Distinguished Old Framlinghamians

Framlingham is rooted in the county of Suffolk, but Framlinghamians have spanned the world from the age of Empire, through times of conflict and into the modern era, in pursuit of trade and adventure. There are those who have made their mark in business, sports, academics, as artists and writers, in agriculture, in the services, the media and in the world of entertainment. You can learn about them here, and you can nominate additions.

Services

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Commander Peter Edward Newstead OBE, DSC, RN (Kerrison 1928-1933)

Spent 26 years in Royal Navy and 20 years with the Sea Cadet Corps. During WW2 served on submarines. Was awarded the... Read more

Spent 26 years in Royal Navy and 20 years with the Sea Cadet Corps. During WW2 served on submarines. Was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross “For outstanding courage, skill and undaunted devotion to duty in successful patrols in command of HM Submarine Trident.”. He was later awarded the OBE.

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Mr Fred Wace Snell DFC* (1931-1933)

Joined the RAF in April 1936. During WW2 he served in 88 Squadron and was first awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on... Read more

Joined the RAF in April 1936. During WW2 he served in 88 Squadron and was first awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 16 July 1940. He was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross on 23 October 1945.

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Flight Lt Leslie James Edward Goldfinch (1926-1932)

His death in 2007 has revealed him as being involved in a remarkable wartime adventure. He was imprisoned in Colditz during WW2... Read more

His death in 2007 has revealed him as being involved in a remarkable wartime adventure. He was imprisoned in Colditz during WW2 and towards the end of his captivity, a few of the prisoners constructed a glider in the roof. The designer of the glider and instigator of this audacious scheme was “Bill” Goldfinch.

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Major Egerton Martin Kidner MC (Rendlesham 1930-1932)

A farmer by profession, he served in the Nigeria Regiment during WW2 and was awarded the Military Cross. He also specialised in... Read more

A farmer by profession, he served in the Nigeria Regiment during WW2 and was awarded the Military Cross. He also specialised in painting animals in their natural environment.

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Group Captain Percy Charles (Pick) Pickard DSO** DFC

Group Captain Percy Charles (Pick) Pickard DSO** DFC (Garrett 1926-1932)

One of the best-known RAF officers of WW2 and was the first RAF officer to be awarded the DSO three times in... Read more

One of the best-known RAF officers of WW2 and was the first RAF officer to be awarded the DSO three times in one war. He died in 1944 on a daring raid on Amiens Prison. The link now provides access to the amazing “in case of death” letter he wrote, with kind permission of his nephew. Also photos of the presentation of the painting of the raid to the College by Patrick Taylor (K43-46) on 70th anniversary of the raid on Amiens Jail and other anniversary items. This now includes information from his flying log books researched by Bill Collard and James Ruddock Broyd and picture of some crash site relics donated by Bill to the College.

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Air Vice-Marshal Aubrey Sidney-Wilmot CB OBE (Garrett 1924-1932)

Prior to WW2 he qualified as a solicitor. In 1940 he was commissioned into the Administration Branch of the RAF, where he... Read more

Prior to WW2 he qualified as a solicitor. In 1940 he was commissioned into the Administration Branch of the RAF, where he eventually became Director of Legal Services (RAF) from 1970-1979. He was awarded OBE in 1948 and CB in January 1977.

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Major George Arnold Whitaker MC MBE

Major George Arnold Whitaker MC MBE (Rendlesham 1928-1932)

During WW2 served in 4th Baluch Regiment in the Battle of the Cauldron in North Africa and was awarded the Military Cross... Read more

During WW2 served in 4th Baluch Regiment in the Battle of the Cauldron in North Africa and was awarded the Military Cross on 6 June 1942. He was taken a prisoner-of-war, but escaped in September 1943. Once he had recovered, he was posted to India in June 1944 and spent the rest of the war as an instructor in the jungle training division. After WW2 he returned to the tea business in India and was appointed MBE in 1969 “for services to the British community in Calcutta”. He died at the age of 79.

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Commander Derek George Harbroe Wright DSC & 2 Bars

Commander Derek George Harbroe Wright DSC & 2 Bars (1929-1932)

During WW2 served in the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve. Was first awarded DSC on 29 September 1942 while serving in Motor Torpedo... Read more

During WW2 served in the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve. Was first awarded DSC on 29 September 1942 while serving in Motor Torpedo Boats. Awarded Bar to DSC on 1 January 1944 and awarded a 2nd Bar to his DSC on 19 September 1944.

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Colonel Geoffrey Louis Collard OBE, ERD (Stradbroke 1929-1930)

Served in WW2 in Royal Engineers and was awarded the OBE. Also a Past President of the Association of Lightermen and Barge... Read more

Served in WW2 in Royal Engineers and was awarded the OBE. Also a Past President of the Association of Lightermen and Barge Owners (1961-62). He was Past Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames and a Freeman of the City of London.

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Mr Peter Richard Harvey BEM (Garrett 1925-1930)

During WW2 he served in the REME and was wounded in France. He was awarded the BEM on 8 June 1944.

Commander Stanley Keane DSC (Rendlesham 1928-1930)

Initially joined the RAF and then prior to WW2 transferred to the Royal Navy (air Arm). During WW2 he served on many... Read more

Initially joined the RAF and then prior to WW2 transferred to the Royal Navy (air Arm). During WW2 he served on many ships including HMS Ark Royal and was awarded the DSC while serving on HMS Furious. However his most noteworthy operation must be in connection with the sinking of the Bismarck on 27 May 1941.

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Lt Col Kenneth Chivington Menneer TD (Garrett 1926-1930)

Solicitor. During WW2 served in Suffolk Regiment and was awarded Territorial Decoration.

Wng Cdr Robert Dunlop Irwin Scott MBE (Stradbroke 1924-1930)

Served in RAF during WW2 and in total for 20 years. Was a Chartered Accountant by profession. He served for 20 years... Read more

Served in RAF during WW2 and in total for 20 years. Was a Chartered Accountant by profession. He served for 20 years on the civilian committee of 124 (Hereford City) Squadron Air Training Corps. In 1990 he was awarded the Air Officer Commanding’s Certificate for his fund raising work for the Corps and was awarded the MBE. He died in 1991.

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Sqn Ldr William Vale DFC* AFC (1923-1930)

Like his contemporary Pickard below, he was one of the best-known RAF officers of WW2. As well as being awarded the AFC... Read more

Like his contemporary Pickard below, he was one of the best-known RAF officers of WW2. As well as being awarded the AFC plus DFC and bar he was also the 2nd highest “victories” air ace in WW2.

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Lt Col Alan Charles Newson DSO, DSC (Stradbroke 1920-1928)

During WW2 served in Naval Air Arm and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 15 September 1942 “For bravery and devotion... Read more

During WW2 served in Naval Air Arm and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 15 September 1942 “For bravery and devotion to duty in air operations in the Western Desert.” This was followed on 6 July 1943 with the Distinguished Service Order “For bravery in skilful and determined attacks on enemy shipping in the Mediterranean, made from light coastal craft and from the air.” Past President of SOF.

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Major Ralph Bruce Ricks MC (1922-1928)

Served in Royal Fusiliers (City of London regiment) during WW2 and was awarded Military Cross on 13 January 1944 “In recognition of... Read more

Served in Royal Fusiliers (City of London regiment) during WW2 and was awarded Military Cross on 13 January 1944 “In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.”

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Nominate a Framlinghamian

We have no hard and fast rules about who should be recognised as a “Distinguished Old Framlinghamian”, and are always interested to hear about people who are exceptional in all sorts of ways – so please feel free to click on the link below, and complete a nomination form.