Obituary: Warren Cantelo

1st October 2016

It was with sadness that the Association was informed of the death of Warren Cantelo. Warren died on 1st October 2016 at the age of 88.

Since his wife’s death in November 2015 Warren had lived in a nursing home. He served in Detmold, Germany from Christmas 1965. He moved to Hubblerath in 1967 and ended his service days in Alexandria School in 1976. He was headteacher at his last two schools. Waren was a kind man, a true gentleman, full of fun and a very dedicated professional. In each school he always strove to achieve and encouraged others to achieve Salzuflen, Koln and then back to Berlin. From 1954-58 the family lived in Stallopuner Allee. Hugh was able to recall going to school and described a villa in the Grunewald. In particular he remembered working with raffia and lots of paper folding! His uncle, Ralph Mills, was a teacher there. His two elder brothers were also at the school and members of the Wolf Cubs. He also remembered the Mayor of Charlottenburg coming to the school and sweets being given at Christmas. Perhaps it was these early memories of Berlin and Germany that later influenced Hugh to join BFES in 1976 and teach in RAF Laarbruch at the Middle School. He taught there until 1979 when he returned with his family to England and decided to attend the Theological College in Salisbury. He subsequently became the Rural Dean of Exmoor – but now is retired. The story he has written undoubtedly is influenced by what he knows of German history and in particular Berlin but by conversations he possibly overheard as a child. I have enjoyed reading it very much. If anyone remembers Hugh from Laarbruch days, I know he would like to hear from them. He can be contacted through his email address hallenarkwood@yahoo.co.uk . Tommy Atkins’ Children Foreword by Maj General HH Evans – Director of Army Education – London 1970 “This brief account of 300 years of education provided by the Army for its children tells of Army schools supported officially, at home and abroad, before the State made similar arrangements for its own children. It records much the Army has pioneered in children’s education and periods when the Army arrangements have lagged behind those provided by the State. It is most appropriate that this story should be written in 1970, the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Army Educational Corps. The Jubilee year was graciously marked by Her Majesty the Queen with a visit to Eltham palace, the home of the RAEC and the base from which 500 teachers leave annually for the Services' children's schools abroad. The author, Col. N.T. St John Williams, has many claims to write this account. He joined the RAEC in 1947, after war-time service in Europe with the Sherwood Foresters and in the Far East with the Intelligence corps. In his first RAEC appointment he was concerned with the re-opening of the children's schools in Singapore after the war. He has served the schools on the staff in Germany and as commandant at the Institute of Army Education. Recently, as the Director of Army Education's principal staff officer for children’s schools, he had a world-wide responsibility for them. He had much to do with the formation of the new tri-Service Children's Education Authority. Now, as chief Education officer, Far East, he has the task or closing down many of the schools he once helped to found. In commending this book to all who study the history of children’s education, I wish to pay tribute to the many thousands, both civilian and military, who over the years have made possible this story of massive achievement often in the most difficult of circumstances”. Closure of SCEA Schools in Hong Kong - July 1996 By W. L. Warren (Rtd.) When Headmaster, Martin Cater, lowered the Union Jack on the last day of the last term at St. George's School in Kowloon Tong on July 14th this year, it was an event 9 their very best. He will also be remembered for taking the single girls under his wing and acting as a father/family figure. In addition he was very handy with a screwdriver! Warren was a thoughtful and respected member of the committee from 1996 until 2001 Our thoughts and sympathies are with Warren’s family and friends.