ALDENHAMIANA ISSUE 42 October 2014 News from the OA Society News from the School Letters from OAs first World War Centenary tribute Obituaries and tributes from the editor ‘At this time of international warfare, we feel uncomfortably unique in publishing a magazine Aldenhamiana in which cricket, football and all No.42 October 2014 Published by The Old Aldenhamian Society other phases of our life are Aldenham School, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AJ UK reported…’ Email:
[email protected] Web: www.oldaldenhamian.org hese are the opening lines taken Tel: +44 (0)1923 858 122 from the Editorial of the TAldenhamian, October 1914. Eerily, they still seem so relevant today. One hundred years ago, on 4th August 1914, Great Britain declared war on Germany. The declaration was binding on all Dominions within the British Empire Contents including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa. At the outbreak of war, the ground around the Lower field was ploughed up to plant potatoes to largely 2 From the OA Society increase the home-grown food supply of the School. Out of the 950 Aldenhamians and staff of Aldenham 2 From the President’s Desk School who served their country during the conflict, one hundred and sixty three died. The last day of the First World 3 aldenham.net War was November 11th 1918, known as Armistice Day. 4 OA Day The following resolution was carried unanimously at a Special General Meeting of the OAS held on Dec. 12th 1917: 6 Annual OA Dinner 2013 ‘That the memorial to those OAs and Aldenham masters 10 Sport who have given their lives in the war, shall take the form of a large School Hall and Library, but that the trustees of the fund shall be given power to provide grants out of the fund to assist the education at Aldenham of sons of OAs who 15 From the School require it through circumstances consequent on the war.’ Circulars were sent out to OAs inviting subscriptions to 15 Letter from the Headmaster the Aldenham School War Memorial Library and almost immediately, £2,943 17s.9d.