Issue 3 • December 2014 DUKIE NEWS The Dukies’ Association The newsletter for all members of The Dukies’ Association

Grand opening of the new Sports Centre

Also in this Edition: School Honoured Remembrance Parade Special Feature The Adjutant General visits The School acknowledges Who was General Nye? We the School those who lost their lives feature the biggest Dukie reformist of us all

www.doyrms.com/the-dukies-association DUKIE NEWS - February 2014 1 From Simon Daglish, Chair of The Dukies’ Association SHARE YOUR WEALTH OF IDEAS We have like to hear them. If you would This is our opportunity to give welcomed like to be involved, please email something back. some of [email protected] in Merry Christmas and a Happy you to the the first instance. New Year quarterly Over the last few months we Simon Daglish panel have enjoyed the Dukies’ Dinner The Dukies’ Association meetings, and at the School, commemorated would be pleased to encourage those who lost their lives in the more of you to step forward. war at the Remembrance Parade, EVENTS PANEL We need Dukies to represent and experienced a wonderful Careers Fair – Friday 20 March every generation, and who have production of West Side Story, in Golf competition – Sunday MEMBERS specific areas of expertise and the General Nye Performing Arts 24 and Monday 25 May For further information on would appreciate however much Centre. OBA Luncheon – Saturday 18 panel members, and to read time you are able to give. The As the School goes from strength April (precedence given to OBA how the panel is elected, School website is being developed to strength, we look forward to members) to include a TDA site, and we please visit our TDA page on supporting its Careers Fair on 20 Grand Day Production – will be able to continue Chad March and programme of Sixth Thursday 2 July the School website www. Stather’s good work by designing Form talks that are being planned Grand Day – Friday 3 July doyrms.com/the-dukies- an online resource for Dukies. for the Autumn Term 2015. The Drinks at the Mall – Friday association. The panel If you have any ideas for how strong support of TDA will give 10 July meets four times a year, and we can develop TDA, we would our current Dukies a real boost. welcomes input from all Dukies. A compilation by Peter Godwin and others Simon Daglish ROBIN HARRINGTON Chairman (79 – 84, Wolfe) It is with great sadness that I most efficient yet sympathetic every 3 years for the over ‘60s that Chris Crowcroft inform you of the death of Robin manner. he gave them his full support. This Vice Chairman (63 – 70, Harrington, aged 80, having Robin was not a paragon of led him to planting the idea for Haig and Clive) suffered a gradual deterioration of virtue and was known to have an annual OBA Golf competition, his health over the last 10 years. involved himself in a number of the first event being held in Amanda Baker Robin was born in 1934, entering pranks. Bruce Dutton-Cox recalls 2006. He generously purchased Marketing Director, DYRMS the trophy for this event and it the DYRMS at Saunton Sands in one occasion when he and Robin Karl Biscoe September 1945 and appointed to shirked a cross country run at was only fitting that he should (57 – 62, Clive) ‘G’ Company, (Kitchener House). the half way point, dug up some win it himself at the age of 72. In April 1946 he moved back to swedes, which they washed in Unfortunately this was to be the Charlie Davies the School’s pre-WW2 location in a cattle trough, and proceeded only OBA tournament he played (01 – 05, Marlborough) in since deteriorating health Dover. to enjoy a picnic on raw swede. Allan Mayo was beginning to restrict his Robin was undoubtedly one of Result, they both had the ‘runs’ movements. In 2008 he purchased (59 – 67 Haig and Clive) the best all-round sportsmen for the following 24 hours. On a trophy, The Harrington Claret Chris Russell ever to attend the School, a another occasion the 1st XV Jug, which is presented annually fact recognised by him being rugby team decided to enjoy a Executive Principal, DYRMS to the OBA champion. awarded the Victor Ludorum, for post-match drink in the Swingate Nick Scott-Kilvert Pub coinciding with a visit by the Earlier this year he presented best all-round sportsman, for the Director of Finance and police. Robin, aged only 15 at the Kitchener House with an ‘Honours school years 1949/50, 1950/51 Operations, DYRMS and 1951/52. He captained the time, was cautioned by the police Board’ and was sufficiently well to School 1st teams at cricket, rugby for drinking under-age. accompany Grace, his wife, to the Steve Sheppard and soccer, played for the 1st XI On leaving school, Robin entered opening ceremony at the House (72 – 79 Haig and Clive) in April 2014. He had dinner with hockey team and School athletics the RMA Sandhurst in September Abigail Trench students in the Dining Hall, who and swimming teams. At county 1952 and was commissioned into (97 – 04, Alanbrooke, level, one of his most notable the Royal Army Service Corps in felt extremely privileged to meet Marlborough and Clive) achievements was to become the July 1954. Whilst at the Academy the gentleman whose name was Kent high jump champion. he played for the 1st X1 soccer recorded three times on the Victor Andy Wilkes Ludorum board. Robin’s abilities extended beyond team, position goalkeeper. Robin (83 – 89, Wolseley) sport for he was a member of the took early retirement in the rank Three of Robin’s brothers, Peter, Chris Winter of Captain in the early ‘60s having Michael and Roger also attended choir, played the euphonium in (86 – 93, Haig and Wolfe) the School band and was a very spent a part of his service in the DYRMS. Robin leaves behind talented actor taking the lead part Malaya. his wife Grace, brothers Michael All panel meeting minutes in a number of School plays. Robin always appreciated just and Roger, sister Audrey, son Guy, are available to read online. daughter Lisa, step-son Stephen, Please visit www.doyrms. By virtue of his all-round how much the School had done and 4 grandchildren, Ben, Jessica, performances Robin was for him and often said that ‘it was com/the-dukies-association Eila and Charlotte. To them all we appointed Chief School Prefect his making’. It was therefore not surprising that when he heard that extend our heartfelt condolences for the school year 1951/52, FRONT COVER PHOTO: reunion dinners would be held on the loss of a very special man. performing his many duties in a The Colclough family

2 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 IN BRIEF SCHOOL NEWS DUKIES TIES Adjutant General’s visit The Dukies’ Association ties are ready! Modelled by our very own Jolyon Marsh, they SCHOOL IS HONOURED cost £15 each and you can The School was honoured to General Sir Harry Calvert GCB order yours today by emailing receive a visit form the Adjutant GCH as one of the original School [email protected] General, Lieutenant-General Commissioners. with your name, address and preferred method of payment Gerald William Berragan CB, on “The AGs visit meant a lot to Friday 7 November 2014. (cheque or BACS). Ladies the students here at DYRMS. We scarves will be available soon. After a briefing from the Executive were very pleased to receive the Principal, General Berragan AG, just before the Remembrance formally opened the new Adjutant weekend, and he has given us General’s Room (a boardroom great support as we continue to and conference facility). As grow and expand the School” said Adjutant General, General Executive Principal Chris Russell. Berragan has been Chairman of General Berragan then kindly the School’s Board of Trustees presented Duke of York’s Gold since his appointment in 2012 and Silver medals to the Chief and the opening of this new room School Prefect, our two Senior School, giving him his first formal celebrates and recognises the Prefects and the Senior Under opportunity to see the completion historic link between the School . These newly invested of the £24.9 million pound and the post of Adjutant General, medal recipients then hosted building project from which the which started in 1801 with the General Berragan for a tour of the School has benefited. SPORTS appointment of Lieutenant- RESULTS We played over 125 external fixtures and on a number of weekends more than half the School participated in games. Our overall results have shown improvement from last year and we continue to make progress. For one to shine they need to be lifted high by many, Dukies have shown incredible team camaraderie and spirit – play up Dukies! For a list of all fixtures and results, visit http://www. schoolssports.com/school/ default.asp?Id=98 JENNY THE SOLDIER’S SMALL BOOK YOUNG Jenny Young (now Jenny Edwards) contacted her past Housemistress, Louise Rixon, in Clive House recently. Jen is an outdoor pursuits instructor and now enters road bike races for a semi-professional women’s team. She says it’s the ‘best sport ever (apart from Kindly donated to DYRMS by the crashing… leaves nasty old Dukie John O’ Leary road rash scars!) and Jen has L/Cpl William O’Leary, a Royal raced against the likes of Laura Hibernian pupil. Trott and Jo Rowsell. She says 1st Hampshires. Killed 1st “I do miss Dukies….it truly November 1914 aged 19. No has moulded me and made known grave. Named at the me who I am now”. We will Cenotaph Ploegsteert Wood track Jen down and hopefully Military Cemetery, Warneton feature more about her in a (Waasten). future issue.

DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 3 Music and the Arts Workshop TRINITY LABAN AND DEAL FESTIVAL On Wednesday 2 July, the captivated by the creativity Dance department hosted and expression of the young a workshop in collaboration people that you work with at with the Deal Festival of DYRMS, Castle Community Music and the Arts, in and Astor College, and I partnership with Trinity am really impressed by the Laban Conservation of Music development that I witnessed and Dance. The workshop throughout the morning”. was taught by professional The Dance department is choreographers and looking forward to hosting graduates from Trinity Laban. further workshops with Trinity Three local schools were Laban and working with Tony in the workshop and revisit the day were being taught involved in this event and in the future. the School as a teacher and a section of professional over 30 students participated mentor. choreography and having Miss A Gerrard in the workshop including 10 the opportunity to work Dukies. The students were The students were taught the alongside a professional privileged to have been taught fundamental basics of body dance company. by Tony Thatcher, who is the mechanics, choreography MA Programme Leader at and compositions and were A spokesperson for the Deal Trinity Laban and is also an ex- fortunate enough to watch a Festival of Music and the Arts student of the Duke of York’s preview of the performance said “A massive thank you to (Wolseley & Marlborough, 62- that the Trinity Laban everyone involved in Trinity 70). Tony was very excited to graduates were working on. Laban’s dance morning. see DYRMS students involved The students’ highlights of We were completely CLOCKTOWER SOCIETY The original idea of Paul extra cost to the contributor the central logo – as well as be officially recognised in due Harrington, The Clocktower provided s/he is a UK an invitation to appropriate course. Society is a Dukie collective taxpayer. School events. We are incredibly grateful of founding sponsors, donors Andy Barlow is the The proposition was for this support. Already and subscribers recruited by nominated launched at the a Land Rover purchased The Dukies’ Association (TDA) Dukie Mall Galleries in and maintained by Dukie to “give something back” by trustee in July generosity is used for supporting the School and its within TDF. 2014. There leadership activities. If the students in need. Its purposes have been Society succeeds, it could also are therefore: Legacies 30 positive look to support 5-10 students will also be To offer student support responses so far, annually - at present, 1 in • encouraged including signed 10 students from military • Fund leadership activities and the first commitments, families face serious financial few have • Give to a general/ pledges and hardship. already discretionary fund expressions of been There are no fixed amounts interest. This is Funds are received and promised. – as little or as much is encouraging. distributed by The Dukies’ Legacies to gratefully received. The Dukie Some who are Foundation (TDF), a charities are looking after this is Chris attracted by monthly giving registered charity which is UK Inheritance Tax exempt. Crowcroft chris@crowcroft. (founding subscribers) are able to offer tax incentives co.uk or you can go direct We would like to find, in looking to club together to to Clocktower Society to School to Katherine Seton the first instance, up to 100 support individual bursaries. members; for example Gift Katherine.Seton@doyrms. members of this Society. Aid, where contributions can Those founding sponsors, com and either will be happy There will be recognition – a be enhanced by 25% at no donors and subscribers will to tell you more. discreet lapel badge based on

4 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 In pictures DUKIES’ DINNER IN THE DINING HALL TRINITY LABAN AND DEAL FESTIVAL The School welcomed over everyone enjoyed catching up It was especially poignant for If you have any further 90 old Dukies and respective and reminiscing over a three the class of ’94, who enjoyed thoughts about this event, or partners to the Dining Hall on course meal, served by the their 20 year reunion at the suggestions for future events, Saturday 8 November. There School’s caterers, Holyroyd event. please email Katherine.seton@ was a lively buzz in the air as Howe. doyrms.com

DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 5 DUKIE School Visit CAREERS SIR JOHN CARTER Last March, The Dukies’ The School was pleased to Barracks to sing on an annual Association and the School welcome Sir John Carter Kt, KStJ basis. Whilst at school I played held their first Dukie Careers (Roberts, 1933 - 1936), his wife the cornet and this was because Day which gave current Lady Carter, their two daughters they used to test the thickness of Dukies the opportunity to talk and a group of friends in May to one’s lips and if you had thin lips to old Dukies from different officially open the new ‘Sir John you played the cornet and if your industries, business sectors Carter Black Box Drama Studio’. lips were thicker, for example, you result of the education I received at the School, my business career and universities. This year we After the official opening, they played the euphonium!! If you prospered and I am greatly want to make it bigger and met with students and staff, were extremely talented you had indebted to the School.” better! We already have 25 watched a video of the Menin the opportunity of attending the Old Dukies confirmed from a Gate ceremony which took place Kneller Hall School of Music”. The School is extremely grateful variety of industries and now earlier in the year and visited the Because of Sir John’s connection for the support Sir John and Lady we are looking for Dukies with School chapel. with Baroness Thatcher, he Carter have given through the experience in psychology, years. Roberts House was noted for arranged for her to visit the medicine, PR, marketing, HR, music in Sir John’s time at the School and a sword was made, the media and arts. School, and the pupils used to the Thatcher Sword of Honour, have band practice for several which is presented each year hours a day. Sir John remembers to the most outstanding Junior “We used to go to London to Under Officer of the year. the Guards Chapel in Wellington Sir John goes on to say “As a

If you know someone from one of these areas or if you would like to contribute your knowledge and experience from a different academic or career perspective please contact Katherine.Seton@ doyrms.com or call 01304 245080 for more information. The Dukie Careers Day will be held at DYRMS on Friday 20 March 2015 and from September 2015 we will be looking for speakers to give workshops or seminars in a timetabled Friday afternoon lecture slot.

6 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 School Visit Work experience ITV COMMERCIAL This summer I was lucky multi-platforms. Once I had this area. After working with to the ITV studios to watch enough to gain work been given my ITV electronic the Marketing Department the filming of “Let’s do Lunch experience with ITV in pass to enter the building, my first day had come to an with Gino and Mel” which London. This was all thanks Andrea took me to the third end and it was time to go was a new and thrilling to Simon Daglish, Chairman floor where I would mainly home. experience for me. of The Dukies’ Association be based for the duration of For the remainder of the Overall I had a remarkable time and Group Commercial my work experience. Andrea week I was just as busy during my work experience Director at ITV plc, who introduced me to Mr Daglish, working with different at ITV Commercial, which made it possible for me to who was, as always, very departments and constantly certainly gave me an insight undertake such opportunities welcoming. gaining more knowledge and into the real work life that I within his division. This was I kicked off the week working understanding not only about am about to embark on after a very exciting and fulfilling with research and then the different departments completing my final year opportunity and it has sponsorship, before heading in ITV Commercial but also at DYRMS. I aspire to study benefited me in many ways. off for my first lunch break about work life in general. Business Management and I started the week on Monday at noon. I gathered a lot of However, the week produced Marketing at university next 28 July by being greeted by information from working other highlights as well - I year and go on to work as a Mr Daglish’s PA, Andrea, in with sponsorship, learning was extremely fortunate sales or marketing executive the main reception area. She about idents, adverts and to have an ITN tour; it was in the future. Thanks to my had kindly organised a busy current sponsorships, such as fascinating to be able to see work experience, I realised and jam-packed schedule the well-known sponsorship how ITN news is produced. how important it is to work for me at ITV for the week of Coronation Street by I learnt a little about the as hard as possible at school ahead. This included working comparethemarket.com. fast-pace work force that is to ensure I can reach my for different departments in After lunch, I was able to needed in order to produce ultimate goals in life. ITV Commercial: research, work with the Marketing relevant, accurate and up-to- sponsorship, marketing, Department, which was date news bulletins. Millie McFarlane sales, trading, creative works, particularly interesting to me On my final day of work (Year 13, Centenary) product placement and as I have a great interest in experience I was able to go

Presentation of School Cap BERET PARADE Sunday 12 October was a very The formal ceremony school in France, inspected the important day for our Year 7 and acknowledges that our new Senior Guard. new Year 8 students. They all pupils are ready to fully WO1 RSM Dowle, late Princess received a presentation of their participate in all future School of Wales Royal Regiment said School cap badge and beret parades and it was a special “With no previous experience from the Executive Principal to moment for both pupils and and after only a few hours of granted by Royal Charter and mark the completion of their their proud parents. drill instruction with me, our carries the cipher of the reigning basic parade training. Executive Principal, Chris newest and very nervous Year monarch. When conjoined with Russell, took the salute and 7 and Year 8 students paraded the School’s unique “Heart presented the berets, assisted by in front of their parents for the badge” tradition, our students Lt- Steven Saunderson, first time. Our Junior Under know that when on parade, the “Officer Commanding” Officers worked extremelythey represent the School, School Ceremonial. To recognise hard practising with the junior their family’s regiment/Corps/ the current military service of students to prepare them for or Service and their own family many of their parents, pupils this special day. This is the first heritage. wear a family related regimental parade of many, leading towards badge over their heart on their the School’s Grand Day”. ‘Blues’ uniform. Ceremonial lies at the very heart The Adjudant-Chef, Christophe of the School, reflecting our Kupiec, who was visiting the long and distinguished history. School from Lycee Militaire at Aix Our Dukie Cap Badge was En Provence, our sister military

DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 7 Acknowledging those who lost their lives REMEMBRANCE PARADE Students, staff, old Dukies, The Executive Principal, Chris behalf of those at DYRMS. families, governors and friends all Russell, together with Simon The Chapel service that followed came together to commemorate Daglish and Steve Sheppard, fully acknowledged those who those lives lost in war on the Chairmen of TDA and OBA lost their lives for us, with the Remembrance Sunday. respectively, inspected the Guard added poignancy of those Dukies The School’s military band and laid wreaths at the memorial. who lost their lives and whose proudly played while the whole American cadets representing names are cited on the Chapel’s school turned out smartly on Missouri Military Academy and walls. Valley Forge also laid wreaths to Parade to mark their respect for We will remember them. the fallen. pay their respects, as did Chief School Prefect, Jacob Black, on

8 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 The dedication of a new memorial board to the ROYAL HIBERNIAN MILITARY SCHOOL On Sunday 14 September The service was led by the Hibernian Military School and in Dover in 1924. Until the 2014, a special service was School Chaplain, the Revd is inscribed with the dedication installation of the new memorial held in the Chapel to mark the Nicholas Cook CF and the “To the Glory of God and in board at The Duke of York’s dedication of a memorial board sermon was given by the Rt loving memory of those Old Royal Military School, the only commemorating the sacrifice Revd Trevor Wilmot, the Bishop Boys of the Royal Hibernian memorial to the students of The made by students of the Royal of Dover. The memorial board Military School who laid down Royal Hibernian Military School Hibernian Military School during and plaques were unveiled by their lives for King and Country and their time in Dover was the Great War. Plaques in the principal guest, Brigadier in the Great War of 1914- a small stained glass window memory of two Victoria Cross Mike Hill OBE, a Cabinet 1918” (words were taken from (donated to The Royal Hibernian winners were also dedicated – member of Kent County the stone cross war memorial School in 1912 by Lady Corporal John Shaul VC from Council. which still stands outside the old Lyttelton) which is displayed The Duke of York’s Royal Military The new memorial board School in Dublin). in the gallery of the Military School and Corporal Frederick commemorating the eighty two The Royal Hibernian Military Chapel of St. Michael and St. Edwards VC from the Royal fallen Hibernians is decorated School joined with The Duke George. Hibernian School. with the cap badge of The Royal of York’s Royal Military School School visit REMEMBER ME? I joined the Dukies when of Wolfe House), a boy Fry A LOVELY DAY they had been evacuated to (Father was CSM of Kitchener Thank you for a truly lovely Saunton Sands Hotel. The House), Denis (junior) Keating day at The Duke of York’s School relocated to Dover in who was my best friend, Peter Royal Military School on 1946 and I left in 1948. Tilsbury who I boxed whilst Sunday. It was a real joy for Whilst I was at the School I at the School, the Lyon twins me to revisit the School after served in Haig House under and a boy we called headster so long and to see what you CSM Grainger and in Roberts Cook. Our Housemaster are doing now. I thoroughly and Marlborough Houses was Mr Douglas, the School enjoyed meeting everyone, under CSM Halsey. I was a RSM was Mr Jones and the watching the parade and member of the band from geography and gardening going to chapel. We really 1945 to 1948. teacher, Mr Snooks. appreciated the trouble you I believe it was in about 1947, I left the School in 1948 all went to, to make us feel the band appeared on a and went on to the Army so welcome. Both Leslie Apprentice School at much many times. He was radio programme called “On and I were impressed by Harrogate, I qualified as a passionate about the school Parade” which went out on the students that we met wireless operator and joined and at the end of his time he a Sunday morning. We were and spent time with. It was the Royal Corps of Signals in was awarded a CBE for his vetted by a famous cornet fun to hear the anecdotes 1951. I served in Germany, service to the school. player called Harry Mortimer. concerning my father. I Korea and Hong Kong. If any I have enclosed a couple of know that my father’s Sara Clarke, daughter Dukie remembers me and short videos of the band from appointment at the Duke of of -General Lloyd would like to get in touch, the Pathe news website (you York’s was undoubtedly the Howell (Headmaster and please email veronicadennett@ can view these on the School’s one that brought him the Commandant ’67 – 72) googlemail.com greatest fulfilment, he said as Youtube channel DOYRMS, Dover). Chris Corrigan (Marlborough 42-48) The names I remember are: Mick Lowry (father was CSM

Students with Major-General Lloyd Howell Me with Dukies in 1948. I am far right.

DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 9 Special feature WHO WAS ARCHIBALD NYE? To those of us who noticed, a Regiment – Dukie Peter Goble’s modest pastel portrait of Archibald father, the regimental bandmaster Nye hanging in the old Nye remembered him as ‘an Hall was assumed to be some approachable officer.’ Inter-war peacetime Colonel Blimp. He was promotion took him twenty years in fact the most famous, reformist from Captain to Lt-Colonel before Dukie of us all. he was appointed to run the War His decorations include three Office – he was an exceptional orders of knighthood as well as a administrator. medal for gallantry (MC). He was A lifetime teetotaller, Nye paid Vice Chief Imperial General Staff his mess bills by playing fellow for most of WW2 – “Alanbrooke officers for stakes at billiards; ran the War, Nye ran the Army” and he qualified as a barrister military purpose of the School (Dictionary of National Biography). while a serving officer. That early as dominantly a provider to the In 1948 on the partition of , interest in teaching returned when took place in November with a armed services – we perhaps Nehru asked for Nye as the he became a Commissioner for joint cast from The Duke of York’s forget that he was educating first British High Commissioner the School. He helped break the Royal Military School and West a teenage daughter by a late (ambassador) to Delhi. He went obligation for sixth formers to Point High School, Virginia, USA. marriage at the time. He wrote in on to reform the into enter the services, encouraged 1954 that “the main object of the Chris Crowcroft what is today the Ministry of university entry, more responsibility School is to reward the services (Haig and Clive 63-70) Defence. He was trusted by four for civilian members among of the fathers by giving the sons prime ministers – Churchill, Atlee, the teaching staff and greater the best possible education and Nehru and Macmillan. feminine contribution, for to develop whatever natural example through the wives of Archibald Nye was born on abilities they possess in the most Did you know? housemasters who replaced the 23rd April 1895, an RSM’s suitable way.” He saw the old Nye That the 1956 film The Man Who ex-CSMs who had held the posts son. He entered the School in Hall built with its first properly Never Was begins with a wartime – a contentious move to this day. 1905 experiencing the move equipped stage. letter Nye wrote which was from Chelsea to Dover in 1909. In 1966/7, the Headmaster of the The General Nye Performing planted on a body deliberately Intending to become an army School became the C.O. rather Arts Centre was officially thus sent into German hands in WW2? teacher, when WW1 broke out he than the previous more senior named this year. Formerly the It indicated Sardinia, not Sicily as enlisted from the School into the Commandant, while pupils went Nye Hall, the centre now boasts the target for Allied invasion. It Leicestershire Regiment in which into civilian dress similar to the raked seating for 500, a newly was a ruse. It succeeded. Archie he was later commissioned from School uniform worn today (it was equipped performance space and Nye usually did. the ranks, wounded and awarded previously khaki battledress). On a dance studio. Three successful the MC. He gained a regular 13th November 1967 Nye died. performances of West Side Story commission in the Warwickshire Nye challenged the overwhelming

Dancers in the West Side Story performance 10 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 ALUMNI NEWS Dukies Down Under Alanagh Chipperfield(Alanbrooke and Wolfe 00-06) & Sorcha Chipperfield(Alanbrooke and Wolfe 00-07) REUNION LUNCH INTER-PROVINCES RUGBY Alanagh and Sorcha attended the same match, but really broke into School between 2000 and 2006/7. the squad in 2012, benching for On leaving school Alanagh went to all three Inter-Pro matches (against Nottingham University where she Munster, Leinster and Connacht.) obtained a BSc in Animal Science. In 2013 she managed to secure 3 Meanwhile Sorcha, who left starting places. In Summer 2013, school a year after Alanagh, went Sorcha was invited to 7s trials in to Queen’s University Belfast, her Dublin for the Irish team, but was Mother’s Alma Mater, and took a not selected. BA in Drama Studies. Meanwhile Alanagh, having taken Alanagh had started to play rugby a year out to live with parents in whilst at Nottingham University Germany, decided that teaching and played for her local team, was a good career prospect and Sutton Bonnington. It was here was persuaded by Sorcha that that Alanagh developed her Queen’s was a fine place to study fantastic skills in the front row, for a PGCE. Alanagh agreed and On Friday 8th August, a few of the School but this had and assisted her team in becoming so both of them lived together Old Dukies who live in Western to be abandoned because it the most successful ladies team in digs in Belfast, and so it was Australia got together for a was discovered that the site in their division, becoming league a natural progression for both lunch in Perth to celebrate was situated in the coastal champions in season 06/07. of them to turn out for Belfast John Miller’s 90th birthday. exclusion zone. From there they Alanagh continued to represent Harlequins. Alanagh was playing From bottom left, these were moved to Cheltenham to set Sutton Bonnington, and helped front row and Sorcha second row. Tom Woolfrey (1935/39), Pat up temporary accommodation them to become the most This season, both Alanagh and Woolfrey, Mary Butcher, Ted whilst a search was made for successful team in the midlands, Sorcha attended trails for the Grant (1941/45), Dave Bullock more permanent wartime despite missing out on a further extended squad, and as a result (1962/69) Helen Miller, John accommodation This was finally league win in 07/08. of their dedication to training Miller (1935/1942) Jill Thomas found in North Devon at the Sorcha also took up rugby at and fitness, both girls have been and Terry Thomas (1949/56 ). Saunton Sands Hotel. University, and played for Queen’s selected for the Ulster Women’s John joined the School in John ended his time at the for 3 seasons. Upon graduating, Senior Squad for this year’s Inter- 1935 and in 1939 was made School as Chief School Prefect she moved to local club, Belfast Provinces. a Prefect. He was involved and on leaving in 1942 joined Harlequins. The girl’s ambition is to pull on the with the other prefects in The Royal Air Force. In 2009, Sorcha was asked to green jersey of and play for the evacuation of the School Ted Grant presented John with attend training sessions with the National team. As a retired in 1940. They were sent to a framed photograph of the Ulster, and played in a non-capped rugby player their father Graham, The New Forest to erect tents School prefects taken in 1939. friendly against the . himself an Old Boy, is as pleased and make camp for the rest This ignited her passion to play as punch and is looking forward representative rugby, and Sorcha to the day that inside the Maurice was delighted to be selected for Colclough Sports Centre, there the Ulster Training Squad again might be a Chipperfield suite! in 2010, and gained her first cap Graham Chipperfield against Connacht in the Inter- (Kitchener, Wolfe and Provincial series. Sorcha was Wolseley 67-70) selected again in 2011 for the

Dancers in the West Side Story performance DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 11 I owe it all to the Dukies JOHN BOWLER’S RAMBLINGS On June 12th 1929 I was baptised left the British Army in 1920 and were evacuated from our exposed In a matter of months the William John Bowler in the joined the King’s African Rifles in position on Lone Tree Hill and School reassembled at a site Parish of All Saints Nairobi, in the Nairobi, Kenya, where he married all marched down to board the near Cheltenham, right in the Diocese of Mombasa. my mother in 1927 (hence train at Dover Priory. All the way middle of the beautiful fruit- My great-grandfather William my exotic baptism certificate). to London, we stopped at every growing country and the ‘season Bowler was born in 1828. He Unfortunately he died of double station to be greeted by mugs of of mellow fruitfulness’. What a served with the 23rd of Foot in pneumonia when I was one- tea, cigarettes and sandwiches. frenzy and orgy of ‘scrumping’ the Sikh Wars, in the Crimea year-old and my mother died They thought we were refugees the glorious plums and apples. (where he gained the Crimean of leukaemia when I was three, from Dunkirk, which was taking Local farmers must have thought medal with Alma Clasp), in Malta us the final straw on top of the and finally in Gibraltar, where Local farmers must have war but luckily for them the War he died in 1864 age 36. He left Office (who owned the site) a widow, two little girls and my thought us the final straw gave us notice to quit and we one-year-old grandfather Willie eventually reassembled at our John Bowler. on top of the war final resting place for the duration of the war, the luxurious Saunton My great grandmother must have hence my admission to DYRMS place at that time. They must Sands Hotel in Braunton near been relieved to get him into the as a bone fide orphan. I arrived at have wondered about these little the Taw and Torridge estuaries in Royal Hibernian School in Dublin, Dover two weeks before World lads in khaki! Along with others, North Devon. The entire School the Irish equivalent of DYRMS War II broke out. We listened who had no home to go to in was shoe-horned into the hotel (founded in 1769 after the Seven- to Prime Minister Chamberlain’s , I was sent to the Queen by dint of getting four boys in Years War). announcement on the wireless Victoria School in Dunblane. bunk-beds into each room. I have seen Willie John’s that we were at a state of war Bad memories of which include I revisit the hotel to this day admission file in the Kew records. with Germany. a strict discipline and having to and I have wonderful memories In the School he learnt the flute, Nothing much happened until have salt on our porridge instead of those idyllic surroundings beginning three generations of mid-1940 when the German of sugar! of glorious sandy beaches the flautists. He served in the infantry army came through Belgium and gentle falls of the steep cliffs in Ireland and India. Good memories are of going France like a hot knife through across to Stirling Castle on a and picturesque villages and In turn my father William John butter and we could hear the Saturday afternoon to have a looking back the staff must entered the Hibernian School guns across the Channel, watched free tea (courtesy of Argyll and have performed miracles of and eventually joined his father’s dog-fights overhead and saw Sutherland Highlanders) and the improvisation to give us a good Regiment the RWF. Having the German planes strafing the beautiful country thereabouts education and to fit our sports survived the carnage of World barrage balloons round what we including the haunting scene of and athletics into friendly farmers’ War I on the Western front with eventually learned were the top- the Battle of Bannockburn nearby. fields nearby. shrapnel and gunshot wounds he secret radar towers. Thankfully we

12 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 I recall one of the hazards of the V1 and V2 ‘secret weapons’ playing football in the fields near landing in London but we were Saunton Post Office where the safely out of that in North Devon. cowpats, still wet and yielding, We celebrated Victory in Europe made a deceptive thin crust! Day in 1945 in our own individual All the trades and occupations ways. I was 16 then and I would for the boys were soon organised prefer discretion about that - in those days most boys joined celebration - should anyone the Army on Boy Service and the approach me individually I would School taught them useful trades be glad to confess. like tailoring, cobbling etc. - and It was not until 1946 that we of course there were the fife finally arrived back at Dover and and drums and the School band began to pick up the pieces - in which I played the flute and some of the Houses had been piccolo. bombed and the old school was in as going to a first rate music I really do owe it all to the Dukies. Looking back the band was of need of a lot of TLC. Conservatoire! All sadly gone now As an orphan they took me in a very high standard for they However we celebrated our due to the stringent cuts down and nurtured me. I won’t pretend had practice every week day return with Trooping the Colour - the years. it was always wonderful but - even now I hear some very thankfully this went very well and the discipline of those days was difficult pieces we used to play After my five years with the Field Marshal Lord Montgomery fair, firm but with an underlying and wonder at the standard Colours (seven with the Reserve) of Alamein took the inspection kindness and I gladly acknowledge we achieved under Bandmaster I played with various orchestras and march past before presenting the huge debt I owe to the Clancy. When I arrived at the until I joined the Royal Opera the prizes. Montgomery had House orchestra where I played DYRMS. School the education was been in the trenches with our basically a good grounding in for 41 years - how lucky was I to “Play up Dukies” Commandant, dear Colonel play for world-famous conductors, the Three Rs provided, it seemed, Barnwell, (in the Warwickshire William John Bowler by Sergeant ‘instructors’ in the singers and dancers getting paid Regiment) so that is probably for something I loved. (Kitchener and Wolseley 37-47) Army Educational Corps but the how we got him so soon after outbreak of war brought us an his victories in North Africa and influx of graduate teachers who Europe. I recall in his rousing elected to join the Educational speech he said the parade was Corps and we benefited hugely the finest drill he had seen since from that. From then on the the war. On reflection I thought School education began to he had probably not much time to improve, reinforced by the reforms see many other drills since he took introduced by our wonderful the German surrender at Lüneburg Old Boy General Archibald Nye Heath the year before - but we and carried out by the new were all flattered anyway. Commandant Colonel Ralph The Nye and Barnwell reforms Barnwell after the war. were just beginning (graduate When, in 1944, the fields of teaching housemasters for Devon began to fill up with example instead of the old American GIs massing for the Company Sergeant Majors) when I D-Day landings. We were popular left as Chief School Prefect to join with them for we played for their the Royal Regiment of Artillery at parades (usually on Saunton Woolwich. I wasn’t a real soldier or Croyde beaches when the for I joined the magnificent staff tide was far out and fine and band there - 120 members, a hard packed sand made a good full symphonic orchestra and the parade ground). In turn we were oldest in London - it was as good rewarded by going back to their huge tented camps. There we were given huge teas including peanut butter (a novelty to us as were Hershey bars). They were amazingly generous and pressed cigarettes on us for our parents and the new nylon stockings (which were unobtainable in England) for our mums and sisters. And suddenly one morning in early June they had all vanished - as we learnt on June 6 - to land on the Normandy beaches. Rumours had begun to spread of

DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 13 IN BRIEF Maurice Colclough DUKIE SLANG DUKIE BEATS ALL BLACKS Dukie slang terms from my era I am probably one of the few “but you have to have Maurice!” I almost on the pitch and a very (1987-1994) which may or may people who ever told Maurice replied that I did not know what he large but very dishevelled Maurice not be still in use: Colclough “Sorry, I have my team, looked like and he had not come to fell out of it. After some delay but if you turn up I might be able to see me. Much later he did approach he joined us on the pitch which Chike: native of Dover find a place for you.” me but was by then somewhat he then dominated for the next Boffin: Studious or clever pupil It was soon after I left school, worse for wear and although I hour or so. My position as hooker Louie: “Loser” probably ’72 or ‘73 and I was in the told him those immortal words I turned out to be not as bad as I had was not at all sure he understood expected because although I did Gary Holland Dover Stage Hotel at the November reunion on the Saturday night them and was, in any event fairly have some trouble with some dirty when I was approached by one of confident that in his state it would tricks coming from the opposing the OBA grandees at the time and be doubtful he would make it to front row, which were resolved by SONS OF THE asked to organise the team for the the school anyway. a strike directed more to, rather annual OBA School rugby match The following morning we all than against the head by said BRAVE the following day. Now, although assembled at the cricket pavilion member of the OBA, I was at least I found something this morning I was playing club rugby at the and to my dismay, but not my in front of Maurice in the set pieces which I thought I had lost. My time, and did for many years, when surprise, we did not have the which reduced my exposure to the father´s Prayer Book which says it came to an assessment of my necessary numbers and those various noxious fumes emanating inside, “Compiled Chiefly for the abilities the column for attainment present all seemed to be backs. from all parts of the said Maurice Use of Soldiers”. In the back is a was noticeable empty whereas that I ended up as hooker by default, throughout the game – which we piece of paper stuck to the cover. for effort was occupied by various which was not at all a position I had won of course. On it are the words of Sons of euphemisms such as ‘tries hard’. ever played, just as well as I was, Adrian Nunn the Brave. He would have been I was, at school, a solid 3rd team and still am a bit of a string bean (Haig, Roberts and Clive 57-66) 94 years old this year and went member along with John and Paul. somewhat lacking in muscles in the to the School. How glad I am My selection as the organizer for necessary places. We the OBA team was more to do with were about to stumble that is was not lost. The new Sports Centre that has being on the committee at the time onto the pitch with My Dad, Major TM Dillon -White been built to Sports England and thus a known face. fourteen players, much specification is named after one received his MBE (awarded 1 to the delight of the Anyway, I reluctantly accepted the of our most successful sportsmen, January 1962) from HM Queen School team who were request, which was then broadcast Maurice Colclough. It was Elizabeth II. He was awarded very perky and to those present and duly went officially opened by Bill Beaumont it, as far as I know, for services running round the room imploring people to and Maurice’s family this month. during the Malayan Emergency agree to turn up and play the next around like Please see back cover for full where he was Provost Marshall. I day. Towards the end of the evening March hares also have all his medals of which I had sufficient names on my list to when story. he was so proud. be as comfortable as I could be in a car lurched Another thing I found that I the situation but was surprised by to a thought was lost, was his ‘ear the number of people that came stop compass’. It’s a tiny compass up to me asking ‘if I had Maurice that is hidden inside the ear; he on it?” I responded that I did not whereupon to a man they all said had it in Burma when he was in the jungle. He told me, if he got captured, and managed to escape, he could find his direction with this. What a wonderful idea! Maureen Bolton NEWS CLIPS Whilst looking on the internet, I came across some old Pathe News clips showing the School at Saunton Sands in Devon during WW2. I thought it might be of interest. You may be able to post it on the TDA site or share it with Dukies who you knew went to school then. Web page: http://www. britishpathe.com/workspaces/ae- wjrogers/DYRMS Geoff Ralph

14 DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 2015 DUKIES GOLF COMPETITION Location Cost Deposit the case, the saving will be put towards the cost of prizes. If not, Next year’s competition is being The various costs for next year The hotel requires a deposit of a collection to cover the cost will held at The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf are as follows:- £30 per person from all those be made at the event. and Leisure Centre, Vastern, Full package, comprising B&B, a taking the B&B options to secure Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, 3 course dinner on the Sunday the booking. The deposit would Wilts, SN4 7PB. Phone: 01793 night plus two rounds of golf be refunded in full if cancellation Complimentary use of 849999. on the 18 hole course based on was notified 7 days or more prior leisure facilities shared room: £89 per person to the event. The following facilities, free Date of charge, will be available :- As above but preferring a single Rooms Sunday 24th May 2015, first room: £89 plus £38-50 single Swimming pool, Gym, Sauna, tee-off at 1302 hrs. A ‘fun’round room supplement = £127-50 10 twin rooms have provisionally steam room and spa,Wi-Fi of golf has been arranged for been booked. If those Monday 25th May, first tee-off Full package with one round of accompanied by their ‘better Arrival at 0902 hrs on either the 18 golf only: £83 per person halves’ would prefer a double- hole or 9 hole course, the course bedded room please let me It is recommended that members selected being subject to popular Full package less two rounds of know. Room check-in time is arrive by NO LATER than 1200hrs demand. NB. Monday 25th is golf: £69 per person. from 1400 hrs, and check-out Sunday 24th May. a public holiday and members time by 1100 hrs. One round of golf only: £25 might wish to depart the hotel Event information earlier, rather than later, to avoid One round of golf plus dinner: Golf prizes Please contact Peter Godden at congested roads. £49 Providing there are 17 members [email protected] for the booking form. Buggy: £22 per day or more signed up for the event  we get one free place. If this is

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DUKIE NEWS - December 2014 15 Od Boys Rugby

Sports centre opened RUGBY LEGEND OPENS NEW CENTRE Rugby legend Bill Beaumont The School has a superb officially opened the new sporting reputation, and its sports centre at the School rugby team has just made on 11 December 2014. it into the sixth stage of the The sports centre has been Daily Mail Schools Trophy. named after former England Chris Russell, Executive rugby international Maurice Principal of the School, said: Colclough who was a “Maurice Colclough is one student of the School and of our most famous alumni captained its 1st team. Sadly, who starred on our rugby Maurice died from a brain pitches. Therefore, it seems a tumour in 2006. most fitting tribute to name Bill played with Maurice for our great new sports facility both England and the British after him. We are grateful to Lions during the 1980s, and Bill Beaumont for opening was honoured to perform the centre and to Maurice’s the opening by unveiling a family for attending. It plaque. Also present were has been a day of positive Maurice’s wife Annie and reflection as many stories their four daughters along about Maurice were shared, with the School’s current and his family were able to rugby and hockey 1st team tour the School where their members. dad lived and studied.”

DUKIE NEWS is published by The Duke of York’s Royal Military School. Many thanks to all contributors. The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, Dover, Kent. CT15 5EQ. Telephone 01304 245023. www.doyrms.com Produced by Buckland Media Group Keith Sutherland from Biarritz Golf Holidays has partly funded this issue of Dukie News www.bucklandmedia.co.uk