Leaders: Profiles in Courage & Bravery in War & Peace 1917 - 2020

Book Launch - Friday 19 November

Over 50 people joined in person and online to celebrate the launch of Robin Knight's excellent book which collects in one place for the first time the remarkably personal and distinct stories from Pangbourne College of the courageous men and women in war and peace. Based on original research and first-person accounts, Leaders covers the period 1917-2020 with a particular focus on conflicts World War II, the COld War and Falklands War.

Introduced by Head of Sixth Form James Bamforth, who hosted the evening's entertainment, Robin shared how he documented the courageous and singular acions during a centenary of peacetime, as well as profiling the outstanding Second World War heroes Mike Cumberledge, David Smiley and GTS 'Peter; Gray. 

The presentation was rounded off by a generous vote of thanks from OP Society Chairman Phillip Plato.

A lively Q&A session followed, with an interesting debate sparked on leadership by Robin Brodhurst (former Head of History), Roger Lane-Nott (former Chair of Governors, OP 58-63) and the Head, Thomas Garnier. 

It was fantastic to gather together members from the whole community, with OPs, current and former parents, current and former staff and current and former governers joining to celebrate Robin's excellent book.