Geoff was born on 06 November 1913 in Barton upon Humber, Lincolnshire, the youngest of four children at 78 High Street, where the family had moved to after 1911. This same building is now numbered 90 High Street - see 1807info3a for a full explanation.

Above: Geoff Crompton's christening 14 May 1914 at St Mary's Beverley, where his godfather and uncle Arthur Watts held a prominent position

1807info3e, sheet 2

The family complete

The first photograph of Geoff sitting on his mother Jane's knee. It is thought that this photograph was taken in early 1914. It is likely the family was living at the butcher's shop in Barton-on-Humber. Left to right: Jane, Geoff, Bessie born 1910, Arthur, Don born 1912 and Ted born 1908. Source: Family photograph

Another formal family photograph taken in July 1916. Left to right: Bessie born 1910, Ted born 1908, Geoff born 1913 and Don born 1912. Source: Family photograph

1807info3e, sheet 3

School

Geoff attended the National School located in Queens Street, Barton next to the Salvation Army Citadel.

Above: 1911 OS map of Barton upon Humber locating the National School in Queens Street

1807info3e, sheet 4

The school is known as the Wilderspin National School 1, which has been identified by English Heritage as ‘One of the most important schools surviving in England. Built in 1844, this Grade II Listed Building is unique because of its association with the educational pioneer, Samuel Wilderspin, the self-styled founder of the Infant School System, who designed, equipped and taught in the school. Geoff was in the same classroom as Chad Varah who founded the Samaritans in 1953. Right: Barton National School plaque

1807info3e, sheet 5

Above: Barton School on Empire Day, 24 May 1922. The nine year old Geoff would be somewhere

A formal photograph, taken by Mitchel and Cooper of Hull, dated 1937, and marked 'Your affectionate brother', suggesting that it was sent to Ted, who was living in Canada. Source: Family photograph

1807info3e, sheet 6

Geoff's passport was issued on 30 July 1938. It is known that he, and others, took their motorbikes to the Western Front. He visited Amiens, Arras and brought back souvenirs from Ypres. There are no date stamps in the passport to indicate the duration of the holiday. Source: Family archives

At the beginning of the war and prior to his enlistment, Geoff joined the voluntary Retained Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS). During all my visits to Hornsea the building on the left, by the telegraph pole, was always vacant lot. A bomb site caused by the bombing of an electrical transmission station. Geoff told of being called out to tackle the ensuing fire.

Geoff told the stories of his pre-war life of:

• sitting on the Clifton Street landing window sill, with his feet dangling outside, watching the German bombers using Hornsea Mere as a navigation check, before flying off to bomb Hull;
• living in a tent on the beach, during the summer, where he became popular with the girls;
• playing in a local football team with Ted Hobson who became a painter and decorator with a shop opposite the gates to Hornsea park;
• obtaining his driving licence by driving an open cab, stand-up steering three wheeler truck to Hull and taking and passing his test - this was his first driving experience;
• an apprentice grocer to Jackson's of New Biggin, a trade he followed until 1965.

1807info3e, sheet 7

Right: Newbegin Hornsea pre 1939 with the possible site of Jackson on the left

Barton National School Barton National School is important firstly for its unique links with the leading infant school educational pioneer Samuel Wilderspin (1791-1866), and secondly for its importance as a design for other Victorian schools and a model example of an enlightened form of schooling that spread throughout the world. Wildespin belief was that a child should be encouraged to learn through experience, and to development in feelings as well as intellect. His work provided the model for infant schools in Europe and North America. This is the only place in the world where a Wilderspin school building and playground survive, making it a place of national and international importance. The school closed in 1978 and fell into disrepair. Restoration of the School was completed in 2009 and now stands as a celebration of the life and work of Wilderspin for the benefit of the people of Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire and beyond.

This page was created by Richard Crompton and maintained by Chris Glass		Version A2 Updated 08 November 2024