TS Indefatigable

In memory of Peter Burrell 1973-95 P.E. Instructor

Peter (Pete) Burrell, P.E. and physical fitness instructor to generations of 'Inde Boys', will be remembered for his bunch of 'keys', held by a thin whiplash of leather, with which he would administer 'summary- justice'! Another favoured 'instrument' was 'the paddle', wielded with great effect and giving huge entertainment to the boys on the messdeck at mealtimes! And that was the 'secret'.

Peter's 'corporal-punishment', though officially banned, was administered with a sense of humour, such that no boy, to my knowledge, ever took offence! Though small in stature, this ex-corporal of the greenjackets had the ability to control the whole school, and could get the boys to do almost anything he wanted! For a number of years , I shared 'duty' with Pete, and marvelled at his power of control. For example, if he so minded, he would impose a 'silent meal', which meant, not a single word to be spoken by any boy for the duration! I don't think Peter was feared, but he was certainly hugely respected. One of his favourite P.E. 'lessons', was L.A.D. (life after death)! I never knew what exactly took place, except that it seemed very akin to an Army endurance test; and for teenage boys, it was tough-but they loved it! I am sure that peter's secret of success with the boys was the fact that he cared for and respected them. he was a man with whom many of them could identify.

Brian. M. Riordan 1943-45, I joined the Indefatigable at Clawdd Newydd in 1943, three days before my 14th birthday. My real memories of that time relate to taking the first boat out to the lake on the Cerrig road, we loaded the boat on a truck and off we went, I think Unwin was with us and Dobson. We successfully launched it and in doing so failed to hold on to the line and the blasted boat drifted slowly from the shore with one lad and me on board, without any oars!! You can imagine the faces of Unwin, Dobson and the lads ashore. Me having no sense in those days stripped off all my clothes and dived into the frigid lake to swim ashore to get a pair of oars, I can tell you it was bloody cold. I tried to dry myself as well as I could and we proceeded to be instructed in the art of oarsmanship.

No truck to go back to camp so after a couple of hours we hoofed it back. The next morning I woke up with a hell of a fever and aching from head to toe. There was considerable panic when my temperature was taken it was 107. The next thing I remember was a long bumpy ride to Ruthin, I had pneumonia!!

I really only bucked the system once and paid for it. That was when I left the picture party in Ruthin to go and have tea at the home of my future wife. Williams who worked in the office caught me sneaking back. I lost my Petty Officer rank, and got six into the bargain!!