Brentwood College School - Brentonian Yearbook (Mill Bay, British Columbia Canada)

Text from Pages 1 - 64 of the 1945 volume:

1U BREnTonmn Brentwood College Magazine VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA Contents Dr. W. E. Scott-Moncrieff 3 School Roster 4 Editorial 5 Valete 7 School Notes 9 Our Thanks Are Due To 12 Chapel Notes 14 Rugby ! 15 Cricket Notes 21 Track 29 Badminton 33 Sailing 35 The Sea Cadet Corps 36 Prize-Giving 37 Ode to the Seven Prefects 39 V-E Day 40 Why Was I Ever Born 41 Brentwood College Song 42 The Dramatic Club 43 Old Boys News 47 SEPTEMBER, 1945 IN MEMORIAM fir. W. £ grott-iinnrrteff It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Doctor Scott-Mon- crieff, a governor of this school since its foundation in 1923, and Chairman of the Board of Governors for nine years. A sincere and loyal friend of the school, we remember gratefully his never failing interest and co-operation during the many years he was associated with it. THE BRENTONIAN Board of Governors D. J. ANGUS, ESQ., M.A. CAPT. J. M. GRANT, C.B.E., R.C.N. MAJOR H. C. HOLMES, M.A., J.P. LOGAN MAYHEW, ESQ. E. A. M. WILLIAMS, ESQ. AIR VICE-MARSHALL K. A. NAIRN HEADMASTER A. C. PRIVETT, M.A. (CANTAB.) School Roster, 1944 1945 PREFECTS: B. SCOTT (Head Boy and Head of the Lower House) R. E. LEY (Head of the Upper House) R. M. BUTLER R. G. LEWIS W. S. THACKRAY W. C. CHURCH J. M. BURNS Captain of Rugby - - - - - - - - - R. E. Ley Captain of Cricket - - - - - - ' - - - B. Scott Captain of Track - -- -- -- - R. G. Lewis Captain of Cadet Corps - - - - - W. S. Thackray Captain of the Waterfront - - - - W. S. Thackray Captain of Tennis - - - - - - - - R. E. Ley Captain of Badminton - - - - - - W. S. Thackray Captain of Squash - - - ■ - - - - R. G. Lewis r , . , c ... [ J. M. Burns Captain of Sailing - - - -. - - - I C. P. Donald Captain of Rowing ------- v. C. Church Captain of Shooting - - - - - - W. S. Thackray Chapel Warden --------- B. Scott Librarian ---------- R. M. Butler Editor of School Magazine ------ R. M. Butler I Page Four] THE BRENTONIAN EDITORIAL HE WRITING of the Editorial to a school peachable authority, that no one in their right mind can possibly be expected to read it. Like the Prologue to a novel, it is a tiresome and un-necessary pre- liminary to the really interesting matter, inserted, presumably, for the sole purpose of being skipped. ' ' Acting upon this assumption, therefore, we will refrain — with some regret, and we feel sure irreperable loss to our readers (if any) and the world at large, — from pouring out for your edification the words of wisdom which crowd our fertile brain, and will instead, merely commend to your very earnest atten- tion, the pages which follow. We feel sure that when you have read them you will have gained a pretty comprehensive idea of all we have done and all we have tried to do, at Brent- wood, during the past difficult and eventful year. And if, having digested thoroughly all that is con- tained in this issue of the magazine, some-one turns back to the first page and reads our Editorial, if only from motives of idle curiosity, — well, we will feel amply rewarded and not a little surprised ! magazine, is a somewhat discouraging and thankless task, for we are assured on unim- THE BRENTONIAN VAEETE R. M. BUTLER Senior Matric. Prefect; Librarian; Editor of the School Magazine; Member of the 1st. XI and the 2nd. XV. Entering second year at Victoria College and thence to Journalism College. P. B. MACKENZIE-ROSS: Senior Matric. Member of the 1st. XI. Going back to Scotland to enter Edinburgh University. B. SCOTT: Senior Matric. Head-Boy; Captain of Cricket; Chapel Warden; 1st. XV; Colours; Sailing Captain. Hopes to go to U.B.C| for second year; if not, to Victoria College. J. M. BURNS: Entered Grade XII but left at Christmas. Prefect; Captain of Sailing; Chapel Warden ; Member of 1st. XI from previous year. Joined the Merchant Navy and is now a Cadet Officer. W. C. CHURCH Junior Matric. Prefect; Captain of Rowing; 1st. XV; Colours; Sailing Captain. Hopes to join the U.S. Navy. B. C. COMBS: Entered Grade XII but left at Easter. Joined the U. S. Marines. R. G. LEWIS: Junior Matric. Prefect; Captain of Track; Captain of Squash; Vice-Captain of 1st. XV; Member of the 1st. XI. Now a member of the U. S. Navy. E. LEY: Junior Matric. Prefect ; Captain of Rugby ; Captain of Tennis ; Member of the Track Team; Sailing Captain. Winner of the Yarrow Shield. Gained a Leonard Foundation Scholarship to Royal Canadian Naval College and hopes to be residing there for the next two years if he passes his exams. [Page Seven] THE BRENTONIAN W. S. THACKRAY : Junior Matric. Prefect; Captain of the Waterfront; Captain of Cadet Corps and Shooting; Captain of Badminton; Member of the 1st. XV; Sailing Captain. Entering first year at Victoria College and thence to R.M.C. R. S. TRACY: Junior Matric. Member of the 2nd. XV. A. H. B. WOTHERSPOON: Junior Matric. 1st XV Colours. Member of Track Team. Sailing Captain. Entering first year at U.B.C. and a course in Commerce. J. A. HANSON: Junior Matric. 1st XV Colours. Member of the Track Team. G. HOLLAND: Junior Matric. Member of the 2nd. XV. Sailing Captain. Leading Seaman in the Cadet Corps. R. WILSON: Grade XL Member of the Colts XV. J. F. BURFORD: Grade X. Member of the 2nd. XV. P. GREENOUGH: Grade IX. I. DAVIDSON : Grade IX. [Page Eight] THE BRENTONIAN SCHOOL MOTE ON MARCH 1ST, General Hertzberg, former commandant of Royal Military College, Kingston, came out to the School to address the boys. He warned us against taking Safety First as our motto, for if we did, we would never get anywhere ' in this world. During his talk, General Hertzberg gave us news of some of the more recent Brentwood Old Boys to pass through R.M.C. — Desmond Holmes, John Martin and Harry Rogers — and he was full of praise for all of them. Near the end of the Summer Term, the school was honored by the all- day visit of Canon Michael Coleman, of Victoria, late of London, England. During the afternoon he played cricket with some of the senior boys, and after supper, in place of the regular prep period, conducted a kind of Religious Forum in which all boys were allowed to and did ask any ques- tions on religion that they wished and Coleman answered them as best he could. We all spent a very enjoyable evening and benefitted much more from the talk than we probably would have done from prep. During the year, many Old Boys visited the school and three of them, one from each service, were persuaded to tell us a little of their experiences. On February 22nd., Lieut. Danny Elmpre told of his experiences in the United States Navy from the time that he joined up, through Pearl Harbour, where for many days everyone believed him to be dead, to the landings on Saipan and in the Philippines, in which he took an active part. At the beginning of June, Lieut. John Nation visited the school and told us what he had been doing since the war began, in the Canadian Army. He spoke much of his experiences in Great Britain and in France and Belgium after the invasion had taken place. [Page Nine] THE BRENTONIAN On the last night of the school year, we heard from Flight Lieut. Dick Whittall, back from sixty operations over enemy territory with the R.C.A.F. Pathfinders. He explained many of the ways by which our planes were able to make raids on the most heavily defended targets, and told us the particulars of the two raids for which he received his D.F.C. and Bar. But most entertaining of all were his drawings of the British and German coasts which he made on the blackboard at various times during his talk. All three of these talks were equally interesting, and we hope that in the next few years, many more Old Boys will come back to the school and recount their war experiences. During the year we went to various entertainments at the Royal Victoria Theatre. In the Christmas term a first class company presented A Doll ' s House and some of the seniors who were doing this play for Matric. went to see it. A further treat was in store in the Easter term for drama lovers, Paul Robeson visiting Victoria in Othello. This was very beautifully presented both as regards acting and staging by the Theatre Guild of New York. It was quite an eye-opener to those who only look upon Shakespeare as the rather tiresome author of long-winded plays, concocted, apparently, for the sole purpose of over-burdening the already sorely tried brains of boys and girls at school. The play, which was magnificently acted, was amazingly suited to the modern mood as Shakespeare ' s always are. The permanent set was very ingeniously contrived, representing, with very few changes of properties, extremely varied types of scenery. Later in the Easter term, an opera company presented Carmen, and quite a number of us attended it. It was well produced and sung, but like so many operas lasted well into the night! In the Christmas term the Upper House Prefects, Ley, Thackray and Church, entertained their House, Mr. and Mrs. Privett and the matrons, and Mrs. McGuire to a Movie Show in the Library followed by a sumptuous repast. The films shown were well chosen from a wide variety of subjects and everybody much enjoyed the evening. After this some of us went to see Ruth Draper when she visited the Royal Victoria. As usual she was entirely delightful, and enthralled a packed house for a couple of hours, singlehanded, and with no scenery. Yet when we left, it was with the impression of having seen many and varied characters and having visited a great many different places . . . In the Easter term Lewis was selected to play fly-half for the Victoria Rep. Rugby team. He played in two matches, and in Vancouver scored Victoria ' s only try. At the end of the Christmas term we had a turkey dinner, after which the Head made a short speech, and was astonished and delighted to receive [Page Ten] THE BRENTONIAN the complete recording of The White Cliffs of Dover, the gift of the school, piesented by Scott. Heal ' s pond froze sufficiently at the beginning of the term for us to enjoy some skating. One Monday instead of having cadet corps we all begged, borrowed or stole skates, and went over to what has been the happy hunting ground of skating Brentonians for two decades. We had no sooner started lighting a fire in time honoured fashion, than an irate member of the military descended upon us, and ordered us in no uncertain terms to put it out, and get out ourselves ! After a short but sharp skirmish, Mr. Privett ' phoned the commanding officer and he allowed us, albeit a trifle reluctantly, to proceed with our skating, — but the fire had to go. Late in the term we were saddened by the news that our friend Major Tayler had been taken to hospital with pneumonia. For a while we were very anxious about him, but our prayers and our flowers proved efficacious, and he returned in about a fortnight as fit (almost) as ever. At the end of the term we said goodbye to Cap tain Gardiner, who left to take up his duties as Rector of Cranbrook. We wish him every success in his new parish. At the beginning of the Summer term we welcomed Mr. Garner, who took on the duties of House Master of Lower House towards the end of the term. In the Summer term the Lower House Prefects, Scott, Butler and Lewis, entertained their house, Mr. and Mrs. Privett, the Matrons and Mrs. McGuire to a strawberry and ice cream feast. In contrast to the usual custom the Pre- fects waited on the boys and served the feast in the dormitories and the staff were entertained in Mr. Garner ' s quarters. During May the 1st. Rugby XV celebrated their successes of the season at a supper at the Headmaster ' s house. After the meal they played games (mostly in the darkness) ending with the time honoured game of murder. Only one murderer was caught during the evening, and this was because, as some- one was overheard to remark later : we knew it was Loo because he was the only one who ' d have the nerve to murder Mrs. Privett ! At the end of the term we said goodbye to Mr. Hope, who had come a second time to Brentwood to help us out during the war years. We thank him for all he did for us, and wish him good fortune in the years to come. We also bade farewell to Mrs. McGuire, who had attended so patiently and efficiently to our wants in the Bursar ' s office, during the year. Our good wishes go with her. We shall miss her very much, and look forward to visits from her in the future. [Page Eleven] THE BRENTONIAN Qua VkcudJ one 2 ue to- Mr. Smith and the Mount Newton High School, for providing us with excellent opposition for Basketball and Baseball, and to the Home Economics Class for giving us such delicious teas. Mr. Ray Watson for coaching us so ably in Badminton and helping us with Track and umpiring at Cricket. Canon Coleman for driving during the whole of a very hot Sunday after- noon, in a car with a broken spring, at great speed over the Malahat, in order to preach us an end of term sermon. Thackray and Holland for excellent work on the boats, and a much-needed general clean up of the beach and waterfront. Ley I for the completion of the second tennis court, and erection of wire netting around same. Major Cuthbert Holmes for presenting us with books for the Library, and four beautiful silk screen prints of pictures by Canadian artists. We had hoped to get these latter framed by the end of the term, but owing to the difficulties of obtaining suitable wood for the purpose, and shortage of labour, we did not achieve our ambition. The job will be attended to, however, as soon as possible next year. In the meantime they adorn the walls of the Library, naked, so to speak, but completely unashamed. The Major, for just being his usual hospitable self, and for generous and never failing help in transportation to matches — to say nothing of the gift of huge bunches of red roses which decorated the school and Chapel on Speech day. Mrs. Evans for the delicious meals which she so constantly prepares for us at the Major ' s, and for the beautiful companulas which she gave us for the decoration of the school and Chapel on Speech day. Dean Spencer-Elliott for coming to the school, and giving his celebrated impersonations of Shakesperian characters. He acted scenes from The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, taking the part of Shylock, in the former. We very much enjoyed his fine interpretation of the parts, and hope that he will honour us with another visit one day. Mrs. Sery for the masses of flowers which she gave us from her garden for speech day, and to Mrs. Powell who helped her arrange them in the gym. [Page Twelve] THE BRENTONIAN Mrs. Lewis, for the presentation to the school of a handsome cup for the 120 yards hurdles. This is to be competed for annually at the school sports, and is to be known as the Dick Lewis Challenge Cup. It will always bring us very pleasant memories of Loo whose record in this race will be hard to beat. Mr. Garner for harying the transgressors into making such an excellent job of the garden — and to Bill for keeping up the good work in the holidays. Mr. Davis and the kitchen staff for providing such excellent meals in spite of rationing, and for producing coffee and cakes for us at our Christmas concert, even in wartime. Jack Watson who unselfishly volunteered for the unpleasant and ex- tremely boring job of turning the fan which made the firelight flicker in Shivering Shocks, one of the plays in the Christmas concert. [Page Thirteen] THE BRENTONIAN CHAPEL NOTES The following candidates were presented for confirmation by Captain the Rev. Alan Gardiner when the Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop of Columbia visited the boys ' chapel on March 11th: H. D. W. Bridgman, R. B. Buxton, R. G. Belliss, R. L. Alexander, T. J. Cormack, B. A. L. Johnson, D. N. Mainguy, F. G. McMahon, W. D. McCormick, D. G. McFetridge, T. R. Rixon, R. Taylor, R. L. S. Turner, A. H. B. Wotherspoon, G. B. Wentworth and J. R. Ralston. In company with the Bishop was Bishop Dagwell of Eastern Oregon and the Rector of the Eugene University Parish, Washington. The Brentwood Sea Scout dedication of their colours was held in the boys ' chapel on February 18. The service was conducted by Sqdn. Ldr. The Reverend Pat Ellis, R.C.A.F., a brother of Comdr. Martin Ellis, former headmaster of Brentwood College. An initialed leather writing case was presented to Capt. Gardiner by the boys on the eve of his departure, for which he thanked the school in his leaving address in the chapel. The V-E day special service of Thanksgiving, prescribed by the Diocese of British Columbia, was held in the school chapel on the evening of May 13. Our thanks are due to The Reverend John A. Partridge of South Saanich who took the chapel service s during the summer term after the departure of Capt. Gardiner. Our congratulations to Mr. Benson who so gallantly undertook to play the chapel organ when Mr. Bott left. Also we would like to thank Mrs. Privett for her admirable and tasteful arrangement of the flowers on the altar. The following clergy preached at the Sunday afternoon services during the year. The Reverend W. E. Askew, B.A., Christ Church Cathedral; Canon Howard H. Creal, The Reverend P. J. Brownlie, The Reverend M. C. Munn, The Reverend W. C. Macwhinney, Capt. The Reverend R. P. D. Hicks, The Reverend J. Lewis W. McClean, Sqdn. Ldr. The Reverend Pat Ellis, R.C.A.F. ; The Reverend Canon Michael Coleman. [Page Fourteen] THE BRENTONIAN IN SPITE OF transportation difficulties we had a very successful year, winning ten out of our fifteen matches. Three of the rema ining five were draws, while we dropped the other two games by a close margin. We turned out second and midget teams which proved to contain a lot of promising material for future years. 1st XV Colours were awarded to J. A. Hanson, C. P. Donald, J. Murray, j. R. Ralston, A. H. Wotherspoon, W. C. Church, G. H. Rochfort, and G. C. d ' Easum. The following is a list of the 1st XV matches during the year : BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. Oct. 7th R.C.N. C. B Lost: 3- 6 Oct. 14th Victoria College Won: 21-6 Oct. 17th R.C.A.F. (N.Z.) Won: 14-11 Oct. 21st _ R.C.N.C. B Won: 18- 3 Nov. 7th R.C.A.F. (N.Z.) Draw: 3 -3 Nov. 11th University School Won: 7- 0 Nov. 18th Victoria College Draw: ( - 6 Nov. 25th Shawnigan Lake School Won: 6- 0 Nov. 29th Oak Bay High School Won: 22- 3 Jan. 20th R.C.N.C. ' A and B Won: 8- 6 Jan. 27th R.C.N.C. B Won: 6- 0 Feb. 10th Shawnigan Lake School Won: 6- 0 Feb. 24th University School Lost: 5-11 Mar. 3rd _ University School Draw: 8- 8 Mar. 10th St. George ' s School Won: 11- 3 [Page Fifteen] THE BRENTONIAN RUGBY CHARACTERS R. LEY (Captain). Forward: A clever, hardworking forward; sound in defence and dangerous in attack. He captained the side well and is to be congratulated on a successful season. R. G. LEWIS (Vice-Captain). Fly-Half: A clever broken-field runner, but inclined to hold on to the ball too long. A good tackle and a useful kick. B. SCOTT, Forward: Tried his hand at full-back but showed much more ability when moved to a forward. A very useful kick and a fair tackle. i J. A. HANSON Centre Three-Quarter : Made some very useful intercepted tries. A good tackle, a fine pair of hands and a useful kick. C. P. DONALD, Forward: Always played a hard steady game. Fair pair of hands and a good tackle. J. MURRAY, Forward: Played keenly throughout the year; very good in both the loose and tight scrums. A fair pair of hands and a good tackle. J. R. RALSTON, Centre Three-Quarter: A hard-working player but as a three- quarter he must learn to kick properly. A very good tackle with a fair pair of hands. A. H. WOTHERSPOON, Full-Back: Valuable kick with a good pair of hands. He also played Fly-half for three games but proved his full worth at full-back. W. C. CHURCH, Forward: A hard-working player but is a little light for the scrum. He did not come up to his standard in the previous year. G. H. ROCHFORT, Wing Three-Quarter: A useful three-quarter with a fair pair of hands and a good tackle. He must learn to run straight for the corner-flag. G. C. D ' EASUM, Scrum-Half: Played a hard and good game, but was a bit slow at passing the ball out. A fine tackle and a good pair of hands with a useful kick. McMAHON 1, Wing Three-Quarter: A fast and useful three-quarter who has at last begun to learn the game. A fair pair of hands and a good tackle. KERBEY, Forward (hook): Played a hard game. Has a good pair of feet and a good tackle. RIXON, Forward: Played keenly throughout the season; useful in tight scrums. Must learn more about the game. McDONALD l, Forward: Useful in the tight scrums, improved much towards the end of the season but must learn more of the game. THACKRAY, Forward: A hard-working player who uses his weight to an advantage in the tight scrums. Very useful in breaking through line-outs. MAXWELL-SMITH, Forward: A steady player hampered by comparatively small size. Very good in the loose, a good tackle and fair hands. Colours. [Page Sixteen] THE BRENTONIAN MATCHES 1944-45 FIRST XV vs. R.C.N.C. B (October 7— Lost, 3-6, Home) The season got off to a fair start. The team showed quality in its fair handling and in its open play. However our condition warranted defeat. Lewis scored our only try which was unconverted. K. Symons refereed. FIRST XV vs. VICTORIA COLLEGE (October 14 — Won, 21-6, Home) The field was just right for our open type of play. The team did well to defeat a much heavier side, however, its condition was vastly improved which enabled it to the fast break-aways and open play. Tries were scored by Lewis (3) and Hanson. Wotherspoon kicked a penalty goal and made three conversions. FIRST XV vs. R.C.A.F. (N.Z.) (October 17— Won, 14-11, Home) The opposing team did well to capitalize on our slowness in the first half and made all their scores before half-time while we were only able to get over once when Church scored an unconverted try. However, in the second half we re- taliated, first with a try by Lewis grounded between the posts and converted by Wotherspoon, secondly with a 35 yard penalty kick booted by Wotherspoon, and finally with a 60 yard break-through and try again contributed by Lewis. FIRST XV vs. R.C.N.C. B (October 21— Won, 18-3, Away) This was not one of the best games of the season as the score seems to indicate. Our team had the advantage of experience and speed but did not make use of this and played down to our opponents ' level. Although we won by 15 points, the margin [Page Seventeen] THE BRENTONIAN should have been wider. Our scores were made by individual effort, lacking teamwork. Ley, Lewis and Donald each did the work of two as they made up for the lack of skill on part of the others. A hard game. FIRST XV vs. R.C.A. F. (N.Z.) (November 7 — Draw, 3-3, Home) We met a much heavier and more experienced R.C.A. F. team. Playing into the wind we were kept in our own half by the strategic kicking ahead and backing-up of the opposition. The visitors scored their only try in the first half and we tied up the game in the second half on a try by Lewis. FIRST XV vs. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL (November 11 — Won, 7-0, Away) This game was played at McDonald Park on a heavy field which prevented our t hrees from being a threat. The forwards did well to hold down a much heavier University School pack. The tackling on the part of both sides was good, few tackles being missed. Wotherspoon caught the opposition on the wrong foot and dropped a field goal for our first tally. A few minutes later, Scott converted a penalty goal. After this game, colours were awarded to Hanson 1 and Donald. FIRST XV vs. VICTORIA COLLEGE (November 18 — Draw, 6-6, Home) The team was unduly worried by the addition of Ron Dalziel to the visitors ' line-up. This resulted in a defensive rather than our useful offensive game. Hanson 1 scored on a brilliant interception while Ley 1 took advantage of a fumble behind their line to score. FIRST XV vs. SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL (November 25 — Won, 6-0, Home) Played on a muddy field after a heavy rainstorm. The handling was surprisingly god on both sides; however, the game was won by the sound tackling of our halves [Page Eighteen] THE BRENTONIAN and threes and the defensive game played by the forwards. Our superiority in the loose scrums enabled us to keep the ball well in the opponents ' half. d ' Easum scored from a loose scrum and Wotherspoon converted a penalty kick. This game stands out as the one played in the best spirit between the two schools. FIRST XV vs. OAK BAY HIGH SCHOOL (November 29 — Won, 22-3, Home) The opposition was greatly shaken by Lewis ' break-through in the opening minutes of the game. Our team did well on the whole throughout the first half, but became rather scrappy during the second which resulted in the visitors ' only try. Our tries were made by Lewis (3), McMahon (2) and Wotherspoon. Wotherspoon also made two conversions. FIRST XV vs. R.C.N.C. A-B (January 20 — Won, 8-6, Home) A good game played without Ley, Lewis and Donald which weakened the team considerably. The three-quarters played well and tries were scored by McMahon and Rochfort 1. Wotherspoon made one convert. This was the only time in the whole year that both wings scored in the same game. FIRST XV vs. R.C.N.C. B (January 27 — Won, 6-0, Away) Played on a fine day with a fairly dry ground. Our threes were ragged chiefly due to the fact that we were minus Lewis. The forwards also played a poor game, being very slow off the mark and slow to pack around in the loose scrums. McMahon 1 made a long run just managing to score near the corner-flag. Later in the game Wotherspoon converted a penalty kick. FIRST XV vs. SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL (February 10 — Won, 6-0, Away) A good hard game played in a cheery give-and-take spirit. Both sides were tackling low and hard which prevented either threes from making any break-aways. The forwards played a poor, slow game letting the Shawnigan pack break through time after time. Donald ducked through their scrum to score three of our points and Lewis doubled it in the closing phases of the game. Neither attempt at conversion was successful. Mr. Twight refereed. FIRST XV vs. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL (February 24 — Lost, 5-11, Home) A disappointing game played in the absence of d ' Easum, Donald and Rixon, who were off with minor ailments. The forwards, who had previously been poor against Shawnigan, showed more of their form holding a heavier pack. The outsides, however, were badly off and only on rare occasions showed ability to pass the ball. One of these occasions resulted in a try for Rochfort 1, which was converted. Murray and Scott also played good games. Lt. Gilman refereed. [Page Nineteen] THE BRENTONIAN FIRST XV vs. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL (March 3 — Draw, 8-8, Away) The game was played between two teams both scared of the other side winning and neither side willing to take a chance, that might improve its own chance of winning. The forwards did well as individuals but not as a pack, and the three- quarters were ragged due to the fact that Hanson 1 was off and that McMahon 1 had to be carried off the field a few minutes after the game started. Lewis ' try in the dying moments of the game and Scott ' s conversion of it were just what we needed to tie up the game. FIRST XV vs. ST. GEORGE ' S SCHOOL (March 10 — Won 11-3, Away) The team got off to a good start and showed much superiority for the first twenty minutes in which we scored once, Donald dribbling over the opponents ' line. Wotherspoon failed to convert. St. George ' s tied up the count a few minutes later to make the score 3-3 at the end of the first half. Lewis picked up a loose ball in the second half and ran twenty yards through a clear field to score. Scott easily converted and later also booted a penalty kick to end the scoring. INTER-HOUSE MATCH (March 14; Lower House 0) A good game with plenty of action and good hard tackling. The game was played on a wet day on a heavy field. The Upper House showed slight superiority in the scrum but did not have enough strength outside to back the forwards up. Thus, Ralston was able to break through to score two tries for the Lower House. Neither was converted. [Page Twenty] THE BRENTONIAN CRICKET CHARACTERS B. SCOTT (Captain): A stylish bat and a good field. He captained the side well and soon learnt to get the best out of the team. B. H. B. ATKINS: A useful and much improved opening bat who played some fine innings. Quick to see an opening in the field and to place a shot especially on the off. A slow change bowler and a safe point. T. J. B. KERBEY: His wicket-keeping did not come off as well as had been hoped although he played well at times. A useful bat who could score quite easily on leg balls but this he must not try to overdo as one is too liable to be out l.b.w. B. LEY: When placed lower in the batting order he gained more confidence in himself and played some good innings towards the end of the season. A spin opening bowler who bowled well throughout the season. A fair field. P. B. MACKENZIE ROSS: A medium pace opening bowler who took several overs to get settled. A tail batsman who had some lucky innings. A fair field but a poor judge of a run. Was a great help to the captain in his work on the field and the gear. F. G. McMAHON: Has come on quite well this season. A useful medium pace change bowler who has increased his control and learned to vary his pace. A good field and a powerful hitter. G. C. d ' EASUM: His batting has improved but he must learn not to to take chances. A very safe field. R. A. DUNLOP: Has come on rather well in his batting but must learn to overcome his tenseness. A fair field. R. G. LEWIS: He has tried hard throughout the season and has improved considerably in batting. A very fair field. W. N. DUNLOP: Got on to the team because of his keeness and stayed on. A useful slow bowler and a fair bat. R. L. ALEXANDER: Has the makings of a fair bat but he must get over the habit of crouching over his wicket. R. M. T. BUTLER: A stylish bat with some good scoring shots. Did not come off as well as he could. A poor field. Also played: D. M. O ' Halloran, D. L. Stone, T. R. Rixon. (Colours). [Page Twenty-One] THE BRENTONIAN BATTING AVERAGES 1945 Mackenzie Ross.. Atkins _ Dunlop I McMahonI Ley II Scott 10 Alexander d ' Easum 1 Butler Lewis Signifies not out. No. of Times Innings Not Out Highest Score Total Runs Average 10 1 34 120 13.3 10 1 51 c 84 9.3 10 0 20 84 8.4 7 J || 12 34 G.8 10 1 22 6G 6.3 10 1 . 17 56 6.2 10 0 20 50 5.0 9 2 8 23 3.3 10 1 7 28 3.1 9 1 • 7 20 2.5 9 0 8 22 2.3 BOWLING AVERAGES 1945 No. of Maiden No. of Overs Overs Wickets Runs Average Ley II 66 4 32 165 5.1 Scott 17 0 16 83 5.1 Mackenzie-Ross 67 5 28 206 7.3 McMahon I 34 1 17 137 8.5 Atkins 20 3 9 99 11.0 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. ROYAL NAVY The first match of the season was played against the Royal Navy on May 19th. The weather was excellent but the pitch was rather bumpy owing to the lack of work on the roller. Brentwood batted first with Scott and Atkins being the high scorers, obtaining 20 and 14 runs, respectively. A. B. Buff, a former member of the Cheshire Colts, bowled well for the visitors taking 5 wickets for the low average of 3. Ley II bowled well for Brentwood taking 4 wickets for 12 runs. The fielding was quite good on both sides. ROYAL NAVY P. O. Southerwood c Lewis 5 b M-Ross A. B. Wood b Ley II 0 A. B. Summerford c Lewis 0 b M-Ross A. B. Knowles c Kerbey 16 b Ley II Lt. Scown .„ b M-Ross 4 Tel Bullard c O ' Halloran ...12 b Atkins Lt. Schrumph b M-Ross 0 A. B. Buff c Kerbey 1 Lt. Comdr. Kirkness b Ley II A. B. Bedford run out 9 not out 3 A. B. Oak b Atkins Extras 2 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Atkins b Buff 14 Butler c Dempsey 0 Scott b Bedford 20 Ley II _ _ „b Buff 0 Kerbey : c Bullard 0 Alexander b Bullard 2 O ' Halloran l.b.w. Bedford- 0 Mackenzie Ross b Buff _ 5 d ' Easum not out 6 McMahon I _b Buff 4 Lewis _ b Buff 1 Extras - 8 60 04 [Page Twenty-Two] THE BRENT ONIAN BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL The match was played on the home ground on May 23rd. The pitch was in fairly bad shape as the motor mower had blown up a few days previously, consequently the grass around the boundaries was quite long. Brentwood lost the toss and batted first. Beckton and Morant bowled very well for the visiting team. Mackenzie Ross bowled well for Brentwood, taking 4 wickets for 9 runs. The fielding was noticeably poor on both sides. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Wyllie b Ley II 1 Collett I b M-Ross 4 Foster s Kerbey 1 b M-Ross Beckton b Ley II 10 Morant b Ley II 0 Jones c Kerbey 4 b McMahon I Dalziel c Atkins 0 b M-Ross Collett II b M-Ross 10 Carle not out 8 Watt run out 0 Grant l.b.w. McMahon 0 Extras 1 Atkins c. b. Collett II 0 Ley II h.w. Morant 0 Butler b Beckton 7 Scott l.b.w. Morant ... 0 Kerbey c b Morant ... 8 M-Ross b Beckton (5 Lewis h.w. Beckton 6 Rixon _ l.b.w. Beckton... 2 McMahon I c Wyllie 0 b Morant Alexander not out 2 d ' Easum b Beckton 0 Extras 7 45 [Page Twenty-Three] THE BRENTONIAN BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL The match was played on May 26th on the Shawnigan home ground. The weather was excellent and the pitch very good. As the ferry was out of commission the Brent- wood team was taken across the bay by boat. The match had a very exciting finish as Brentwood were all out for 96 runs and Shawnigan had 92 runs for 9 wickets, only to win the game in the last over. Brentwood won the toss and elected to bat first. Mackenzie-Ross, McMahon I and Atkins were top scorers with 34 (not out), 22 and 20 runs respectively. Goodenough played a fine innings for Shawnigan making 47 runs. Mackenzie-Ross bowled well for Brentwood taking 4 wickets for 15 runs. SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Everest c Butler 13 Atkins b Leir _ 20 b Ley II b Everest Goodenough b M-Ross 47 Ley II b Relton 0 MacDonald c b Scott 1 Scott b Oostermeyer 6 Edmonds c b d ' Easum 8 Butler b Everest 2 Relton b d ' Easum 0 Kerbey b Everest 4 Fisher b M-Ross 1 Stone I _ run out 0 Stainsbey c Scott 9 M-Ross not out 34 b M-Ross Lewis h.w. Everest 0 Leir b Ley II 6 McMahon I c Leir 22 Oostermeyer not out 0 c b Relton ... 0 Johnson b M-Ross 0 Alexander c b Relton ... 5 Duncan not out 6 d ' Easum b Relton Extras 8 Extras - 3 99 96 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. H.M.S. FLAMBOROUGH HEAD The match was played on the home ground on May 31st. The grass was still long therefore the runs on both sides were kept well down. The fielding on the part of Brentwood seems to be very bad on weekdays but this is nothing that practice won ' t rectify. Both sides played with twelve men as an extra Navy person wanted a game. Navy won the toss and batted finst and were all out for 73 runs. A. B. Bilsby was top scorer with 17. Brentwood made 111 runs for ten wickets. Kerbey was top scorer with a well played 51 (retired). Atkins did well to get 17 runs against some good bowling. H.M.S. FLAMBOROUGH HEAD BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Dorman b M-Ross 0 Atkins c Thornton Lt. Scott run out 3 b Hunt 17 Hunt b Ley II 10 Butler b Lt. Scott 1 Thornton b Ley II 4 Scott c Lt. Pearson Lt. Pearson c b Atkins 8 b Lt. Scott 5 Thornton c Alexander 4 Kerbey retired 51 b Scott Ley 11 b Charter 1 Comdr. Denman c b Atkins 1 d ' Easum b Bilsby 7 Bilsby l.b.w. McMahon I 17 M-Ross c Bilsby Cook l.b.w. McMahon I 9 b Thornton 2 [Page Twenty-Four] THE BRENTONIAN Callvers b Ley II Record c Scott b McMahon I Charter not out Extras Lewis c b Lt. Scott McMahon I c Dorman b Thornton Dunlop I b Charter Alexander not out Rixon not out 71 for 10 wickets 113 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. ST. GEORGE ' S SCHOOL (VANCOUVER) The annual cricket match between Brentwood and St. George ' s was held on June 2nd. at Brockton Point in Vancouver. Brentwood was rather outclassed in this match which St. George ' s won quite easily. The fielding on the part of Brentwood still needs a great deal of practice. Brentwood won the toss and decided to bat first. Clarke and Buscombe both bowled exceedingly well for St. George ' s, and dismissed Brentwood for 61 runs. St. George ' s batted and made 175 runs for 5 wickets before declaring. Clarke made 104 runs before retiring. Brentwood went in again after tea and were all out for 39 runs. BRENTWOOD COLEGE (1st innings) Atkins run out 7 Butler b Clarke 0 Scott .stumped Buscombe 1 Kerbey l.b.w. Buscombe ... 0 Ley II .b Buscombe 14 d ' Easum b Clarke 5 M-Ross b Buscombe 2 Lewis l.b.w. Buscombe ... 8 McMahon c Scott b Clarke 3 Dunlop I not out 12 Alexander c Koe b Elgar 4 ST. GEORGE ' S SCHOOL Buscombe c d ' Easum 29 b M-Ross Koe c McMahon b M-Ross 1 Clarke retired 104 Taylor l.b.w. M-Ross . 5 Seddon c Bradley b Atkins 17 Elgar b McMahon 1 Scott 2 Extras 15 for five wickets 174 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE (2nd innings) Atkins b Buscombe 1 d ' Easum b Buscombe 2 Dunlop b Clarke 5 M-Ross b Buscombe 10 Lewis b Buscombe 4 McMahon .b Buscombe 2 Alexander run out 0 Butler b Buscombe 3 Scott c b Clarke 2 Kerbey l.b.w. Clarke 0 Ley II not out 1 Extras _ i 9 61 39 [Page Twenty-Five] THE BRENTONIAN BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. H.M.S. FLAM BO ROUGH HEAD The return match against the Royal Navy cricketers was played at the home ground on June 7th. This was the Navy ' s last game before going to the Pacific theatre of war and proved to be a very enjoyable affair. Luckily the field had been cut that very day consequently the ground was much better although the pitch was still hard. Again we played a twelve man side. Navv won the toss and batted first but they were soon dismissed for a total of 70 runs. McMahon and Ley II bowled well for Brentwood taking 4 wickets each for a total of 15 and 16 runs respectively. Kerbey and Ley II were top batters for Brent- wood making 19 and 17 runs respectively. H.M.S. FLAMBOROUGH HEAD Lt. Scott b Ley II 4 Bilsby l.b.w. Ley II 13 Lt. Pearson c Kerbey b M-Ross 4 J. Harper run out 2 P. Thornton P.T.I. ...c b Ley 11 6 Wellington b McMahon 1 Keeble c McMahon b Ley II 1 Hunt c Lewis b McMahon 8 A. Thornton O.T.O. b McMahon 4 J. Cook b Atkins 1 Dobsin l.b.w. McMahon ...12 Dormand not out 2 Extras 11 70 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Atkins : b Keeble 3 Dunlop I run out 0 Scott c Lt. Scott b Keeble 5 Butler l.b.w. Hunt 1 Kerbey c Cook ... b Keeble 19 d ' Easum _.stum. Hunt 0 M-Ross run out 11 Lewis l.b.w. Harper 1 Lewis run out 3 McMahon c Cook Ley II - - b Keeble 17 Alexander not out 3 Rixon c Lt. Scott b Keeble 0 Extras 12 74 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. ROYAL NAVY A return match against the R. N. team that played us in the first match of the season was held on June 9 at the home ground. This time the result was the other way around as Brentwood won by a slight margin. Brentwood won the toss and decided to field first as it looked like it might rain which it did, much to the players chagrin. Oke was top scorer for the R.N. with 14 runs. McMahon I bowled well for Brent- wood taking 4 wickets for 13 runs. Mackenzie Ross was extremely lucky to get 24 runs on a very slippery wicket. Atkins fielded very well at point by getting 4 hard catches. ROYAL NAVY BRENTWOOD COLLEGE Rustan b Ley II 3 Dale b M-Ross 1 Oke b Ley II 14 Knowles c Atkins b McMahon 12 Ferguson c b McMahon ... 4 Atkins b Crowe 5 d ' Easum c Harford b Crowe 0 Scott b Knowles _ 4 Ley II b Knowles 12 M-Ross l.b.w. Knowles 0 [Page Twenty-Six] THE BRENTONIAN Hucking b Ley 11 6 Kerbey b Crowe 24 Harford c Atkins Lewis b Knowles 0 b McMahon 5 McMahon b Oke 7 Crowe c b Atkins 4 Butler not out 4 Hider „c Atkins Dunlop not out 3 b McMahon 2 Alexander did not bat Blackmore c Lewis Extras 12 b M-Ross 0 — Bailey _ not out 2 for 8 wickets 61 Extras 4 57 LOWER HOUSE vs. UPPER HOUSE The inter-house match was played on June 12th, on the home ground. Rain fell intermittedly throughout the whole afternoon which made the fielding rather difficult. The lower house won the toss and batted first. Atkins played a nice innings and made 17 runs. Ley II bowled well for the upper house by taking 8 wickets for 14 runs. In the lower house bowling analysis Scott and M-Ross both got 5 wickets apiece for 10 and 14 respectively. UPPER HOUSE LOWER HOUSE Dunlop 1 c Atkins Dunlop II b Ross 0 Burford „....l.b.w. Ross 1 Rochfort I l.b.w. Scott 0 d ' Easum b Scott 7 Ley II b Scott 3 Church I l.b.w. Ross 9 Hagans b Scott 2 c Scott Ley I b Ross 1 c O ' Halloran Thackray b Ross 0 Donald not out 0 b Scott 1 Extras 1 25 Atkins b Ley II 17 Scott b Ley II 4 Butler c b Ley II 0 Kerbey b Dunlop II 2 M-Ross c Hagans b Dunlop II 5 McMahon I b Ley II 2 Alexander c Church I b Ley II 3 Stone I b Ley II 3 O ' Halloran not out 3 Rixon b Ley II McMahon II b Ley 11 0 Extras 14 55 BRENTWOOD COLLEGE vs. MR. A. C. PRIVETT ' S XI The last match of the season was played on Speech Day preceding the annual prize giving. Mr. Hincks a former master of Brentwood College captained the oppos- ing XI. A. E. Gillespie an old boy made 46 runs for the visitors before being caught. [Page Twenty-Seven] THE BRENTONIAN MR. A. C. PRIVETT ' S XI BRENTWOOD COLLEGE E. P. Gillespie run out 1 A. E. Gillespie c Atkins b Ross 4(5 K. Symons b Ley II 2 M. A. W. Bridgman....b Ross 0 Maj. Wilson b Dunlop II 19 Dr. d ' Easum b Ley II 14 Lt. Ferguson l.b.w. Scott 18 R. Watson c Dunlop I b Scott 2 D. Hincks not out 6 D. Campbell run out 0 Dr. Angus c McMahon I b Scott 1 Extras 3 Atkins b Ferguson 0 Scott b Gillespie 3 Dunlop I b Gillespie 9 d ' Easum b Gillespie 0 Kerbey l.b.w. Ferguson ... 0 Ley II b Watson 4 M-Ross b Wilson 21 Alexander b Hincks 8 Dunlop II c Symons b Wilson 6 McMahon I not out 16 Lewis b Symons 4 Extras 5 76 118 THE COLTS In spite of a late spring and a large number of beginners, the season was a good one in many ways. An encouraging number of neophytes developed gratifying keeness as the term wore on, and in addition to those beginners who were chosen to play in matches, there were several more who would have been given their turns on the XI had we been able to arrange one or two more fixtures. Their time will come next year. Two pleasing features this season were first, the interest shown by several of the seniors, and the assistance and coaching they so freely gave, and second, the evidence that the idea of Playing Cricket is growing along with skill in the game — this is Cricket. The gasoline shortage and so many other activities in the various Schools combined to limit us to three fixtures, but these were thoroughly enjoyable, as we knew they would be. 16-5-45 Colts vs. Glenlyon School away, lost 30-31. 30-5-45 Colts vs. St. Michael ' s School home, won 66-43. 13-6-45 Colts vs. Glenlyon home, lost 43-50. [Page Twenty-Eight] THE BRENTONIAN THIS YEAR, as in the past years, we have seen a steady improvement in the calibre of the Track and Field events. Track seems to have become a major sport in the school this year, although hampered by a short season. Every boy who entered the events on Sports Day was known to have put an enthusiastic effort into his training. This boded well for future years. Also the fact stands that there is an abundance of ability in the Junior School this year, which will undoubtedly build a strong track team for the next few years. INTER-HOUSE SPORTS DAY The annual Inter-House sports were held at the School on .Saturday, May 28th., before a large gathering of spectators. It was a fine day and the track was in good condition. Many very good performances were turned in, and no less than four school records were broken, including two that were set nearly fifteen years ago. R. G. Lewis broke both the latter, running the Hurdles in 15 :2-5 seconds and setting a new record in the High Jump of 5 feet d 1 2 inches. In the Long Jump F. G. McMahon bettered his own mark of 19 feet 8 inches last year, to jump 21 feet 1 inch, while the Lower House Relay team, consisting of Lewis, McMahon I, Hanson I and Murray, set a new record of 1 :12 in the Inter-House Relay Race. Other interesting and fine performances were turned in by Dunlop I who came from the Junior events to take the 880 yards Open in fine fashion, by Lovett who won the Junior High Jump at 4 feet 10 inches and by McCarthy who won the Inter- mediate 440 yards from his much larger opponents. [Page Twenty-Nine] THE BRENTONIAN Many of the spectators were known to have remarked that this was the best Sports Day yet held at Brentwood, and we think that this has been echoed by almost every member of the School. The list of all records set on Sports Day since the foundation of the School follows : Hurdles R. G. Lewis (1945) Time— :15 2-5 100 yds W. F. Pinckard (1943) Time— :10 220 yds W. F. Pinckard (1943) Time— :23 440 yds A. E. Gillespie (1942) Time— :55 High Jump R. G. Lewis (1945) Height— 5 ft. 5i in. Long Jump F. G. McMahon (1945) Dist.— 21 ft. 1 in. Shot Put D. T. Akin (1934) _ Dist.— 39 ft. 7 in. Ball Throw A. Underbakke (1942) Dist.— 107 yds. 2 ft. 4 in. Relay Race Lower House (1945) Time— 1:32 880 yds C. T. B. Todd (1932) Time— 2:10 4-5 The results of this year ' s Sports Day were : INTER-HOUSE SPORTS DAY OPEN EVENTS Shotput: Llanson I; Lewis; Rixon. Distance 35 feet 4 4 inches. Cricket-ball Throw: Hanson I; Lewis; Wotherspoon. Distance 85 yds. 880 yds.: Dunlop I; Ley I; Hanson I. Time 2:27. Sack Race: McCarthy. SENIOR EVENTS Cross-country: Lewis; Ley I; Wotherspoon. Time 17:45 1-5. Hurdles: Lewis; Wotherspoon; Ley I. Time :15 2-5. 100 yds.: Lewis; Murray; Wotherspoon. Time :10 3-5. 220 yds.: Hanson I; Murray; Wotherspoon. Time :25 2-5. 440 yds.: Lewis: Ralston; Ley I. Time :57 2-5. High Jump: Lewis; Wotherspoon; Church 1. Height 5 ft. 5 4 in. Long Jump: Wotherspoon; Hanson I; Ralston. Distance 19 ft. 1 in. INTERMEDIATE EVENTS Cross-country: McMahon I; Turner; Kerbey. Hurdles: Hagans; d ' Easum; McMahon 1. Time :16 4-5. 100 yds.: McMahon I; Hagans; Burford. Time :10 3-5. 220 yds.: McMahon I; Hagans; d ' Easum. Time :24 2-5. 440 yds.: McCarthy; Rochfort I; Ley II. Time 1:00 4-5. High Jump: Hagans; Rochfort I; McMahon I. Height 4 ft. 9 4 in. Long Jump: McMahon I; d ' Easum; Stone I. Distance 18 ft. 11 in. Exhibition Long Jump — McMahon I. Distance 21 ft. 1 in. JUNIOR EVENTS Cross-country: Dunlop I; Dunlop II. Hurdles: McMahon II; Dunlop II. Time :18. 100 yds.: Campbell II; McMahon II. Time :11. 220 yds.: Campbell II; Dunlop II. Time :25 2-5. [Page Thirty] THE BRENTONIAN 440 yds.: Dunlop I; Dunlop II. Time 1:02 4-5. High Jump: Lovett; McMahon II. Height 4 ft. 10 in. Long Jump: Campbell II; Dunlop I. Distance 16 ft. 11 in. Inter-House Relay: Lower House. Time 1:12. HOUSE POINTS Lower House 17; Upper House 31. ' INDIVIDUAL WINNERS Victor Ludorum — Winner: R. G. Lewis; Runner-up, J. A. Hanson. Intermediate Challenege Cup — Winner: F. G. McMahon; Runner-up: W. D. Hagans. Junior Challenge Cup — Winner: R. A. Dunlop; Runner-up; J. Campbell. INTER-HIGH TRACK MEET For the fourth year in a row Brentwood sent a Track team into town to compete in the annual Inter-High Meet. The team consisted of : R. G. Lewis (Capt.), Hanson I, McMahon I, Wotherspoon, Ralston, Ley I, Dunlop I, Hagans, and Burford. The meet was held on the Victoria High School grounds on June 8th., and our team was believed to be quite strong. However, our old rival, [Page Thirty-( )ne | THE BRENTONIAN University School, was much better than expected and for that reason we were only able to take second place. Notwithstanding this, Brentwood was able to turn in another record, when Lewis set a new mark of 15 1-10 seconds in the 120 yds. Hurdles. This brings Brentwood ' s total up to three records in the Inter-High Schools Meet. These include the 880 yds. Medley Relay Race record which was set in 1943 by a team consisting of Pinckard, Calhoun, MacClean and Birch-Jones (Time — 1:42 2-5), the 100 yds. dash record set by Pinckard of ten seconds flat, and Lewis ' Hurdles record. This year the School was lucky to receive the aid of Mr. Watson, a former sprint star, who helped in the training of the Track Team, and with Mr. Privett ' s able supervision, track should progress rapidly next year. Individual results in the Inter-High Meet were : Lewis — 1st in the 120 yds. Hurdles, 2nd in the 100 yds., 2nd in the High Jump. McMahon I— 2nd in the 220 yds. Wotherspoon — 2nd in the Long Jump. Dunlop I— 2nd in the 880 yds. Hanson I — 3rd in the Shot Put. The Relay team consisting of Lewis (440 yds.), McMahon 1 (220 yds.), Burford and Hagans (110 yds.) placed 2nd. [Page Thirty-Two] THE BRENTONIAN Badminton Badminton, not having been played last year due to an acute shortage of shuttlecocks was greeted with considerable keeness by all concerned. We had the good fortune of obtaining Mr. R. Watson to coach the players. He definitely improved the standard of play and a great deal of credit goes to him for making the game so successful. Mr. Watson arranged a Round Robin with the Brentwood Badminton Club on March 13th and a team composed of Thackray, Scott, Ley I, Church I, Wotherspoon, and Ralston represented the school. We did fairly well and had a very pleasant evening-. Church I and his partner Flying Officer Trethewey, R.C.A.F. won the tournament. Results of School competitions were : Senior Singles — R. E. Ley; Runner-up, W. S. Thackray. Senior Doubles — R. E. Ley and W. S. Thackray; Runners up, G. C. d ' Easum and P. B. Mackenzie-Ross. Junior Singles — W. G. McMahon ; Runner-up, J. D. Rochfort. Junior Doubles — B. Ley and T. J. B. Kerbey ; Runners up, W. N. Dunlop and R. A. Dunlop. The House Competitions were divided ; the Upper House winning the Senior and the Lower House the Junior. Senior Singles — W. S. Thackray (U) won from A. H. B. Wotherspoon (L). R. E. Ley (U) won from B. Scott (L). Senior Doubles — J. R. Ralston and P. B. Mackenzie-Ross (L) won from E. V. B. Holmes and W. C. Church (U ). Junior Singles — W. G. McMahon (L) won from R. S. Wilson (U). J. N. Stone (L) won from B. Ley (U). Junior Doubles — W. N. Dunlop and R. A. Dunlop (U) won from D. O ' Halloran and I. L. Drost (L). Squash The season was not a brilliant one, but rather one that showed quite a bit of improvement in most of the players. The number of participants was not high, but the keenness among some of them made up for this. During the Christmas Term Mr. Privett suggested that the school have an American-type Tournament in both Badminton and Squash. The idea was accepted eagerly and there was much keen competition between the players. The results in the Squash were : Senior: 1st, Lewis; 2nd, Church I; 3rd, Holland. Junior: 1st, McMahon 2; 2nd, Drost; 3rd, McCormick. The School Squash Tournament, played off in the Easter Term, resulted as follows : [Page Thirty-Three-] THE BRENTONIAN Senior: Winner, A. H. B. Wotherspoon ; Runner-up, R. G. Lewis. Junior: Winner, W. G. McMahon ; Runner-up, R. A. Dunlop. In the Inter-House Squash Competition, the Lower House won in both Senior and Junior sections, in each by two matches to one. Tennis After four years of hard work we were finally able to finish the second tennis court. The building of this tennis court was greatly delayed by the shortage of materials. W r e were unfortunate this year in not being able to obtain a tennis coach but the standard of play and keenness all around was as good if not better than in previous years. The results of the School Tournament were : Senior — Singles:: Winner, R. E. Ley; Runner-up, A. H. B. Wotherspoon. Doubles : Winners, R. Ley and H. Wotherspoon ; Runners-up, W. Church and R. Lewis. Junior — Singles : Winner, W. G. McMahon ; Runner-up, I. L. Drost. Doubles: Winners, W. McMahon and T. Kerbey; Runners-up, D. Hagans and J. Leverett. Rowing Rowing has been, as always, a pop- ular sport this year. The fours were not taken out very often for the main reason that there were very few boys who knew how to handle them. Bad luck has dogged the footsteps of the singles enthusiasts in a number of ways. First, one of the shells ' outriggers rusted through. Then, one of our more ardent rowers smashed in the bow of the other. While the latter was being repaired, four cracks miraculously appeared in the first. As a result there has been no School or Inter-House Com- petitions this year. Thanks should be extended to Manson and Otis who did a very fine job in compl etely restoring one of the old clinker-built singles. It will come in very useful as a practice shell next year. All in all though, for all the hard luck, the rowing season has been very successful. f I ' age Thirty-Four] THE BRENTONIAN Sailing Sailing was a great success this year due to the enthusiasm shown by the Junior School. Owing to the shortage of material and the lack of skilled labour we had to be satisfied with the use of two Frostbites and the Whim. However, there were several private boats owned by boys in the school which helped to supply abundant sailing for all those who desired it. As only three of last year ' s sailing captains returned, namely Ley I, Thackray and Scott, it was found necessary to have numerous trials in the bay for prospective sailing captains. These positions were soon filled by Rochfort I, Holland, Robertson, Maxwell-Smith, Church I, and Wotherspoon who greatly aided the juniors in enabling them to learn how to handle the smaller types of boats that were in use. The sailing races were a great success this year but ' luck ' seemed to be the deciding factor. The winner of the races was Ley I with Hagans as crew, while Rochfort I was runner-up. The Inter-House Race was won by the Lower House. Hobby Clubs Started a year ago, the Hobby Clubs have justified themselves and come to stay — and we hope to increase in membership and value. At present we have the following activities : Chemical research, fly tying, electricity, model building, photography and taxidermy. Early in the year club rooms were painted and fixtures added; one room was insulated. A sink with run- ning water, an electric door bell and an electric door opener were installed. Many good aeroplanes were built and flown, one with its own gasoline engine mounted. After much effort and research a small quantity of plastic was produced (next year we hope to see a dinge made in the stocking shocking- shortage?) The electric club has built up much formidable looking equip- ment — which works ! — and has displayed considerable wheedling and ' finding ability, quite shocking; at times. Ultra violet and infra-red rays, though invisible, may be detected in other ways. Ultra hobby and infra-dig activities — need we say more? The Photography club was started up this year after a lapse of quite a time. The school gave us two rooms and a number of light bulbs. We then acquired two powerful spot lights and started to take portraits in the club- room. A good printing machine was supplied and we made two enlargers. In the last term an extremely cumbersome but very useful machine has been made for copying pictures. The Bursar has been very kind in that she always tried to get film and paper but even with her help our activities have been limited by the shortages of material. [Page Thirty-Five] THE BRENTONIAN The Sea Cadet Corps The regular schedule of training was carried out throughout the year. Two trips were made to H.M.C.S. Naden, one to see over the Barracks and its many features of interest and the other to go over H.M.C.S. Shediac, commanded by Lieut. -Commander P. D. Taylor, formerly on the Brentwood staff. The year ' s N.C.O ' s were as follows : Chief Petty Officer, W. S. Thackray ; Petty Officers, B. Scott, R. Ley, R. Lewis; Leading Seamen, C. P. Donald, G. Holland, W. Church; Leading Writer, R. M. Butler. In the Dominion Marksman Competitions the followi ng were awarded silver pins : Thackray, Lewis, Church and Scott ; and the following were awarded bronze pins : Burns, Ley, Holland, Murray, Lewis, Church, and Scott. Thirteen cadets averaged over 80% on the weekly shooting throughout the year. The year ' s training ended with the Annual Inspection held on May 28th. and conducted by Lieut. Commander D. S. Scott. He summed up a very favourable report with the remark that R.C.S.C. Brentwood was an excellent corps considering it was staffed by only one Officer. [Page Thirty-Six] THE BRENTONIAN PRIZE GIVING The Twenty-Second Annual Speech Day and Prize Giving was held at Brentwood Saturday, June 23rd. The day ' s activities started with a Cricket Match betwen the School ' s first XI and the Headmaster ' s XI which team was made up of parents and Old Boys. Mr. Hincks, a former Master of th e School captained the visiting team, and A. E. Gillespie, an Old Boy, made 46 runs, Major C. C. Wilson, 19 runs and Lieut. Ferguson 18 runs for the visiting team. McKenzie-Ross was high scorer for the School XI and F. McMahon made 16 runs. The visitors won by a score of 118 to 76. At 3 :30 p.m. a large number of visitors assembled in the Gymnasium for the Prize Giving. The Headmaster first expressed a warm welcome to the visitors. He paid tribute on behalf of the School and Board of Governors, to the loyal and untiring work of Dr. Scott-Moncrieff, who had been a member of the Board since the foundation of the school in 1923, and Chair- man of that Board until the day of his death June 22nd. He went on to speak of the successes of the School, notably of the work in the Junior forms, and the award of the Leonard Foundation Scholarship to Rowan Ley. He spoke of the difficulties of the past year, but stressed the loyal cooperation of the staff and boys, and mentioned the bright prospects both in teaching staff and numbers for the next school year. He cited School successes in games and made special mention of the Rugby team which had been the best for some years. He dwelt on the School war record of which it is justly proud. Of the 631 boys who had passed through the School over 300 were known to have been on active service in this war, twenty-seven of which had given their lives. He then introduced Dr. Ewing, Principal of Victoria College, who gave a stirring address. He spoke briefly to the boys who are leaving and stressed the importance of the occasion in their lives, the change of familiar to unfamiliar, and the satisfaction they will feel because of achievement. He brought out five things of importance: Membership in a fine School ' s personality was something to be proud of. Youth has not learned to wear a mask and the friendships formed at school are the most lasting because they are built on a firm foundation. He spoke of scholarship wherein each must work for himself to build a good foundation on which to face the world. The power of discrimination is one of the greatest lessons to be [Page Thirty-Seven] THE BRENT ONIAN learned at school, and to be able to discriminate between the good and false, he said, was one of the most important things in life. He mentioned the use of sportsmanship in the true sense of the word. They were now leaving the school and supervised education and were going forward under their own steam into a world which, on many occasions, they would find a pretty cold place. For their future he wished them four wishes : Health, for it is impossible to live without it. Wealth, in moderation, for without it it is difficult to get along. Happiness, for that is the greatest blessing of all ; and Honour, for without it we cannot live fully. Mrs. H. C. Holmes, then presented the prizes and at the conclusion was herself presented with a corsage bouquet by Bernard Pelly. Prize List follows : PRIZE LIST FORM PRIZES— Shell, B. B. Pelly; Remove, 1st, McCormick; 2nd, Belliss II; Grade 10, 1st, Dunlop I; 2nd, Belliss I; 3rd, Dunlop II; Grade 11, 1st, R. S. Wilson; 2nd, J. H. Watson; Grade 12, W. C. Church; Grade 13, R. M. T. Butler. SPECIAL PRIZES: Angust prize for Science, N. Marshall; Curtis prize for Mathematics, R. M. T. Butler; Williams prize for Languages, R. A. Dunlop; Scott-Moncrieff prize for English, R. M. T. Butler; Reading-in- Chapel, B. Scott; Special Effort prize, D. V. Young. GAMES — Sailing, R. Ley (Capt.), W. Hagans (crew) ; Junior Squash Racquets, W. G. McMahon ; Senior Squash Racquets, H. Wotherspoon; Junior Badminton, Singles, W. G. McMahon ; Senior Badminton, Singles, R. E. Ley; Junior Badminton, Doubles, B. Ley and J. T. B. Kerbey; Senior Badminton, Doubles, R. E. Ley and W. S. Thackray; Junior Tennis, Singles, W. G. McMahon; Junior Tennis, Doubles, W. G. McMahon and T. Kerbey; Senior Tennis, Singles, R. Ley; Senior Tennis, Doubles, R. Ley and H. Wotherspoon; Shooting Cup, W. S. Thackray; Junior Cross Country, R. A. Dunlop ; Intermediate Cross Country, F. G. McMahon ; Senior Cross Country, R. G. Lewis, Obstacle Race, D. S. McCarthy; 100 Yards Challenge Cup, R. G. Lewis; Junior Challenge Cup, R. A. Dunlop; Intermediate Challenge Cup, F. G. McMahon ; Senior Challenge Cup and Victor Ludorum, R. G. Lewis. INTER-HOUSE CUP— Lower House. YARROW SHIELD AND MEDAL— R. Ley. [Page Thirty-Eight] THE BRENTONIAN Ode to the Seven Prefects You ' re seven proud prefects with very few defects Let each take the spot-light by turns. There ' s Butler and Thackray and Lewis and Scott, Ley, Church, Burns. With names so euphonious even harmonious How can you fail to agree? Meaning Thackray and Lewis and Butler and Scott, Burns, Church, Ley. With talents so varied you must be considered A very remarkable lot. That is Lewis and Thackray and Butler and Ley, Church, Burns, Scott. Now who could be subtler than Michael T. Butler In dealing with words and phonetics, While Richard G. Lewis to give him his due is Your outstanding man at athletics. Bill Thackray will fight to the very last bite For your full proper share of the ration. And though Burns dislikes books I ' LL admit that he looks The very Adonis of fashion. In sailing a lugger or captaining Rugger You ' l have to go far to beat Ley. But you ' ve not far to search if you ' re looking for Church, He ' s undoubtedly having his tea. I ' ve kept Scott ' till last but one look at his past, Will reveal that he ' s got what it takes. On the field or in school to stick to the rule, And not to be deterred by mistakes. With hands firm on the tiller, when the squall hits just spill ' er Don ' t forget too much sunshine can scorch. Don ' t let yourselves slack and you ' ll proudly look back When the time comes to hand on the torch. If you ' ll keep this in mind you ' ll all leave behind, A record for others to see, Of Butler and Lewis and Thackray and Scott, Church, Burns, Ley. F. R. J. Gerard. [Pai e Thirty-Nine] THE BRENTONIAN V-E DAY ORDER OF THE DAY: School, appropriately dressed, will leave embarkation point, meaning the float if it has not sunk, at 1000 hours and will proceed in line astern, guarded by a flotilla of sailboats, to point of assembly for invasion by quickest possible route. Landing craft and all other small boats will then leave the convoy and take all personnel and equipment, including the seven crates of pop, ashore. Then a beachhead must be established at all costs. Towing vessel will return at 1900 hours to take off all casualties. BEACHHEAD COMMUNIQUE (EYEWITNESS REPORTS) : The day dawned windless and cloudless but certainly not sunless. We left our base ten minutes after H-hour, following closely behind the sailboat flotilla. However these (meaning our escorting sailboats) made little headway and so it was not long before there were approximately ten ships in tow behind Mr. Creed ' s Tern. We reached our destination without any serious mishaps and for a while, Sandy Beach looked somewhat like the beaches of Iwo Jima, the amount of food and other materials that were unloaded from all the small vessels being simply amazing. However, with our beachhead firmly established in no time at all, and all our gear stowed away under the shade of the trees or in the nearby streams, it was not longer than ten minutes before most of the expedition (including the O. C. and his staff) was garbed in bathing-suits and ready for a swim. But the water was not exactly warm and it took a hardy spirit to stay for a very long time. Moreover there were other equally interesting things going on ashore — such as the handing out of K-rations. Sandwiches and a tremendous amount of pop were consumed in a remarkably short time. Immediately after lunch a stiff breeze arose and nearly everybody, except those persons who were concentrating upon burning themselves to cinders, took a spin in one of the multitudes of sailboats drawn up on the beach. There was only one spill in the whole afternoon — one of our more seamanlike prefects tried to scale the mast of a Frostbite at a rather inopportune moment and . . . Soon it came time to eat once more, but unfortunately the food supply seemed to have been depleted during the afternoon : no doubt the sandwiches had got tired and walked back home ! However, not everyone went hungry and six fires could be counted in fifty yards of beach when word went round that it was weiners for supper. After supper a period of collecting gear, putting out fires, and digging empty pop bottles out of the sand was spent. Finally our towing vessel hove into sight and the expedition was over. The only sad note of the whole operation was the high casualty list. Only about one in four escaped without injury. The remainder spent a restless night practically wishing they were dead. How do I know? I got sunburned too ! [Page Forty] THE BRENTONIAN WHY WAS I EVER BORN The GameS ' List Maker-Outer ' s Plaint Writing out the daily Games list does not sound so hard, does it? All that has to be done is that the whole school has to be put on some sort of games activity during the afternoon, and everyone must be dealt with fairly and be able to play within reason the game of his choice. But just you try it — try it for one week — and if you come out at the end of that week without having had any complaints whatsoever : well, then, you deserve a Purple Heart, or something else equally unappropriate. You say — Use a System. That ' s all very well. I have worked out quite a few systems in two years as Games-List-Maker-Outer, but only one ever worked well. That was the one last Summer Term which satisfied everyone, mainly because no one ever paid the slightest bit of attention to it anyhow. I would sweat for a whole study-period and more in the morning arranging the list so that little Willie could do Tennis because the Matron says that Sailing is too much strain on him ; and what happens — little Willie decides that he wants to go with the gang and spend a carefree afternoon ' weeding at Butchard ' s Gardens (with the Master-On-Duty ' s permission, of course) and therefore forgets completely about his games. Not that I would not too if I was in his place, but after all . . . Some days boys come up to me with seemingly the most fantastic complaints — So-and-so has played Badminton twenty-six times this term and I have only played twice. W 7 hy???? If I am so good as to do anything but yell at the wretched creature I ' ll see about it and then promptly forget there ever was such a game as Badminton in existence, I usually find that So-and-so spends every minute of his free time in the gym playing Badmin- ton ; but no one ever thinks of this when he comes to complain, and even if he does, he comes to complain anyway just to try and put one over me. Of course, the most amazing thing of the whole business is that, while most boys, if they want to, hear the times that they are supposed to play their respective games, when workparty times are read out, not one boy in the whole room hears them, and although the few with consciences besiege the dias afterwards asking the time, most boys just arrive half-an-hour late for workparties and plead to the Prefect that the Master-on-Duty read the time out wrong (which as a matter of fact he probably did). Oh yes, life was tough as Games-List-Maker-Outer, but now I have weathered the storm and am limping into port not realty much the worse for wear, but a lot more hard of heart. However, I will have one more pleasure in life now — I will be able to watch my successors and see them at work trying to solve the problem of the Unfair, Unlistened-to, Uninter- esting and Unwanted Games List. [Page Forty-One] THE B RENTONIAN Side by side we .stand to give Honor to our College, She who shows us how to live, Brings us health and knowledge, Brentwood, Brentwood by the sea, Keep us ever true to thee. Wisdom is the prize we seek, True and false discerning: Diligently week by week Striving after learning. Brentwood, Brentwood, help us find Happiness and peace of mind. Rugger, Running, Rowing, Work, Hardening our muscles, Train and teach us not to shirk In Life ' s sterner tussles. Brentwood, Brentwood, may thy name Stand for those who play the game. Here we must commemorate In a raising chorus Scholars, athletes, small and great, Those who went before us. Brentwood, Brentwood, may we be Like them, ever true to thee. So may all, a hardy breed, To one purpose steady, By obeying learn to lead, Self-controlled and ready. Brentwood, Brentwood evermore Help us to obey thy lore. ( Page Forty-Two] THE BRENTONIAN SENIOR COMMON-ROOM PLAY Saturday, October 7th, 1944. The Senior Common-room put on a series of skits for the entertainment of the school charging 10 cents admission in aid of a fund for a Common-room radio. These skits though shorter than was expected provided us with an enjoyable half-hour, and provided the Seniors with the needed cash. THANKSGIVING DAY TOURNEYS The school celebrated Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 9) with American-type Tournaments in both Badminton and Squash instead of the usual Monday afternoon of Cadet Corps. Everyone took part and the winners were: Senior Badminton — Ley I, 1st; Thackray, 2nd. Senior Squash — Lewis, 1st; Church I, 2nd. Junior Badminton — Wilson, 1st; Stone II, 2nd. Junior Squash — McMahon II, 1st; Drost, 2nd. The Dramatic Club For the first time in four years the Dramatic club went into action at Christmas with the presentation of two short plays by Clemence Dane and Gertrude Jennings respectively, Shivering Shocks and Have You Anything- To Declare? A surprising amount of talent was unearthed in the process and every- body but the staff who had perforce to release boys from much needed Prep. for rehearsals, had a good time into the bargain. Mrs. McGuire and Mrs. Privett directed the plays, and two excellent teams of electricians and stage hands, under the guidance of Spurgin and Tracy, respectively, did a really first rate job of staging, stage lighting and scene shifting. The scene shifting was carried out with remarkable accuracy and speed, in keep with the best Brentwood traditions, and behind the scenes all went well until just before the raising of the curtain for the second play, when the fire refused to function. For a few moments it seemed as though the heavens would fall, so terrible was the suspense, as the electricians frantically tore their hair, and tried every manner of device with no effect. Eventually a voice was heard to remark, quietly from somewhere in the darkness, backstage, in the midst of an awe-ful silence, Shall I turn on the juice now Spurgin? [Page Forty-Three] THE BRENTONIAN The prompter was somewhat non-plussed, towards the end of Shivering Shocks, when someone tapped her on the shoulder and remarked that the handcuffs which were to be used on the villain in the thrilling denoument, were nowhere to be found. Frantically she tore off to the dressing room, praying that no-one would forget their parts meanwhile, (miraculously, no- one did !) and failing to find the missing implements, desperately gave directions for the villian to be knocked ou t, if the worst came to the worst, as an alternative to handcuffing! Fortunately (for the villain) this somewhat startling and violent climax proved unnecessary as the missing handcuffs turned up mysteriously at the eleventh hour! The cast of the two plays was as follows : HAVE YOU ANYTHING TO DECLARE Lady Begonia - -- -- -- -- Vincent Holmes Inspector Detective Edwards ----- Bernard Atkins Lady Begonia ' s Husband ------- John Stone Customs Officer Brown ------ MacGregor Church Susan - -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Dunlop Eliza - -- -- -- -- -- -- Bob Dunlop Laura - -- -- -- -- -- - Ronnie Wilson May - -- -- -- -- - Desmond O ' Halloran Miss Woodbine ------- - Donald Belliss Charlie - -- -- -- -- -- - Toby Kerbey Policeman - -- -- -- -- - Frank McMahon SHIVERING SHOCKS Captain Dallas - -- -- -- - - - Michael Butler Kysh - -- -- -- -- -- - Bernard Atkins Granville Hughes B.Sc. - • - Beverley Mackenzie-Ross The Shepherd - -- -- -- -- Vincent Holmes Dawson alias Inspector James Pollock - Dick Lewis Everybody worked hard and it is not easy to pick out individual per- formers. Michael Butler who was on stage throughout the performance of Shivering Shocks made a good job of a difficult part. Lewis was clever as usual in his impersonation of a dual role, and Holme ' s Irish brogue was invaluable in Have You Anything To Declare. The girls — who one and all showed a remarkable resemblance to their mothers, — acted well, and Don Belliss as the elderly spinster who turns out to be a villainess in disguise, gave an excellent performance. Atkins was a good detective, and Kerbey was a very smooth villain, who at the final performance practically knew his part! I Page Forty-Four] THE BRENTONIAN Between the plays an amusing- mime to Riding Down from Bangor was performed by members of the Shell. Familiar carols sung by the choir, bolstered (the right word? but hardly tactful perhaps) by Mesdames Sery, Garrard and Privett and Miss Garrard, closed an altogether successful evening. The carolers, grouped before the Good King Wenceslas backdrop and clad seasonably in topcoats and mufflers carried lanterns which lent a picturesque touch to the scene which had been bathed, by Spurgin and his electricians, in a mysterious blue twilight. At the close of the performance, after a somewhat indecorous and unequal struggle with the head boy, Mrs. Privett was persuaded to remain on the stage to receive a very beautiful bouquet presentd by Pelly, on behalf of the. school. The Electricity Club A Tribute Of the number of clubs that have flourished this year There is one about which I must write, And that is the one that derives all its fun From voltage and amperes and light ; And the high tension chiefs who conduct this research Are Spurgin and Marshall and Burford and Church. They provided the stage with it ' s scenic effects By many a floodlighting ruse ; Though their shocking career must have cost the school dear, In metre, transformer and fuse. But whatever our needs we weren ' t left in the lurch By Spurgin and Marshall and Burford and Church. And as these live wires were plugging away One evening, we heard a report And we fear that the flash which came after the crash Will have cut their activities short; And the names of the pieces for which we must search Spur gin Chur ch. Are shall and Mar and ford and Bur Anon.. [Page Forty-Five] THE BRENT ONIAN Old Mewd (By the H.M.) THE TWO NEWS LETTERS sent out during the year have met with such a wonderful response that it has been quite impossible for me to stick to my original intention of writing an answer to each one. I have literally been snowed under with replies and am afraid that, for the moment, the comments that follow must serve as both acknowledgment and thanks for many of them. I have always been most pleased to receive them in spite of the work entailed in replying. Perhaps I could develop the idea of the old Field Service post card, crossing out what does not apply! It might look something like this : Thank you for your letter, card, cheque, photograph, rugby boots. Congratulations on your promotion, marriage, offspring, exploits, release from prison. Please remember me to your mother, brother, aunt, cousin. These, mimeographed in quantity, might save me a lot of writing even if they did not always exactly meet the case ! Only about seventy-five per cent of the questionnaires have, as yet, failed to return but they are still coming in and I am continuing to hope ! I think it is most important that we arrange an Old Boys ' meeting during next term. Here are the notes on Old Boys that I have gathered together recently : — Bob Eadie landed in Normandy in June, ' 44. Bertie Levy is at U.B.C. and has seen something of Tony Pollard. Jack Todd was in Currie Barracks, Calgary, as corporal and hoped to get his commission. Peter Kirwin wrote from Portland before returning to England. Ernest Kirwin wrote from New York on his way to England. Dennis Baker was hoping to get to U.B.C. Another letter from Ernest Kirwin written from Ampleforth College, Yorkshire. Allan Cameron had had news of Logan Mayhew and John Pitts. Ken Cook was stationed in St. Johns, Nfld. News of M. Hammersley training at Maple Creek, Sask., in the Seaforth Highlanders. Airgraph letter from Michael Anketell-Jones, Sub. Lt. (E) written from England. Two letters from Allen Calhoun, one in Nov., ' 44 as AB at Halifax, and later as probationary Sub. Lt. stationed at Cornwallis. Peter McRae is at U.B.C. [Page Forty-Six] THE BRENTONIAN News of W. B. Osborne from his Mother to say that he had graduated from Whitman College and completed his naval reserve training at North- western in Dec., ' 43 and had been in the Pacific in ' 44. Letter from Frank Coleman who was in the U. S. Navy. Letter from Mrs. Elkington with news of Dick ' s activities at H.M.C.S., Stadacona. Letter from Colin Stewart who was in the Eskimo force of the R.C.O.C. stationed at Prince Albert. A sad letter from Mrs. Smythe of Kalso, to say that her son, Ralph, had died of wounds in Holland, Oct. 11. Letter from Geo. A. Ford, U. S. Army, who wanted news of J. Asselstine, D. Rhodes, G. Milligan, T. Osier. A long letter about past days from E. J. Symons written from Petawawa Camp. Letter from Paul Waterstrat written from U. S. Naval Air Gunner ' s School in Florida, had seen Walter Clist. News of Phil Sharland from his father. He had served with the King ' s African Rifles as lieutenant and was then back as district officer at Ft. Rosebery. We congratulate him on the birth of a daughter on Oct. 17. Another letter from David Rhodes now lieutenant and written from Germany. Letter from Roderick Falkener, who has tried all three services and likes the army as well as any. Letter from Austin Underbakke, F.O., R.C.A.F. Overseas, who had come across Dennison and Keate. News from Chas. Boulnois written from Wellington College. He con- tinues to write letters in prep. A wonderful letter from Bill MacAskill telling his experiences with the First Canadian Field Press Censor Unit. Cheery note from Alastair Gillespie who was with the Naval Air Arm. Graeme Hutchings had been overseas since August, 1942 with the R.C.A.F. Colin Graham wrote from H.M.C.S. Cornwallis where he was doing advanced naval training. Spencer Dennison, F.O., R.C.A.F., had met Allan Brown, Michael John- son and Austin Underbakke. Donald Archibald wrote from Creston and still wonders if the cook ever found out what became of the remains of the Christmas turkey. George Luxton died in Ottawa January 5, 1945. Gordon Adam wrote from Upper Canada College that he was editor of the U.C.C. Times. Christmas greetings arrived from Roderick Mackenzie, who was with the R. A. in the Central Mediterranean. Another letter from Spencer Dennison giving more news of Ted Foot. [Pa e Forty-Seven] T HE BRENTONIAN Douglas McDougall also wrote from the Mediterranean where he was serving with the R.C.A. George Kidd wrote from his home where he was on leave from Shaugh- nessy Hospital after being wounded in Europe. Duncan Munger had arrived back in Portland from service in Africa and Italy. Quirk Cameron had seen much service from D-day onwards. A later letter was written from Hospital in England and still later news came that he had been awarded the Military Cross. Tom Usher had heard from K. M. Kiehle who was with the U.S.A.A.F. in England. Robt. Greene is with the Consolidated Mining Smelting Co., is married and has three daughters. Bill Pinckard had arrived overseas and come down with the mumps and wished he was back at Brentwood. Long letter from Don Wilson who had served as Medical Officer with the R.C.A.F. and had been to India and Burma with the Canadian Air Liaison studying tropical medicine. He writes that hs brother joined the Navy in the summer of 1942 as Surgeon Lt. and is now doing post graduate work in the Toronto General Hospital. Geo. Ford wrote in May from Colville, Wash., where he was working for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. He had met Peter Hinton in Prince Rupert some time previously. John Clarke wrote a long letter in May from Camp Lejeune, N. Carolina. He had undergone two operations on his knee but had reached the stag e of officer candidate for the U. S. Marine Corps. R. R. Pooley had taken the examination for aviation chief radio tech- nician. Jack Brockie had served two years with the R.C.A.F. He was married last December, and had been duck shooting with Stewart Fraser. Ted Foot had done well in his training in the R.C.A.F. and was in May this year Ft. Lt. attached to the 159th Squad. R.A.F. W. B. Dickinson writes that he is now married and has two children and holds the post of contract officer in the U. S. Navy. Bill Pinckard. wrote again in May from Germany where he had seen action after having recovered from the mumps. Chas. E. Wilson ' s sister wrote to say that her brother was with the First Canadian Army overseas. He spent seven years in Palestine. Douglas Belyea wrote from San Francisco where he was representing the Canadian University Press at the Conference. Another letter from Ned Symons written from England where he was acting as assistant M. T. officer. f Page Forty-Eight] THE BRENTONIAN Another letter from Underbakke written from England. He had com- pleted 19 operations when war ended and had since had some interesting trips dropping food to the Dutch and bringing back prisoners of war. Bob Stephens from Royal Naval Engineering College with news of Mike Anktell-Jones and Allan Brown. They had been together ever since they had left school in 1941. Jim Greer wrote from England where he was with the First Canadian G.C.U. He seems to have moved about a lot and has volunteered for the Pacific. A long letter from John Pitts, who had joined the Army from McGill and was doing his training at St. John, Que. A friend of his had met Bill Newton in London, who in turn had met Fred Oxenbury. A letter from Chas. Martin, at Brentwood from 1924 to 1928, tells that he is now manager of a housing project in Los Angeles, and will have a son ready for Brentwood in about five years ' time. Colin Neame wrote from Cheltenham. He had been in touch with Kirwan Brothers and had exchanged reminiscences. Angus Kenning wrote from Halifax and he had seen a lot of Chas. Fleming, who was serving at H.M.S.C. Anticosti. A voice from the dim, distant past came recently in the form of a letter from W. F. McNeill — (Squeak). He has had interesting experiences with the first convoy of trucks to pass over the Alaska highway. A letter from Mrs. Oxenbury saying that Fred had completed his tour of operations, and since V-E day had been on prisoner-of-war duty, and expected to be home shortly. Bruce Mackie wrote from St. Johns, Nfld., where he was serving as a Lt. with the R.C.N.V.R. A very interesting and welcome letter from John Buck, Capt. R.A.M.C., written from England — he had been reported missing. He had met Cecil Weir near Frankfurt, and Gordon Money, both prisoners-of-war. He had just finished a week ' s sailing on the Broads and was to get back to duty with the Air-borne troops. A letter from Mrs. Berry to say that James had been home on leave before leaving for the Pacific. Jim Asselstine had been at U.B.C. since January after some exciting experiences with the R.C.A.F. John McClean wrote from Edmonton to say that he had put in an application for the Fleet Air Arm and expected to go to England shortly. A letter from Dick Newlands from Middlesex School, Mass. He had met Tom Hiam, who is now at Harvard and had had news from Towner Menefee, who was at an air base in Texas in training for air crew on B-29 ' s. Another letter from David Rhodes, written in May. He seems to have fought in every town in France between D day and December. [Page Forty-Nine] THE BRENTONIAN K. Thurston in the R.C.A. has been doing technical research in ballistics. Maurice Young writes again to say that he is aboard H. M. Hospital Ship Gerusalemme as Medical Specialist. He has seen service in both Atlantic and Pacific. Michael Allen writes to say that he joined the Engineers in 1939 and has served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. W. B. C. Gray writes to say that he was with the 8th Army through the war, holding the rank of Captain in the R.A.S.C. He gives news of his brother, R. E. J. Gray, a captain in B.L.A. Lieut. W. H. Quirk Cameron, 36 Bty., 23 Field Regt. S. R., R.C.A., C.A.O., January 17, 1945. The Headmaster, Brentwood College. Dear Mr. Privett. — I was very pleased last November to receive a copy of your circular letter containing some news of the old school. It has been a long time since I have seen any old Brentonians, and it gives me much pleasure to recall the old days and to learn something of the present doings. I am particularly pleased to know that the numbers at school are up again and that we are able as a rule to take the measure of old arch- rival, University School, and the upstarts, Shawnigan and St. George ' s, however worthy they may be. I hope very much, too, that we are producing some good scholars, or better still a good average scholarship standard; for it seems that in these days of universal education, the background i s not enough to give a lad the leading edge, and 1 am quite convinced that with the proper encouragement, the average boy could easily learn to take a little smarter interest in his work, and be glad of it all his life. I ' m glad to hear that Mr. Ingham Hope is on the scene again. I ' m not sure that he would be too proud of his old pupil if he heard me trying to talk French on my way through France and Belgium, but anyway I made myself understood generally, whatever the grammar may have been like, and even in Brussells was forced to pitch woo in the old tongue for the little gal coidd speak nothing else! Quelle delicatesse! I have been C.P.O. of a self-propelled field regiment for a long time now, and am quite glad to be in artillery. I suppose everyone becomes proud of his own service or arm in time, as long as one has to be engaged in war, but personally I will be very glad when the whole ghastly business is over and happy to forget my membership in this outdoors club. We came to France shortly after D day and were right in the thick of the Caen-Falaise-Trim affair, which was just about as grim as advertised in the news- papers. Since then the time has gone very quickly, with some good times and some bad. Have been in Holland for several months now. I was very sorry to see some of my old friends on your casualty list. I hope the coming generation will really be well enough educated to plan and produce an effective peace. I firmly believe that it is quite possible if we bend our efforts to it, in spite of the old songs about History proves that there will always be wars, etc. Leigh Salter is the only Brentonian whose name I know should be on your Honour Roll for making the supreme sacrifice. He was killed in France some months [Page Fifty] THE BRENTONIAN ago. I feel very ashamed to be a member of a civilization whose efforts are so poor that such Honour Rolls must exist. However, we ' ve bashed things again and must see them through, taking what comfort we can in the hope that Canada will be in a unique position to have a strong influence in the shaping of future international conduct. The weight will come from the greater nations of course but the Canadians may just be sufficiently intelligent and cosmopolitan to provide the pathfinder toward peace, in the same way our troops are recognized to be unsurpassed at the dagger point in war. My apologies for getting wafted into what seems more like a speech than a letter. Let me say again how much I enjoyed your news and hope there will be more. I hope to get one of the nine day leaves to England in the next couple of months or so, and will drop in on Jerry Wilmott, who generally has some news of the old boys over here. Meanwhile, cheerio and the very best of good luck to Brentwood for the coming year. Yours truly, BILL CAMERON. E. J. Symons, A-l, C.A.T.C. Petawawa, Ont., 11 Nov., 1944. Dear Sir. — Please notice the date of this note. Could anything be more appropriate! Let me assure you that though you may not have heard from me for three or four years — like probably the majority of old Brentonians — yet I have not forgotten nor lost interest in the College, also like the majority of Old Bretonians. Furthermore very few events of interest have occurred at Brentwood about which I have not heard. The old place still has a firm grip on me though staff, boys, and buildings have changed. It says a great deal for an institution that after 20 years — yes, actually twenty years — it should still mean so much. Perhaps it means even more to me at the moment than it normally does because it is one of the big backgrounds of my life, one of those settings that recur to the mind before big changes in situation and way of living. To-day we are exactly half way through our final course in preparation for overseas — we hope. Now for excuses. This letter is, I believe, the second in the twenty years since I left. Part of those years of course I was present at Brentwood fairly frequently; the next few years I visited the old school at irregular intervals. That leaves about one third of the time — or seven years — to explain away. The war has lasted five so — I have been too busy. Two letters in two years is now the score. I daresay that if I really tried I could prove that Brentwood owes me a few dozen more letters. But seriously, I have appreciated the way in which the College has continued to keep me informed of its doings and I regret my lack of manners in not writing. As a true old boy letter this should contain references to the past. Do you remember when the Emerson boys kept rabbits in the foundation of the chapel; when Clyde Wiseman established a permanent reputation by walking upright around the top of the walls and finally affixed his signature to the highest point of the tallest part of the tower scaffolding; when the bracket supporting the ceiling beams — weight about 1,800 pounds — plus the scaffolding inside, plus three boys, all fell in a [Page Fifty-One] THE BRENTONIAN whale of a mess — as a result of breaking supports — to the floor and no one was hurt? Do you remember how hammers and things used to drop in a most unaccountable manner from the roof and always land just behind Mr. Long, contractor, with most satisfying reaction? And what of our Chinese friend, Wong Do, Bang a lung or East is West as he was called? Did the raisin attached to the pillar in the dining room finally get cleaned off, did it petrify, or is it still there? Do prefects still finish the after dinner grace with the words Et high cockalorum ? How many remember Tiny Turner, our ministering angel of a matron, who would face anything for her boys ? I have seen her twice in the last few years in a little house on Shelbourne Street near Mount Douglas. May I respectfully but sincerely suggest that Brentwood College or its Old Boys Association try to send her a Christmas card or invitation to College functions. After all for about the first five years she was the college; she and rugby kept the place going in spite of rough passages. She would weep with happiness and appreciation to be remembered. She ' s almost 80 years old and her heart is not too reliable but she ' s still the same Tiny Turner. Do you remember Death Watch Annie, or Major-bed-young-mannn Trelaway? So many hundreds of names, faces, and incidents flock to my mind I could write a whole book about them. Already more time has passed than I allowed for in writing this note so I shall have to draw to a close. I have made excuses, recalled a few items of the past, and have but one task left to completely round out the typical Old Boy subjects in such a letter as this. To Brentwood College, its staff, boys — present, past, and future, and all personnel associated with it, may I wish every success and a great future. May you all not only be glad to remember Brentwood College but proud to do so. Good luck and may all our Christmas wishes of this year come true. Yours with many happy and grateful memories of old, De Manu in Manum. Ned. (EDWARD J. SYMONS.) P.S. — Above address no more good. Use same old 2176 Windsor Road, for any future notices and letters. Donald K. Archibald, Creston, B.C., December 6th, 1944. My Dear Mr. Privett. — I cannot tell you how glad I was to get your letter of Septem- ber, but you will notice by my letterhead that I was very busy about, that time. This year myself and one man harvested the crop from 420 acres and I shovelled every bushel of it, about 520 tons. It was a gripe every shovelfull because all services turned me down on account of my heart, good enough for the farm front, but not for the action front. I always start my letters with a sample of my best writing but by the time I finish I won ' t be able to read it myself, but if you could read it 15 years ago I ' ll take a chance on you now. My spelling is about the same POOR. What a pity you didn ' t teach me then or something. I was so pleased to see that Mr. Ingy Hope was back. He was always very tolerant with me and I always felt he understood me. I was sure a bad actor when [Page Fifty-Two] THE BRENTONIAN I walked into Brentwood Sept. 1927. I told the head H. P. Hope he had better be pretty careful how he treated me as my Dad was Vice Pres. of the Cons. Mining S. Co. That was when the first bomb shell hit me. From then on they came at regular intervals of 10 days, some fell on my ears and others on the other place. Since leaving school in ' 32 I ' ve travelled around quite a bit (just in Canada of course) and always made a point of trying to locate old boys. As a result of this I ' ve decided that the fellows like myself and Squeak McNeil and others who were supposed to be the bad ones, are the ones who to-day think the most of their old school and in many cases these boys are among the most successful. I have had disappointments, too. One of the boys who in school days I thought a sissy and who I met in ' 37 said seems to me I do remember you at Brentwood. (We were roommates). This type makes no effort to keep up contacts with old school chums and in many cases are only able to support themselves because of their influential families. Every time I meet these fellows I ' m so thankful I went to Brentwood because I might have been the same. I don ' t think a more spoiled, cheekier, ruder, ill- mannered boy ever entered Brentwood. I was honest and that is all I can say in my own defence, but I ' m satisfied that that is sufficient for any boy to make a start with. I ' ve always regretted the fact that I never got back in time to see the Head, by the time I realized what the school meant to me and what it had done for me it was too late. How well I remember some of our talk s, one especially we had been discussing my report for the term, And I can assure you it was terrible. Ingy Hope gave me 11 in Latin. The Head tilted back in his swivel chair (way back) with his hands clasped behind his head, then he would sort of gasp air through his nose wtih his lips pressed tight and at the same time lower his hands and stroke his tummy with a downward motion. Then he said, Archie, this is indeed terrible, eh! — eh — we caun ' t have it. We caun ' t have it. More stroking of the tummy alternated by raising his left arm and with the wrist bent like a violin player softly stroking and brushing the hair on the right side of his head and all the while telling me that he understood my type, that my thoughts were not in the class room, but I must not forget that every Brentwod boy must make a name for himself in the school, and if I did not get my colors on the playing fields there was no room at school for me. That remark I think put an end to my book learning, much to the dismay of my family. Since leaving school and being on my own (bus boy, waiter, C.P.R. Hotel, office boy, poultry buyer, wood buyer, sales- man, tried to be a college man, and now I call myself a very successful farmer.) The experience I gained by playing hard, to win, and at all times fair and honest, proves that the Head made an honor student out of me, and to him and my school goes the credit. If I could greet him with well done sir I ' m sure he ' d know what I meant. When I see the school list of the boys who have made the supreme sacrifice it seems a pity that the old boys or the school haven ' t a historian so that many of the amusing and funny things that happened could be recorded. No doubt the records of the very bright and the playing field sensations are well recorded, but there were many who because of their humour and wit were responsible for the comradeship that existed. I say this with no reflection on you whatsoever. If I had been a better student at Lit. and Comp. I should attempt to write such a book, recording the many amusing things that took place in my time. [Page Fifty-Three] THE BRENTONIAN I notice by the Province, Dec. 4th, that Ralph Smyth has passed the torch and T understand that Leigh Salter made the sacrifice some time ago. J. (Pat) Mitchell, Brentwood ' s famous cricketer, was here on his honeymoon; he is in the air force. F. A. McTavish is now Lt. Col., D.S.O. I wonder if Cookie ever found out how we switched the remains of the Christmas turkey. I changed the lock which was always on a little shelf just inside the kitchen door, so when Cookie locked up for the night he put my lock on. When the time was ripe I let myself in with my key, took the turkeys, put Cookie ' s lock back on and then went up to bed and what a feed. Cookie ' s dressing was the best I ever tasted. I ' m coming back to school as soon as this war is over. There are many memories that I must freshen up by living over my school days. I warn you now that as one of the rounders squared up I shall ask the privilege to make a speech and finish off by flooring you with the request for a half holiday. In the event of your refusal I am at the present time working on another line. I hope to be the first old boy to be elected to the House of Commons. This is somewhat premature as I have not yet the nomination, and even if I had my opposition is strong, but I have lots of confidence that if I play my part hard and fair that I ' ll win. And if I don ' t I ' m going to try next time, and the time after that or until I do win. I really must stop now. This cheque is for my life membership, and please keep me on the list for any school news. Please remember me to Ingy Hope and Cookie. With kindest regards to yourself and Mrs. Privett, I remain as always, ARCHIE. K-91663 Sgt. MacAskill, W.A.S., . No. 1 Cdn. Fd. Press Censor Unit, Main Cdn. Press Camp, 3 P.R. Group, Canadian Army Overseas, 31st May 1945. Dear Mr. Privett. — Your letter addressed to Old Brentonians after many changes in address finally arrived here today. I have often thought of writing but, as you have said, putting it off only means that it is never done. It seems like a life time as I look back on those happy years past that I spent at Brentwood. Since those four years I have been fortunate enough to see quite a lot of Europe. After quite a stay in Canada in the army I was posted overseas. Went through the usual tour of reinforcement camps where I received additional training. After due course I was posted to my present unit, No. 1 Canadian Field Press Censorship Unit. This unit I found out was part of the Canadian Intelligent Corps. To tell the truth I had no idea what I was getting into but was game to start anything. Our unit was stationed at that time in the Ministry of Information in London, might add in the heart of London. This was a pleasant surprise. First I started a course in military press censorship. This proved like any work of its type just a little common sense and remembering the endless rules of security. When I was about half way through my training the news of the Invasion broke and of course our unit moved to France. I remained as a rear party. [Page Fifty-Four] THE BRENTONIAN The next few weeks proved that we were in one of the most interesting jobs in the army. Reading the news before it appeard in print. At last the good news came that the remaining four of us were to proceed on our way. The party consisted of two Captains, a driver and myself. The first day was the same as for most of the other f ellows that had landed before us. The second day we unfortunately had our jeep knocked out from under us. However, we made our way as best we could and caught up with our unit by late that night. The time that followed was most interesting. Up from Normandy, along the coast. Was fortunate enough to be in on such shows as the entry of Dieppe, up through Abbeville, Lille and so into Belgium. Belgium proved to be a second home to many of us and although I have liked the other countries that I have seen, it seems to take top priority. A few of the towns we were stationed near were Ghent and Antwerp. The latter was during the first week in October. Had about a month ' s rest before the buzz bombs started. Had experienced them in London, but I believe that all those who have been through both will assure you that Antwerp took the worst beating of any city in Europe from V weapons. A few of the war-correspondents that we have had with us were Ross Munro of Canadian Press, Matthew Halton of CBC, Lionel Shapiro of MacLeans and North American News Alliance, Griffin, and Clair of Toronto Star, Gerald Clark and Lawrence Earl of Montreal Standard, Bill Boni, Nordness, and others of Associated Press, and the following Canadians that are writing for British papers, Charlie Lynch of Reuters, Clark of British United Press, Peter Stursber of the Daily Herald, Bert Wemp for the Evening Standard, and Matthew Halton also writes for the Kemslcy newspapers. Hope that this list of names hasn ' t bored you but these are people that we work with and might give you some idea of the collection of nationalities. There are in addition to Canadian, British and American correspondents, such nationalities as Polish, French, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugese, Brazilian, and have had a Chinese and Russian. Most of them write in both there own language and English. This means that in addition to being a censor, it is necessary to have personnel that are proficient in languages. To overcome this difficulty each unit attaches its censors out to other units of different nationalities. For example the censoring of Belgium and French papers were first done by French Canadians. We have an American officer that acts as a Netherlands censor, a Polish Officer and a British officer who has a bit of all tongues. Our unit consists of about fifteen or sixteen all told. Half officers and the other half other ranks. Through casualties I have been fortunate enough to be the senior NCO with L cpl to keep me company. Until lately we were broken into two sections. The main section that I was with usually worked with the 2nd Canadian Corps that consisted at that time of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Div. How the war-correspondents get the news. It was my impression that they were right up with the infantry and saw it all happen. This is about 80 per cent false. It is true that they do go in on large scale operations but the main news is obtained through conferences held at Army HQ twice a day. Once in the morning and the second in the late afternoon. This accounts for the lack of news all day and then it all comes in at once. The first conference is timed to catch the afternoon papers and the second the morning papers. The days ' operations are reported by the units to [Page Fifty-Five] THE BRENTONIAN Army and then at these conferences an army staff officer tells of the day ' s operations. They return to the press camp and write of the morning conference. As soon as this is completed they then go to the spot of interest of the morning conference. The time element being involved it is seldom that they get beyond Brigade HQ before returning for the evening conference. The evening conference covers the day ' s opera- tions. After writing this up the colour stories start to take form from the trip to the Brigade or unit HQ. At the conferences they are told all that has happened, what is planned for the future and what can be said and what can ' t. Unit, and name releases are also involved. This is where the censors get their information as what to pass for publication and what to stop. Each censor unit compiles its passes and stops or not for publication. This coverage is passed by teletype to other army censor units such as the Second British Army, First U.S. Army and the like. One is also sent to 21 Army Group HQ and to SHAEF. This gives each organization a complete picture of all that has happened on each news front. The news is transmitted via wireless to sets in England and thence to Canada or the U. S. There is also communication by teletype with London and all the army and army group HQ. This is a secret means of communication and is how ' censors ' instructions or guidances as they are called are passed from one place to another by fast and secret means. From Antwerp we moved to Breda, Holland, and thence to Tilburg. The latter was our location of last Christmas This was the time of the Ardennes operations and German paratroops were reported concentrating the other side of the Maas river some ten miles away from us. Arrangements were made for our withdrawal but the British and American successes on the Ardennes front threw his plans off scale and the expected attack did not take place. From here we moved to Nijmgen for the operation that led to the capture of Cleve and the clearing of that side of the Rhine. I was lucky enough to enter Cleve the day after its capture. Like every German city that has been fought for, it was a mass of rubble. Not a home was untouched. A city of Victoria ' s size wiped out. The next thing of interest was the crossing of the Rhine. That morning a party of us went up to see the airborne landing on the other side of the Rhine. That after- noon we crossed in vehicles called buffalloes. From here we followed the front up to Almelo in the northern part of Holland. This was the true part of Holland that we had heard so much about. Green fields, canals, wind mills, wooden shoes and the like. It was two days after its liberation when we set up our quarters in a former German hospital and prior to that a boys ' school. At this time I took a leave to Scotland to see the home of my ancestors. V-E day was expected at any time but the war still continued when I returned to our unit which was still located in Almelo. Then came the news that negotiations had been completed and that the uncon- ditional surrender had been signed in North West Europe. The whole of Holland started to celebrate. Streets were gaily • decorated and dances started on every street corner. Then the news that the Canadians were going to move into the occupied part of Holland. The agreement was that the Germans were to turn their arms and equip- ment into allied units that were to be set up unit by unit on dates set but until such time they were permitted to carry them for self protection from the Dutch. A party of Censorship moved in with the first troops. It had never been our habit to carry [Page Fifty-Six] THE BRENTONIAN fire arms here and this was no exception. The first day we were to go as far as Utrecht and set up our camp at that sight. So we started to move into occupied Holland. It is an experience that anyone that was there will never forget. The people went wild. Then one got the queerest feeling that I have ever had. We met the Germans. They were fully armed. The days before they had been fighting us and now we were amongst them unarmed. We passed endless convoys of them in horse drawn vehicles. There were the occasional bike but cars were few and far between. It was evident that he had come to the end of his rope and that the last few weeks had finished his striking power in Holland. The soldier himself was a beaten man. These were the straight German infantry man. There was not a sign of interest in what was going on around them. There were no young boys but the average age I should imagine was in the thirties. That night we took over a hotel in the centre of Utrecht that we are still occupy- ing. That night we spent under the eyes of our German hosts. They still patrolled the streets and were supposed to look after their own SS and Dutch SS troops. It was quite evident the first time I saw one of these master race men that they were quite a lot different. The German and Dutch SS troops were under guard by their own men, it was quite a situation. Since that time I have seen much of this part of Holland and am now under- standing why this was one of the most wealthy parts of the world before the war. It has been under the German rule for a period of about five years but in that time all the marvellous things that the Dutch were so justly proud of has been smashed or badly damaged. Its communication system was one of the main things. Holland still has lots of food but the difficulty is in transporting it. The electrical power in over half of Holland is still at an end. The health of this country is still endangered. Those in the large cities that have been undernourished during the occupation are beginning to show its evil effects. Am sorry that I have run out of time this evening but shall try and get another letter off to you in the not too distant future. Best regards to all of my old friends that you might come across. Please pass on my regards to Mrs. Privett. As ever, hope that we shall all have a reunion after all this is finished and we are all home once more, BILL MACASKILL. [Page Fifty-Seven 1