Derrick, Herbert Clement Sweetman (OW1909)

Prize Book awarded to HCS Derrick,

Form Fifth A

for Dux at Mid Winter,

Gift of the Head Master LA Adamson, December 1910

Herbert (Bert) Clement Sweetman Derrick was born in 1895. He entered Wesley in 1909, was awarded the Prize book in 1910, sadly he died of tuberculosis in 1914 when he was only 18years old.

Bert came from a strong Methodist family and was the oldest child of Clement (a school teacher) and Elizabeth Derrick. Bert had a brother Edward, and two sisters Edith and Eva (Katie). Edward entered Wesley in 1911 and was the Draper Scholar in 1913, and Walter Powell Scholar in 1914, the year his older brother died. Edward was a medical student in June 1918 when he enlisted to join the Army, but he did not serve overseas as the War ended in November that year.

The prize book was retained by Bert’s family after he died until it was given by sister Katie to my father Bill in 1990, just before Katie died. It was given

‘with appreciation for past and present associations and memory of Mavis’. Mavis was my mother, who had died in 1982.

Katie was a bridesmaid at Mum and Dad’s wedding in 1933.

Katie was only 7 years old when Bert died and the Gift Book must have provided her with a connection to her brother, and a source of comfort throughout her life.

Information above supplied by John Hartnett OW 1959

Bert won the prize for Physics and Chemistry in his final year Pass Sixth Form, and a scholarship to Queens College (non resident) valued at 10 pounds in 1913. He also won a govt exhibition covering 4 years of tuition at University.

Edward was a Prefect and won prizes too. 

Additional attachments - death notice as recorded in the Chronicle May 1914, image of Edward Derrick Chronicle May 1915