Pupils at Marlborough School, Woodstock, were off on their travels.

They were leaving to join an educational cruise on the SS Devonia, one of two ‘floating schools’ run by the British India Steam Navigation Company.

During the 10-day trip in 1963, they were due to visit Bergen, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. While ashore, they would have sightseeing tours, but on board ship, they would have a varied educational programme, led by the ship’s educational staff and their own teachers.

It was said to be the first time an school in Oxfordshire school had this experience embarked on this a venture.