John Warnford-Davis

These memories inevitably fade but I have some.

I remember Pat Cox very well and his mannerism of rubbing his lower back with the back of his hand. This was due, we were told, to a shrapnel wound from WW1

I remember Mr Ellis - Deputy Head Master - whose caning was feared more than that of Pat.

I remember being a goody-goody because of my deep fear of being caned - I never was!

I remember Penelope Lonsdale - Matron - otherwise known as the Purple Glory - because of her addiction to everything and anything purple.

I remember being 'slippered' by Miss Lonsdale as a new boy, for some trivial offence, such as talking after lights out, on my bare bottom. I didn't mind that as it did not hurt and was only a minor humiliation.

I remember the Cadet Force and learning WW1 arms drill with Lee Enfield Army Rifles. During my time we had to convert from "Form Fours!"to "Form Three's".

I remember Mr Anderson who rewarded good work in Maths by drawing a picture on your exercise book - any subject.

I remember Mr Rogers - whom I loved.

I remember building huts in the woods near the school and we all were members of camps.

I remember eating interminable rabbits in all its variations and not being able to face it ever again.

I remember winning school colours in shooting and being so proud of wearing the cap, white and grey with crossed rifles, on Sunday walks.

I remember swimming in the Grosvenor Hotel pool and then being promoted to swimming in the sea - which was freezing! I have hated cold water ever since!

I remember all the Gilbert and Sullivan's - I was a fairy in Iolanthe.

I remember paddle steamer trips and towing aeroplane shaped 'skimmers' made during carpentry lessons.

I remember going on a school trip to the Royal Naval Revue in 1936 - Silver Jubilee year for George V and seeing HMS Hood, HMS Nelson and HMS Rodney.

I remember having 6d worth of tuck per week. Got a lot for what is now 2.5p!

I remember asking some masters to buy me a Dinky Toy with my pocket money when he went shopping.


Headmaster Pat Cox

I remember Ian Hunter, Rathbone, Frankau, Franks ( twins , I think,with whom I shared a birthday on 14 June), Molesdale brothers, Dunn (who sincerely believed in ghosts and frightened us all with his bedtime stories), Hancock and, I believe, some little Cox's.

I remember playing 'Chain he' in the playground on roller skates and being sent flying by the 'chain' catching me behind my neck. Subsequently I was told that my nose had, at some time been broken. I know it was then.

I remember having to tell Matron whether or not I had done No.2 each morning - if not - a dose of Syrup of Figs!

I remember after the War broke out in September 1939 that we were sure that there were German spies operating from the Water Tower at the back of the school sending flashing light signals.

I remember that the Radar towers on the Downs were actually weapons that had ray guns which would stop the engines of any incoming German Bombers. We knew nothing about Radar at that time.

I was known as Warnford-Davis J and my cousin was Warnford-Davis D - and I remember my school number - 78. I am now 79!

I wonder if my flashes of memories will spark some others from that period?

I remember being terribly home-sick and that Pat Cox and his wife were very kind to me.

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

John Warnford-Davis
Hill Barn, Hailey, Ipsden, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6AD
01491 681655
Email warnford@aol.com

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