Fascinating early life story from an OF who attended recent pre 1970 leavers lunch at the College

One of the attendees at the pre 1970 Leavers Reunion at the College in July 2026 was Jasper Garnham (R48-53).  He contacted us afterwards to say how much he had enjoyed picking up a copy of Norman Porter’s (K50-57) excellent book Homage to Heroes.

He went on to give fascinating background about his OF grandfather who is remembered on the Chapel Memorial – Captain P.C.Garnham (1885-90) and his own background.

Jasper writes “He was a student at Fram in the late 19th century and was killed at Gallipoli in 1916 where his name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial . Surprisingly my wife’s own grandfathet was also killed in the same week and his name is also inscribed not far from my own grandfather’s. [Click here to see his grandfather entry in Distinguished OF Section].

My own Father, Professor P.C.C. Garnham CMG, MD, DSc, FRCP, FRS did not attend Fram.  He studied medicine from the age of 16 and was a fully qualified doctor at 21.  Married three year’s later, went to Kenya where he specialised in tropical medicine, had six children I was number five.

I was born in 1934 in Kenyna, on the edge of Lake Victoria. Unfortunately, in those days there were no schools. My elder brother, 3 years older, was able to attend a boarding school in Nairobi, many miles from Kisumu where we lived. My three elder sisters were sent to school in England hoping to join us later after the summer term in 1939.

The war had begun and my parents were advised not to send them just yet and to wait till the end of the year …. we did not seem them again until 1945.

I don’t think Brandeston was open then, so I and a friend of similar age and circumstances were left to our own devices from about the age of 7.  Our homes were on the outskirts of Kisumu so we had complete freedom to venture forth all over the plains and when we were given a bike each, travelled far and wide. I soon became accustomed to the local native tribes who often invited us to join them when eating their poshoo. Our Swahili was as good as our English in no time !

A great way to grow up and learnt much about the country and the wild life. We certainly could do what we liked, except “don’t play with any snakes ”.  A wonderful life for a couple of boys until it came to our having to leave Kenya.

Early in July 1945 the government suggested my father should bring his family home to England. We could quite easily reach Nairobi but there were no flights.  A boat from Mombasa would have been ok but the Suez Canal was blocked and no boats available to take us round the Cape.

The government told my father that if he could get his family to Cairo a troop ship would take us back to England from Alexandra.  That was a journey you wouldn’t see in any travel magazine today!

We started with the help of a good friend to take us up to the north of Kenya, large car to the border of Uganda, then more antiquated old coaches.  Then crossed a couple of lakes, trains north through Uganda, more transport north until we came to the River Nile. Past a few waterfalls then boarded a paddle steamer which we had to switch to more transport and regained the Nile for yet another steamer which my brother and I fished from the stern!  On up to Khartoum stayed a few days, very hot then all the way up to Cairo, stopping at all the famous places (Valley of the Kings etc) and arrived in Cairo. 

That was about 6 weeks and another two in Cairo waiting for the boat, apparently there were still submarines in the Atlantic and had to stay a further day or two in Gibraltar. 

Finally school. My brother went to Merchant Taylors.  Unfortunately I had to take Common Entrance which I did not know much about and no school seemed interested in me. My father then remembered Framlingham and after a chat with the headmaster, Mr.Kirkman, mostly about the wilds of Kenya, I was admitted into Rendlesham House managed by Rev. Rupert  Knees from who I found out somewhat later was keen that Rendlesham always won the school best overall sports cup!  I was captain of tennis, Bisley a few times and took part in every sport except rugger and coached by Norman Borrett at squash.

Finally, I’m bound to say that my time at Fram was of enormous help in my growing up, which led to a successful career and one I hope my grandfather will appreciate.

Jasper celebrated his 92nd birthday a couple of weeks ago and was the second oldest attendees at the reunion in July 2026.  The above picture clockwise from left shows Thelma Cooke, Roderick Cooke (K46-54), Eunice Binder, Wally Binder (K48-51), Meriel Garnham, Jasper Garnham (R48-53) and John Taylor (S43-50)