Musis Respublica Floret
Happy Days - Dave Somerville and the ATC
Suave Dave's Secret
I spent 4 years in the school ATC. This gave me a close insight into how to teach the Dave Somerville way. That guy was absolutely magic. ATC camp was a joy to behold, the chance to fly in all sorts of RAF machinery, some of it actually airworthy, nights out in the local pub. Passing the Officer's Mess and seeing Dave inside having a light refreshment after a hard day. The secret of his teaching was delegation and large chalk drawings of battles.
Big Dave 'taught' me history for three years and he was the Ft Lt of the ATC so I had quite a lot to do with him. His dad ran G A Somerville the big ironmonger in Broughton Street and Dave was pretty financially secure. He ran an immaculate Rover 90. He used to take the ATC rifle shooting to a rifle range situated under the Playhouse cinema. He must have been a member there as he had keys. He moved to Broughton after he was passed over for Dept Head after Jocky retired in 67. He was dept head there for years and Martin Bryden from my year ended up as his deputy. Two of my cousins were at Broughton so they kept me informed of his laid back style. He must be one of the few left around. Vealy Cochrane lived round the corner from me but he moved to the great staffroom in the sky some years ago. I think Jim Noble is now a dep head out in Pencuik.
NEXT PAGE --->1954 to 67 Fifi and the School Dance
- an immaculate Rover 90
- Flight Lieutenant Somerville with the RHS ATC Squadron in 1963. Mouse click on the photo to enlarge. With thanks to Alistair Allanach of our parent club for the photo.