CHARLES COLE – RAF – 1944

Cole entered the School in September 1933, and left in July 1939. He was in Sheephouse Games House and Scout Troop; 1st XI football and cricket teams and gained the Oxford School Certificate with matriculation exemption in July 1938. On leaving, he was articled to the County Surveyor, Gloucester.

Cole was a good games player and a sound athlete, and in July 1938, led Sheephouse to victory in the Athletics Cup, himself gaining second place in the 100 yards and 220 yards, third in the 440 yards and first in the High Jump.

On joining the Royal Air Force he was sent first to Canada and then to the USA for training, gaining his “wings” and returning to this country as a Sergeant Pilot. He paid a visit to the School in July 1943. On completing his operational training he was posted to a fighter squadron and went to India in August 1943. He failed to return from a flight in January 1944 and was reported as missing, presumed killed.

(Extract from The Sower December 1944)

Charles married an Old Gosden girl, Margaret Short (ZA99), in August 1943. She later remarried.