RootsChat.Com

Hi John

I've been unable to view the attachment. Did you attach it or am I doing something wrong? I was so excited to have a look and then so frustrated I wasn't able to figure it out.  I know if my dad were in one of your pictures I could pick him out in a heartbeat (his family all look so distinctive and similar to one another- easy to spot).

That is a great story about the film and the library. That must be where my dad too got his love for books. Growing up we had TONS of them and he was very into encyclopedias and just self-learning. He didnt have a n opportunity to go to university of course, but he was one of hte smartest people I have known. It sounds like it was a terrific environment to grow up in.

Do you know about how many boys would have been in your graduating class?

My dad talked a lot about the war. I think for him going into the service was a fantastic adventure, a chance to see the world that he otherwise would not have been able to. We grew up with many many stories of the war- both of what it was like to be a kid during the raids and bombings, and also being in the Marines (he served on a landing craft). Many of his family were in the service, but he was the only one to choose the marines and went by himself. He was like that. (one funny story is he was in Australia and walking on the beach and who does he run into? one of his brothers!).  He never told me about any medals (he wasn't interested in them) and only when he passed away, I contacted the right office and they mailed me three of them (I can't recall the names offhand but one is the Burma star). That was a wonderful gift. I would have loved him to see them. 

I looked up where you live in google. It looks close to the sea. My dad lived in Surrey but not sure where and I would like to visit his house when I'm there (my aunt has the address and they took a recent picture of it a few years back). And we will also visit his family who still live in Stevenage, Herts. I went there once before but it was 30 years ago.

We should make plans to meet.

Sandra

PS: You sound MUCH younger than you must be!!

Hi John

I'm so delighted to hear from you! This is wonderful. I would love to talk to you, or see anything you might have of the school. I would love to get a hold of the film (how would one find that?).

I only have photos of my dad from when he was in the services (he joined the Royal Marines after Bisley). After the war he joined the Merchant Marines, and that took him to Canada (where he 0-90-=0-09ghjemigrated). He passed away in 1995, and I only have this certificate to tell me anything about his school experience.  I'm sure even if he was still with us, he might never have gotten onto the internet.

Oh I just checked. He joined in 1937 and left in 1941. So you would have overlapped for sure.

It is interesting it was an orphanage. In my dad's case I think he went there because his father died young and left his mother with 8 kids to raise. Thank god he was able to get a good education.  I'm delighted to learn you thought highly of it.

I'd write you a personal message but can't figure out how yet.

Sandra