OW involved in aftermath of Indian Partition

In light of the 70th anniversary of the Indian Partition, Wellington College archiver Caroline Jones has been doing some investigation into the impact of OWs.

A remarkable story has come to light about OW Alec Leslie Cameron; a prefect, Head of School and winner of the King’s Medal. He was also in the First XV and the First XI, and was Captain of Cricket.

Mr. Cameron met his death by communal mob violence on March 26th, 1950, trying to save the lives of his Muslim chauffeur and Muslim bearer when his car was held up at a railway crossing near Calcutta. He was returning from a children’s party which he had given at a home for orphans of the Bengal famine of 1943, for the foundation of which he was mainly responsible.

At the time of his death, after 27 years’ service in business in India, Mr. Cameron held the highest position open to any non-official European in independent India, that of President of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and President of the Associated Chamber of Commerce of India. He was interested in many philanthropic enterprises, and during the war was active in promoting hospital accommodation and amenities for the troops.

Quoted from the Wellingtonian, 1950.