TAXILA: Students from across the country gathered at the tomb of legendary British teacher, Hugh Catchpole, who had the rare distinction of heading military colleges in India and Pakistan and founded Cadet College Hassanabdal, on his 20th death anniversary on Wednesday.

Hugh Catchpole, who was born in 1907 and died in 1997, spent almost seven decades outside of his country, teaching in schools in India and Pakistan.

A guard of honour was presented by cadets and wreaths were laid on his grave by his students, and those of PAF College Sargodha, Abbotabad Public School and Cadet College Hassanabdal, after which many of the late teachers` students also delivered speeches.

The chief guest at the event was former Air Chief Asghar Khan, who was Catchpole`s student in the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehra Dun.`One of Catchpole`s greatest contributions to the sub-continent was the large number of his students who went on to become high achievers in their respective professions,` he said.

Mr Khan said Catchploe was an extraordinary educationist, humanist and philanthropist who financed the education of many students and provided scholarship funds in England, India and Pakistan.

In his speech, former Air Chief Abbas Khattak recalled memories of the late educationist when he was studying under him. He said Catchpole is one of the country`s most renowned educationists.

Also a former student of Hugh Catchpole at the Cadet College Hassanabdal, retired Brigadier Rasheel Ali Malik in his address said that during his 69 years of service to Pakistan, Catchpole taught thousands of students who have since done well in their fields. He said his students are now working all over the world.

Cadet College Hassanabdal Principal retired Major GeneralNajeeb Tariq said he is committed to continuing with Catchpole`s legacy.

He added that the British and Pakistani governments had honoured the late educationist for his services.

Queen Elizabeth had on Jan 1, 1971 conferred the Order of the British Empire on him and he was decorated with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on Dec 31, 1980, Mr Tariq said.

Hugh Catchpole was also awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the president of Pakistan as well.

After he died, Catchpole was buried in Cadet College Hassanabdal according to his will.

Former bureaucrat, Saeed Mehdi said he was the first cadet to join Cadet College Hassanabdal, of which Catchpole was the founding principal.

Mr Mehdi said Catchpole also laid the foundation for the tradition of academic excellence which the college cherishes to this day and said that it is due to Catchpole`s hard work that the institution is a standard for cadet colleges across Pakistan.