Shortly before World War 1, Derek’s father, Charles Stuart Rabley who was born in Ashwater, near Holsworthy attended West Buckland.

With the outbreak of hostilities, Charles was sent to France as a captain. During this time, he was awaiting a signal to lead his men in an attack on the German lines. Having time to spare, he went to his dugout to snooze, but at that time the enemy chose to launch a gas attack. Charles was awakened, put on his gas mask and the gas dispersed, or so he thought… He removed the mask, only for the wind to change direction, resulting in Charles being gassed. Most of his company died under heavy German fire whereas he recovered and was then assigned control of troop transport by ship across the English Channel.

Photo of a West Buckland cricket team (early 1900's) taken in front of the school, including my Charles Rabley, who was a bowler.

Derek Rabley (39-41F)