Ball’s House is named after Captain Albert Ball. Albert Ball was born on and attended the High School between 1907-1909. He was to become one of the most famous fighter pilots of his era. Before his eighteenth birthday, he had joined up to fight in the first World War which took place from 1914-1918. Originally, he joined the local infantry unit, the Sherwood Foresters, who were known locally as the Robin Hood Rifles. After just a few months he had reached the rank of sergeant and shortly afterwards he became a second lieutenant.
In January 1916, he joined the Royal Flying corps and was then posted to France. Months later, in July 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery and later received three Distinguished Service Orders. By April 1917, he had shot down forty three enemy fighter pilots – this was an astounding figure, since the life span of a fighter pilot in World War I was particularly short. Unfortunately, in May 1917, before he celebrated his twenty-first birthday, he was shot down and killed. In recognition of his skills as a pilot, the Germans buried him with full military honours.
Mr Caldwell, Mrs George and Mrs Sedgewick look after Ball's House. Two Year 6 boys are chosen by the pupils and Housemasters to act as House Captain’s each year, and these boys carry out duties for both House and the School on a regular basis.
