ABSTRACT
When recalling his family’s origins, Eric L. Trist emphasized misfortune and the unexpected. In nineteenth century Cornwall, the Trists made money in the China trade until they were caught for smuggling from France. In 1916–1920 Eric attended a Dover elementary school, St Martin’s Council School for Boys, was in the Young Worshippers League, the school’s rugby team, and by October 1919 was proficient in swimming. By November 1927, Frederick Lansdown Trist , aged sixty-two, had retired and was recognized for his service to War Department Fleet with the Imperial Service Medal. Owing to his injury in the service he was totally incapacitated and was unable to attend the ceremony with his former colleagues at Dover where the King was to give him a medal. In April 1927, Eric’s parents were advised by his headmaster that their son should apply for a Higher Exhibition to help him complete education at university.
