Ahead of Remembrance Sunday...

At Judd we are very lucky to have many brilliant authors who have passed through the school and produced wonderful books on a wide range of subjects, but two which have caught my attention this week particularly focus on Judd during the war. 

For the interest of our readers we bring you the Chapter of, "Judd at War 1914-18;1939-45" by Deputy Headmaster, (1975-90) Geoffrey Taylor, who wrote the history of the School as a labour of love in 1988.
 
In these pages (see album below) he covers how the School was requisitioned by the War Office to billet two brigades (from Folkestone and Aldershot)  in WW1 who were en route to exchanging quarters; staying at School House and sleeping on the Schoolroom and Gym floors whilst the Dining Hall served as the Orderly Room.  He notes an extensive attempt by the boys themselves to grow more food on the lower field which began after the departure of the school caretaker (presumably to serve) and how they tried to demonstrate how yield could be increased by the application of science.  Unfortunately Judd lost many former members of staff in The Great War and as a consequence, the school Cadet Corps, firmly established towards the end of 1917, gained inevitable quick popularity. 
 
WWI seems to have made less incursions into school life than WWII however, mainly due to aerial warfare and the Battle of Britain taking place in the skies above the Weald.  Judd produced its own special hero in Neville Duke, destined to become the most famous aviator in the country.   Squadron Leader, Nevill Duke, is also brought to life with wonderful photos in Eddie Prescott's recently published book, "Tonbridge at War 1935-1945".  Here is a facinating excerpt of his book: 


Eddie also shares with us a photo of Tonbridge High Street on VE Day (credit Tonbridge Free Press):


The Judd School Roll of honour of Old Boys and Masters who have given their lives in the service of their country will be read on Monday at the service by the school gates at 10.45am.  Refreshments will be served afterwards in The School Room 
 
We do hope you are able to join us.