Jack Leslau entered West Buckland School in September 1942 from his home in Newton Abbott.

Not only was he an accomplished scholar, he was a talented sportsman too. He was made Head Boy and was awarded the highest accolade that the school could give, the much prized Fortescue Medal. There was a shortage of medal during this period and Jack sadly never received his medal, we are hoping to present his son, James with his award when he pays us a visit in the future.

David recalls that Jack was an inspiration to the younger boys and someone they all looked up to.






VE Day 1945

Jack was 14 years old when the the Second World War ended. We are delighted to share with you his memories from that special day taken from an extract of his diary in which the band travelled to South Molton. He celebrated by having a pint of cider (and half a lager) followed by watching a bonfire in the evening.

Jack had a brilliant mind and went on in the mid 1970s to apply all his academic might to break apart the myth of the Princes in the Tower and became known as an ‘alternative Tudor historian’ This is the website he setup in his lifetime 

http://www.holbeinartworks.org


If you have any memories of VE Day at West Buckland, we would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please contact [email protected] with your recollections.