A treasured collection of war medals belonging to a former Skipton schoolboy has gone on display at his old school following a successful fundraising campaign.
The eight medals — including the Military Cross, OBE and Companion of the Indian Empire — were awarded to Major Jack Petty, who attended Ermysted’s Grammar School between 1904 and 1912 before serving with distinction during the First World War.
Earlier this year, the Ermysted’s Old Boys’ Society launched an appeal to purchase the medals after learning that the collection was to be sold. Thanks to generous support from former pupils, parents and friends of the school, the medals have now been secured and are proudly on display on the Gargrave Road site.
They were also highlighted during this week’s Remembrance Service, where pupils and staff reflected on the bravery and sacrifice of generations of Ermysted’s men who served in conflict.
Born in Cross Hills in 1895, Jack arrived at Ermysted’s as a ten-year-old day boy and quickly made his mark on school life. He captained the cricket team, played rugby for the 1st XV, and competed in athletics, cross-country and hockey. Beyond the sports field, he was active in debating, music and drama, and served as Head Boy in 1912.
When war broke out in 1914, nineteen-year-old Jack enlisted in Skipton, joining the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. By 1916 he was a Bombing Officer at the Battle of the Somme, leading his men through fierce fighting in Quadrangle Trench and Pearl Alley. His courage earned him the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action, making him the first former Ermysted’s pupil to receive the honour.
After the war, Jack studied at Queen’s College, Oxford, before embarking on a long career with the Forestry Service in India. His work was recognised with the OBE in 1945 and the CIE in 1947. Following the partition of India, he was asked to remain as Director of Forestry in Pakistan, testament to his skill and integrity. Tragically, Jack was killed in an air crash in 1949, aged 53.
Michael Evans, Headteacher at Ermysted’s said:
“We’re delighted that Jack’s medals have been brought home to Ermysted’s. His story is one of courage, leadership and service, and we’re very grateful to everyone who supported the appeal.”
The medals now form part of a permanent display at Ermysted’s, ensuring Major Jack Petty’s remarkable story continues to inspire future generations.
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