War Letters of a Public-School BoyJones, Henry Paul Mainwaring
History
War Letters of a Public-School Boy
Jones, Henry Paul Mainwaring
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, British
I want to tell you how grieved I was to hear of the loss of your
son. He received his commission the same day as I did, and we
were posted to the same station. I only enjoyed his company for
three months, as he was sent abroad. During that short period he
had endeared himself to all of us, his brother officers, though
we were many years his senior in age. What appealed to me most in
Paul was the combination in him of boyhood and manhood. There was
not the slightest attempt at pretence, not the slightest sign of
precociousness, no desire to ape the tone or the airs of those
among whom he worked. On another side of his character he was in
every respect a man. He tackled all problems of a serious nature
with a grasp of the subject which might well be the envy of a
thoughtful man. One could not enter into conversation with him
without at once perceiving that he must have given much thought
and study to the everyday affairs of life. His knowledge of
literature was great, and one was surprised, even abashed, at his
store. His hours off duty were spent well and wisely. A certain
period was always given to healthy exercise, and then would come,
almost as a matter of course, hours of fruitful reading. The
affectionate part of his nature came out in his relations with
the people with whom he lodged. He earned the affection of the
whole household, and the lady of the house has often told me that
she loved him like her own sons. I saw much in Paul that I cannot
put into writing, and I think he had the spirit to see certain
truths which we see all too dimly.
Mr. George Smith, M.A., Headmaster of Dulwich College since the autumn
of 1914, writes:
It was with deep regret that I learned of Paul's death, and I
feel most sincerely for you all in your great sorrow. As you
know, I was brought very closely into touch with him as soon as I
came to Dulwich. He was the captain of the XV and of the football
of the College during my first year; and I relied on him mainly
for the organising and inspiring of the games. There his energy
and keenness were invaluable to us. Then, as a prefect, he used
to bring his essays every week; and I was greatly impressed by
his intellectual power and promise. I remember how full his
essays were of matter; how ready he was to grasp and to originate
new ideas; how vividly and emphatically he expressed himself. We
looked forward to a brilliant and useful career for him. But it
was not to be. It is very hard to lose him. But he has done his
duty; and he leaves behind him a memory that we of the old school
must especially cherish and honour.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account