Honouring Twyford’s Fallen Heroes: The Legacy of Leadership and Bravery 12.11.2024

Yesterday, we gathered to remember those who have fallen in service to our country. Twyford School has a proud and enduring history of contributions to the armed forces, with over 125 Twyfordians lost in action during both World Wars—this is more than a quarter of our current pupil population.  Many of these individuals received public recognition for their leadership and bravery.

One such individual was Old Twyfordian Johnnie Persse, born on 4 May 1922, the only child of Henry and Emily Persse of Chattis Hill Stables near Stockbridge. Henry, known as “Atty,” was a respected racehorse trainer, while Emily had once been a brilliant actress.

Johnnie was well-liked, sociable, and a natural comic who could mimic anyone after the briefest observation. He displayed strong leadership qualities from a young age, joining Twyford in September 1931. Although he wasn’t particularly gifted academically or athletically, he worked hard and found his place. Johnnie was in the lower academic set and played for the junior or second XI football teams, typically as a “back” alongside his friend, James Marshall-Cornwall, who would also tragically lose his life in the summer of 1944.

In September 1935, Johnnie moved on to Winchester College, where he became known for his cheerful spirit and sharp sense of humour. Described in the Wykehamist War Service Record and Roll of Honour as “a conscientious plodder,” Johnnie’s kindness, sense of purpose, and lively personality made him a true influence among his peers, leading to his roles as both a House and School Prefect.

Johnnie enlisted in the Rifle Brigade in July 1941, achieving his commission as a Second Lieutenant the following year. His training officer, Colonel Charles McGregor, remarked, “I had about a thousand young officers through my hands during the time I commanded, out of which about ten or a dozen were outstanding – and he was one of them. He had an amazing control of men for a boy of his age.”

In April 1943, Johnnie was posted to North Africa to join the 7th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, which was recovering in Egypt from the harsh Tunisian campaign. During this time, he organised gymkhanas for his unit, contributing to their morale.

In May 1944, the battalion crossed into Italy to join the 6th Armoured Brigade near Aquino, later advancing north towards Perugia. They endured intense fighting, and in June, Johnnie wrote to his cousin, sharing, “The going is hard.”

On 20 June 1944, Johnnie was killed by mortar fire while courageously going out under fire to aid a wounded private.