Born in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, in 1909, Gerard Flint was of a close-knit and staunchly Catholic family. His elder brother William, also a priest of the Diocese, is still remembered as the devoted successor of Bishop (later Cardinal) Griffin of Fr Hudson's homes in Coleshill. After his studies at Oscott College, Gerard was ordained to the priesthood in 1933 and began his ministry in SS Mary & John, Wolverhampton. On the outbreak of war in 1939 he volunteered as army chaplain and was one of the survivors of Dunkirk. He was immediately posted to the North African (Desert) war, and then, with no respite, to the bitter landings at Anzio, in Italy. Since he was long overdue some leave, the Senior R.C. Chaplain offered him a change on several occasions, but received a reply from one commanding officer that he "would arrest Fr Flint for desertion" and from another, "come and fetch him if you dare".

Although it was a very rare honour at the time for any Catholic priest to be awarded the M.B.E., it was no surprise to the countless men among whom he had served. Fr Flint had inherited from his family a loyalty to his country, second only to his love and obedience to the Church. At the end of the War, 1945, he was appointed as Administrator to St Peter's and took up his duties immediately.

Bishop Bright must have known his future assistant well, since they had both served through many campaigns together. There was certainly not the slightest friction between them, but only the joyful and sometimes sorrowful reminiscences which former comrades share.

In the early years, Fr Flint was happy to allow the always effervescent Bishop to take centre-stage, whilst quietly dealing with the pressing needs of the parish. On Bishop Bright's transfer to Tunstall it was no surprise that Fr Flint was appointed as official parish priest. The needs of the parish were overwhelming yet the resources limited. On the one hand, a growing immigrant population needed to be made feel at home. On the other, there was a rapidly growing development in the Lillington/ Cubbington area. Finally there were problems regarding the places available in Catholic schools and the buildings themselves. All of this meant that a list of priorities had to be drawn up and then, using all his skills in personal relationships, he persuaded a whole army of parishioners, many only just arrived, to "lend a hand".

Amongst many achievements his greatest legacy was perhaps St Peter's Hall, which many parishioners still remember as the place where they met and found a warm welcome to the parish. The present meeting room dedicated in his memory is a tribute to the untiring zeal of this most dedicated and devoted priest. Still only fifty years old he became a victim of cancer and suffered great pain in his final illness, but, a soldier to the end, answered each enquiry with the cheery reassurance, "all under control".

The Requiem Mass in St Peter's was packed beyond capacity and the Leamington Courier had a picture of the crowds lining Dormer Place. He was buried at Oscott College.

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