Thomas Oaten
He entered the School in January, 1928, and left in June, 1933. After working in Marden Park with Sir Bernard Greenwell, he voluntarily enlisted in the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) soon after the outbreak of war.
In a letter, which was published in the 1939 SOWER he wrote:
"I was rather dubious about joining at first because it's Mother who makes the sacrifice, but she told me to go, and this after my father was killed (in the Royal Navy) in the last war."
Click here to see the publication
Thomas Oaten can be found in the early archives, a prefect, a Patrol Leader in Sheephouse Scout Troop, and a prominent member of his House at games. He was a tower of strength as a half-back in the School 1st XI and was one of the best swimmers the School has produced.
An Old Boy on hearing of his death wrote:
“ Oaten was a fine fellow; he went right into everything he tackled head first. So vital and full of fun. What a doughty fellow he was on the football field—a human dynamo with the heart of a lion.”
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An Oaten memorial Fund was set up in 1945 .
The Trustees held in trust for him 109 Savings Certificates, which reach full maturity in 1945. These Certificates would have passed to his mother, who was his next-of-kin, but Mrs. Oaten has expressed a wish that they should be retained by the School and used at the discretion of the Trustees, to assist Old Boys.
The Trustees have decided to call this the " Oaten Memorial Fund," to be administered by them for the purpose named. This gift by Mrs. Oaten is greatly appreciated, and it is desired to place on record the thanks of the Trustees and of the Foundation
Thomas Oaten, was serving on the in the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Illustrious and was killed January, 1941 when 1,000 lb bomb pierced
the 4 inch armoured deck and exploded.
Click here to see his commemorated place of Burial ( an external website Commonwealth war graves commission), Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Bay 2, Panel 5 United Kingdom. His name is also on the Orford War Memorial in Suffolk.
He was present at the last Reunion in August, 1939