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: '“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 1918-1924 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: '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 1918-1918 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: '1919-1924 I have often regretted I never took Carpentry as an ‘Occupat’ – at any rate once a week – but I fancy few Boarders did so. We were most of us just too exhausted by 5p.m to think of anything beyond Lib! I do not remember ever going inside the Carpenter’s Shop. From what I recall it was situate behind Ashburnham, adjoining Japs. It was presided over by the Japper little Mr. Green – for some reason always Mr. Green. (I believe he was the only member of the Teaching or ‘Ancillary’ Staff to hold that title not only when addressed by whenever referred to in conversation) I see from the ‘Record’ Vol III he was appointed in 1904 and continued till his death (presumably in harness) in 1933.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: '1. Dr. JAMES GOW (‘Jimmy’), H.M. 1901-1919 My first meeting with him was at Challenge 1918. I owe him a lifelong debut for his accepting me without Common Entrance Exam (on the strength of my dismal Challenge papers), thus saving a second journey from my home in Devon in War-time conditions. My first three Terms (Play 1918-Election 1919) coincided with his last three. He had been a great and good HM, but was now almost blind and moved in a dignified daze, piloting himself with a stick. (Intent on my prep, I once collided with him in Yard) Through no fault of his, School discipline had become somewhat lax by 1918. Leave and Plays were easily given (e.g. to go skating on the Serpentine in Lent 1919). He was much loved and his departure was a solemn occasion. He shook hands with every boy after his last Prayers. I am glad I remembered to say ‘Thank you, Sir’ – with the classical Remove form-prize in my hand.'
One copy annotated on reverse as follows, by R.S. Chalk: 'Memories 1918-24 R.S.C School- one of the three great losses in the Blitz. Vastly impressive, tho’ by comparison with its present day counterpart, sombre, dusty and dark. (Yet HCW once lamented the Victorian ‘vandalism’ which enlarged all the medieval windows save one!) Used for Assembly, lectures, Orations, Concerts, O.T.C. Parades (if wet), Physical Drill (‘Phys Hell’), Exams (as in this picture) and, above all, Latin Prayers. Latin Prayers each day were a real joy- I never once heard criticism. All joined in singing in Elizabethan Latin. (I remember once (about 1920) three Arab Sheikhs attended these Prayers, and much impressed). The Masters knelt in the middle gangway on ‘pancake’ kneelers thrown (sic) out to them. In the top foreground (then as now) may be seen the Pancake Bar. I was present in my second Term (Lent 1919) at the most famous Greaze of all- witnessed by King George V, Queen Mary, Prince of Wales and Prince Albert- won by D.L Moonan, K.S'
1 copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Memories, 1921-1924 R.S.C The School Coin Collection was formed in the main by Dr Scott, who presented it to the School in 1874 (see first Number of ‘Elizabethan’). The bulk of the coins were kept in trays in a handy-size cabinet in the H.M.’s house. At some date unknown the most spectacular and interesting specimens were extracted & placed in a glass cabinet in the ‘Coin Room’ up Lib (as shown). They were expertly mounted and labelled by the British Museum, but attracted no interest at all, being badly lighted, under glass and tarnished black. Tho’ but an amateur, I was given the charge of the School Coin Collection by H.C.W. in Play 1921. I do not think they had been touched since Dr. Scott’s day. The task of cleaning, re-arranging and cataloguing these coins (I seem to remember there were just over 900- Greek, Roman Republican & Imperial, Saxon and English) occupied me till 1929, when H.C.W. kindly staged a small Numismatic Dinner in recognition of this. It was not till years later I learnt what a superlative collection I had been handling and what a precious possession the School had. (Now “dispersed”?!!**) I urged H.C.W. that the Cabinet up Lib be dispensed with and the coins in it amalgamated with the main Collection. He understood, but could not agree to this. Result - the Cabinet disappeared without trace during the Evacuation, including ‘OFFA REX’ now catalogued £800.'
