Roy was at the school from 1931-1937 and will be sadly missed by his friends, family and all who knew him at the School.

We are conscious that many people from this time at school may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for him in the next OI Journal and would be very grateful if anyone felt they could come forward to write one. Alternatively, if you know of any stories or memories, please pass them on so we could put them together for the publication. Address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

With best wishes,

Iain Chesterman

OI Chairman

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His funeral will be held at Seven Hills Crematorium; 12 noon on Monday 21st February 2022.

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Martin Brown (Son of Roy Brown)

Roy Bernard Brown

4th June 1921 - 30th January 2022

Roy moved to Gainsborough Road, Ipswich when his father (BB) became the General Secretary of the Ipswich YMCA. 

He was sent to the Kindergarten attached to the Girls High School before moving to Ipswich School, at the age of 8, where he spent 3 years as a day pupil in the Prep School and a further 5 years (forms 1-5) in the Senior School. He left at the age of 16 with School Certificate passes in 7 subjects.

Roy joined the School Scout Group as a Cub (15th Ipswich) and progressed to being a Rover Scout after leaving school. Norman T Stonex was the group Scoutmaster and they became good friends (he was also his Latin master). During his days at school he played hockey, rugby union, cricket and fives. He recalled the compulsory athletics and steeplechase at Fynn Valley. At one time the 15th Ipswich had a Sea Scout section that he joined and they had a headquarters on a floating barge at Pin Mill. He attended the Scout Jamboree in Holland in 1937 and the World Rover Scout Moot in Crieff, Scotland in 1939.

He joined local government in the Public Health Department in Elm Street (Ipswich County Borough Council) as a Junior Clerk and trainee Sanitary Inspector. At first he worked in the Branch Clinic in Clapgate Lane before transferring to the general office in Elm Street. In due course he moved into the Sanitary Inspectors’ office.

In early 1939 he joined the Territorial Army and was mobilised for the Second World War on 2nd September. At first he still lived at home but was the posted from the Field Gun Regiment (RA) to the coast Artillery stationed at Languard Fort, Felixstowe. His service in the Coast Artillery took him from Felixstowe to Weymouth (on the Middle Arm of Portland Harbour breakwaters), Portsmouth (on Horsesand Fort in the Spithead) and St. Helena in the South Atlantic. He was a Gunner on enlistment, got one stripe (Lance Bombadier) fairly early in his stay a Felixstowe, followed by three stripes (Lance Sergeant) and Crown and Laurels (Warrant Officer Class II / Battery Sergeant Major).

In 1940 Roy met Jean at a dance in the RAF Sergeants’ Mess at the seaplane base in Felixstowe. Jean was in the A.T.S based in Dovercourt. They were engaged in July 1941 and married October 1942.

After the Second World War Roy finished his training and qualified as a Sanitary Inspector. He and Jean found lodgings with Mr and Mrs Kinsey (parents of Gordon, a well known local historian) in Brunswick Road. Later they moved to a flat in Ancaster Road.

In order to improve his position he sought jobs elsewhere and in 1949 secured an appointment with Guildford Rural District Council where eventually he became a Principal Environmental Health Officer. He retired from Guildford Council in 1981 at the age of 60.

In retirement he took up Bowls, was Clerk to the West Horsley Parish Council for 22 years and worked with the NALGO Retired Members Section.

In August 2000 he and Jean returned to Suffolk, living in Halesworth for 10 years before Jean sadly passed away. Roy then moved in with his family in Kelsale where he died peacefully at home. He was much loved by friends and family and took great joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom helped him celebrate his 100th birthday in June 2021.

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