham Technical College.