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One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Memories 1918-1918
To my lasting and lifelong regret, I was not in the Corps. This however did not exempt me as a new boy from twice-weekly parades in ‘B’ Squad I, till I was laid low my Spanish Flu a week or two before the Armistice on Nov 11, 1918.
By that time, Form Drill (as in the picture) conducted presumably by the School Sergeant, had given place to bi-weekly Squad Drill under N.C.O.s in the Corps. Upper School was divided into 8 ‘A Squads’, Under School into eight ‘B Squads’. These drilled alternatively on two days of each week and played in an inter-Squad Football League on the other two (for, curiously enough, Football Leagues were run on inter-Squad lines, not inter-House, in Play 1918).
At the end of that Term an intense inter-Squad Drill Competition took place. The dummy-rifles in the picture (clumsy wooden things) were not used in B Squad Drill. Hopeless cases (some in uniform) were relegated to an ‘Awkward Squad’, teaching only elementary Drill, in yard.
Those not in uniform wore shags over School dress for Drill, T.BB with collars turned up, K.SS with collars turned down (as on all occasions). By 1918, the ‘Shag’ of dark blue was of a less skimpy design than shown in the photo and had a pinkish monogram ‘RSW’ on the pocket.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Memories 1918-1924
This is presumably Inspection up Fields in days before World War I. Such an annual Inspection, even after that War was an impressive affair- conducted by this or that distinguished O.W. soldier. The Band (I remember) played Handle’s March from ‘Scipio’, on each occasion.
By the end of the War, the Q.T.C. (invariably referred to as “The Corps”) was all-important in School life. I suppose 80% of boys were in uniform all days of the week - the majority of the remainder waiting till their uniforms arrived. Few senior boys had School uniform, and the sudden announcement in Lent 1919 (after the Armistice) that all must wear Etons or tails from next Term caused panic.
Unless exempted on medical grounds, it was quite exceptional for anyone not to be in the Corps. Nor without reason - all were due to be called up at 18. It was not unusual for a boy to leave School then be at the Front by the end of that year - in some cases, not to return.
The School’s War Record was a very fine one, not least as the result of high standards in the Corps - 220 names on the War Memorial, I believe - and each trained as an Officer before leaving School.
Numbers in the Corps declined in years after the War, but high standards continued. K.SS in particular took Corps very seriously.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Memories 1918-1924
The Scis (especially the smaller brand perched on the railings) were our most loyal supporters at both football and cricket matches. We were their “local side” and, in good and (more frequent) bad times alike their enthusiasm never faltered. Their cheering put ours to shame (except at House Matches, when there was a non-stop roar, Westminster cheering was tame). They knew all the 1st XI players by name. (“Bulldog” Keily - their nickname for him- was their special idol).
And we treated them abominably - thoughtlessly blocking their view by standing on the side nearest the railings (more shelter there) and affecting to ignore them or treat them with patronising disdain! (A ‘snob school’ indeed)
A quick-witted Cockneys, the Scis subjected ‘Scholars’ (as they called us) to a good deal of banter on the way up or down Fields - eg “Hey, Scholar! Lend me a dollar! Pay you back tomorrer!” K.SS they sometimes hailed as “Cup ‘n’ saucers” (ref. to College Cops)
To our shame be it said we took very little interest in the School Mission in Vincent Square, despite the noble services of (later Rev) R.E.C. Houghton. I (for one) only visited it once in all my six years.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'“Charterhouse is our big match” I was told as a new boy in 1918, “and they generally beat us”. Too true!
It was not until 1974 that I paid a brief visit to Charterhouse, and in view of all those wonderful games facilities on their doorstep, I marvelled we were ever able to hold up our heads before a School nearly double our size. Yet in days of Taylor & Lowe, we did.
I have vivid memories of a nail-biting last cricket draw in 1920, very much in our favour, when I.A.W. Gilliatt alone saved Charterhouse.
Better by far in 1922 - when Taylor and Lowe shot out Charterhouse to 25 (!!) and themselves knocked off the runs required before lunch! I arrived (alas, none too soon!) in time to see the last wicket fall at 18. (If only McBride could have held that catch in the long-field at that total!)
Then - Football, I witnessed that agonising goal-less draw in 1923 *(actually (I see) a lost 0-1), played (for some reason) not on Big Game Ground but B Ground. We had the better of the play. In the second half the Charterhouse goal-keeper lay on the ball. Our 3 inside-forwards proceeded to propel him into the goal with their feet (legitimate in those days). But the Ref: “fearing he might be hurt” blew the whistle and saved him and Charterhouse.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk as follows:
'Memories 1918-1921 (thereafter to Water)
By 1918 Elson was a venerable, silver-haired figure up Fields, yet with many years still to go. Over his many years he prepared and maintained a first-class Cricket Pitch. We were of opinion it was the second best in London - “Better than Lord’s, second only to the Oval”. Be that as it may, I head “Plum” Warner assure us (at a lecture up School in Election 1920) that one reason why we lost so many matches was that Vincent Square provided such excellent pitch within easy reach, so attracted many leading London cricketers; he also appreciated the sumptuous tea provided not only for Teams but to all visitors. (My only memory of Elson is bowling in nets)
Before the acquisition of the Boat House (1921) and Grove Park, pressure up Fields in summer was extreme. Boarders not in the Corps (I for one) played Cricket 5 days in the week, and watched a School Match on Saturday. I have memories of 7 games in progress simultaneously along the S. side of Fields. Once a terrific swipe from the end-most pitch narrowly missed me at square-leg. I had to chase it across six pitches, being cursed at each for interrupting the play! (Tho’ never a player of any mark, I nonetheless retain a love for Cricket!)'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Mr (later Dr) W.J.N. (“Teacher”) Burch came to the School the same term as I did, Play 1918. He was joined in the Labs soon after by his faithful colleague F.O.M. Earp. “Nobbs” must have found things in considerable confusion at the end of Dr Gow’s regime - perhaps owing to the absence on War Service of H.A. Wootton and J.S. Rudwick. In my first few days (I was of course a Classic, so not directly concerned) no one could tell who was “in charge of Science”. An unfortunate hypochondriac named Quirk (whose name does not appear in the list of Masters in the ‘Record’ Part III), was literally driven to his death just before I came by the antics of Under School “scientists”. W.J.N.B. in his task must have been much helped by the ‘purge’ of the Modern Side by Costley White in his first two years.
In Dr Gow’s last year, perhaps 2/3 of the School were on the Modern Side - simply because Science and German was so much easier than Latin and Greek. (Many boys transferred because or in anticipation of E.L. Fox in CV!). By c1921 H.C.W had redressed the balance-restoring numbers of Classical, quality of Modern.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Memories 1920-1924
It was not until 1959 (as a senior OW) that I ever set foot in this ‘terra incognita’- reputed in our day to be a vast subterranean vault.
Under Mr. Flynn, College Butler (toothless and be-wigged) food in Hall, tho’ plain and unexciting, was plentiful-a welcome contrast to RR, with its single ‘barge’ at breakfast and tea and its dismal menu of lentil, stock-fish or rock-buns in Hall.
From 1922 Mr. Flynn was succeeded as Supervisor by the up-to-date and fully trained Miss Ridge. (To our joy the kindly Miss Flynn was retained in charge of “Flinnery”, ie the service-pantry). Under her, food soon became varied, imaginative and (despite the inevitable grumbles of fastidious T.BB) definitively good.
Pancakes had previously appeared on Shrove Tuesday, but now we had on occasions at mid-day Hall salmon, rabbit (dubbed ‘poor Puss’ by TBB), pickles with cold meat and even (in a heat wave) lemonade and strawberries. For evening Hall (tea) the great standby was ‘choufleur-au-gratin’, which could be found ready at any time by late-returning Watermen.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Morning/Evening Hall - Memories 1920-24
At Breakfast and (High) Tea in those days Hall was the exclusive domain of K.SS. The deeply resented invasion by Busby’s did not come till 1925.
Seniors sat at top table on right (note Captain’s chair), Juniors at bottom table, ever-alert for cries of “Election bag!-beggar!-brown bag! Etc.etc. Orders had to be executed at the run, so the zig-zag passage from the “Flinnery” to Seniors’ Table was a hazardous business, especially if carrying a full jug of ‘bag’ (normally my task as a Junior).
The chief of the ‘many customs’ referred to by L.E.T. was Toasting. When the open coal-fire in the centre was lit, Seniors would sit before it (before eating), and make two pieces of toast (more if desired) for each Under Election in their respective Rooms- call his name, and throw the toast to be caught or (failing that) retrieved from wherever it had fallen. As “breaking (ie going between) tables” was an offence, this often meant a lowly crawl for Juniors! (In my day, I developed considerable proficiency first in catching, later in making and throwing toasts). Unfortunately this custom degenerated into horseplay from 1925 and was abolished c.1926 after an accident to I.C. Allen.'

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'Mid-day hall, 1920-1924 R.S.C
My memories of this picture are concentrated on the entrance stairs, where as Under Elections we would congregate to await the arrival and entrance of the H.M. Second Elections stood on the landing, leaning on the rails and watching T.BB assembling in the court below; Juniors stood on the stairs in exact order of seniority. Three Second Elections (including non-resident KSS) took turns to say Latin Grace (“Oculi amnium” etc- Psalm 145, vv15-16)
In my day there was Early Hall (for members of Under School up A.HH or H.BB) at 12:40 pm. Late Hall (for K.SS and Upper School A.HH & H.BB, with Masters) followed at (I believe) 1:15. How we ever got through a meal, got back to our Houses, changed and got up Fields by 2pm for football till 3pm will ever remain a mystery to me- the more so as I do not recall any great sense of hurry.
(It certainly did one’s digestion little good). If I remember, Early School was introduced later (2-3:30pm), giving time to get down to Water.'

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!'