15 Facts About GCT Giles

Granville Charles Trelawney Giles, known as GCT Giles, was a leading British communist, most famous for playing a central role in the evacuation of three million children to the countryside during World War II, and for playing a prominent role in the formation of Britain's post-war educational reforms.

GCT Giles was the first communist to be appointed president of the National Union of Teachers, and headed a school which following his retirement became one of Britain's first comprehensive schools.

GCT Giles joined the Communist Party of Great Britain during the 1926 United Kingdom general strike, and would remain a lifelong member.

GCT Giles was born in 1891 and educated at Eton College.

GCT Giles first came into contact with socialist theories while studying in Germany that same year.

GCT Giles became immersed in active politics very quickly thereafter, working with the CPGB during the general strike the following year.

GCT Giles was associated with an organisation known as the International Committee for the Relief of Victimised Teachers, and was a member of the national committee of the British Committee for the Relief of German Teachers.

GCT Giles later narrated a second film, Behind the Spanish Lines.

From 1931 onwards, GCT Giles played a significant role in the Communist Party's Teachers' Advisory Committee.

GCT Giles organised and led several groups of teachers to Russia with the sponsorship of the Soviet Union.

GCT Giles played a central role in evacuating children during World War II.

In 1937 GCT Giles was elected to the NUT executive, where he remained until 1949.

GCT Giles was selected by Butler to tour and give speeches at sites throughout the UK where Allied troops were preparing for the Normandy landings.

GCT Giles married Olivia Winifred Watterson, a feminist and left-wing journalist, in 1915, with whom he had two sons.

GCT Giles remained an active communist during the post-war years, and from 1945 to 1952 he served on the executive committee of the CPGB.