One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Memories 1918-1924
During Play and Lent Terms, “Green” was a complete misnomer! It was used not only for regular Football (“Green games” to occupy all such as were not down for games up. Fields- a welcome relief for less proficient players like myself) but also for daily “kick-abouts” for A.HH and H.BB during dinner-breaks etc (corresponding to ‘Yard Games’ up RR & GG). Consequently there was not a blade of grass surviving by the end of Lent Term, and efforts had to be made to restore its ‘greenness’ for the summer. In this connection I have clear memory of the horse and plough working there in 1922 (featured in a press photo, with Abbey in the background).
The game of Football as played in Green was a peculiar one. It was of course surrounded by the century old five-foot railings (so regrettably removed to make munitions during the war). A ball which ‘cannoned’ off these was still in play- a throw in awarded only if the ball was kicked outside. Likewise the trees – skilful wing-forwards made good use of these!'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'1918-1922
I do not remember any public Gym Displays in my time.
The Instructor in the picture is presumably Sgt. Melican. About 1915 he was succeeded by the colourful Sergeant Satchell - barrel chest, waxed moustache and prominent blue eyes. He was immensely popular, not least on account of his lurid descriptions (e.g. how to withdraw a bayonet from the body of a dead German), as also his vivid and racy anecdotes. E.g. “I hit ‘im square between the eyes. ‘Is eyes popped right out on strings, criss-crossed 2 or 3 times, then went back.”
Or his account of an incident during a boxing-bout between G.O. George, K.S, and A.L. Haskell (RR), now of Sadler’s Wells Ballet:
“George caught ‘im one right on the side of the nose [in those days an out-size one, tho’ later pruned]. ‘Is nose went right over at a right-angle- and came back with a click!”'