Old Boys’
Notes

HQ CENTRAL REGISTER

It is with great regret that we report the sudden death of Colonel Archie, VC, MC, at Camberley, on Friday, 21st July, 1971. He was Commandant at QVS from 1 925 until 1929; prior to this he had been an instructor of Imperial Military Geography at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
He was a very fine gentleman, a most amiable person and a very gallant soldier. All these splendid virtues wrapped in one. His wife predeceased him, but to his twin daughters we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. A report will appear elsewhere in this magazine.
A letter came this morning from Bert Harrison, School No. 67, "Shepherd of the First Hundred", informing me of the death — after a long illness — of his wife, Gertie, who died in Barnet General Hospital on 19th May. To Bert we express much sorrow and extend our deepest sympathy. They had been married fifty years.
Many of the older Victorians will remember Alan Cameron, School No. 36. Poor Alan passed away in St. James' Hospital, Balham, SW12, in March this year. He was an excellent highland dancer and piper. He played with the School Pipe Band at Olympia in July, 1 913. To his next of kin, we extend our very deep sympathy and condolences.
In the December, 1970, issue of The Victorian there appeared an obituary for Victor Fennessey. I submit for inclusion in this issue, a glowing account of his service in Aldershot, Palestine, North Africa and elsewhere whilst serving in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
Lt. Colonel Donald McLeay wrote to me from Goola, South Australia. It was indeed a pleasure to hear from him. Life there appears to be all that could be desired. His charming doctor wife and daughter, came to Grand Day in 1 970.
A Buffet Supper was held in the Westlands Hotel, Dunblane, on 22nd May. Forty-six tickets were issued. Although we expected many more to present themselves, change of date - owing to the postal strike - the football international and other similar circumstances were the main causes of such a poor turn-out. Despite this, it was agreed by all to be a very pleasant evening. It was a great pleasure to welcome brothers Donald and Herbert ("Zep") Taylor of the London Branch. I think they deserve full marks for such a splendid effort. We must not pass without paying tribute to the enthusiastic endeavour of Flight Lieutenant Keith Douglas who came from Waddington, Lincoln. Well done, Keith !
On Sunday, the following day, 23rd May, a large turn-out saw the Wreath-laying Ceremony in the

chapel by members of the London, Glasgow and Edinburgh Branches. Thereafter followed the March Past. The Salute was taken by Bill McArthur, who came from Avoch, Ross-shire, with his charming wife.
At 2 p.m. thirty-two attended the Annual General Meeting. The Headmaster, Lt. Colonel Evans, gave a resume of School activities and sport. He also commented on the splendid record of the Combined Cadet Force. He informed the meeting of various changes which were taking place in the School and others which were planned for the future. The main item on the agenda was the drawing up of a new constitution for the Old Victorians Association. In order to avoid what was evidently going to be a long drawn-out discussion, it was put to the vote and decided that a committee be elected forthwith to get on with the business and submit for ratification, at a later date. Then followed nominations. Peter Taylor was elected Chairman, George Stirrat, Secretary and Treasurer, Major Campbell McQueen and James White, members for the Central Area. Two members will be nominated by the London, Glasgow and Edinburgh Branches when they hold their respective meetings. When this has been done, the Chairman will convene a committee meeting to draw-up a constitution for ratification. A report will appear in the next Victorian.
In the British Legion it is the Boys of the Old Brigade who "keep the engine running". So with QVS. We do wish many more of the younger generation of Old Victorians would take an interest in what will, one day, be their association. We implore you to join and swell the ranks. Furthermore we would like an increase in membership. Please take note and contact me: Ormonde House, Doune, Perthshire; Tel. Doune 294). I will be very pleased to hear from you; and promise a reply.
Old Victorian ties and magazines can be obtained from the School.

George Stirrat,
Secretary, OVS Hon.

We recently heard from one of the younger old boys who still has many friends at the School. Michael Duckett, better known to his friends as Charlie, left the School four years ago to go to Western Australia where he went to school for a time before taking up an apprenticeship in lithographic machining. He is enjoying his life out there very much and his only regret is that he had to leave his many friends behind. For our part, our only regret is that we have lost the one really good full-back that 2nd Year rugby has ever produced. I feel sure that there must be at least one other old boy in Western Australia, and if there is and he would like to contact Charlie we have added his address onto the end of this note. We hope that Charlie will succeed in his efforts to come.