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John Douglas Melsom

1916-2008

By his son Richard Melsom (G 59-68)

My father died a peaceful death aged 92 in a nursing home in West Yorkshire which oddly is where the Melsom family originated. He moved up to a nursing home 4 years ago when he could no longer cope on his own in his beloved Framlingham. The move allowed us to be near enough to visit him.

He was born in 1916 in Wimbledon and attended Rutlish Grammar School. He won a scholarship to St Catherine's College, Cambridge to study Science. Soon after he obtained a First Class Degree with Honours from Cambridge it was clear that World War II was about to start. Enlisting as a private in the Royal Corps of Signals he was promoted, through the ranks, to the rank of Captain, acting Major. He fought at the Battle of El Alamein and at Framlingham became a colleague of Jim Hague who had also served in that battle. Every year on 23rd October they enjoyed a drink together to celebrate their survival. He was mentioned in dispatches.

In the Autumn term of 1948 he obtained a post teaching Biology in Framlingham College and immediately accepted the task of coaching the 1st XV. He became Head of Science and also a Housemaster. As a young man he had represented the UK at cross-country but his passion was for Rugby and for many years he was Head Rugby Coach. He had a certain way with words and people which I experienced as a pupil both in the Biology class and on the Rugby field. I suspect those whom he taught and coached will remember that.

He also was fast bowler and reasonable batsman playing weekly for the Masters Cricket Eleven. He founded the Young Farmers Club and supervised it for many years. He retired soon after he reached 60 and spent many happy years in retirement in Framlingham, the 'Jewel of East Anglia'. His wife Jean unfortunately died soon after his retirement. He leaves a retired schoolteacher in Kent and a consultant hospital doctor in West Yorkshire. He has three grandchildren.

John Maulden (G 45-50), a pupil of John’s from 1948-50 and then a colleague from 1956, writes that he was a real pleasure to work with and was a highly esteemed member of the Common Room, with a unique sense of humour which endeared him to his colleagues. As Head of Science he quietly, with no fuss and without needing to call meetings, achieved an ideal spirit of teamwork, thus ensuring a thriving department devoid of all triviality. Housemaster of Kerrison he was elected Honorary OF in 1976 and was the perfect gentleman.

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