Exeter College staff member remembered in Second World War exhibition at Westgate Library
As part of the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2025, a group of local volunteers has researched the lives of the 24 men whose names appear on the memorial in St Matthew’s Church. Their work forms the basis of a major exhibition at the Westgate Library, running from Thursday 12 to Monday 30 March 2026.
The exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the war and how it affected one small suburban community. Visitors can learn about what Oxford – and in particular, South Oxford, including Grandpont and Cold Harbour – were like before, during and after the war, and explore the impact of conflict on families, neighbourhoods and working lives. The display also examines women’s wartime roles and the experiences of evacuees who came to the area.
This exhibition builds on the one held in November 2025 by including new research on the 18 men named on the memorial in the neighbouring church of St John the Evangelist, New Hinksey. Together, these projects deepen understanding of how global events were experienced at a local level.
Among the stories featured is that of Deryck Allnutt Drew. Research on Deryck was carried out by John Stobbs, with support from Victoria Northridge, Archivist at Exeter College, who shared access to documents relating to Deryck’s work at the College.
Deryck was appointed as a Junior Clerk for the Bursary department at Exeter College in June 1936. His probationary period was approved in December of that year with an initial 25 shillings per week. By October 1937, his wages were raised to £1.07.06 per week, and a year later in 1938 increased to £1.10.00 per week. By the time he left in October 1939 as a fully-fledged pilot within the Royal Air Force, he had risen to the position of Assistant Clerk.
During his three years and four months working at Exeter College, Deryck took full advantage of the Servant’s social club. By transferring 1d per week of his wages he attended annual outings in the summer to Southampton, Cambridge, and Brighton. Deryck was involved within the staff teams for rowing, cricket, and bowls; sporting trials were held throughout the year competing against staff from other colleges.
Entry for the Servants Social Committee minutes with highlighted entry for Deryck Drew revealing that he was part of the EC Rowing team in the position of Bow 1937.
Deryck enrolled in the R.A.F. volunteer reserve in early 1939, and on 19 May 1940, at the age of twenty, he was given a commission as a Pilot Officer for the duration of hostilities. Tragically, he was killed in action on 2 August 1940, while carrying out a reconnaissance of Le Havre. Information concerning his training, his death, and where his name appears in memoriams, is visible on the 24 Men of Grandpont site.
Deryck’s brother Albert John Drew also worked at Exeter. He was appointed in January 1940, initially on a temporary basis, to carry on as a Junior Clerk like his brother. He continued in the role until October 1942, when he was 19.
Entry from the Servants committee revealing that Albert John (J) Drew would be temporarily appointed to fill his brother’s position in 1940.
After the war, a memorial was built at the base of Palmer’s Tower to a design by Thomas Harold Hughes, including Deryck in the list of those lost. The unveiling ceremony took place in September 1949, attended by both of Deryck’s parents.
The memorial plaque at St Matthew’s was installed in 1948. A Book of Remembrance containing biographies of each of the 26 men was dedicated on Sunday 9 November 2025 and is on permanent display in the church.
By bringing together College archives, church memorials and newly uncovered local research, the Westgate Library exhibition offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on how global conflict shaped the lives of individuals, families, and institutions in South Oxford.
The exhibition is open to all during Westgate Library opening hours.
Deryck Drew in 1937, aged eighteen.
Image from The Changing Faces of South Oxford and South Hinksey, Book 1, by Carole Newbigging.
