Figure 1.--This photograph of some of the older boys and girls chatting to each other shows us in the school uniform on the school grounds. The boy holding the book is ME!" Boys wore short trousers through age 16 years.

Our reader tells us, "Us boys wore a uniform of a Guernsey sweater, knee-length corduroy short trousers, kneesocks, and sandals. Corduroy was considered very serviceable for schoolwear. The stocking tops were different from the socks, they were not of one colour - more of a pattern knit. We did not always have the proper socks. Here one boy has socks with colored bands. The girls wore gym slips, anthore populat style at the time. All this was paid for by the charity. Another photograph of some of the older boys and girls chatting to each other shows us in the school uniform on the school grounds. The boy holding the book is ME!" (figure 1). Boys wore short trousers through age 16 years. About our cord shorts. In 1934 when the school became more 'civilized' a uniform was adopted - at first grey flannel short trousers were bought for the boys. Later the corduroy was bought because they wore better --- meaning didn't get so dirty or worn look. Also,I'm guessing, because some donor (shop/manufacturer) donated to the school. We often had various jams in large quantities donated. Outside long corduroy was acceptable but short corduroy was seen as for Borstals or similar institutions. [HBC note: Interestingly after the War, cord shorts became widely worn at private preparatort schools.]

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Created: 7:48 PM 3/4/2006
Last update: 12:35 AM 3/5/2006