I only had one year at Aldenham before the war started, so all my recollections of Aldenham are from the perspective of one coming from a very small prep school to what seemed to me a vast and confusing new school. No one thought it necessary to give new boys a plan of playing fields and more relevant classrooms. If one became detached from a fellow class mate for any reason it was difficult to know where to aim when you couldn’t just follow everyone else.
I cannot remember any schedule of what went on and where it went on. For instance I remember being surprised during mid morning lessons by everyone suddenly taking off collars (stiff) and ties and dashing outside to the courtyard. This was for morning PT taken, I think, by Sgt Major Buckingham. I remember certain members of staff who were helpful and kind to beginners and some who were awful. I remember that once acclimatised and the initial trauma was finished that fellow new boys and those who had come to Aldenham a term or two before provided good fellowship, fun and laughter. That after several ghastly weeks life was suddenly fun again. Routine was understood – up at 7.00am! Cold bath! Dress in haste for Roll Call taken by Odds and Evens House Captains. Were there 3 lessons in the morning? Lunch taken in School House Dining Room. Very good food (after prep school food).
I remember scoring a century for the Under 15’s on the ground in front of the Tuck Shop …. As a consequence I was ‘promoted’ to the 2nd XI where I remember that the bowling was much faster that I was used to!
I remember Aldenham with great affection. The Headmaster, George Riding was nearly always very kind and helpful but he did reduce me to tears on one occasion when he found my work as Secretary to the School Hockey side was not keeping him informed. A lesson I hope I took to heart. I remember particularly George Vasey – a wonderful man. A C Webber pretty brutal with an ear flick ?? removed ones head if not the ear. I disliked Kennedy and if I came across R G Hunt today I think I might assault him!! I grew very fond of Fred English (a Norfolkman), A good teacher, likewise R J Evans.