Obituary Douglas Bourne
In Memory of Douglas Bourne (OH 1941–45)
25 July 1927 – 5 December 2025
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Douglas Bourne, a much-loved Old Blundellian whose life was shaped by service, sport, and an enduring affection for his school.
Douglas came to Blundell’s in 1941 from St Erbyn’s Prep in Penzance, joining Old House during the challenging years of the Second World War. Born in Dublin, the son of Paymaster Commander Percy Francis Fincham Bourne RN and his wife Lillian, they soon moved to Portsmouth, before later living in Mullion in Cornwall, which Douglas loved.
A gifted sportsman, Douglas quickly made his mark on the playing fields. He played in the 1st XI Cricket team in 1944, earning praise in The Blundellian: “A keener cricketer could not exist” and “He had a consistently good cover point.” He also played fly-half in the 1st XV rugby team in the 1944–45 season, with notable appearances against Clifton, Sherborne and Downside.
Douglas remembered his Blundell’s days vividly, sharing stories of running the Russell, wading through the Lowman three times, and the wartime pressures that meant food and clothing rations – chapel dress included – were the norm. Despite these privations, he looked back fondly on his schooldays, especially his early years under Neville Gorton, the then-Head Master who went on to become Bishop of Coventry.
Douglas remained a committed member of the Old Blundellian community, attending events well into his later years. A popular and longstanding member of Bristol & Clifton Golf Club for 54 years, he was also a regular at OB golf days for many years. Fellow members of the Club remember him as a generous and entertaining golfing companion who encouraged many OBs to get involved – one even recalls being bundled into the back of Doug’s Ford Capri for their first round. He was also one of the earliest OBs to win the Cyril Gray Tournament, securing the title in 1978.
Beyond his own achievements, Douglas took quiet pride in his family heritage – particularly the story of his grandfather, Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Edward Bourne OBE DCM, famous as one of the defenders of Rorke’s Drift and portrayed in the film Zulu by actor Nigel Green. In October 2025, Douglas was guest of honour at a remarkable evening back at Blundell's in the Beale Centre, where celebrated South African storyteller – and personal friend – Rob Caskie delivered a powerful retelling of the battle to a packed audience of OBs and friends. The evening paid tribute not only to history, but also to Douglas’ connection with Blundell’s, whose presence gave the occasion such resonance.
He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.