"Sergeant-Pilot Eric E. Croker was a pupil of this School during the years 1931-33. He came to us from the Mount Albert Grammar School. In 1933 he passed his University Entrance Examination. In addition to his excellent scholastic work, he played a prominent part in school athletics. In 1932 he won the T.O.B.A. Shield, for the Steeplechase Handicap, and in 1939 was the first home in the Steeples and also won the 120 Yards Hurdles Championship. On leaving school he served his apprenticeship with the Auckland Harbour Board and on its completion joined the R.N.Z.A.F. He transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and left for Britain for special training. On the 1st June, 1941, he was seriously injured in a flying accident in Britain and succumbed to his injuries." [The Haurakian, Thames High School, 1946, p54]