The picture at the top is from a 1935 publication by Rhyl County School later renamed Rhyl Grammar School. The cheap printing process and passage of time have done the photograph no favours. Second from left in the back row is Reginald McCartney Samples. He was the son of the McCartney & Samples business (confectioners and bakers) mentioned recently on this blog.[These names of the other team members are added here for indexing purposes: H J Tomes, W E Thomas, R B Jones, G I Jones, G Bryan, A J Auld, E R Bond, J Hastings, R Bracchi, F Parry.]
Within a few years of the school photograph, most of the young men were embroiled in World War 2. Young Reginald McCartney Samples, generally known as ‘Mac’, was in Fleet Air Arm aircrew and was awarded a DSO (Distinguished Service Order) for gallantry. He followed his military service with a career in diplomatic service. He was Consul-General in Toronto, Canada 1969-79.
I’m obliged to Peter Trehearn and Roy Turner for hints and tips about Mr. Samples who died on July 31st last year at the age of 90.
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