{"id":292,"date":"2025-04-25T11:08:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T11:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/?page_id=292"},"modified":"2025-04-25T15:26:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T15:26:02","slug":"radley-letters-winter-term-1943","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/?page_id=292","title":{"rendered":"Radley Letters – Winter Term 1943"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sept 26th<\/span>
I got here safely and the trains were very good the 9.40 arrived in London just after 25 to 2.  I found my trunk and got a porter after some time and  I caught the train, to Radley,, which was very crowded but I got a seat from Reading onwards.  The sandwiches and cake were very good and I ate them on the train not in the lavatory!!!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I got here safely.  Pa gave me the pen in Bridgend and I am using it now.  I like it very much.  I am looking after a new boy, I hope I am doing it allright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We started work on Thursday.  I am about 6 forms from the bottom now.  I have got one striped rugger vest and one white one.  I am trying to make do with one striped one but I may have to get another.  I believe I have lost the rest of my year\u2019s sweet ration but don\u2019t worry.  It may be allright and I am not sure.  We can always get another as you did with Pa\u2019s, I hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ticket from Paddington to Radley cost 8\/11, could you please send me some or all of it back because that only leaves me with just over a pound also Pa owes me 7\/6 so if you could send me a P.O. it would be very nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am the private fag of the same person as last time who is now the head of the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had to do the five-mile-walk on Saturday, for the Physical Efficiency tests for the J.T.C. 1<\/a><\/sup><\/strong>\u00a0 I managed to do it in the senior (17-18) time in 48 minutes I think.\u00a0 We do these Physical Efficiency tests for the first three weeks.\u00a0 I am longing to play rugger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct 2<\/span>
Most of this week we have been doing physical efficiency tests.  Some College efficiency tests or standard.  Some army or J.T.C. efficiency tests or standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last Saturday I told you we had the 5 mile walk which I did in 48 minutes.  This week for the Army standards I have vaulted about 3 feet.  Climbed up 15 feet of rope.  Jumped 6 feet from a standing position.  For the college standards in which I got 5 points for the social which is the most we are allowed to get, each standard counts 1 point.  I have run half a mile in 2 mins 45 secs. 220 yards in 31 secs. 100 yards in 14 secs. High jumped 3ft 9 ins and the last is we have to throw a weight a certain way and a certain distance which I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I went into Abingdon to-day.  I bought two pounds of Coxes apples which ARE (not were!!!) very good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had my first game of rugger to-day and I scored one try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One day when you go Rhys Williams sweet shop could you ask them if they have my sweet ration book because I may have left it in there.  I probably haven\u2019t left it there but I may have done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t think I need any warm pants.  Anyhow not yet.  Do you know if my coat is ready yet?  It should be by now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sports start to-morrow.  Has Michael got any Fives gloves at home?  I should like to try and play it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 9th<\/span>
I expect I will start rugger properly on Monday, I have only played the one game so far.  I am glad to hear Pa\u2019s cold is better.  I had one but I used my Benzedrine inhaler and put tons of Vapex on my handkerchief and it was allright in about two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I got my J.T.C. uniform the Wednesday before last and last Monday I had to wear it, all cleaned up and shining.  The corps boots were much too small, and I got some more, I hope you didn\u2019t mind.  I didn\u2019t have to pay coupons and they are lovely boots size 9 (they hadn\u2019t any 81\/2s so I got 9s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports lasted all this week.  I went in for the Junior, 100 and 220 yds and \u00bd mile.  I came in about 6th or 7th in the half-mile out of about 12 or 14 and 5th or 6th  out of about 9 in the 220 yds.  I don\u2019t know where I came in the 100 yds.  To-day also there was the Relay race.  There are three different ones, Junior, middle and senior.  4 are wanted from each Social for each group.  One of our people was sick or something and I was put in his place.  In the junior our Social was 2nd which counts some points.  but in the middle and seniors we did no good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are going to get our jam ration in 1 pound pots, but we have to return the pots, but that is allright, but it does mean we will get quite a lot and I may be able to bring 1 or even two pounds home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think I told you we break up on 17th December.  When does Dennis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday<\/span>
I had a very good tea, (I ate a bit too much I have decided).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 17th<\/span>
We started rugger on Tuesday.  I am in Junior Colts 1.  So I should be able to get into Junior Colts.  I scored about 2 tries in Games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Rugger the Social is divided into two pieces, Junior Social and Senior Social.  There was a Junior Social rugger match on Friday, against another social.  I managed to get into the Junior Social Team.  I also managed to score 2 tries.  We won 34-0 nil.  When you get 30 you retire which we did.  We had 29 then got a try and a convert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday I got 3 letters.  One from Michael.  One from Dennis.  And one From Auntie Marjorie.  She said that she was coming down to Abingdon for a week and would it be possible for me to see her.  So I wrote back to her and said I could see her.  I got a telegram on Saturday night asking me to ring her up which after getting permission I did.  So I rang her up and after getting the wrong number I got through to her.  She said she had engaged a table at the \u2018Crown and Thistle\u2019 in Abingdon.  I met her there at 12.00 and we went for a walk along the river for about \u00be an hour.  Auntie Marj went up and stroked a big, black, cart-horse.  Just nearby was a huge white cart-horse.  Which just as we came near rolled on its back and snorted just like Simon.  I could hardly stop laughing.  We then went on and I told her all about our holidays etc. and gave her our new address, but I didn\u2019t give her our telephone number as I wasn\u2019t sure of it.  Is it 65?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We then went back and had lunch which though small was very good.  We had pork, Brussel sprouts, Potatoes (baked) and Gravy. soup and Apple and custard.  There wasn\u2019t much but it was very good.  We also had Ginger beer (even though Mr Seed said they weren’t making it!) and coffee afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We then went for another bicycle ride out of Abingdon to a very pretty little village called Clifton Hampden.  We crossed over a toll bridge and paid for our bikes 2d return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We went for another walk by the river and back into the village where auntie Marjorie dropped her hat but we found it again.  We went on bicycling for some time and turned back again and had tea at a Place called \u2018the Barley Mow\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We cycled back to Abingdon and I said good-bye and Auntie Marjorie gave me 10\/- which was very kind.  I went back here and arrived just in time for Chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Chapel I went to some films which were for the spotter\u2019s club which I have joined2<\/a><\/sup>. They were very good.\u00a0 They were mostly M. of I. (Ministry of Information) films.\u00a0 One about the Lofoten Isles, another about Lancasters another about Stalking and a proper short film about guarding your talking, which was amusing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was out with Aunt Marj. I saw a pheasant.  Uncle Alec was very sorry he couldn\u2019t come out from where they were staying as he had a cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 23rd<\/span>
There was a junior social match last week but we had a bye i.e. there was no-one to play against so we had a practice game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I went into Oxford on Wednesday and managed to get Vol II of the count of Monte Cristo but I couldn\u2019t see vol I.  If you see it in Marlow, could you get it please.  It is an Everyman\u2019s library book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Colts is the team, Junior Colts I and Junior Colts II are games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a Spotters Club meeting yesterday.  There is a new third class test out and we are being shown the planes enlarged on a screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undated but must fit here<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have decided to write this letter in diary from I hope you don\u2019t mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday<\/span>
It was field (day) to-day.  At breakfast we got our lunch in sandwich form.  The J.T.C. was divided into two parts: 2\/5 defence and 3\/5 attack.  I am in the defence.  We paraded at 9 o-clock.  We set off at about 20 to 10.  I was a bren-gunner, the bren gun was, I think, an ordinary rifle with a handle for carrying it.  We marched for about 2 \u00bd hours or so and we got to a hill.  By the way there was a thick fog which lasted till about midday.  When we got there we ate our lunch and got down in positions to defend the hill-top.  Once we got nicely settled down, to move to another place.  Then in about \u00bd an hour it was \u2018zero hour\u2019.  We went on a patrol but we didn\u2019t see any \u2018enemy\u2019.  Then after being place and taken away again, we had to go on patrol, but just as the battle begun I got \u2018killed\u2019.  There were a lot of bangs and then the enemy came and we had to stop firing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then we had, after a fairly long wait, to start marching back again.  By this time it was very hot.  We got back in about 2 hours and changed and rushed over to supper.  I had a good supper with a pudding which we don\u2019t usually have.  Then I lounged about and read till chapel and did the same till bed-time.  I went to bed feeling quite nice and tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday
I had a good night.  There was a thick fog that lasted all day.  In the afternoon we had a practice and game of rugger for a Junior Colts match to-morrow.  The sides were J.Colts V the rest.  I have managed to get into junior colts in the front row of the scrum.  We have a match to-morrow against St Edwards.  We will have to bicycle there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday
I had a nice hot bath last night but I couldn\u2019t stay in long. We had a parade instead of P.T. as we do every Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I then went to the Social and changed into a suit so as to be prepared to go to Oxford, for the match.  We then bicycled into Oxford, changed and went out onto the pitch.  Their team was a little bigger on the whole, but in the scrum we seemed to push them off the ball quite often.  But they beat us easily 30-0nil.  They had a big right wing who scored most of the tries.  We had tea and came back slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday
Please could you send me another tin of that \u2018COBRA DARK TAN\u2019 boot polish.  I have used about 1 \u00bd tins so far this term.  There is hardly anything in them.         I saw a grey squirrel during P.T. this morning.  There was a junior social this afternoon.  We easily beat the other team 36 nil.  They had not got a good team, also they had their best person missing.  The game hardly lasted 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday
I did Manual Labour to-day.  I think I told you what that was.  We did work instead of Games.  To-day I did some tree-cutting which I enjoyed very much for a change.  This evening there were the \u2018Dons\u2019 (Masters) plays.  They were very, very good indeed.  Almost all the masters took part.  There is another performance to-morrow (Saturday) night.  The first Perform. was for Eastbourne and the lower forms.  To-morrow\u2019s Perform is the upper forms and the O.R.s (Old Radleians).  To-night there was the film \u2018Old Bones of the River\u2019 with Will Hay for the Upper forms and To-morrow night for the Lower forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday
It is O.R.s (old Radleians) day to-day.  Many O.R.s come down and stay the week-end.  It is a whole holiday to-day.  there was a Junior Social match this Morning.  We beat the social we were playing 36 nil.  When we finished it was nearly time.  There was a Rugger Match O.R.s v. the 1st XV.  The 1st XV won but not by much.  We had to watch it; but it was worth watching.  There is nothing much to do till Chapel but after Chapel there is the film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is another thing I don\u2019t think I have told you about which happens here.  I expect you remember at St Pirans we used to have industry marks.  Well here we have pluses (+) and minuses (-).  If you do well in a subject you get a + if you do badly you get a -.  The person (or persons) who get the most +\u2018s take the form list of pluses and minuses to the Warden and the last two weeks I took the list to the Warden.  I saw the film to-night and it was very good and I enjoyed it very much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

November 1st<\/span>
Monday
You are much too hopeful about my getting into Colts.  I haven\u2019t a hope.  I expect you remember Soames.  Well he was in J. Colts last year and he isn\u2019t in Colts, so I haven\u2019t much hope of being in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday
For Manual labour to-day, I had to brush out some class-rooms which was very easy.  There weren\u2019t any pluses or minuses last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday
I don\u2019t know how but somehow I got into Junior Colts II.  We had a home match against St Edwards which we lost 38 nil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday
There was another Junior Social this afternoon which we won 30 nil, it was a hard game and I enjoyed it very much.  I didn\u2019t score a try.  There are only two more matches to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday
I have got a cold today and am off games.  But don\u2019t worry I think it will soon be allright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I haven\u2019t found my sweet ration book yet.  I don\u2019t know what to do about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you send me a tin of Brown boot polish please as I am running out and the polish here is awful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday
I was feeling absolutely rotten yesterday so I got leave off prep last night and went to bed about half past seven.  I am in bed to-day, but do not feel very ill.  Don\u2019t worry, I shall probably get up to-morrow.  I think I have just got a chill.  I have read most of to-day.  As there isn\u2019t much else to do.  I only got off four periods to-day, worst luck!!!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday
I got up to-day, But I am still considered sick.  I was only allowed out for meals.  I enjoyed myself very much.  I read pretty well all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday
I have enjoyed myself to-day and am almost myself again.  But my cold is much worse but don\u2019t worry it will soon clear up.  I missed all the periods to-day and all the preps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

November 14th<\/span>
I have decide not to write in diary form this week.  The parcel arrive on Saturday afternoon.  It was very nice of you to send the sweets.  Thank you very much indeed.  Also for the boot polish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Social was cancelled last week.  I don\u2019t know why.  We had a game of rugger instead.  I scored one try.  I was off games till Thursday.  I had my haircut on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have started reading \u2018Lorna Doone\u2019.  This will be the second time I have read it.  I like it very much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I got five pluses last week but didn\u2019t take the list to the Warden because of my being ill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I felt rotten again to-day and of course I had to go to bed.  I am not in bed yet but will be soon.  You may get this a bit late if I can\u2019t get it posted.  Don\u2019t worry, I think I will be allright again soon.  It is chiefly a head-ache, but I think I have a chill.  I must have overeaten!  Although I have hardly eaten to-day.  DON\u2019T WORRY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday
I\u2019m afraid I went down to the Infirmary yesterday (i.e. the san).  All I did was read or listen to the wireless.  I heard a tune from the \u2018Vagabond King\u2019 which I expect you remember seeing.  Also I heard Monday Night at Eight.  I quite enjoyed myself.  I got up to-day and am now back in the Social so I\u2019m O.K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21 November
<\/span>As you probably know by now I am in the infirmary with Jaundice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t feel many ill effects from it yet.  I had all the usual symptoms last week.  I hadn\u2019t got any appetite and truthfully last week I lost 7 pounds (weight).  I know this because I had to weigh myself last week for the social boxing competition is coming off this week.  Also I had to weigh myself again to-day.  When I first weighed myself I was 10 stone 1 pound and when I weighed myself to-day I was 9 stone 8 lbs.  I don\u2019t feel any ill-effects from this yet.  I don\u2019t feel being ill yet and neither am I very yellow.  I have company of another person in my social who has it.  One person in our social had jaundice at the beginning of the term and I have caught it off him.  I am glad I have it now or I might have got it at Christmas time.  I was off games all last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The worst about having Jaundice is the diet which is no fats allowed.  So I\u2019ll get very thin and skinny!!!  I\u2019ll have to have a chicken for myself when I get back home.  I have just seen a tree-creeper (A bird) creeping up a tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

November 30th<\/span>
I was discharged from the Infirmary at 11 o-clock to-day.  Although I haven\u2019t properly recovered yet I was because I am in the way as they are quite full up.  The 2nd chill I had I think was definitely a \u2018Jaundice\u2019 chill.  I felt really rotten the week that I was up.  I didn\u2019t feel at all bad once I was in bed.  I had quite a lot of eggs and one orange once but all the same I didn\u2019t enjoy my diet.  The week that I was up and was off my food I lost 7 lbs but you needn\u2019t believe me but it\u2019s true.  I had quite a good time in bed.  I read \u2018The Count of Monte Christo\u2019 which I enjoyed very much.  I also looked at a lot of \u2018Punch\u2019 annuals they had in the infirmary which were very good.   The time went quite quickly.  We came off our diet on Monday even then we didn\u2019t have any meat.  So now I haven\u2019t had any meat for 9 days now. quite a time. I feel very much better now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any news of the sweet ration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

December 5th<\/span>
The real reason why I came out of the infirmary so early was because they had scarlet fever down there and they didn\u2019t want us to come into contact any more with it.  Anyhow I haven\u2019t got it yet.  thank goodness.  You could send me a little chocolate if you don\u2019t mind, but don\u2019t send the ration book.  You could send me a few peppermint lumps as well if you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday
I am going to be head of Social Hall3<\/a><\/sup><\/strong> next term.\u00a0 Tutor told me last term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you send me some travelling money.  The ticket last time cost \u00a31 I think.  it was a half single.  This time I will need a whole-return so could you send what you think is necessary.  I am not certain but it may have cost 10\/-.  I don\u2019t know yet but I was thinking of going to St Pirans unless they have broken up when I break up.  When I leave here I could get out at Maidenhead and stay for lunch and catch the 1-37 from Maidenhead and 2-45 from Reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am on work again today.  We have won the Junior Social Comp. which is quite good.  I played in four out of the six.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P.S.         Only 10 more days till I go HOME.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

December 11th<\/span>
I had a letter from Mrs Tippet saying they were breaking up early on the 14th due to \u2018flu\u2019 so I won\u2019t see them.  The trains aren\u2019t all that good.  But still I think it will work allright.  Anyhow if I don\u2019t arrive on Saturday at lunch, I\u2019ll arrive at 6-o-clock (I hope).  I also had a short letter from Granny saying she would put me up for the night.  I am going to try and do some shopping in Maidenhead and Marlow.  I won\u2019t need a return ticket.  I\u2019ll get one from Radley home and one Reading to Maidenhead return.  I sending you a recipe for a Christmas cake and some Almond biscuits which I saw in the Sunday paper.  Hope they work.  I have got a bottle of lime juice at shop.  I have tasted some of it and am taking the rest home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are only five more days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had the social \u2018shout\u2019 last night also the social choir.  The \u2018shout\u2019 is that each social sings two songs which they have practiced.  The best gets a cup.  The social choir is almost the same.  Except it is the best singers in the social and not the whole social.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was also the final of Senior Social yesterday..  We got into the final but were beaten.  (As we knew we would be).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head of Social Hall means you are in charge of Social Hall.  It is quite good to be it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

  1. Junior Training Corps \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. This was a national institution to train people in identifying enemy aircraft \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  3. where all the first year boys in each social lived and did prep \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Sept 26thI got here safely and the trains were very good the 9.40 arrived in London just after 25 to 2.  I found my trunk and got a porter after some time and  I caught the train, to Radley,, which … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":208,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"Junior Training Corps\",\"id\":\"e77c9db9-5ed3-4607-8994-8e4e47a07969\"},{\"content\":\"This was a national institution to train people in identifying enemy aircraft\",\"id\":\"e7ff2cb7-d00c-4a04-a0c4-63438252f6b6\"},{\"content\":\"where all the first year boys in each social lived and did prep\",\"id\":\"2ffe207a-05cc-4dea-8965-74b8375d09b8\"}]"},"class_list":["post-292","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=292"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":309,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/292\/revisions\/309"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenaylors.co.uk\/naylorfamily\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}