Colonel Willem Jan Von Petersom Klerck, O.B.E (1881-1958)

"On the afternoon of 29 September 1899 Canon Espin was handed a telegram. He read:

"Leave for the front tomorrow, have wired twenty pounds your credit my sons school fees next quarter don't let him leave without my signature for it further school fees will be safe best regards Klerck."

Curry, quoting H.V. Morton, writes: 'Surely .... South Africa can be the only land in the world where in time of war one sends one's son to school with the enemy - on tick?'

But the son, Willem Klerck, did leave without this father's signature. He slipped out of school, travelling light, and headed for Alicedale, the junction where the branch line from Grahamstown meets the main line to Johannesburg.

He thought he knew exactly where his duty lay. And it was not at school.

There is a tradition at College: a master may earn his "Alicedale Colours" if he brings a runaway back from the junction. The award has been in place ever since young Willem Klerck's escape in 1899. Who the first master was to earn his Alicedale Colours is not known, but he was successful in dragging Willem back to school - a most unwilling captive - and instituted a tradition which has lasted down the years."

Willem Jan later went on to become Head Boy in 1900 (quite something for the son of a Boer Commander at the premier English church school), and distinguish himself in both world wars. He was called out of retirement in 1939 by General Smuts to become OC of Eastern Province Command, was also decorated by Queen Wilhelmina, and received an O.B.E.

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The famous Klerck telegram at the entrance to St Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa.

Willem Jan v.P. Klerck on the right.