Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1st January 1937-31st December 1937 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 item paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Richard Herbert Sutton was born on the 19th August 1918 in Hong Kong with his family later moving to 31 Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth. Richard's father, H. Sutton, was a silk merchant. From January 1926 to April 1930, he attended Gorleston prep school, before moving to Gresham's school in May 1930, where he was editor of the school magazine.
In 1936, he became a history exhibitioner, before coming up to Jesus in 1937 to study history. In his third year, he also studied law. According to his tutorial file, Richard's strength of character was praised highly by the College's academic staff, particularly his 'good spirits' and 'hard efforts'. Although tall at 6ft 4, with a build described as less than robust, he was involved with various sports including rowing, hockey, and tennis.
Outside of sport, he had interests in poetry, writing some himself, and public affairs. A Conservative, he was active in the College Debating Society. Richard was also awarded a travel grant in May 1938.
Richard suffered from various medical issues and, although not serious, they had an impact upon his studies. In 1937, he suffered from eye problems, requiring a Certificate in Case of Illness to allow him to stay at home for much of his first term. His condition improved, although the eye problems returned in November 1940. While part of the Officer Training Corps (O.T.C) in the last term of his first year, Richard suffered a riding accident whilst on a parade that resulted in a broken arm. This left him unable to sit for his preliminary examination for History Honours in June 1938. Despite this, he still managed to obtain a 2:1 in June 1939 of the Historical Tripos.
On 10th February 1939, Richard signed up for active duty for the war. He became a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, serving in Italy from 1943, but was wounded at Anzio, in March 1944. After the war ended, he joined the Civil Service.
Unfortunately, he became fully blind in 1961 but judging from his tone in letters to the college, he remained in good spirits and wit. Richard died on 22nd October 2002.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This item accounts daily entries made in the life of Richard Sutton. This year is the most sparse with interesting details, as it is the year Richard is still in Gresham's, moving onto Jesus College. We know from these entries, however, that Richard performed in school plays and wrote editorials for the school paper. This entry's main importance is introducing Richard and his relatives, such as his mother, father and 'Kidlet', his younger sister.
2nd March - Promoted to Sergeant at Gresham's OTC.
30th April - Earns his driving licence after passing his test in Lowerstoft.
20th July - First mention of going to Cambridge.
3rd August - Another mention of Cambridge.
5th August - Undertakes a trip to Germany, arriving the next day. Comments that lots of people were 'very nice to him'.
8th August - Vists a friend's old work place. While there, he sees many pictures of Hitler.
14th August - Listens to a military band, which he enjoyed, although he takes care to note the 'usual propaganda'.
12th September - Travels to Munich and visits the Exhibition of Degenerate Art.
22nd September - Returns home.
26th September - Writes to Cambridge.
3rd October - First mention of his eye becoming painful. The condition fluctuates but this would only be the beginning of Richard's history of eye problems.
6th October - Arrives in Cambridge, feeling rather apprehensive.
8th October - Visits an eye specialist who tells him to return home, which he does the following day.
13th November - Returns to Cambridge.
15th November - Attends his first lecture.
17th November - Visits the Fitzwilliam.