Petworth school bombing survivor with deep roots in the town will be sadly missed

Anthony George Penfold, known as Tony, will be sadly missed by family and friends after passing away on November 18, aged 89.

His family said ‘his passion for Petworth never waivered’, adding: “He seemed to know every nook, cranny and street of the town and his recall of the families who lived and worked on farms shops and the Leconfield estate was impressive.

“He had started to research the family tree and his roots are embedded deep in the town!”

Born in Petworth, he attended Petworth Boys School and later Midhurst Grammar School.

He was knicknamed Scrammy for much of his life – a name his children think relates to a childhood incident in which he told another boy who was bothering him to ‘scram off’.

Tony was one of those who survived the bombing at Petworth Boys school during the Second World War, which left 32 people dead.

His family said that day ‘never really left him’ and he could recall the events ‘as if it was yesterday’.

He wrote about and spoke on record about it on several occasions and always attended the annual memorial service held on September 29.

Like many, he was horrified to learn of the plans to build homes on what he considered was sacred ground, his family said.

He was also disappointed at the poor upkeep of the cemetery where those that died were buried.

He has kept much memorabilia about that day and talked fondly of the boys who lost their lives.

The bombing left him with a hearing deficit, which caused him many problems throughout life.

After school, Tony spent his national service at Credenhall Gloucestershire RAF rank of Corporal, describing his time there as some of the best years of his life.

He went on to work in Chichester at The Family Practitioner Commitee until retirement in 1992, overseeing all of West Sussex’s Dentist and GP registrations.

He returned to live in Petworth in 1994 after a period living in Chichester.

During the 50s and 60s, he was a member of the Horsham Motorcycle Club and, with a group of Petworth enthusiasts, would build their own motorbike and sidecar outfits and attend many Scrambling and Grass Racetrack events.

He was also a keen Model Aeroplane maker and had membership to several local clubs, enjoying trips to Hayling island and The Wallops to fly his handiwork in competitions.

Tony started running in his mid 50s and joined Chichester Runners.

He loved running and for his age was considered good enough to gain entry to the London marathon on four occasions.

At the age of 56, he managed an impressive three hours and 50 minutes.

He was very modest about his achievements and was still running well into his 70s, his family said.

In 1976, he joined a fellow Petworth man to tend the gardens of a beautiful cottage in Duncton.

He was still working until his recent ill health made this impossible, and this little place was ‘a haven of tranquility for him’.

Tony’s family describe him as a quiet and private man, who was not known for his displays of sentiment and emotion.

“He didn’t see as much of his three daughters as he would have liked but he would drop everything if we phoned with a plea to be taken out for the day usually with three friends in tow,” they said, recalling happy memories of trips to Llongleat Windsor safari park, the Witterings and Hollycombe.

“He loved us and his seven grandchildren dearly and will be sadly missed by them and those that knew him.

“Another familiar Petworth face gone but hopefully not forgotten.”