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Gerald MITCHELL

1928-2005

The son of the Secretary to the Medical Division of Norwich Union, Gerald had an illustrious career at Framlingham which was unfortunately marred by news of the death of his elder brother Michael, killed in action in Malaya during the Second World War. Head Prefect, Captain of Cricket and Hockey, member of the Rugby XV, Captain of Squash and Tennis and Keeper of Fives, Gerald was also awarded the Mawby, Eustace Dicks and Austin Sparkes prizes.

Upon leaving school in the summer of 1946 he was immediately selected to play cricket for Norfolk in the Minor Counties Championship and, on his debut, scored 95 against Hertfordshire, with the next highest score being 18. National service in the RAF and a posting to Malaya prevented him playing in 1947 and 1948, but in 1949, he top scored against Suffolk with 71. 1950 saw him score 139 against Kent II at Dartford and he was awarded his County Cap. Ill health prevented Gerald playing from 1953 to 1955 and he made only occasional appearances thereafter, but as a stylish batsman and a useful bowler he had made a great contribution to Norfolk cricket. He was also a fine hockey player and played for Norwich Grasshoppers, Norfolk’s premier club at that time.

After national service Gerald attended Brooksby Farm Institute at Melton Mowbray followed by a spell with Norfolk farmer Charlie Joice. He then entered the agricultural commercial sector working in turn for The Processed Vegetable Association, Balding Brothers of Dereham, Pertwees, and before retirement, Dalgety.

In 1955 Gerald married Alix Bruce, the sister of Douglas Bruce (S51-54).

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