From my brother, Chris’s, research, I have learned that my potential great uncle, Fred Evans, brother of great uncle John (Jack Riskit) and Grandma Hunter, née Evans, was killed on the Somme in 1916. A first class cricketer and footballer, Fred was expected to play cricket for Lancashire until the war put a stop to it. From his home in Sydney, a member of the 53rd Bn., Australian Infantry, he set out for France on 8th March, 1916, and was, according to a comrade, George Stone, one of the first over the parapet and shot “about half-way across to” the German line, on 19th July. He has no known grave and is commemorated at V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery Memorial, Fromelles.
My Grandparents, John Francis Cecil (Jack) Knight, wearing Army uniform in 1917; and George Henry Hunter, clad in Merchant Navy uniform, were both fortunate enough to – at least physically – to have survived WWI, the first time the world went mad.
All I know about Jack’s war service is that he taught airmen to fly. His qualification for this was
The Norwood School for the Sons of Gentlemen, which was a family run business of the Knights for several generations, although not always in West Norwood. He may not have known how to fly, but he did know how to teach. Male members ran the school, whilst the women became governesses when they served all over Europe. Central to the photograph, probably taken in 1913, are my paternal grandparents Beatrice and Jack (John Francis Cecil) Knight.
The woman on the far left we knew in later years as Auntie Evelyn. It was her sister, Mabel, who bequeathed our father 18 Bernard Gardens. When the family moved into this large house in Wimbledon, among Mabel’s effects were all the gramophone records of Julie Andrews. Mabel had no record player, but had clearly taken pride in her former charge. The colourful careers of our three great aunts will feature further on in the story.
Here, our late brother, Chris, on a visit to Tangmere, occupies a replica of the SE 5a Scout from 1918, which our grandfather taught airmen to fly. From the museum web page we read:
‘SE5A COCKPIT REPLICA
The Royal Aircraft Factory SE 5a scout was one of the most successful British fighter aircraft of the First World War and was one of the first aircraft to fly from the newly created RAF Tangmere in 1918 when No 92 Squadron trained here before leaving for the Western Front. The Museum’s replica was built to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and constructed by a small team drawn from our engineering staff using original drawings and employing the same techniques that were used for the original aircraft’.
Jack, after 1914, was never to work in the school again. Returning from the First World War he no longer had the heart to work inside or in education, and bought a removal firm.
Grandpa Hunter was a land based engineer, almost certainly using his skills as a turner. He served on Victory 2, a training depot for RN divisions at Crystal Palace.
I enjoyed the family history post. I’ve done a bit of research on my family in the past. Found relatives I didn’t know about.
I must admit that I owe much of the research to my brother Chris, and to Gwen Wilson. Thanks very much, Sherry.
It sad to know your Grandfather Jack didn’t have the heart to return to education but I do understand why. I’ve been reading up a lot on WW1 as I am writing about this war. American’s role though, not the UK’s. A terrible war.
Indeed, Robbie. Thanks very much
War can change a man. Even though Jack may not have served on the front-lines, he must’ve gotten news of the deaths of young fighter pilots he had trained.
Yes. He may well have been on the front, too, but he would never have spoken about it. Thanks very much Rosaliene.
This has been very interesting, Derrick, your family is wonderful.
Thank you so much, John
Even though it was billed as an autobiography, your story amply benefits from incorporating the fascinating details about your family, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly. My original draft left out much of the ancestral episodes. Readers’ comments have helped me to see that this is all part of my story.
My pleasure, Derrick. It most definitely enhances your story and brings a much larger dimension into it.
So true! We are all a part of those who came before us.
Frank Prem, in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, has recently published a “coffee-table book” of photos and his poetry of the Somme — Sheep on the Somme. I wonder if you are famiiiar with it? https://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Somme-World-Picture-Poetry/dp/1925963144
Thank you very much for alerting me, Janet. Having followed Frank for some years I am familiar with this splendid work
Good — I am very impressed with this particular piece of Frank’s, and thought you might enjoy it as well, with your family’s background!
Actually I was enjoying it before I knew about Fred
More fascinating history. Looking forward to learning about the great aunts.
Thank you very much, Pat.
How wonderful that you have all this information and pictures as well!!
It really is. Some research courtesy of Gwen Wilson
Thanks very much, GP.
<3
Thanks very much, Donna
I do wonder if my maternal grandparents and their families crossed paths with yours. My grandfather’s family home was in Brixton and my grandmother’s two shops at the top of Brixton Hill. My Great Uncle Bernard learnt to fly before the First War and my grandfather Percy during the war, when he joined the RFC. My great grandfather and -mother are buried in West Norwood cemetery. I don’t know where the boys went to school but their father was a successful tailor and dress maker with premises in Bond Street and Tottenham court Road so a school for gentlemen sounds about right! We will probably never know but it’s a nice thought….
We can Burt wonder
Thanks a lot, Geoff.
You have such an interesting family Derrick
Another engaging installment of your family history. I love the name of the school: The Norwood School for the Sons of Gentlemen.
So Victorian, Liz. Thanks vey much
You’re welcome, Derrick. I do tend to get a kick out of Victorian.
Powerful important stories from your family’s history AND history.
All of the faces of all of those boys in that photo…I can’t help but wonder about them and their lives.
The well-seasoned photos are treasures!
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I am enjoying putting my family’s story into context X
I came to this post from a scan of the evening headlines and news reports, and had to smile at your line: “The first time the world went mad…” We can only hope there are some with us today to deal with the madness as well as these fine family members of yours.
I’m pleased you appreciated that, Linda. Thank you very much.
Those two are very vivid portraits with eyes ready to speak to the watcher. Interesting accounts of the family of flight trainers and governesses, and gramophone records sans the machine, spice up the narrative. The horrors and aftermath of WW I are presented in an understated yet impactful manner.
Yes. The horrors and, indeed. An insightful observation, Uma. The coincidence of the two trainers had never struck me before. Thanks very much.
I expect many who came back from the war were shattered in some way and carried on as best they could.
I’m sure. Thanks very much, Laurie
An interesting read – how good of you to capture this history before it is lost for good.
Another fascinating read.
Thanks very much, Sue
More wonderful family history.
Thanks very much, Andrew
I am enjoying reading about your family history, Derrick. The old photos are like time travel in a way, allowing us to see back to when they were alive, and how they lived.
They are priceless images of history, Lavinia. Thank you very much.
Another great post, Derrick. This is fascinating stuff.
Thank you so much. Jodie.
xo
Fascinating stuff!
Thanks very much, Leslie
Such interesting history and photos, and so much sadness hidden between the lines. I can’t imagine the horror of those trenches.
Like Liz, I also love that school’s name.
Thanks very much, Merril. The trenches were a shambles.
Yes, even brief depictions get to me.
“He may not have known how to fly, but he did know how to teach” this reminds me of my father in law that used to teach how to ski without knowing to ski
1918: Teaching airmen to fly. Consider that powered flight (1903) had never been achieved when those airmen were born, and now it was being employed in war. My wife’s grandfather is said to have been a pilot in WW1, thus this story drew special attention.
Thanks very much, Doug. I’m pleased it resonated with you.