SOUTH TWERTON SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL.

The memorial tablet erected at the South Twerton Council Schools in memory of the 33 old scholars who perished in the war was unveiled on Thursday afternoon by the Mayor (Alderman Percy Jackman) in the presence of a large company of parents and scholars. Alderman C. H. Long presided, and others present were Alderman S. W. Bush (Chairman of the Bath Education Committee), Councillor F .G. Hearse, Mr. G. Orchard, Mr. R. H. Hope, Mrs. McCullock and Miss Jackman (daughters of the Mayor), Mrs. C. H. Long and Mrs. G. E. A. Skinner. Members of the school staff present included the heads the Boys', Girls', and Infants' Departments — Mr. G. E. A. Skinner, Miss J. Phillips, and Miss Millie Ryall.

The school choir (trained by Miss Phillips) commenced the proceeding by singing 'England' — the words adapted from John of Gaunt's speech in 'King Richard II'.

Alderman Long then welcomed the Mayor, remarking that was the first occasion that his Worship had visited that school. The managers were very proud of that school, and appealed to the present scholars to be very jealous of its reputation.

The Mayor said that when Mr. Skinner asked him to perform that ceremony and thereby to show his official recognition of what the old boys of South Twerton School had done in the cause the Empire, he felt very proud, and was glad to give his consent immediately; because felt the citizens were glad to recognise what the boys of South Twerton and their masters had done, not only for our city, but for our country. The old boys of that school made a noble response in the hour of thejr country's need. No fewer than 170 of their number  enlisted in the first year of the War (hear, hear). That tablet recorded the names of those who had made the supreme sacrifice. They mourned their loss; but at the same time they thought with pride of their sacrifice so readily made, which saved us at home from a fate even worse than slavery.

His Lordship then read some particulars of the careers, civil or military, and the gallant end of many of those whom the tablet commemorated. Sapper Mundy, of the Wessex R.E, the first old boy to fall*, perished in August, 1915. He frequently wrote home, and expressed pride, in his letters, at the response of the South Twerton lads to their country's call. Capt. Hayes, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, who rose from the ranks, was killed at the head of his platoon while recapturing a position which had been lost. Lieut. H. W. Bradley, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was a cousin of Capt. Hayes, and on leaving Bath obtained a position in the laboratory at the Swindon Secondary School. He obtained a high place in a Civil Service Examination, and subsequently held an important appointment in London. Lieut. Strong, the headmaster of St. Saviour's Schools, was for ten years associated with South Twerton, as a pupil and assistant master. Coached by him, the football team twice won the Association League Cup. Sergt. G. Collins, of the 6th Somerset L. I. gained the Military Medal. Lance-Corporal W. A. Membery, of the same regiment, became organist of the Walcot Wesleyan Church. Other fallen scholars to whom the Mayor made special reference were Lance-Corporal Claude Warren, of the 5th Dorsets, who was killed at Cambrai, Rifleman Percy Whiting, of the King's Royal Rifles; Pte. Crewe. Pte. S. Gunning, Pte. H. Holley, Pte. W. R. Smith, and Pte. Harold Swain, whose fate was not known with certainty for some two years. Seamen who perished were A.B.s William Billett** of the Monmouth, and Joseph Randall, of the Pheasant.

The Mayor remarked that while they honoured the fallen, they did not forget to welcome those who had safely returned. They recognised the high ideals of belief in the supremacy of right over wrong, discipline, and forbearance, which animated those who had fallen. The existence of such high ideals formed an evident tribute to the teaching of the headmaster (applause). The recollection of these sacrifices should inspire and encourage us as we devoted our efforts in these critical days to the work of reconstruction, and endeavoured by God's help to work for the common weal, animated by feelings of good will to all men (applause).

The Mayor then drew aside the Union Jack which veiled the tablet, and after a few minutes' silence, the school choir led the singing of the hymn, 'How bright those glorious spirits shine.'

Ald. Bush moved a vote thanks to the Mayor for performing that ceremony. He remarked that such an occasion must inevitably have sorrowful associations, and therefore would not ask the boys to give three cheers for his Worship, as he would otherwise have been glad do.

In seconding the vote of thanks, Mr. Orchard remarked that had been for 18 years associated with that school. A better lot of boys than the scholars of South Twerton he had never met. They were met on a unique occasion that afternoon — an occasion which had its element of sadness. Happily both his own sons had returned safely from the war; but he felt able to sympathise with those parents that afternoon who had lost their dear ones. He believed that the parents of South Twerton were proud of the school. he complimented the headmaster on the special features of the school curriculum, particularly the swimming and gardening classes.

In acknowledging the compliment, the Mayor reminded the scholars that their fallen comrades had earned the reputation of good sportsmen. He urged the present scholars to make it their ambition always to play a clean game.

Mr. Skinner thanked Mr. Alderman Long, who is the Chairman of the South Twerton School Managers under the new regime, for presiding at that afternoon's function. The headmaster jnade some further observations on the value of School sports, and remarked that those whom the tablet commemorated had lived lives which left fragrant memories behind them. He acknowledged the general interest which the parents of Scholars took in the school, and enumerated the various war funds and kindred activities which the scholars of the various departments had assisted.

Councillor Hearse seconded the vote of thanks to Mr. Long, and with that gentleman's acknowledgment the proceedings ended. Tea was afterwards provided for the visitors.

We are asked to mention that parents and scholars who were unable to be present at the unveiling ceremony, are cordially invited to call and see the tablet at any time during school hours on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings, after 7.15.

Messrs. Turvey and Perrin, of Manvers Street, and the Old Bridge, designed and executed the memorial.