Headmaster Royds from Yilma Adamu

Dear Mr. Andrews:

It is with deep sorrow that we learned the passing away of our beloved principal, "Mr. Royds", as everybody called him at the time. He was, indeed, a man of extraordinary character, always revered but never feared. He created a learning environment that had no precedence in Ethiopia and that reeked excellence from the north gate to the southern expanse of the school compound. Much as there were tempting circumstances, he had no favorites and considered each and every one of us his children.

His legacy is inscribed in the success story of General Wingate, which became the #1 high school in Ethiopia and produced the most successful professionals that continue to play important roles in the economic and social life of our country. Wingate Chindits are also widely dispersed on all continents playing commendable role in whatever profession they might be. I have no doubt this knowledge warmed Mr. Royds' heart many, many times.

I remember, like it was yesterday, his meticulous attires, the unmistakable noise of his Murphy shoe steps, the aroma of his tobacco and the uniquely Roydish smile that grimaced his face shine or rain. Maybe I am speaking for myself on this one; I remember his weekly "Current Affairs" class which gave respite from the often suffocating classes of physics, math and chemistry and exposed us to things that are not the Wingate world.

So many of us are indebted to him and blessed for having been nurtured by a true gentleman, a soldier and man of God.

May his soul rest in peace!

Yilma Adamu

POC, TC2600

Knox 8D60

(571) 272-2693


Thank you Yilmiye,

None of us could have said it any better and we all share your sentiments. This may well bring another opportunity to hear from our Wingate colleagues that we have lost contact with. I just heard from Girma Zewdie from Glasgow.

I challenge those of you who are creative, resourceful and with ample time on your hands to come up with some way we can celebrate the greatness of this man. Even some anecdotes that some of you word smiths can share with us will be deeply appreciated. We found him in our formative years and his influence in our lives has been permanently etched in our hearts and minds.

May his soul rest in peace indeed!

Kefale