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Thornes House Grammar School

Some memories of the Staff 1940 - 1953

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Clifford Coates Bracewell
Headmaster 1945-1961

Clifford Bracewell took over the Headship in 1945 & retired in 1961 - prematurely according to many colleagues & friends. He was at the helm during the disastrous fire in 1951 & the complete re-building of the school by 1956. He would have considered himself fortunate to have gone before the education system of this country eventually destroyed the school. Something that the fire which razed it to the ground could not achieve.

Apart from his qualities as Head (read the appreciation by Roland Hill), we think many Thornesians will not know that he was also a very gallant gentleman in the proper sense of the word. Witness the following :

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7th November 1918

The Award of the Military Cross

Temp. 2nd Lt. C.C. Bracewell, Lancashire Fusiliers

For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during an enemy withdrawal from advanced positions. When our scouts and patrols were held up by sniper and machine-gun fire from a farm, he, on his own initiative, successfully attacked the farm with his platoon and enabled our scouts to go forward. He rendered most valuable service, and set a splendid example of determined gallantry to his men.

An appreciation on his retirement by Roland Hill
Obituary from the "Yorkshire Post"

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Last revised: 09 March 2013