WBHS during the War

The unveiling and dedication of the War Memorial Plaque took place on 24 March 1952 (reports The Woden), with the ceremony performed by His Worship the Mayor of Wednesbury (Alderman Leonard Whitehouse), who read out the names of the Old Boys commemorated on the Plaque. In the unavoidable absence of the Bishop of Lichfield, the dedication was performed by the Bishop of Shrewsbury (The Right Reverend L D Hammond) who gave an eloquent address. The School Choir sang Richard Farrant's Tudor anthem Call to remembrance. The parents of the Old Boys whose names are on the memorial, and other visitors present, were subsequently entertained to tea by the Headmaster (C S Kipping).

The Order of Service has miraculously survived!

When you go home, tell them of us and say: "For your tomorrow we gave our today"

T E BELCHER

A number of former pupils joined the Territorial Army after it became evident that there was likely to be a serious threat of invasion to this country.

Tom was probably the most senior and held the rank of Captain in the Territorial Army. The Territorials were mobilised on the outbreak of war and Tom was killed on active service.

A E EVANS

Albert had begun his career on a local newspaper when he joined the RAF. He became a pilot and served with Bomber Command completing 14 sorties against the enemy.

He took part in the Battle of Berlin and completed a number of sorties over this most heavily defended target. He was killed on a raid to Berlin.

A D PRICE

Tony took the Observer's course in the RAF which qualified him as a navigator and bomb-aimer. He completed a tour (28 operations) on light bombers: Bostons and Marylands.

Ironically, he was killed when his aircraft crashed into the Irish sea on a training flight.

T HOLLINGSWORTH

Tom was a member of the Glider Pilot Regiment and took part in the attack on Arnhem. He survived the battle, but when the time came for retreat he chose to stay behind to help with the wounded. He was captured and became a Prisoner of War.

While he was in the Camp he was shot by a guard. The bullet hit his femoral artery and he bled to death. It was alleged that he did not move quickly enough into his hut when ordered to do so.

In the film A Bridge Too Far there is footage of Tom at the controls of his glider.

L J RICHARDS

He was known as "Bull" Richards largely because he seemed to charge about the place. He was not a clever footballer but it was always a good idea to keep out of his way!

"Bull" joined the army early in the war and was killed at Dunkirk.

C W ONIONS

Cliff was a short, sturdy individual who was a full back in the Soccer XI and an excellent batsman in the Cricket XI.

He became a pilot with Bomber Command and was killed on a raid over Germany.

R J STEELE

Bob was a very tall, thin person who used his physique to excel at high jumping in the school sports. He joined the RAF and became a pilot. He flew Avro Ansons on cross country flights to train navigators. He was killed later on a raid while serving with Bomber Command.

J W JEFFS

Jack was a quiet, friendly but serious person who led a good life. He joined the Royal Navy and, as a seaman, served in a destroyer escorting convoys delivering supplies to Russia. His ship was sunk on one of these missions and Jack was lost at Sea.

He kept a diary during his service and it is obvious from what is written there that he did not expect to survive. He wrote: "Do not mourn for me or feel sad at my death. If my hopes are realised it will have been worthwhile, but remember yours is the responsibility to see that my sacrifice has not been in vain."

D J AMOS

Derek was killed in a flying accident during training with the RAF.

A CHEW

Alan was an aircrew member of the RAF and was killed on a mission with Bomber Command.

J KEY

Jack was an aircrew member of the RAF and was killed in a flying accident.

N SUTCLIFFE

Norman was killed in a flying accident while training as an air gunner in the Fleet Air Arm.