The Royal High School Club in London

Happy Days

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"Bobo" Aitkin - History Teacher

Alexander Aitken "Bobo" History teacher and cyclist, in pensive mood. Taken in his classroom,late 40's. Came across him again in 1970 when he was Principal teacher of History at Leith Academy.
Why Bobo? I have no idea, I think that name was in place long before I came into contact with him. Perhaps someone else has an answer. I do recall him as being a very keen cyclist,travelling everywhere on two wheels, all over Scotland in fact as he was also very keen member of the SHYA-Scottish Youth Hostel Assoc.
I think it fair to say that when I had him he had class control problems however, if one cared to pay attention,and I must admit I didn't always do so,you could learn a lot about history particularly Scottish history. He was very Scottish in personality and outlook and I'm sure he was a nationalist, but he was always very fair and lucid when picking through a particular historical situation setting forth both sides for consideration with great skill.
However I remember he was not very skilled at shaving as his craggy features were frequently decorated with scraps of paper when he appeared at assembly.
It was said that he had been shell shocked during the war which may well be the case.When I saw him years later he looked much happier and more relaxed.

Leslie Gage

RHS 1938 to 1951

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