W J 'Peter' Veale MBE MA
Headmaster 1936 to 1957
William John Veale - Peter to those who knew him - was born in Redruth, Cornwall and educated at Redruth Grammar School where he developed his lifelong passion for rugby. His first teaching post was in London, during which time he played rugby for Saracens. His teaching career then took him to Cambridge and Tunbridge Wells before he was appointed Second Master at Rich's in 1933. Three years later he became Headmaster, at a time when Rich's reputation and fortunes were suffering, pupil numbers were falling and accommodation in Barton Street was very poor.
In 1937 his appointment as Headmaster was confirmed, having been acting Head since the previous year. Under his inspired leadership he gradually transformed the school's ethos through firm leadership and high expectations, improving both its academic and sporting achievement as well as its popularity with local parents. Many of the traditions which give Tommies its distinct character date from his time as Headmaster and he was held in great affection by Old Boys who had him as their Headmaster.
Despite retiring in 1957 he retained a great interest in Rich's and Richians, always sending greetings to the Annual Dinner and being able not only to remember the Old Boys who visited him but their friends and families as well.
He died in hospital in Paignton Devon on Friday 4th January 2002, just a few days short of his 99th birthday.
In an interview with David Q Hook, the then President of the Old Richians Association (see pages 72-73 of 'The Richian 1997' for full interview), Peter Veale was asked to comment on any particular success or regret of his time as Headmaster, to which he responded (with characteristic modesty) ...
''In respect, I appreciate my sins of omission and commission were constantly recurring and I hope they are forgiven, if not forgotten entirely, by the long-standing and long-suffering staff, (Bless them!) and boys.
Old Richians, staff, boys and parents - I was ever conscious of their support and loyalty. When I came to Gloucester, I was immediately aware of the affection in which Tommies was held in the city, and I like to think that sentiment is stronger than ever.
Regrets? Yes, for the injustice the boys suffered through my discipline. I hope that any resentment felt at the time has faded, but I am still sorry.
In 1957, I 'packed my bags', in favour of new leadership with increased drive and fresh ideas. One headache (and body ache!) to me and all connected with Rich's was the apparent disinclination of the powers that be to provide new buildings. I felt that a change in the Headmaster's study might provide a stimulus in that direction and so it proved to be - at Elmbridge - in time for the Tercentenary!
Palatial buildings are things of pride and certainly of comfort, but let's not judge any school on its bricks and mortar and glass! Those who pass out through its gates are the only yard-stick of its worth.
Garde ta Foy!''
Archive material below is organised by academic year, then by non-date specific items; a title link for each item, with a brief description of content, opens in a fresh tab/window.
Last addition to WJV period archives made on: 14th February 2019
Academic Year September 1956 to August 1957
School Captain: D A Evans & N R Waite
Cock House: Westgate
Academic Year September 1955 to August 1956
School Captain: R F Wixey & J G Evans
Cock House: Westgate
Academic Year September 1954 to August 1955
School Captain: G N M Randle
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1953 to August 1954
School Captain: T F Mortimer & J L Mogridge
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1952 to August 1953
School Captain: M C King
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1951 to August 1952
School Captain: M C Jones
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1950 to August 1951
School Captain: A M Perks
Cock House: Westgate
Academic Year September 1949 to August 1950
School Captain: D B Powell
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1948 to August 1949
School Captain: D P Griffiths
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1947 to August 1948
School Captain: P O Nicholas & F H Rigby & J R Passey
Cock House: Northgate
Academic Year September 1946 to August 1947
School Captain: B Wells
Cock House: Westgate
Academic Year September 1945 to August 1946
School Captain: M G East
Cock House: Northgate
Academic Year September 1944 to August 1945
School Captain: T N Williams
Cock House: Westgate
Academic Year September 1943 to August 1944
School Captain: A J Kent
Cock House: Northgate
Academic Year September 1942 to August 1943
School Captain: J S Sharland
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1941 to August 1942
School Captain: J F Hutton
Cock House: Northgate
Academic Year September 1940 to August 1941
School Captain: J E Jacques & J F Hutton
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1939 to August 1940
School Captain: W G Hook
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1938 to August 1939
School Captain: D W Rawcliffe
Cock House: Eastgate
Academic Year September 1937 to August 1938
School Captain: D H Condick
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1936 to August 1937
School Captain: S G Brint
Cock House: Southgate
Academic Year September 1935 to August 1936
School Captain: W McCoy
Cock House:
"A Glimpse into the Past" - A look back at the start of W J Veale's tenure as Headmaster by Leslie Price, former pupil from 1935 to 1941.