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H J WADLOW — HEADMASTER
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Henry John Wadlow came to Frenchay, at the age of 31, with his wife Laura. His first entry in the school diary reads: April 2nd 1894, “I took charge of the school this morning. Henry John Wadlow.” He commenced his duties at the National School at £100 per annum. In July 1901 there was an outbreak of scarlet fever and the school was closed. Laura contracted the disease and died in her home at the schoolhouse. A plaque can still be seen on the wall and reads “In Memoriam. LL Wadlow 1901”. Their son, Harry, born 26th February 1895, was a pupil at the school until December 1908 and went on to Bristol Grammar School. At the outbreak of the Great War, he enlisted in the ASC and was promoted to Lieutenant and awarded the Victoria Cross, the 14/15 Star and the British War Medal, in Galipoli. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and was training to fly a “DH2 Scout” at Joyce Greenfield Airfield, Kent, when he died in a flying accident on 1st May 1917. Hilda Adams, a pupil at the school, recalls: “Mr Wadlow was in a terrible state when he got the news and he didn't open the school.” Mr Wadlow's last entry in the school diary reads, “September 27th 1923. I leave this School after 29 years service. The Teachers, Children, Managers, Parents and many old friends present me with a gold watch on leaving. HJ Wadlow.” He died in 1950. |
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