No. 21 • Lent 2015

News of OKS from the French The Truemans – A King’s School Obituaries – including Arnaud Resistance to ‘the Canterbury Scene’ family and the Great War de Borchgrave, Peter van Berckel, to the architectural scenery of York p14 Bill McNicoll and Nicola Morgan p2 p9

Image taken from Thirty Years On!: A Private View of Public Schools by Mark Draisey

p5 Draisey Mark Photo:

Lent 2015.indd 1 15/04/2015 09:52:50 News of OKS

News of OKS includes requests 1940s Peace, an 80 ft. deep crater that for memories of King’s, and resulted from 500 feet of tunnelling for secondhand sports kit for John Allchurch (SH 1943-48) endeavour from British lines, is one disadvantaged youngsters, enjoyed the pictures of the School of the places depicted in a fine set and OKS engagement and House Reunion and recalls how Fred’s of photographs we have been sent. wedding photos. Contact Elaine connection with AL Rowse helped him Lynch (see below) with your to an Exhibition at St Edmund Hall, news or fill in the form on p16 Oxford. Subsequently John passed out top at Mons (the CCF has his stick) and became 2nd Lt RA before volunteering for the Denbighshire and Caernarvon Yeomanry. Later life took him through Procter and Gamble and on to running his own business. He is hoping to get all of this down in a book, besides describing his family of four children and thirteen grandchildren. 1950s

Kent Robinson (MO 1951-55) responded to the account of Sebastian * Barker’s 1st XV captaincy in 1962 Nevill Swanson (GR 1951-55) and 1963 by recalling “our own reminded Daily Telegraph readers efforts in 1955” which were “not too (10.9.14) that his great-grandfather shabby for we also played many of Donald Swanson, who was the the most powerful rugby schools... detective in charge of the Jack Fred Shirley’s rule of terror assisted the Ripper investigation, was the us not only in Latin. His presence on first to name the perpetrator as the touchline was formidable. Fred Aaron Kosminski, which DNA did have a soft heart for he never analysis is said now to confirm. caned a team rugby player before a * match and, if we won, not after it!” Michael Passmore (MR 1953-56) has recently been awarded a PhD by With respect to the Great War, and the King’s College London for his thesis first OKS death having been Captain on aspects of Contemporary British Charles Trueman’s on 26th August, History. Michael writes, “Whilst 1914. Kent was a Captain on Active engaged on the project, I made Service exactly 50 years after this, and contact with David Peschek (WL then believes himself to have been 1946-51), who recently passed away) the only OKS involved 50 Augusts because of his specialist knowledge We want to hear your later when forty Edwardian cars of my subject area – local government news and so do your plus drivers presented themselves and housing policy. He gave me for breakfast in the Great Hall of some helpful information. I recall fellow OKS. the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in the that when at the King’s School, I was presence of TRH Prince and Princess given considerable encouragement Share your family announcements, Michael of Kent, before being driven from my history master, Mr Sugden. It career moves or achievements past the Cenotaph to a reception at was at the school that I learnt to have be they sporting, artistic or Lancaster House. Two days after respect for academic scholarship. otherwise with your fellow OKS that, twenty-six participants from Later, I chose to embark on a by contacting Elaine Lynch. the Great War Centenary Parade professional career. I spent most of my landed at Dunkirk, exactly a hundred working life as a Chartered Surveyor T: 01227 595672 years after the British Expeditionary (FRICS), returning to academia as E: [email protected] Force had done. In the five days of I approached retirement from paid W: www.oks.org.uk commemorative visits that followed, employment. Before I embarked on a 1912 Rover 12 hp complete with the doctorate, I completed an MA facebook.com/oks.canterbury Army Service Corps badge was degree at the Institute of Historical twitter.com/OKSAssociation taken to the site of the Christmas Research, University of London.” linkedin.com/groups?gid=35681 Day football match. The Pool of * »

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Lent 2015.indd 2 15/04/2015 09:52:52 » Francis Hussey (MO 1954-58) is www.soskitaid.com. Ross mainly with the IRA for his new book, Talking hoping to put together a book filled spent his career in publishing with to Terrorists: How to end Armed with anecdotes and reminiscences Times Newspapers, Cosmopolitan Conflict. His central argument, that from OKS of the 1940s and ’50s. magazine and as Managing Director there is no insoluble conflict, and that He has already received several of German publisher G&J UK before sooner or later all governments have fascinating contributions and is moving into the health insurance to find a way to talk to terrorists, was looking for more. He writes: “For industry and retiring in 2011 from met with considerable scepticism by many of us, it is now over fifty years St John Ambulance, Somerset diverse reviewers in The Observer, since we strode through the Dark as County Executive Officer. The Spectator and the Times Literary Entry or ambled arrogantly across the Supplement. All took the view that grass of the Green Court, and before whatever had been achieved through we start dropping off the perch in backstairs talks and deals with a ever increasing numbers, I thought weakened IRA could not simply it might be interesting to collect any be replicated with al-Queda for its reminiscences you have of your time senior command genuinely see at King’s. They may be enlightening themselves as engaged in a cosmic or embarrassing, sad or hilarious. struggle that has lasted for millennia Have you got any anecdotes to tell and will go on for an equal period. or tales of life in the classroom, on Another was that so-called Islamic the games field, in the house, or in State is more “an insurrectionist the Cathedral? Or about an eccentric social movement which survives or influential master who taught in ungoverned spaces as a rallying you? If you have any photographs as point for the gullible and embittered; illustrations, that would be wonderful. there’s nothing to negotiate about.” Please send your reminiscences (short or long) to m.hussey86@btinternet. 1970s com with your name, house and dates at King’s (unless you wish your stories * Hubert Pragnell (Common to remain anonymous). I may be able Richard Heslop (MR 1961-65) has Room 1973-2002) has published the to conjure up some contributions from had the story of his father’s heroic latest of his architectural guides, each our masters of those days who can tell exploits with the French Resistance with his own illustrations. York: An the story from their point of view.” republished. XAVIER takes the Artist’s View, An Architectural Guide * reader through the training of an describes the city’s development since Michael Morpurgo (GL 1957- agent, the technical skills taught, the Roman times, and notes two planned 62) had prime billing on BBC1 at preparation for trying to stay silent expansions: “while Canterbury 4.15pm on Christmas Eve for the through the first 48 hours of torture is to be beset with 15,000 new animated production of his story by the Gestapo (no one was expected properties, York could have 22,000.” On Angel Wings. Never having to hold on to their secrets longer been happy with the idea that the than that), to the landing in France Jane Green (née Ardouin, GL shepherds would have abandoned and arrest in Limoges due to a very 1974-75) and Sally Ann Ardouin their sheep, Michael tweaked the basic error. Imprisonment in Castres, (SH 1975-77) were well supported story, for “it’s important for me to release from a POW camp just ahead by OKS of their generation at the be able to believe in the Nativity”. of the Germans taking it over, and an celebration of their father’s life at A shepherd boy is left in charge but arduous escape across the mountains St Paul’s Church on 15 September. gets carried on Gabriel’s wings to see followed. Xavier Heslop prepared (Alan Ardouin was a much-respected the baby Jesus ahead of his seniors. groups thereafter for action on D-Day. local ENT consultant who became This account of courage and of fear briefly famous over NHS expenditure 1960s deserves to be more widely known. and the “War of Jennifer’s Ear” * during the 1992 General Election Ross Young (SH 1960-64) writes David Iron (LN 1967-71) is the campaign). Kate Winters (née to tell us he is busier than ever with founder of Lunar Mission One, Spence, GL 1976-78) did the First his role as the Regional Director of the project to send an unmanned Reading, whilst others in support the charity ‘SOS Kit Aid’, covering robotic landing module to the South included Mia Power (SH 1978- Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The Pole of the Moon. The venture was 80) and Jonathan and Sarah charity was set up in 2001 and collects announced at the Royal Society in Wilmshurst (LN 1971-75 and spare/secondhand rugby and sports November and it is expected that GL 1974-76 respectively). Jonathan kit from clubs, schools and individuals the launch to the Moon will be in and Sarah (née Noble) were to redistribute to disadvantaged about eight years’ time. The School the second OKS couple to marry, young people around the world. Since will be involved in its development and they live in Davenport, Iowa. the launch, over £3.5 million worth via the Young Scientists Journal. Jonathan is President of Linwood of kit has been sent out and in 2013 * Mining & Minerals Corp. over 32 tonnes was distributed to 25 Jonathan Powell (GL 1969-73) * countries. For more information see draws on his experience of negotiating »

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Lent 2015.indd 3 15/04/2015 09:52:53 » Marius Carboni (SH 1975-80) * of bucolic, quintessentially English, writes to explain his reasons for Sebastian Barton (MO 1977-82) jazz-tinged progressive rock... running the 2015 London Marathon gave a talk at the Linacre (Medical) Since the “Scene” was yesterday’s for the 4th (and last!) time, “I am Society on 26 January 2015. news, the racks of the secondhand raising money for the Prader-Willi * record shops of Canterbury were Syndrome Association (PWSA UK). Jeremy Wright (MR 1977-81), son bursting with its music.” This charity is the only organisation in of Edred Wright (Common Room the UK that is dedicated to supporting 1955-79) and Jane Edred Wright The same TLS (12.12.14) contains a people with PWS, their families, (Common Room 1978-99), has become detailed and interesting review of carers and professionals. PWS is a engaged to Diane Hammersley. Archbishop Pole by John Edwards rare disease which leaves individuals (Ashgate), “the first straightforward, with a daily battle of untreatable Congratulations to Anna Pinnock scholarly Life of Pole in English for and insatiable hunger coupled with (BR 1978-80) on winning an Oscar as more than half a century”. Cardinal physical and learning disabilities. set decorator for The Grand Budapest Pole’s devising of Mint Yard for The grandson of a family friend has Hotel. She was also nominated for Into the school is a different matter, this condition so I am aware of some the Woods. She has had three previous of five centuries (and then). of the pressures involved in bringing nominations – for Gosford Park, The * up this lovely boy”. If you wish to Golden Compass and Life of Pi. She had After 27 years support Marius go to JustGiving.com. already won at the BAFTAs and is now in the world of * working on her third James Bond film. print, Andrew Sir Hugh Robertson (BR * Horn (SH 1979- 1976-81) is seeking to pursue a new Wes Stace (MO 1978-83) continues 83) is moving career after standing down as MP for his remarkable Times Literary to the world of Faversham and Mid Kent in May. Supplement’s rock music forays, IT at Phoenix. * besides publishing a fourth novel, He writes, “I’m John de Waal (MR 1976-79), Wonderkid, last year and (as John helping partner barrister, has co-authored a report Wesley Harding) a new record the clients (such as system integrators for the RAC Foundation which year before. In October he wrote a and consultants) create and challenges the fines often levied for long review of The Hank Williams deliver IT infrastructure solutions overstays on private land. He says that Reader (the “Hillbilly Shakespeare”, to corporate and public sector currently common “early payment the “Irving Berlin of the straw stack”) clients. It’s early days but enjoying discounts” are illegal because “price for the TLS, and in December the the steep learning curve”. escalation clauses” are contrary to authorised biography of Robert Wyatt: European consumer legislation. By Patrick Kerry (TR 1979-84) contrast his brother Edmund (MR “Rock Bottom (1974) became my has begun a new role at Cognizant 1977-81) has had the less banausic favourite album of all time in the Technology Solutions. task of organising his childhood early 1980s, and has remained collection of fossils and minerals so. I was at school in Canterbury, 1980s together with 40 of his 264 precious where very few still listened to netsuke for display at the Barbican what became known in the late Congratulations to Lady Art Gallery (until 25 May): Magnificent 1960s as “the Canterbury Scene”... Kingsdown, (Governor 1984- Obsessions : The Artist as Collector. ”Canterbury “usefully defines a kind 2003), one of the School’s Governors Emeriti, on being elected President of Kent County Cricket Club. She is the first lady to hold the office. * Dr Toby Young (SH 1984-89) has recently moved to Ebury, an international payments provider to the SME market, as Chief Technology Officer. Toby was previously CTO at City Index and before that spent 10 years at Tullet Prebon as an interdealer broker, including a 3 year secondment in New York as Global Head of Trading Technology. Jeremy Wright and Diane Hammersley »

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Lent 2015.indd 4 15/04/2015 09:52:54 » Photo: Mark Draisey Mark Photo:

Thirty Years On!: A Private View of 1990s interest in radiology, Doppler Public Schools is the title of a book echocardiography, laparoscopy and by photographer Mark Draisey. He Tom Robertson (MT 1990-95) ultrasonography. Tom is happy to visited a number of schools in the late joined Tavernham Vets near Norwich offer careers advice online to OKS 1980s and early 1990s and a selection in 2007 and became a director in 2010. when not walking his dogs and of the images from twenty-five of Tom gained his RCVS Certificate in looking after his young family. them is published by Halsgrove. He Cardiology in 2011 and has a particular visited King’s in 1989 and captured school life – in the classroom, study and dormitory, as well as on public occasions, especially Speech Day.

James Watkins (SH 1984-89) and Ruth Milligan (BS, JR 1991-93) announced the birth of their child, Agnes in October 2014 (8lbs 12), born in Oxford. Ruth writes, “Jim and I didn’t meet at King’s but it was one of the things we found we had in common when we did meet. We got married in February 2012. Jim is a freelance IT Project Manager and I’m Head of the Africa Programme in a tailor-made travel company, Audley Travel”.

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Lent 2015.indd 5 15/04/2015 09:52:58 * daughter Eliza last August. Clare’s * Dylan Wyn Pugh (MO 1990-95) current role is freelance TV news became engaged to Kimberly Michelle journalist, working mainly at ITN. Catriona Casha (MT 2006-11) has Youngstrom on 3rd January 2015. * announced her engagement to Hauke * Robin Bailey (SH 1999-2004) Waszkewitz on the 31 January 2015. Camilla Pay (MR 1992-94) found tenor, sang the Narrator’s role time in a busy schedule to revisit when Canterbury Choral Society the Cathedral and support the new performed Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Cathedral Girls’ Choir in their first Christ in the Nave on 24 January, Christmas Concert, a well-attended under the baton of Richard Cooke. event in the Nave on 5 December. Offstage, and conducted byWi ll The girls sang their way from Bersey (KSC Director of Music), * Advent’s O come, O come Emmanuel the Ladies of the King’s School Crypt to Epiphany’s Three Kings from Choir shared the role of Angels with Persian Lands afar, and Camilla’s the Choral Society’s Youth Choir. harp was the accompaniment to all * of their John Rutter’s Dancing Day. Alexandra Cocksworth (ML * 1999-2004) became engaged to Ryan * Katherine Lau (née Rouse LX McSharry on 23 December 2014 and 1993-98): to Katherine and Gordon a has planned an August wedding. Freddy Clode (TR 2006-11) is son, Thomas (7lb 7oz). Katherine and now a Junior Account Executive at IT Gordon were married in Dorset in 2013 Annabelle Flower (JR 1999- business solutions company, Djinn. and Katherine is currently working 2004) became engaged to Tom as an anaesthetist in Newcastle. Meakin in Tararua Forest Park, New * Zealand, in October 2014 following a Rebecca Pick (BR 1993-95) year of travelling, including a driving and Max Coppin announced their tour of Australia. They covered over engagement on 10th January 2015 38,000km, camping in the back (pictured with the engagement of a station wagon and followed cake!) and plan to marry this year. by six weeks in New Zealand. * Three former Captains of School 2000s were spotted by Martin Miles (Common Room 1980- ) at the English National Opera on 24 October. Charles Rice (MO 1994-99) was Rosanna Lewis (LX 2002-04) has appearing as Handsome in The Girl a new role as EU Affairs Manager for OKS Summer Drinks 2015 of the Golden West, Cheyney Kent the Middle East and North Africa Catch-up with old friends and enjoy (SH 1988-93) was in the chorus, region at the British Council. the late afternoon summer sunshine and Tristan Hambleton (MO at the annual OKS Summer Drinks 2002-07) was in the audience. which take place on Thursday 4 * June at The Waterway from 6.30pm. Caroline Turner (LX 1996- Join us on the south-facing terrace 2001) became engaged to Daniel situated on the side of the Grand Percy on 28 November, 2014. Union Canal in Maida Vale, a * short walk from Warwick Avenue Kate Wratten (JR 1995- tube station. The Waterway, 54 2000) married Justin Weare Formosa Street, London W9 2JU. in Kent on 2 August 2014. * Catherine Barnett(LX 1998- 2003) married Omar Jaafar on 4 October 2014 in Beirut by Katb el-Kitab (“as prescribed by the book”) followed by a service of blessing conducted by chaplain to the King’s School, Father Fred Arvidsson, on 10 October at St. Mary’s Church, Battersea. * Clare Reynolds (née Fernyhough HH 1998-2000) is on maternity leave after the birth of her »

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Lent 2015.indd 6 15/04/2015 09:53:00 »

From top to bottom: Alexandra Cocksworth and Ryan McSharry; Kate Wratten and Justin Weare; Annabelle Flower and Tom Meakin

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Lent 2015.indd 7 15/04/2015 09:53:03 From top to bottom: Catherine Barnett and Omar Jaafar; Dylan Wyn Pugh and Kimberly Youngstrom; Rebecca Pick and Max Coppin

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Lent 2015.indd 8 15/04/2015 09:53:07 Obituaries

Gerald Howson

(SH 1940-43)

Reproduced with the kind permission One of his first assignments was in of Guardian News & Media Ltd. Poland in 1959, to illustrate a feature in Queen magazine, for which a he photographer, friend, the novelist Frank Tuohy (then historian and working for the British Council in hispanophile Gerald Warsaw), had been commissioned to Howson, died aged 88 on 7 write the text. The article was never T published, and Gerald’s pictures June 2014. He had a zest for life and compassion for humanity, along with remained unseen by the public a meticulous eye for detail, that led until half a century later, when him to excel in a number of fields. they appeared in the exhibition and Only 10 days before he died, despite associated book, Gerald Howson: his evident frailty, he was surrounded A Very Polish Affair (2014). When by friends from the worlds of art, he showed some of his prints to the music and academia, at the opening Polish embassy’s cultural attaché of a remarkable exhibition of black on his return to London from the and white photos that he had taken in abortive trip and she asked angrily Poland at the height of the Cold War. where all the smiling faces were, he Gerald was born in the replied drily that there weren’t any. Cambridgeshire village of Buckden, Gerald took up more stable but grew up in the East End of employment, teaching part-time as London, where his father, Vincent, head of photography at Wimbledon previously an actor, was an Anglican College of Art, where he remained vicar in Limehouse; his mother, Kate, until his retirement in 1992. He was the daughter of the housekeeper devoted increasing amounts of time at the Savoy hotel in the West End. to researching conflict situations and The Howsons’ home was destroyed Spain, first in Vigo, Galicia, and later crime, and writing history books, in the blitz, which triggered a lifelong in Cádiz, Andalucía, throwing himself including Thief-Taker General: The interest in military aircraft in the into the exuberant life of flamenco Rise and Fall of Jonathan Wild (1970) then 14-year-old Gerald, culminating musicians and Gypsy culture, and Arms for Spain: The Untold Story in one of his later books, Aircraft which would give him the necessary of the Spanish Civil War (1998). The of the Spanish Civil War (1990). material for his flamboyantly candid latter argued a thesis, contested by The family was relocated to memoir (and first published book), some left wing scholars, that the the congenial parish of the actors’ The Flamencos of Cádiz Bay (1965). Republicans had been cynically church, St Paul’s, Covent Garden, Gerald Howson had a lifelong exploited by Soviet Russia, which where Gerald got his first real taste interest in military aircraft. Though made them pay for second-rate of bohemia. To his mother’s dismay, Gerald could hardly string two weapons with gold. Gerald was the boy would invite rough sleepers words of Spanish together when he working on a revised edition of the in to bed down for the night in the first arrived in Franco’s Spain, by book when he died, and he could vicarage when the weather was bad. the time he left a couple of years sometimes be spotted sitting on He did his military service in later he was fluent in the language a bench at Charing Cross station, Palestine during the tumultuous and also an accomplished flamenco carefully amending footnotes. period at the end of the British guitarist. He earned a modest living He is survived by Vera, Mandate, leading to the creation of playing in clubs and other venues Rebecca and Robert. the state of Israel and the subsequent back in London, which is how he Arab-Israeli war. But by this stage met his future wife, Vera, beginning he knew that his main interest lay a loving partnership that would in the creative arts. He signed up at last for 55 years and produce two the Chelsea School of Art, focusing children, Rebecca and Robert. on painting, but also developed a With growing family passion for Spanish guitar music, responsibilities, Gerald bought particularly flamenco. In 1954, he himself a camera and decided to try to took up a position teaching English in carve out a career as a photojournalist.

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Lent 2015.indd 9 15/04/2015 09:53:07 Arnaud de Borchgrave

(WL 1940-42)

rnaud de Borchgrave in the Royal Navy from 1942-46. 1985 he was appointed Editor-in-chief was the son of an English Post-War he worked as a foreign for The Washington Times and later mother and of Count correspondent, becoming Newsweek’s as CEO of United Press International, ABaudouin de Borchgrave bureau chief in Paris in 1950 and then though that agency, prominent in d’Altena, head of Belgium’s military its chief correspondent, and then a radio news in the 1930s, was gradually intelligence for the government-in- senior editor. His record of achieving shrinking. He then had strong media exile during World War II. He gave up interviews with world leaders was links with the Unification Church and his own title of nobility in 1951, and exceptional; for instance, in 1969 he its leader Sun Myung Moon, and in subsequently became an American interviewed both President Nasser of 2001 he jointly conducted the only citizen. When Belgium fell to the Nazi Egypt and Prime Minister Eshkol of interview of Mullah Omar published invasion the family were rescued by Israel. His most famous interview was and in existence, three months a British destroyer, and on leaving with Prime Minister Pham Van Dong before 9/11. He was married three King’s he falsified his age and served of North Vietnam in Hanoi in 1972. In times, and died on 15 February 2015.

Anthony Warwick Pitch Barton (GR 1952-55)

(GR 1951-54) We thank Martine Dampier, niece of Warwick Pitch, who sent in this tribute to her uncle.

From Nick Barton younger arwick Austen free of any charge, so that his “baby” brother of Anthony. Neville Pitch died would endure and lovers of bridge in a London hospital would always be able to indulge their life-long OKS member, Won 30 August 2013 skills and passion. A club official Anthony Ryland Barton aged 76. He had given instructions said “it was an extraordinary gesture passed away on 12 June for his ashes to be scattered at the of a pretty extraordinary man”. A A2014 after a serious school he loved so much, and his phrase that summed up the man. pavement fall earlier in the year, he wish was fulfilled with the consent of A Life Master, Warwick was was 78. Anthony was a member of the Headmaster, Peter Roberts, and honoured by the English Bridge Union, the School orchestra, and athletics the Cathedral, which bestowed on him the Dimmie team, and also the champion The Very Revd. Dr . Fleming award “for services to bridge,” speller of all his friends, family, pub Warwick won a scholarship and later mourned him as “a true friend colleagues and ran a 51.9 second to Oxford University, where he of bridge.” In tribute to his monumental quarter mile in about 1959 – based on read history and received an M.A. contributions to the game, a YCBC no training, just racing for Queens while at Hertford College. Whilst at official said Warwick “had created Park Harriers! Thanks for giving him Oxford, he also became an Oxford a London centre of excellence for something to always be proud of. Blue, playing tennis, another of bridge, and brought much joy into the his passions. On leaving Oxford lives of many, many bridge players.” he attended the Paris-Sorbonne Warwick was a tireless charity University, furthering his studies worker that never sought any which he completed with honours. recognition for his services. He Warwick’s love of academia financially supported and gave was only rivalled by his love of the of himself to better the lives of game of bridge. He founded and many disadvantaged people in the built up the Young Chelsea Bridge community, helping to progress Club into one of the largest and their lives in the best possible way. most prestigious bridge clubs in A younger brother, Leonard, Britain, where many national and formerly of School House, died international tournaments were held. on active service in 1976. He is The London MetroNews described the survived by a middle brother, YCBC as “famous the world over.” Anthony, an author and noted A few years before his death he historian, who also boarded at The transferred ownership to the members, Grange, and nieces and nephews.

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Lent 2015.indd 10 15/04/2015 09:53:07 Peter van Berckel

(GR 1951-55)

Brian Foord (GR he enjoyed as he subsequently with my wife, Penny, up the stairs 1952-58) writes: joined the HAC (a Territorial Army to their top floor flat with our son Regiment), where he participated Jonathan in his ‘carrycot’. When Peter Peter Jan van Berckel entered the enthusiastically in the social life and Rosalind visited us in Dulwich, school in May 1951 for the Summer and for whom he played rugger. Peter always seemed to succeed Term when he had already reached After his National Service, mainly in losing his way. I half-jokingly the age of 15. I think he always felt spent in Germany, he went up to suggested, to avoid this, that he really this had been a disadvantage as he Jesus College, Cambridge, where he would have to move to Dulwich – had arrived at the school straight rowed with distinction (as have many this, indeed, is what happened. from Switzerland where he attended O.K.S) and his ‘oars’ are on the walls Besides meeting at each other’s a German speaking school. I of his house in Dulwich to this day. He homes, together we attended a understand that it was only because read Archaeology and Anthropology number of events, not only at special entreaties were made of Canon and also French and Dutch. It was at Canterbury but also at Cambridge Shirley, the Headmaster at the time, Cambridge that our paths met again where we particularly enjoyed that he was admitted to the School as when I too went up to Jesus two years watching the Mays from Jesus Corner. he had not been taught Latin – which later. After Cambridge, he joined For a time, Peter was a member of in those days was absolutely vital if Unilever and much of his time with the Leander Club at Henley where you were to pass Common Entrance. them was spent in North Africa. we enjoyed his hospitality. Although I entered the school in Subsequently, he worked for My wife and I had great fortune September 1952, it was not until 1954 Cadbury’s in International Marketing in knowing Peter and Rosalind. Over when Peter was a House Monitor before running his own business. the years, they have proved to be the in The Grange and I was Captain of Inevitably, we did not really meet truest of friends – always there to Hall that our paths really met for the as we developed our careers and by support us during the various difficult first time. He had joined the Boat the time we started meeting again we times we have had with illness. Club and rowed in the 1st VIII. were both married. I remember going Prior to the time when he decided When Peter left King’s, to play bridge with Peter and his wife to retire, he was wondering how National Service called and he Rosalind in Trinity Church Square he would fill his time. As Peter had went into the Army which I think (near London Bridge) and struggling always been quite fit and athletic, I suggested he took up golf. This he did and became an enthusiastic member of the Dulwich & Sydenham Hill Golf club to the extent that, on the day of his funeral, the Club flag was flown at half-mast. He was also a member of the OKS Golfing Society. Peter showed his caring by his work with the Prince’s Trust and with SSAFA – the Armed Services support organisation for ex-Servicemen. Peter, with his wife Rosalind, were regular worshippers at St Helen’s Bishopsgate and his faith was an enormous comfort to him and his family not only when he became ill but also prior to this. Peter was a marvellous family man and he enjoyed nothing better than having his family around him. He took great pride when his second daughter, Katherine (WL 1991-93) became Senior Girl at King’s. He had a great many friends from many walks of life as was evident from the very well attended Memorial Service held at St Helen’s. We, like them, will miss him. »

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Lent 2015.indd 11 15/04/2015 09:53:08 » William Dudley McNicoll

(LX 1954-59)

From Peter Holmes- career in the Navy, starting as a Senior Consultant Otolaryngologist Johnson (LN 1954-59). Surgeon Lieutenant at the Royal at King’s Mill Centre in Nottingham. Naval Hospital, Devon and rising Bill was a very active Freemason, ill McNicoll was at through promotion over the being a member of ten Lodges King’s, in Luxmoore, from years to Surgeon Commander. He and having been WM of most of 1954 to 1959. He excelled specialized in Otolaryngology, them. He was also President of Bat hockey and tennis, which is more easily described as his local Rotary Club. He was a gaining colours at both sports. ENT. He rose to become Senior tireless worker for Masonic and After King’s, he went straight to Specialist and Consultant at the non-Masonic charities, arranging Guy’s Hospital in London to qualify Royal Naval Hospital in Portsmouth. regular charity balls and fetes. as a Doctor, which he achieved in His particular specialization was Sadly, Bill suffered a series of 1965. He continued his training and with the problems associated with strokes in 2000 and had to retire studied to become a Surgeon. He Divers and he became one of the early. However, he continued qualified as an MRCS in 1967 and an acknowledged experts in this field. with his Charity and Freemasonry FRCS in 1976. He had been sponsored Hence, his personal email address was activities, despite the handicap of during his training by the Navy Diverhelp. He was author or co-author loss of movement in hands and legs. and, after completing his training, of eleven publications in his field. He died in September he joined the Navy as his career. After retiring from the Navy, Bill 2014 at the age of 73. He had a very distinguished became a GP in Mansfield and also

Rear Admiral Louis Armstrong

(WL 1960-64)

ear-Admiral Louis Armstrong was a Scholar and Music Scholar who Rwas really John Herbert Arthur James Armstrong, but one of his instruments was the trumpet, and on leaving King’s for Britannia Royal Naval College this appellation stuck, and did him no harm as he rose through the Royal Navy. The Navy sent him to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he won an Athletics Blue and gained his degree in Jurisprudence. After travelling the world, specialising as a supply officer, he was sent on by the Navy to Middle Temple, and was called to the Bar in 1976, though his only legal appointment was as judge advocate in Plymouth. In 1980 he became deputy supply officer of the Royal Yacht Britannia; in 1986 he had a significant part in the deployment round the world of a task force, Global 86; promoted to Captain in 1987 he had responsible roles in Whitehall; in 1995 he was made Commandant of the Royal Naval Staff College. He was appointed CBE in 2004. He was twice married.

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Lent 2015.indd 12 15/04/2015 09:53:08 Nicola Morgan (née Saunders)

(MR 1986-88)

Nicola Brightling (née Clarke MT 1986-88) writes:

was so sad to learn that Nikki had lost her battle with cancer on 16 November 2014. I44 is just too young. I think it was even more poignant for me personally given we were only a month apart in age and we had grown up together, first at Ashford School from the age of 8 to 16 and then together at King’s for the 6th Form. I remember we were so happy when we both passed the entrance exam to King’s – Nikki joined Marlowe and I joined Mitchinson’s as my brother, Alistair, was already there. The funeral was very special and friends and family shared wonderful memories of Nikki and how she liked to party! Nikki was very involved in the arrangements for the funeral to organising the party music to favourite - a chocolate fountain – was and asked for us all to wear colourful proceed out of the church to at the available in the marquee afterwards. clothes and celebrate her life. Even end of the ceremony and ensuring her Ian Levy

(SH 2005-09)

Andrew Lawrence (SH He came in the Remove and had assembly and Ian was the first in 2004-09) writes: to break his way into what was a very the room in the prime location on close-knit set of friends. The first the sofa right in front of the TV. We an suffered from depression. time I met Ian, John Chen and I were watched it together, laughed with He was unhappy after leaving sitting discussing the computer game him at every joke, and it instantly school and the last time I saw Football Manager (more important made him a celebrity. That moment Ihim, outside Leicester Square than girls at this time in our lives). Ian epitomised Ian for me as a person. Station, he was not the same Ian came over and asked what we were He knew how to laugh at himself, I had lived with for four years. I talking about. When we explained to he knew he was different to the rest didn’t realise at the time why. him what Football Manager was, the of us public school muppets, but he Ian should not be remembered for look of amazement on his face was didn’t care, and neither did we. being depressed or the unfortunate priceless and I don’t think FM left his For our group, Ian was one of the way his life ended, but for what he laptop for the rest of his time at King’s. most caring, kind and fun-loving brought to all the people who knew It is part of boarding school and people to grace School House and him. His love affair with Tottenham growing up to be able to take a joke was a truly loyal friend to all of us. Hotspur often got him into trouble with each other and, even more While we will fondly remember Ian with the Arsenal supporters of School importantly, with yourself. It was as a fantastic musician and dedicated House, and the smile on his face pointed out, I think by Will Gage, sportsman, it was his ability to bring after the infamous 4-4 was a brilliant that Ian didn’t really walk, rather the best out in people and smiles to sight. As the “Gooners” sat in stunned slightly bounce, especially when the faces of everyone that made him silence staring at the TV screen, Ian wearing his pyjamas. So a video was such a joy to live with, and though we left the room, got a glass of water, made called ‘A Day in the Life of Mr. will miss him dearly, he will always came back into the room and just sat Levy’, with Will commentating as be in our thoughts and prayers. there. He didn’t need to say anything: the voice in Ian’s head. It was shown his eyes told the whole story. to the rest of the house at morning

For the Record Lent 2015 13

Lent 2015.indd 13 15/04/2015 09:53:09 In honoured Memory MICHAEL BAKER (SH 1938- 43) died on 31 January 2015

FREDERICK LAURENCE Mary Strutt (LARRY) WHALLEY (SH 1939- 43) died on 20 October 2014 1922-2014

John Michael Watt (GR 1944-49) died on “A life of Christian service and active Lay Reader, besides practising 24 March 2015 faithfulness” was how The Dean as a consultant accountant. described Mary’s in his Address at the When widowed thirty years ago, MICHAEL CROSSLEY Service of Thanksgiving in the Chapel Mary returned to Canterbury, and WEBSTER (SH 1946-50) of Our Lady Undercroft on 29 October. from Abbot’s Place was a regular died on 1 November 2013 The second wife of the Rt Revd attender of 8am Holy Communion Gordon Strutt, Mary bore him three and a keen observer of the School. DAVID PESCHEK (WL 1946- children, Jane, Michael (MO 1971- A feature of the Service was 51) died on 26 January 2015 76) and Sarah Watson (MO 1978-80), granddaughter Eleanor (King’s OKS Correspondent in New Zealand. College London/Royal Academy) TIMOTHY BURTON They all grew up for several years in singing Dido’s Lament, accompanied PHILLIPS (MR 1951-54) 22 The Precincts whilst their father by Sarah, who teaches piano at King’s died on 26 February 2015 was Archdeacon of Maidstone (1959- School (Junior School) in Auckland, 65). Gordon remained a Governor where her husband Warren is the VICTOR GRAHAM of King’s for some years whilst Chaplain of Dilworth School. IBBETSON (LX 1953-57) Bishop of Stockport (1965-84), in Mary will be greatly missed. died on 19 December 2014 which diocese Michael (sometime a Canterbury chorister) is now a very JOHN G SUGDEN (Common Room 1952-59) on 27 December 2014

Howard Baker (WL 1964- 68) died on 7 March 2015 Historical OKS

Antony Wynn gave a School Talk article ‘A First World War Pilgrimage’ on Percy Sykes (KSC 1880-81), written by Edward Holman (MR From the Archives explorer and writer on Persia (as 1963-68) at the bottom of page 3. it was then), on 13 January 2015. On 26 August 2014, on exactly * the 100th anniversary of his death, We are grateful to Paul Fincham for On Monday 26 January Jon I and my four daughters, went to Le sending us a remarkable collection Nightingale and Geoffrey Barrett, Cateau, on a ‘battlefield tour’ also of items from Norman Scarfe President and Vice-President of the following the route of the Manchester (WL 1936-41), including a diary, Austin Ex-Apprentices Association, Regiment to pay our respects to letters from FJS and others, and accompanied by the Rector of St Captain Charles Fitzgerald some concert programmes. Thanks Martin’s Church, Canterbury, Canon Hamilton Trueman (KSC are also due to Michael Dover Noelle Hall placed a wreath on the 1889-93) at his grave at Le Cateau. (LX 1962-67) for some evocative grave of Vernon Austin (KSC My daughters placed remembrance photographs from 1967, including 1907-09) in St Martin’s Churchyard. crosses on his grave and were the school monitors at the funeral Austin was killed in action near surprised to see one already there, of FJS; to Jonathan Evans (BR La Bassée in 1915. His father was presumably placed by Mr Holman. 1976-81) for an interesting selection Herbert Austin, founder of Austin Captain Trueman is the great uncle of photographs from his time in Motors. This was one of the last of my daughters and if he had not Broughton; and to Richard Golding such repatriation burials. The died in 1914 we would not be living, as for a print of the Norman Staircase. wooden cross from the original we are, in the Trueman family home * grave is in the Memorial Chapel. at Tyler Hill, Canterbury. Charles Charles Scragg (GR 1961-66) * was the eldest of four sons of Colonel has sent us a fine collection of some Lt Col Colin Caverhill writes: I Charles Hamilton Trueman fifty programmes from his time – a happened to pick up a copy of the (KSC 1851-55). On Captain Trueman’s valuable addition to the Archives Autumn issue of Offcuts in the death the second son, Major Henry house of Philip Grove (SH 1986- John Hamilton Trueman (KSC 91) and was astonished to read the 1892-93) inherited Oakwell. He sadly »

14 For the Record Lent 2015

Lent 2015.indd 14 15/04/2015 09:53:09 » only survived the First World War The Patrick Leigh Fermor until 1922, when the house passed Society has been formed “to to his widow, Mrs Margaret Norman promote interest in the life and Trueman, then on her death in 1953, to works of Patrick Leigh Fermor her only daughter, Mrs Jean Haig, and and to support his legacy”. It on her death in 1988 to my wife, Mrs organises lectures and other Elizabeth Caverhill, who sadly died in events of interest, and has 2004. In 2009 I passed the ownership a journal The Philhellene. of Oakwell to my four daughters. PLF joins Christopher What happened in 1914 is clearly Marlowe as the second OKS felt in this family 100 years later. author represented in the The third son, Lt Col Arthur Alliance of Literary Societies. Philip Hamilton Trueman (KSC For more information 1892-93), survived the First World Paddyphiles should visit www. War, but died on 26 Nov 1918 of flu patrickleighfermorsociety.org. on the same day as his wife. Colonel Trueman himself died in 1917. The fourth son James Fitzgerald Hamilton Trueman (KSC 1899) was the only real survivor of the First World War and escorted his niece Jean Hamilton Trueman down the nave of on her marriage to Commander Haig, who eventually became my father-in-law. I personally was a Lieutenant The Dominican Priory Colonel in the Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment), the 1st Regiment of Foot, The 13th century Dominican Priory Head Gardener at King’s and went whose 1st Battalion also fought at of which King’s acquired a 99 year with the School to Cornwall. Both Le Cateau, a short distance from the lease in February had been lovingly were pious Methodists, but Ernie (who Manchester Regiment. I obtained maintained for many years by a retired in 1971 and died in 1980) also a great deal of information about remarkable local couple, Donald had a passion for cricket and spent the Manchester Regiment from the and Poppy Beerling. Donald had a many years playing. By the good Manchester archivist, including high regard for King’s, as a steward offices of Paul Pollak, some years their War Diaries, and it is clear that of historic buildings and as a local ago Donald was able to read Ernie’s Captain Trueman’s grave is very close institution, and one of his closest memoir Thirty-five Seasons. to where he was killed. The fact which friends was Ernie Baldock, who was impressed my daughters and myself most on our tour of Belgium and France was the distances marched by the infantry in 24 hours periods, in and out of contact, in full battle order, during their retreat from Mons. Please will you pass my thanks to Mr Holman for selecting my daughters’ great uncle, of whom they are very proud, to represent those OKS who fell in the First World War. * The January 2015 update of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, adding those who died in 2011, includes Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor: ‘special operations officer and author’, Sir Robert Horton: ‘company director’, and Peter Pilkington, Baron Pilkington of Oxenford: ‘ clergyman and headmaster’. *

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For the Record Lent 2015 15

Lent 2015.indd 15 15/04/2015 09:53:12 » Update Form

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For the Record – No. 21, Lent 2015. For the Record is published twice a year by The OKS Association, 1 Mint Yard, Canterbury, CT1 2EZ. Printed in the UK on recycled paper. www.oks.org.uk

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