World War II Headmaster's Log Book
Recently a log book has been found dating back from 8th April 1929 to 29th April 1943 written by the headmaster at the time. Some of the pages in these images are referenced in the recent news article on the website 'A Sentimental History of Rooks Heath at War'. This gallery also features an image of the whole school in 1950 as well as some sports teams from the school.
Pg 265- 27th April 1942 to 4th May 1942
28th April 1942 I am instructed by Local Office that in the event of invasion: 1) I shall receive notification of ‘STAND TO’ warning via ‘Welldon Park School’ 2) I must transmit such message to ‘Earlsmead School Corfe Avenue’
Pg 265- 27th April 1942 to 4th May 1942.jpg1381Pg 265- 27th April 1942 to 4th May 194228th April 1942 I am instructed by Local Office that in the event of invasion: 1) I shall receive notification of ‘STAND TO’ warning via ‘Welldon Park School’ 2) I must transmit such message to ‘Earlsmead School Corfe Avenue’Pg 221- 4th October 1940 to 8th October 1940(1)
8th October 1940 School should have started at 10am but air raid on till 10:25. Before the classes had assembled a further warning was given. Registers were closed in the trenches about 10:45. Raid on as I write, but no guns or hostile aircraft in evidence yet.
Pg 221- 4th October 1940 to 8th October 1940(1).jpg1371Pg 221- 4th October 1940 to 8th October 1940(1)8th October 1940 School should have started at 10am but air raid on till 10:25. Before the classes had assembled a further warning was given. Registers were closed in the trenches about 10:45. Raid on as I write, but no guns or hostile aircraft in evidence yet.Pg 212- 26th August 1940 to 27th August 1940(1)
26th August 1940 An air raid warning was given at 3:30pm and lasted till 4:10pm approx. No hostile aircraft appeared but the arrangements (this was really our first public performance) worked smoothly and well. 27th August 1940 An air raid warning of about 6 and a half hours duration last night (9:30pm—4am) during which hostile aircraft were overhead the whole of the time with intermittent bombing in the immediate surrounding neighbourhood has resulted in only one third of normal attendance.
Pg 212- 26th August 1940 to 27th August 1940(1).jpg1370Pg 212- 26th August 1940 to 27th August 1940(1)26th August 1940 An air raid warning was given at 3:30pm and lasted till 4:10pm approx. No hostile aircraft appeared but the arrangements (this was really our first public performance) worked smoothly and well. 27th August 1940 An air raid warning of about 6 and a half hours duration last night (9:30pm—4am) during which hostile aircraft were overhead the whole of the time with intermittent bombing in the immediate surrounding neighbourhood has resulted in only one third of normal attendance.Pg 211- 12th August 1940 to 26th August 1940(1)
26th August 1940 This morning was partly spent in rearrangement of procedure in the event of air raids and alarms. Experience of this last week end suggests that as the bombs are now falling in some cases before the sirens give the alarm. The children must be able to go to the shelters instantly. They therefore must have their Respirators with them even at play time; and number positions have been indicated for each class to place its Respirators, and practice given in going from an alarm in the playground.
Pg 211- 12th August 1940 to 26th August 1940(1).jpg1369Pg 211- 12th August 1940 to 26th August 1940(1)26th August 1940 This morning was partly spent in rearrangement of procedure in the event of air raids and alarms. Experience of this last week end suggests that as the bombs are now falling in some cases before the sirens give the alarm. The children must be able to go to the shelters instantly. They therefore must have their Respirators with them even at play time; and number positions have been indicated for each class to place its Respirators, and practice given in going from an alarm in the playground.Pg 206- 14th May 1940 to 15th May 1940(1)
14th May 1940 School has reopened today Tuesday, instead of on Thursday as was arranged. This is owing to the decree of the Government that all schools shall reopen where closed for Whitsun. Mr Simpson who normally would have not returned after Whitsun, as he ‘joins up’ on Thursday, is back on duty till he goes. The new air shelters are nearly complete, and owing to the urgency of the matter, we had preliminary shelter drill in the new shelters today.
Pg 206- 14th May 1940 to 15th May 1940(1).jpg1368Pg 206- 14th May 1940 to 15th May 1940(1)14th May 1940 School has reopened today Tuesday, instead of on Thursday as was arranged. This is owing to the decree of the Government that all schools shall reopen where closed for Whitsun. Mr Simpson who normally would have not returned after Whitsun, as he ‘joins up’ on Thursday, is back on duty till he goes. The new air shelters are nearly complete, and owing to the urgency of the matter, we had preliminary shelter drill in the new shelters today.Pg 195- 29th September 1939 to 18th October 1939(1)
18th October 1939 School opens. 382 boys arrive including several new comers. Temporary registers are taken into use. Classes, individually first of all are taken to the trench shelter accommodation to use the children to their positions. Gas masks next are examined for condition and fitting. Later the whole school are practised in going to the trenches together.
Pg 195- 29th September 1939 to 18th October 1939(1).jpg1365Pg 195- 29th September 1939 to 18th October 1939(1)18th October 1939 School opens. 382 boys arrive including several new comers. Temporary registers are taken into use. Classes, individually first of all are taken to the trench shelter accommodation to use the children to their positions. Gas masks next are examined for condition and fitting. Later the whole school are practised in going to the trenches together.Pg 224-15th October 1940 to 18th October 1940(1)
17th October 1940 The Police have reported the presence of an 8 feet land mine, unexploded in a house on the corner of Eastcote and Field End Lanes. As a precautionary measure, in consultation with per marsh, it has been decided to close school for today until the mine can be rendered harmless. The children have been turned homewards as they arrive.
Pg 224-15th October 1940 to 18th October 1940(1).jpg1374Pg 224-15th October 1940 to 18th October 1940(1)17th October 1940 The Police have reported the presence of an 8 feet land mine, unexploded in a house on the corner of Eastcote and Field End Lanes. As a precautionary measure, in consultation with per marsh, it has been decided to close school for today until the mine can be rendered harmless. The children have been turned homewards as they arrive.