Mr. Witriol vs. Johnny Williams
by Barry Page
A surprise for the schoolboys
In 1960, I was a pupil in form 3A and my form master was Mr. D. Leff. Mr. Witriol was my History master, and one day just before the History session began, Mr. Witriol burst into the classroom evidently in a very agitated state. He explained to Mr. Leff, who was just about to leave the room, that he was assaulted by one of the boys. Apparently, Mr. Witriol had encountered the worst of the school bullies, Johnny Williams. When asked by Mr. Leff what was the reason for the dispute, Mr. Witriol explained that Williams had refused to move out of the way (in the corridor) and stood there immobile with arms akimbo. After being challenged, Williams then decided to push Mr. Witriol out of his way, and an altercation ensued. Williams was told to go to the Headmaster's office, and I believe he complied - merely as an act of bravado. Unfortunately, Mr. Leff provided no sympathy, and his parting shot as he left the room was, "We all know Willliams, Mr. Witriol." The other pupils in the class were even less sympathetic, as any pushback against the teachers was considered a minor victory.
A surprise for the schoolboys
In 1960, I was a pupil in form 3A and my form master was Mr. D. Leff. Mr. Witriol was my History master, and one day just before the History session began, Mr. Witriol burst into the classroom evidently in a very agitated state. He explained to Mr. Leff, who was just about to leave the room, that he was assaulted by one of the boys. Apparently, Mr. Witriol had encountered the worst of the school bullies, Johnny Williams. When asked by Mr. Leff what was the reason for the dispute, Mr. Witriol explained that Williams had refused to move out of the way (in the corridor) and stood there immobile with arms akimbo. After being challenged, Williams then decided to push Mr. Witriol out of his way, and an altercation ensued. Williams was told to go to the Headmaster's office, and I believe he complied - merely as an act of bravado. Unfortunately, Mr. Leff provided no sympathy, and his parting shot as he left the room was, "We all know Willliams, Mr. Witriol." The other pupils in the class were even less sympathetic, as any pushback against the teachers was considered a minor victory.