West Byfleet Secondary School: log book for 1940

1^st January 1940

London and Surrey evacuee children attend for instruction throughout the week. Mr. Grove, Marlborough School, London is in charge assisted by Mr. Parsons and Mr. McHaffie (Trafalgar School, Stepney).

8^th January 1940

School reopened on full time this morning. Mr. Stollery, chairman of managers visited and was present at assembly. The school has been entirely reorganised and a new time table out into operation. Three extra forms have been established and the British legion Hut taken over in order to increase the available accommodation. Certain lessons will also be taken in the canteen. The total number on roll is shown in the reorganisation should be 402, but a check of numbers proved that 27 evacuee children had returned to their homes during the Christmas vacation. The following London teachers have been taken onto the staff: Mr. H. Grove, Marlborough School (woodwork), Mr. C.H. Potter, Trafalgar School (Geography and English), Mr. F. Hawkins, Trafalgar School, (Art and English), Mr. E.V. Ansell, Brandelhow Road (English), Mr. N. Parsons (Marlborough). The forms and numbers on roll are as follows:

Boys

Girls

Total

IIIA

15

20

35

Mr. V.C. Allsopp

IIIR

18

17

35

Mrs. M. McGrath

III I

18

17

35

Mr. C.S. Finbow

IIA

18

19

37

Mr. R. Keast

IIR

18

18

36

Mrs. E.V. Ansell

IIT

19

12

31

Miss W. Bryan

IIX

14

12

26

Mr. C.H. Potter

1A

19

13

32

Mrs. H. Keast née Beardwood

1R

20

17

37

Mr. R. Powell

1T

18

17

35

Miss G. Watson

1X

36

0

36

Mr. F. Hawkins

TOTAL

213

162

375

Other staff: Mr. Y. Aves – Science Mr. W. Grove – woodwork Mr. E. Adcock – Arts and crafts Miss E. Perkins – Domestic Science Mr. N. Parsons – supplementary subjects No single air raid shelter has been completed but sufficient protection can be given to all children in attendance to justify the school re-commencing full time work.

10^th January 1940

Miss Verning visited the school this afternoon.

11^th January 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

14^th January 1940

Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 160, girls 146, total 306, London, boys 53, girls 16, total 69 Mr. Parsons concluded his duties today.

15^th January 1940

Miss Baker (LCC) commenced duties today in charge of the canteen and domestic subjects. Owing to frost no work has been done on the air raid shelters since Christmas. The weather is very severe and the attendance has dropped considerably this morning. Children being away suffering from colds. Three London children have returned home this weekend and have been taken off the roll. The new time able has proved satisfactory and work throughout the school is proceeding smoothly. Owing to the frozen state of the ground practical gardening and organised games have been impossible. We have now taken over two allotments on which cultivation of vegetables will be taught. This is in addition to the normal school garden and the ground round the air raid shelters which is also cultivated.

18^th January 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school.

19^th January 1940

The school Doctor (Temporary) and school Nurse visited the school this morning. Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 159, girls 147, total 306, London, boys 52, girls 15, total 67

Monday 22^nd January 1940

Mr. A. E. McHaffie commenced duties this morning. Dinners were commenced at 3d per head in the canteen this morning. 121 had meals – the dinner being served in two shifts.

23^rd January 1940

Miss W.L. Conteau visited the school this afternoon.

24^th January 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Mr. Ritchie, Headmaster, Trafalgar School visited pm. Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 159, girls 146, total 305, London, boys 51, girls 15, total 66

29^th January 1940

A very heavy snow has occurred during the weekend in consequence a very large number of children have been absent. Mrs. E.V. Ansell absent from duty suffering from a chill. Mr. N. Parsons reported for duty this morning after his Christmas vacation. He has taken over Mrs. Ansell’s subjects during her absence.

30^th January 1940

Many children again absent on account of the snow or because they are suffering from colds.

31^st January 1940

Special Place Preliminary Examinations held in school this morning. Five boys and one girl sat for the examination. Thaw has set in and there is even greater difficulty in children living at a distance from the school doing the journey.

1^st February 1940

Mr. Finbow absent today visiting Albury C of E. School for the headship of which he has been invited to apply. Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 158, girls 147, total 305 London, boys 50, girls 15, total 65

5^th February 1940

A number of cases of German Measles have been reported. Miss Watkins returned to duty. Mr. Finbow absent attending interview.

7^th February 1940

Mr. Bayliss (LCC) visited the school am.

8^th February 1940

Mr. Ritchie, Headmaster Trafalgar LCC school visited pm. Mr. Jarman visited am.

9^th February 1940

Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 158, girls 148, total 306, London, boys 48, girls 14, total 62 There is a steady drift back to London of evacuees 3 boys and 1 girl taken off the roll this week and one boy admitted.

15^th February 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

16^th February 1940

Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 159, girls 150, total 309 London, boys 46, girls 14, total 60 A number of fresh exclusions for German Measles have occurred during the week.

19^th February 1940

Mrs. Graubrief commenced duty as assistant in the canteen.

21^st February 1940

Dr. Albury visited the school and inspected the school, at the request of their parents, a few children.

2^nd February 1940

Miss Wills and Mr. Jarman visited am.

23^rd February 1940

Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 159, girls 149, total 308 London, boys 43, girls 12, total 55

26^th February 1940

A number of children have been excluded suffering from or in contact with German measles.

28^th February 1940

An air-raid drill was held this morning and for the first time it was possible to take the children down into the trenches. Time taken exactly three minutes.

29^th February 1940

Miss Bryan absent pm attending interview for appointment of Head Teacher at East Horsley CE school. Miss Bryon was the successful candidate and will commence duty at East Horsley on 1^st April.

1^st March 1940

Air raid drill held during this morning at 11.50. The time taken to reach inside the trenches 3 minutes.

4^th March 1940

Air raid drill taken at 2.00pm. Time taken to reach inside of shelters 2 mins 50 secs.

5^th march 1940

Mr. Aves absent today attending an interview at the Admiralty London. Mr. Ritchie visited the school pm.

7^th March 1940

Miss Wills and Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

8^th March 1940

Mr. Parsons concluded duty at the school today. R. Parsons returning to Hurlingtopn School London. Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 158,(act. 108.7) girls 150 (act. 99.5, total 309 (act. 208.8) London, boys 46 (act. 39.3) , girls 14 (act. 9.0), total 60 (act. 48.3) This low attendance is due to German measles.

11^th March 1940

Mr. Jenkins absent this week assessing Special Place Examinations at Kingston. Mr. Allsopp has been left in charge at the school. An air raid practice held at 2.15pm.

13^th March 1940

An air raid practice was held at 11.30am.

14^th March 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

15^th March 1940

Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 160 (act. 128.5) girls 149 (act. 109.0, total 309 (act. 237.8) London, boys 46 (act. 36.3) , girls 14 (act. 9.6), total 60 (act. 45.9)

18^th March 1940

Courts Summgr visited the school this morning.

26^th March 1940

School closed for Easter holidays. Miss Bryan concluded duty today on her promotion to the Headship of West Horsley C. of E. school. The staff and children presented Miss Bryan with a gold wristlet watch. Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 160, girls 149, total 309 London, boys 45, girls 11, total 56 Mr. Aves concluded duty having been appointed for work in connection with the admiralty.

1^st April 1940

School reopened. & boys and 11 girls have been taken off the roll having reached the age of 14 years. 4 boys and 1 girl (evacuees) have returned home. The following admissions were made this morning: West Byfleet junior : 14 boys, 11 girls Byfleet C. of E. : 14 boys, 11 girls New Haw : 2 boys, 5 girls Pyrford : 3 boys , 3 girls Dr. Albury visited the school.

4^th April 1940

Mrs. L. Hildra commenced on supply. Miss Campbell commenced duty (Trafalgar). Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 183, girls 164, total 347 London, boys 44, girls 10, total 54

6^th April 1940

Mrs Vorlschen, one of the school cleaners, resigned today.

8^th April 1940

Miss Campbell returned to New Haw school

9^th April 1940

Mrs. Turner commenced duty as supply school cleaner Miss Venning visited the school pm. The school nurse inspected the heads of children present am. Dr. Albury visited the school.

11^th April 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school.

12^th April 1940

Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 184, girls 164, total 348 London, boys 45, girls 12, total 57

13^th April 1940

Mrs. Turner finished supply work as school cleaner

16^th April 1940

Mrs. Wood commenced work as school cleaner (on probation) this morning. Miss Adcok returned to duty this morning but on my advice left at midday to seek medical advice with regard to the abscess on her knee. Miss Adcok absent pm on medical certificate.

18^th April 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. The death of Geoffrey Wiltshire a pupil of this school was reported today. He had recently undergone an operation for appendicitis and died of peritonitis. Mr. E.A. McHale concluded duty today. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 182, girls 165, total 347 London, boys 44, girls 12, total 56

22^nd April 1940

Miss J. Newby commenced duty on supply today. Miss Newby has taken charge of form IIT for scripture and the English of B. stream and form IIT.

23^rd April 1940

Mr. Jenkins absent assessing special Place Examinations at County Hall.

24^th April 1940

Mr. Jenkins absent assessing special place examinations.

25^th April 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

26^th April 1940

Attendance: Attendance – on roll Surrey: boys 181, girls 165, total 346 London, boys 45, girls 10, total 55

30^th April 1940

Miss Wile Conteau, Mr. Sibley and Mr. Anderson visited the school pm.

2^nd May 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school.

3^rd May 1940

Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 181, girls 165, total 346 London, boys 45, girls 10, total 55 Mrs Hitchens concluded duty this afternoon.

7^th May 1940

Mr. Stollery visited the school this morning. The Chertsey Urban District Council Mobile gas Van was brought to the school today and with assistance of a number air-raid wardens 359 children were passed through. Only four gas masks were found to be defective in any way. Mr. Bayliss LCC inspector visited the school and arranged for the return of Mr. F. Hawkins to London.

9^th May 1940

Mr. Jarman visited pm

10^th May 1940

Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 178, girls 163, total 341 London, boys 43, girls 10, total 53 School closed at 4.00pm for Whitsun holidays. Mr. Hawkins and Miss Newby concluded duty this afternoon.

14^th May 1940

Owing to the serious National Emergency on the orders of the Education Committee school was reopened this morning. Mr. Hawkins returned to duty, his late return to London has been extended to June 3^rd. Mr. A.G. Milner commenced duty on supply and has been placed in charge of forms IIT and the English teaching of forms IR, IIR and IIIR and IIT. Mr. Stollery visited the school pm. Six London children taken off the roll having returned home.

17^th May 1940

Owing to the reduction of staff it is necessary to eliminate form IX. This has meant some re-adjustment to the majority of forms throughout the school but in all cases of transfers from form to form the children have been kept in the same educational stream. Transfers were made on Tuesday morning and a close watch on the organisation throughout the week shows that is satisfactory. Attendance: on roll Surrey: boys 177, girls 164, total 340 London, boys 37, girls 10, total 47 A number of children (evacuees) went home for Whitsun and have not yet returned.

20^th May 1940

All the London children with one exception returned to West Byfleet today.

23^rd May 1940

Mr. W.J. Pink B.Sc. was interviewed and appointed to the temporary post of science master this afternoon. Mr. Stollery and Mr. Anderson visited the school for this purpose. Mr. Jarman visited am.

24^th May 1940

Air raid drill held at 10.35am. Time taken 2½ minutes. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 178, girls 162, total 340 London: boys 36, girls 12, total 48

28^th May 1940

Miss W. Le Conteur visited the school pm.

31^st May 1940

Air raid practices have been held each day this week at various times during the day. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 180, girls 160, total 340 London, boys 36, girls 12, total 48 Mr. Hawkin concluded duty this afternoon

3^rd June 1940

Mrs. Eley commenced duty on supply am.

4^th June 1940

School playing field mown by contractors. National Savings Travelling Cinema visited the school and gave a short exhibition of appropriate films. Mr. Stollery was present.

5^th June 1940

An air raid practise was held this afternoon at 3pm. Time taken 2mins 30 secs.

7^th June 1940

Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 183, girls 160, total 343 London, boys 36, girls 12, total 48

10^th June 1940

Miss George H.M.I. visited the school and saw the children taking canteen diners.

12^th June 1940

Mr. Bayliss LCC visited am.

13^th June 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 184, girls 160, total 344 London, boys 36, girls 12, total 48

17^th June 1940

Air raid drill held this morning.

20^th June 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

21^st June 1940

Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 184, girls 161, total 345 London, boys 37, girls 13, total 50 Mrs. Eley concluded duty (on supply) this afternoon.

25^th June 1940

Mrs. Eley recommenced duty on supply am.

26^th June 1940

Medical examinations of children who have applied for overseas evacuation have been carried on throughout the day by the school medical officer assisted by a nurse. 68 children were examined.

28^th June 1940

No communication has been received from Mr. Milner during the week giving reason for absence. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 187, girls 163 total 350 London, boys 39 girls 13 total 52 A number of air-raid warnings have been given during the nights this week. Some children in consequence of being awake part of the night have been absent throughout the following day. This is the cause of the lower attendance recorded by the girls.

1^st July 1940

Air raid practice held this morning. Mr. A.W. Stollery visited the school.

4^th July 1940

Mr. Jarman visited and examined vision of children who are due for medical inspection on July 9^th. Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 187, girls 163, total 350 London, boys 39, girls 13, total 52

9^th July 1940

Dr. Knowles assisted by Nurse Willis examined the following children born in 1929 Iris Heywood, Rosemary Haynes, Jane Goodman, Audrey Gilham, Audrey Lomas, Mavis Collier, Joan Bartram, Shelia Ayres, Jean Broughton, William Andrews.

Thursday 11^th July 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school Attendance: – on roll Surrey: boys 187, girls 163, total 350 London, boys 39, girls 13, total 52

Friday 12^th July 1940

Mr. R. Powell has been seconded for the duration of the war to Guildford Technical school for armaments production and concluded duty here this afternoon. Mrs. H. Keast (née Beardwood) also concluded duty to take up a permanent appointment at Walton Girls Central School.

Sunday 14^th July 1940

Today the school was used as a dispersal centre for children (London and Croydon) who were evacuated from Brighton. 57 children and 8 teachers were reunited during the afternoon and billeted in the district.

15^th July 1940

School closed for the day

16^th July 1940

School reopened. Mrs. K.M. Stevenson and Miss L.B. Felgate commence duty at the school or on supply. Miss Felgate has taken over the girls’ physical training and games.

17^th July 1940

Mr. Stollery visited the school am. Mr. Baker and Mr. Keast are absent on holidays this week. Miss Hose, Miss Rhodes, Miss Wood and Miss Bryers from the staff of the Woking Girls County school are serving in the school through the week in place of teachers absent on holidays. Mr. Hansford. Mr. Short and Mr. Smith of Ingrath School, South Norwood and Miss Hodwick Ellis and Mrs Brooks of Clifton Rise School New Cross commenced duty on the staff this morning. These teachers have been evacuated from their own schools and have accompanied the children. Miss Hose has taken over the English for Mr. Keast. Miss Bryer the Domestic Science for Miss Perkins, Miss Perkins the canteen for Miss Baker, while the other teachers are doing chiefly occupational duties. The Croydon girls (16) have been absorbed into the forms while Croydon boys and the new London girls have been working together in groups.

24^th July 1940

Mrs. Avern visited the school and checked the registers. An air raid occurred in the district this afternoon at 3.25pm from the sounds it appeared as if two bombs were dropped and anti-aircraft was in action. The whistle was blown on the first sound and the children placed under desks. Later when all was perfectly quiet the children were taken to the air raid shelter but after 15 minutes as nothing else developed they were brought into school and dispersed at 3.50pm.

25^th July 1940

Mr. Jarman visited am. Mr Stollery visited pm and interviewed four women who had applied for the post of assistant school cleaner. It was decided to appoint Mrs. Lily John 66 Birchwood Road to commence work on July 29^th.

26^th July 1940

Miss Wood , Miss Hope, Miss Bryer and Miss Rhodes who have been doing holiday supply work this week concluded duty this afternoon. Attendance: Surrey Boys 187/Girls 169, London Boys 39/Girls 49, Croydon Boys 34/Girls 16 School closed for the summer holidays. 25 boys 14 girls have left school today having reached the age of 14 and 3 boys and 3 girls have left to attend the Woking County Schools having gained County Special places: Adam Gunbell Gladys Smith Dennis Billesden Phyllis Simmons John Dysdale Marjorie Collier Barbara Hughes the Head Girl has left having gained a special place at the Kingston Commercial school.

Wednesday 7^th August 1940

An air raid practice was held this morning. Time taken 2 minutes 27 seconds.

8^th August 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 186, girls 169, total 355 London – Boys 31, girls 41, total 72 Croydon – Boys 29, girls 18, total 47

Monday August 12^th

Mr. Potter and Miss Walking away on holiday this week. On supply in their places, Miss Mitchell, Miss Clapham and Miss White of Woking Girls County School commenced duty this morning. 2 boys and 3 girls from the London Group, and 2 girls from the Croydon Group taken off Roll, these children having returned home. 2 Surrey children and one Croydon child admitted.

Friday 16^th August 1940

An air raid warning sounded on the public sirens at 12.40pm today. All children and staff in or about the school building were taken to the air raid shelters. The All Clear sounded at 1.45pm and School commenced and registers marked at 2.00pm. Surrey – Boys 187, girls 170, total 357 London – Boys 29, girls 38, total 67 Croydon – Boys 29, girls 17, total 46 Miss Mitchell, Miss Clapham and Miss White concluded their holiday duty today.

19^th August 1940

Mr. Hansford and Mr. Short returned to duty from holidays this morning. Mrs Brooks and Miss Ellis also returned from holiday. Miss Perkins, Mrs. Ansell and Mr. Course are on holidays this week. 2 boys and 2 girls admitted to the Surrey Group and one girl to the Croydon Group. 2 boys and 5 girls form the London Group taken off roll.

20^th August 1940

Mr. Bayliss and Mr. Lesley visited the school am.

21^st August 1940

An air raid warning was sounded at 1.55pm today and the children were taken to the shelters. The All Clear was sounded at 2.20pm and lessons resumed immediately afterwards.

23^rd August 1940

Mr. Bayliss and Mr. Lesley (LCC) visited school to decide on return of redundant LCC teachers attached to the school. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 184, girls 168, total 352 London – Boys 26, girls 32, total 58 Croydon – Boys 28, girls 18, total 46

26^th August 1940

An air raid occurred during the night and in consequence a number of children came to school after normal time of opening. Attendance marks were credited.

27^th August 1940

Although no air raid warning was given in the night enemy planes circled and anti-aircraft fire caused many children to loose sleep. The attendance was as a consequence low this morning while in some instances children fell asleep in the class rooms. During the afternoon all children were taken to the Recreation ground and given a period of rest 2.00 to 2.40pm. Normal work continued afterwards.

29^th August 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. School was closed at 4pm for a one day holiday (29^th) having been granted by the SEC. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 184, girls 170, total 354 London – Boys 26, girls 32, total 58 Croydon – Boys 27, girls 22, total 49 Mr. Potter, Miss Ellis, Miss Pyper. Miss Richardson having been instructed to report in London concluded serving in this school this afternoon. Miss Venable also concluded services to return to Croydon.

2^nd September 1940

School reopened this morning. Slight readjustments have been made to the forms so that no form exceeds 40 on roll.

4^th September 1940

An air attack was made upon Vickers works at Brooklands at 1.20pm today. No warning was given on the public sirens and at the first moment of the attack the children were coming into the playground from the Recreation ground prior to assembly for the march in. Mr Pink and Mr. Jenkins were both in the playground at the time. In 30 seconds all the children were under cover either in the school or in the trenches. The sirens sounded about ten minutes after the first detonation was heard. The all clear came through at 2pm and after a short break normal lessons were held.

Historical note: In terms of casualties (509) the attack on Vickers was the biggest local raid. Numbers of dead and wounded vary according to which aviation history is consulted, but the figures below come from council records

Men

Women

Killed

75

8

Seriously injured

169

7

Slightly injured

204

39

A detailed description of the raid will be found in the book “Raiders Overhead” by Stephen Fowler. This publication describes the air raids in the Weybridge and Walton areas. Again for the purpose of complete documentation details of other bombs dropped in the local area are given in blue below.

5^th September 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. An air raid alarm was sounded at 10.15am and lasted until 10.50am this morning. The children were taken to the trenches on the warning. Normal lessons resumed at 1.15. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 181, girls 169, total 350 London – Boys 26, girls 30, total 56 Croydon – Boys 26, girls 22, total 48

6^th September 1940

An air raid on the Hawkers works at Brooklands was made at about 9.15am. The sirens were not sounded until the commencement of the raid giving insufficient time to get the children in the shelters. The whistle signal was given and the children took cover under desks or in corridors. When it appeared safe they were taken a few at a time to the shelters. All clear 10.05am. A second alarm was sounded at 11.00. The all clear given at 11.55.

9^th September 1940

Night air raids have occurred during the past two nights. The alarm was in operation on both occasions for some hours. Many children were absent or came to school late. Attendees were credited to all children who made appearance by 10am.

11^th September 1940

An air raid warning was sounded at 10.50am when the majority of children were in the playground. They were taken to the shelters and remained there until 11.25am when the All Clear was sounded and normal lessons resumed. A second warning was sounded at 3.45pm and children went to the shelters. The All Clear came at 4.55pm when the children were dismissed.

12^th September 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am.

13^th September 1940

Air raid warning 8.15am. All clear 8.25am only two children and Mr. Jenkins at school. Air raid warning 1.23pm. All Clear 1.50pm. Registers marked and normal lessons resumed. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 181, girls 169, total 350 London – Boys 26, girls 28, total 54 Croydon – Boys 24, girls 22, total 46 Mr. Keaste concluded duty on Wednesday Sept. 11^th having been called up for military service.

18^th September 1940

Air raid warning 1.20pm. All Clear 1.50pm when registers were marked and normal lessons resumed. Rev. C. Hamilton visited the school pm.

19^th September 1940

Rev C. Hamilton attended assembly this morning and dedicated the new lectern which has been made for the Hall by boys under the instructions of Mr. Grove. Air raid warning 3.10pm. All Clear 3.50pm and Children dismissed to their homes

20^th September 1940

Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 179, girls 170, total 349 London – Boys 25, girls 27, total 52 Croydon – Boys 23, girls 20, total 43 A bomb landed near Send church.

21^st September 1940

Two bombs landed near Newark Priory.

26^th September 1940

Dr. J. W. Knowles gave a talk to form IVA on first aid 11.30 – 12.00. This was the first of a course of talks on this subject which will be given each Thursday 11.30-12.00. Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Roundbridge Farm, Old Woking, partially damaged by bombs. Up to a dozen heavy explosive bombs dropped on the Pyrford Court Estate.

27^th September 1940

Air raids as follows. The children were taken to the trenches on each warning and dismissed at 3.51pm:

Warning

9.15

11.00

11.56

12.47

3.10

All Clear

9.55

11.30

12.32

12.59

3.51

28^th September 1940

Three “oil drum” bombs dropped on the Pyrford Court Estate. More bomb dropped over Ripley.

30^th September 1940

Air raid warning today has been received as follows:

Warning

9.21

10.18

1.19

All Clear

10.00

11.01

2.14

Bombs landed on field north of Carter’s Lane, Old Woking. .

1^st October 1940

Work proceeded with interruption this morning but children were taken to the trenches at 1.20pm. All Clear 2.10pm and 2.14pm. All Clear 3.30pm. During the night a further five heavy-explosive bombs were dropped on the Pyrford Court Estate and Lady Place Farm at Pyrford was partially demolished by one bomb. Two landed in the field bounded by Upshott and Sandy Lanes.

2^nd October 1940

Air raid warnings have been sounded and children taken to the trenches at the following times thought the day. Normal lesions were continued as far as was possible in between times. School dismissed at 4pm.

Warning

9.15

10.05

12.10

1.20

3.05

All Clear

9.40

10.50

12.30

1.55

3.30

4^th October 1940

An air raid warning was sounded at 1.50pm. This afternoon the children were taken to the trenches. The All Clear had not sounded at 4.30pm so convoys were arranged with the assistance of parents who came up to the school. All children had been dispersed safely by 5.15pm

7^th October 1940

Four warnings have been sounded during the day, the last just after the majority of children had left their homes. Those remaining were taken to the shelters and later sent home in convoy.

8^th October 1940

An air raid warning was sounded at 8.40am. Many children and most of the staff at the school and went to the trenches. The All Clear was received at 10.10 and ordinary lessons resumed. Mr. Phillips, county Inspector visited the school this afternoon.

10^th October 1940

Mr. Jenkins absent this afternoon attending an interview at the air ministry Bombs landed on Ripley Green.

11^th October 1940

Cluster of heavy-explosive bombs handed in a line near Ockham Mill.

12^th October 1940

Bombs dropped to the east of Pyrford Church and Lady Place Farm.

14^th October

Gunfire in the immediate district was heard at 1.05pm. Children were sent to shelter in school or in the air raid shelters which were nearest. A single raider was attacking the balloon barrage from low-lying clouds. At 1.25pm when everything was quiet lessons continued and afternoon school was commenced. Today the new afternoon times came into operation. School opening at 1.15pm Closing at 3.15pm Two isolated bombs fell near Prews Farm, off Tannery Lane and at Mays Corner.

15^th October 1940

Air raid warnings and lessons resumed according to timetable immediately on the All Clear each time:

Warning

8.00

10.00

11.30

12.40

All Clear

9.35

10.30

11.45

1.00

16^th October 1940

School lessons proceed throughout the day without interruption. A warning was sounded at 3.30 but all the children had gone home.

17^th October 1940

An air raid warning was sounded at 9.25 am and the children taken to the trenches. Lessons were resumed at 10.05 on the All Clear. Dr. Knowles gave instruction on First Aid to Form IVA 11.30 to 12noon.

18^th October 1940

Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 179, girls 168, total 347 London – Boys 33, girls 32, total 65 Croydon – Boys 22, girls 19, total 41 School closed at 3.15 for mid term holiday

19^th October 1940

Solitary oil bomb on Pyrford Court Estate.

21^st October 1940

Bombs landed east of Newark Lane, near the Seven Stars pub, at Ripley and at Broadmeads near the Tannery.

22^nd October 1940

Bombs landed near Ockham.

26^th October 1940

Two bombs landed at Send Marsh

28^th October 1940

Two bombs in the vicinity of Ockham Mill.

29th October 1940

Line of bombs dropped near Wisley.

30^th October 1940

School reopened. Mr. Stollery visited the school pm.

31^st October 1940

Air raid warning today received at 1.50pm. Children sent home in convoy escorted by teachers or parents at 3.30pm. All Clear was not sounded until 5.30pm. Dr. Knowles visited the school am.

1^st November 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 176, girls 169, total 349 London – Boys 31, girls 36, total 67 Croydon – Boys 20, girls 19, total 39 Air raids

Warning

11.25

1.20

All Clear

11.50

1.50

4^th November 1940

Miss Watkins absent for today for purpose of marriage

5^th November 1940

Air raid warnings were sounded and children taken to trenches at the following times

Warning

10.25

11.25

3.00

All Clear

10.45

12.00

3.30

6^th November 1940

Mrs. J.M. Wheely commenced duty on supply this morning. She has taken over the work of Mrs. Brooks while Mrs. Brooks has transferred to the work of Miss Adcock.

7^th November 1940

Dr. Knowles visited the school at 11.30 and gave a talk on first aid to form IV A. Mr. Phillips visited the school at mid-day. Thirty two high explosive bombs dropped on Pyrford Court Estate.

8^th November 1940

Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 175, girls 167, total 342 London – Boys 32, girls 38, total 70 Croydon – Boys 19, girls 20, total 39 Air raid warnings today:

Warning

10.20

1.30

All Clear

11.15

2.10

11^th November 1940

Air raid warnings and children taken to trenches occurred today as follows:

Warning

9.20

10.37

1.15

All Clear

10.18

11.11

1.30

12^th November 1940

Air raid warning was sounded at 3.07 and the All Clear went at 3.25pm and it was therefore unnecessary to arrange convoys.

13^th November 1940

An air raid warning lasting from 1.17 until 3.00pm preventing any teaching in the school. Mr. Stollery visited the school.

14^th November 1940

Mrs. Taylor and Miss Avery from West Moseley Girls Central School visited the school to see the Art work. Dr. Knowles and Mr. Bayliss (LCC) visited the school am. Air raid warning this morning at 11.15. Some of the trenches being flooded the boys were sheltered in the ground floor corridor of the school, the girls going to their shelters which were dry. All Clear sounded at 12.05.

15^th November 1940

Air raid warning today. Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 176, girls 165, total 341 London – Boys 32, girls 39, total 71 Croydon – Boys 19, girls 20, total 39

18^th November 1940

Owing to complete flooding of the trenches making it impossible to take the children n there, work will in future continue in school on an “ALERT” with “SPOTTERS” reaming in the playground. If enemy air craft are in the vicinity the alarm will be sounded and children sheltered in the corridors where the glass has been made splinter proof. An alert was sounded today at <blank> and lasted until <blank>.

21^st November

Mr. Finn the County Surveyor visited the school at midday in connection with the flooding of the shelters.

22^nd November 1940

Attendance/On roll Surrey – Boys 179, girls 167, total 346 London – Boys 33, girls 38, total 71 Croydon – Boys 19, girls 20 total 39

Air raids on Woking

27^th November 1940

Two bombs landed in the field just below PYrford Church, off Newark Lane.

28^th November 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school. Dr. Knowles gave instruction in first aid to form IVA 11.30 to 12.00

29^th November 1940

Mrs. Hitchens concluded supply duty this afternoon on finding a permanent appointment in Egham. Surrey – Boys 177, girls 163, total 340 London – Boys 33, girls 36, total 69 Croydon – Boys 18, girls 19 total 37

2^nd December 1940

Mrs. Anne Leigh commenced duty on supply this morning.

5^th December 1940

Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Mr. W.E. Short concluded duty having been called up for military service. Surrey – Boys 177, girls 163, total 340 London – Boys 33, girls 34, total 67 Croydon – Boys 18, girls 19 total 37

9^th December 1940

Mr. Parsons from the Portland Senior Boys School South Norwood started duty this morning in place of Mr. Short. Mrs. Weely concluded supply duty this afternoon.

10^th December 1940

A total of £226-10-0 has been made today through the school saving Association for the Woking War Weapons Week.

11^th December 1940

Mr. V.C. Allsopp absent today attending interview for headship of Farncombe C.E. school.

12^th December 1940

Dr. Knowles visited the school and gave instruction in first aid for form IVA. Surrey – Boys 177, girls 163, total 340 London – Boys 33, girls 34, total 67 Croydon – Boys 18, girls 19 total 37 The complete total invested through the school Savings Association was £235.

16^th December 1940

Mrs Deely commenced duty on supply this morning. Miss H. Gower visited the school pm.

18^th December 1940

A party for London evacuees was held in the canteen this afternoon at 3.30pm.

19^th December 1940

Four bombs landed near Cartbridge, Send.

20^th December 1940

Mr A. W. Stollery, Mr. Norman Kingzett and Dr. Godsalve Ward visited the school this afternoon for the school closing assembly (*). School closed for the Christmas holidays at 3.20pm. Attendance/On roll: Surrey: 430, London: 67, Croydon 37

* During the 1970s the dais at the front of the school hall always contained three vacant antique and dissimilar chairs. Perhaps these were reserved in memorandum for the three people concerned. Norman Kingzett was killed, aged 66, in an unfortunate accident when his small saloon car collided with the rear of an eight ton timber lorry at Pains Hill, Chobham, in the cold winter of January 1947. Mr. Stollery died at the beginning of 1959. nothing