Lives of the First World War

In uniform

Sitting, 2nd from right.

L - R George Henry Grail, father, Clifford Grail as Lieutenant and Mr Hawthorn. Father of Clifford's fiancee

Portrait photograph of Captain Grail 1914/15.

In mourning dress. She appears to be wearing his photograph in her hat. Never seen this before. Should be of interest.

Clifford George Grail was one of the four original masters under headmaster Reginald Airy at the County School, later Bromley Grammar School for Boys, when it opened in September 1911, along with Messrs Beater, Bispham and Crowe, who are also pictured here. All four were the original house masters—in CGG's case Grail's House took its name from him, and remained until the grammar school ceased in 1969. Note that some of these masters also appear in the other group photo posted here, which, rather than Cambridge, also belongs to the County School, Bromley. It is interesting that the central three can be seen sitting in an almost identical pose in both photographs. This image could date from 1911 or possibly 1912 (H.J. Cook joined within four weeks of the school opening; P. Evans is uncertain). The other image, with its increased staff, sometime between 1912 and 1914.

Article from Gloucestershire Journal Sat 31st July 1915