NEWS

A Duty To Serve: Tonbridge School and the 1939–45 War is published

8th November 2011

This richly illustrated book recalls an exciting period in the history of Tonbridge School, and the lives of that generation of Tonbridgians. It describes the School’s own war experience but also recounts many inspiring stories of Tonbridgians across every theatre of war. Over 150 illustrations from school archives, private collections and other sources enrich the text.

Many boys of that wartime period have recalled extraordinary times through which they lived, from witnessing aerial dogfights and spending nights in shelters to enduring wartime rationing and ‘digging for victory.’ Tribute is paid to the leadership of Eric Whitworth, who became headmaster as war broke out and made crucial decisions in the crisis of 1940, when the School was threatened by German invasion and bombing.

Tonbridgian war service covers a wide canvas. From a school considerably smaller than today, virtually all joined up to serve their country and 301 died, their names set out in the Roll of Honour. Their stories range from Dunkirk to D-Day, the Battle of Britain to the Bomber Offensive, Special Operations to the Burma Railway. They include pilots and tank commanders, bomb disposal experts and submariners, but also doctors, poets and code-breakers.

A strong thread of belonging runs through the book, a shared heritage and memory through Tonbridge School. It is a journey through reflection, giving insight to younger generations about the way a school community coped with war, while also paying tribute to a very special generation through whose memories, heroism and service we can touch the war and find inspiration.

In his Introduction the author, David Walsh, comments:

“I once came across some appropriate words on a village war memorial: ‘These were ours in the days of their boyhood. Their names have become our heritage.’ This book is about our heritage, Tonbridge boys who took the path of duty and endured more than our contemporary imagination can comprehend.”

Contents:

Introduction: David Walsh – Foreword: Bill Brown

Chapter 1: The First Year of War
Field Marshal Lord Ironside

Chapter 2: Digging and Doodlebugs
Bernard van Heek

Chapter 3: The Skies over Tonbridge
Marshal of the RAF Lord Douglas

Chapter 4: Bomb Disposal
Tonbridge and the Royal Navy

Chapter 5: Playing the Game
Sir Leslie Rowan

Chapter 6: Imperial Tonbridgians
Peter Doresa and Kohima

Chapter 7: The Voice of War
Coastal Command

Chapter 8: Esprit de Corps
Bill Brown

Chapter 9: Special Operations

Chapter 10: Mediterranean Soldiers and Airmen
Norman Heatley

Chapter 11: The End in Sight
Hamburg and Tonbridge

Chapter 12: The Gate of Remembrance

Roll of Honour – List of Subscribers – Glossary – Index – Acknowledgements

NOTES TO EDITORS
Title: A Duty to Serve: Tonbridge School and the 1939–45 War
Imprint: Third Millennium Publishing, London
Author: David Walsh
Publication: 8th November 2011
RRP: £40 / ISBN: 978-1-906507-60-2
Specification: Hardback, 250 x 195 mm, 160 pages, printed in colour throughout, over 150 illustrations.
Images and Review Copies: Available on request.

The author, David Walsh, taught history at Tonbridge from 1972 until 2009. He was also Housemaster of Manor House and Second Master. Currently he is Chairman of the Old Tonbridgian Society. A longstanding interest in military history has seen him lead many battlefield trips, including Normandy, the Western Front, Arnhem and Verdun.

The Publisher: Third Millennium Publishing specializes in producing illustrated books of the highest quality celebrating notable institutions in the UK and elsewhere, including cathedrals, universities, colleges and schools. This book marks its first foray into the world of theatre.

Media contacts:

(Third Millennium Publishing)
Michael D Jackson, Marketing Manager - E: mj@tmiltd.com

Third Millennium Publishing, 2-5 Benjamin St, London EC1M 5QL
T: 020 7336 0144 W: www.tmiltd.com E: info@tmiltd.com

For further information contact Michael D Jackson, Marketing Manager, Third Millennium Information Ltd, 2-5 Benjamin St, EC1M 5QL. Tel: +44 (0)207 336 0144. Email: mj@tmiltd.com. Website: www.tmiltd.com