I exchange pleasantries with the old history buff on the till and spend a fascinating hour or so on the official tour of the house itself, marvelling at the Bunteresque enormity of a former earl's pantaloons; but when it comes to the guided walk around the grounds and gardens, I slip away to the riverfront path and, I don't mind admitting it, thoroughly enjoy my extensive ramble right along the western straits, almost as far as Newborough Warren itself.

Not many weeks before, during the battle for Iwo Jima, Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, had taken his inspired photograph of the American flag being raised on Mount Suribachi.

His richly philosophical intellect was not at any time affected by unrealities.

The team returned trophyless from the tournament.