The following is a list with biographies of the 462 people who attended Malvern College and died due to the First World War. Altogether 2,833 are known to have served. There is also a corresponding page commemorating the 249 casualties in the Second World War.
There was not a month from August 1914 to November 1918 that an Old Malvernian did not become a casualty, with 6 killed on the first day of the Battle of Loos on the 25th September 1915 and 13 killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916.
The vast majority of casualties occurred in France and Belgium with 31 names recorded on the Menin Gate at Ypres, and 23 at Thiepval. There were also 23 casualties in Turkey due to the Gallipoli Campaign, and 16 in Iraq, including 2 near Kut.
They were in a wide range of regiments including 26 in the Royal Field Artillery, 13 in the Royal Engineers, 12 in the Worcestershire Regt, 11 in the Canadian Inf, 11 in the East Kent Regt (The Buffs), and 5 in the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force.
Most were officers with 133 Captains, 126 2nd Lieutenants, 114 Lieutenants, 26 Majors, and 15 Lieutenant Colonels.
29 received the MC, 10 the DSO and 1 the DCM, as well as 3 knighthoods (the CB, CMG, and MVO).
The information below is based primarily on the memorial books held at Malvern College which Ian Quickfall, and now Paul Godsland, the Malvernian Society archivists, have arranged to be digitised with the official memorial web site still in development.
Further information was also obtained from 'The Malvern College Register 1865-1924' edited by H.G.C Salmon, 'The Malvernian' school magazine, 'A History of Malvern College 1865 to 1965' by Ralph Blumenau, and 'Malvern College: A 150th Anniversary Portrait' by Roy Allen.
Information was also obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, the Unit War Diaries and Service Records held at the National Archives in Kew, and various online commemorative websites whose links have been provided.
The main battles have tried to be identified in which Old Malvernians died in. Many though were killed in the general attrition of Trench Warfare which is so vividly described in the book 'Nothing of Importance' by Bernard Adams.
Below is a map showing the locations of the 246 cemeteries where Old Malvernians are buried or commemorated in. The markers are coloured yellow for one casualty, orange for between 2 and 9, and red for 10 or more. The name of the cemetery and number of casualties can be seen by hovering over the marker, and the list of names seen by clicking on the marker. Their full biographies and pictures can be seen by clicking on 'Further Info'.
The records can be filtered and/or sorted by name, house, age, regiment, battle, date, place etc by clicking on the appropriate drop down box and then the 'Search' button below the map. The original memorial book entry can be seen by clicking on the person's picture.
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Born May 27th 1891, at Springfield, Leigham Court Road, Streatham.
Father: Edward Horsman Bailey, lived at 5 Berners street, London and Foxholes, Chipping Norton, and was a solicitor. Mother was Jane Bailey, formerly Rose.
Middle V—VI. School Prefect. Head of House. Editor of Malvernian. Shooting VIII; House XI Football. Cadet Officer.
Brasenose College, Oxford; B.A. 1914.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant E. Anglian Brigade R.F.A. 1914; Captain R.H.A. M.C., Despatches.
'By the death of Guy Bailey the Service has lost an Artillery officer of no small promise. His interest and keenness in soldiering was of long standing. At School he devoted an exceptional amount of time to work in the Cadet Corps. At Oxford his interests were divided between rowing and O.U, O.T.C. He rowed in his College Eight for four years, and was Sergeant-Major of the University Battery.
On leaving Oxford he joined the 4th East Anglian Brigade R.F.A., and in March 1915 was selected for a commission in the Regular Artillery. He took part in the landing on Lancashire Beach on April 25th, and was one of the last to embark at the final evacuation of Cape Hellas. He was mentioned in despatches for work in Gallipoli and received the Military Cross. In August 1915 he was transferred to the R.HA., and a year later obtained his captaincy. For three months before his death on Feb. 28th, he was in command of his battery. As a boy he displayed and developed those qualities which marked his after career—a strong sense of duty, courage, force of character and no fear of responsibility. A bold horseman, well known in the Heythrop country, with a real love for horses, he was in his element in the Horse Artillery. Many will mourn the loss of a loyal friend and true sportsman. ' (Malvernian, Apr 1917).
Lived at Foxholes, Chipping Norton, Oxford.
As a Lieutenant, took over command of a neigbouring battery during the prelude to the battle of the Somme on the 28th June 1916 as its Commanding Officer was injured.
Killed by a shell at about 3pm on the 28th February 1917.
At time of death was a Captain, but acting Major, which was subsequently confirmed.
His effects went to his father, with the exception of his pocket book which was of an intimate nature, which went to Mrs Mainby Luxmore, 5 Cumberland House, Kensington Palace.
References (National Archives, Kew):
Service record:WO 374/3114
Medal card: WO 372/1/177612
War Diary of Royal Horse Artillery 15th Brigade : WO 95/2291
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Born 28th June 1883. Son of H. Barlow, Goldthorn Hill, Wolverhampton, b. 1883.
Modern III—Matriculation Class.
In business.
Great War, Private Public Schools Batt. 1914.
8th Btn Staffordshire regiment.
'Captain Osborn Barlow, who died of wounds, in France, on April 17th, enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion, and went to France in the autumn of 1915 as a Private. He received his commission in the South Staffordshire Regiment at the beginning of 1917, and in July of that year he was gazetted Captain and was awarded the Military Cross. He had been three times wounded.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Military Cross Citation:
'He commanded his platoon which was held up by enemy wire. Despite a galling fire from machine guns, he walked up and down urging and directing his men. He remained at duty though wounded in both arms.'
12.10.1917. Houthurst Wood. A bullet passed through the soft parts of left forearm between the bones. No injury to bones, vessels or nerves. The wound has healed. (8th Nov 1917).
Next of kin: H. M. Barlow (Brother), 32 Scholars Road, Balham, SW12
Ref: Service Record:WO 339/67028
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Son of General B. M. Bateman, R.G.A.. b. 1891.
Army III—I. Minor Scholar. House XI Football.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1910; Lieutenant 1913.
'He was in the retreat from Flanders at Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne, the Aisne, was wounded twice slightly on September 13th at Chassemy, and was sent to a hospital in France. He joined his battery again on September 27th—his wounds hardly healed —and was in the thick of the fighting area on the Aisne, and gave much fighting service since, gaining the tribute from a comrade that "He knows his duty thoroughly, and does it thoroughly, and always does it as if he loved it." He was awarded the Military Cross ‘for conspicuous gallantry on 10th June, 1915, near Ypres, when he was dangerously wounded in endeavouring to restore telephone communication under very severe fire, and had been noted for consistent gallantry, and was wounded on two previous occasions’. He died on July 24th of wounds received on that occasion.' (Malvernian, Nov 1915).
Biography
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Son of Inspector General (formerly Surgeon-General) T. C. Bolster, R.N., and Mrs. Bolster; husband of Vary C. Bolster, of "Woodlands," Meopham, Kent.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.G.A. 1903; Lieutenant 1906; retired 1909.
Great War, re-joined 1914 .
124th Bty. 28th Bde. Royal Field Artillery .
MC.
Great War Forum
(Thanks to Karen Syrett via Paul Godsland, for correction of Richard Bolster's wife's name from Mary to Vary, and for his date of death from 15th July 1917 to 5th June 1917)
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Born: August 7th 1894. Son of Robert John and Eleanor Maud Collyns, of Bilboa, Dulverton, Somerset.
Lower Modern II—Modern I.
Bristol University; B.Sc. 1914.
97th Field Coy. Royal Engineers.
MC & Chevalier Legion D'Honneur (France).
Address: 8 Richmond Hill, Clifton, Bristol.
'Although he left Malvern rather young, his abilities and industry had already secured him a high place in the School, and those who had watched his progress here fully expected that he would do well in his later career. In July 1914 he took the degree of Bachelor of Science at Bristol University. He obtained a commission in Jan. 1915, and went to France in the following October. He was wounded twice before he received the wound from which he died. He was mentioned in despatches on Dec. 17, 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross on May 28, 1918.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
Military cross citation: 'While in command of the company during enemy attacks he showed great coolness and ability in command of his men, and on the third day was dangerously wounded while distributing them in a new position. His example throughout was of a high order.'
May 27th 1918. Chalons le Verguer. The sections and attached infantry, commanded by Capt R H Collyns RE left under orders to report to 110th Inf Bde and thereafter came under the orders of the 64th Inf Bde and were detailed to act with 15th DLI in holding the line of the light railway west of Cauroy.
May 29th 1918. Capt R H Collyns RE severely wounded holding main line of Railway at Muizon on the Vesle River.
Died of wounds received in action on May 29th 1918.
Memorial in Dulverton Church.
Service Record:WO 339/109012
Medal Card: WO 372/4/217557
Unit War Diary: WO 95/2144/1
Son of Sir Malby Crofton, 3rd Bart., and Lady Crofton, of Longford House, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo.
Middle IV—Modern I. School Prefect. XL Football; House XI Cricket.
Trinity College, Dublin; B.A., B.E..
In British Columbia.
Great War, Private Canadian Highlanders 1914; Captain 3rd Bn. attd. 6th Bn. Connaught Rangers.
'A kindly, unassuming nature, and a quick perception of duty were marked characteristics in him, and the following account from The Times proves that he served his country with that keen loyalty he had shown for his School and House: "Captain Thomas Horsfall Crofton, M.C., Connaught Rangers, killed on March 21st, graduated as an engineer at Trinity College, Dublin. He afterwards went out to British Columbia, and directly war was declared he enlisted there as a Private in a Canadian Highlander battalion, and came to England with them; but early in 1915 he obtained a commission in the Connaught Rangers, his local regiment in Ireland. He earned a "parchment" and a Military Cross by his recent conduct at the front." ' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Detailed Biography at Connaught Ranger Association website
Son of S Fry, Cleeve Mill, Goring. b 1890.
Middle Shell - Matriculation Class. School Prefect. Head of House. XL Football.
Tobacco Planter. Great War, 2nd Lieutenant "D" Bty. 211th Bde. Royal Field Artillery.
'Ned Fry served his House with unswerving loyalty, and a strong dislike for anything petty or mean made his influence all for good. A natural restlessness and a dread of falling into a humdrum life inclined him to farming, which he tried at home and abroad. As soon as war broke out, he fretted like a young horse to be off. In his service abroad he was face to face with many a peril, but he knew no fear when duty called, and he met his death when on observation duty at a notoriously dangerous place. Letters about him all touch on one characteristic, his love for his fellowmen, and the loyal leadership he showed at School he showed also in fighting for his country. It was particularly touching that his great friend here, Frankie Benitz, was killed just previously.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918)
Military Cross citation: 'When acting as forward observation officer his task was to follow-up the infantry attack. As the enemy put down a most intense barrage, he had to cross this on four occasions before he was able to establish communication with his battery and brigade headquarters. His resource and determination throughout this trying period were most commendable.'
Born March 18th 1898. Son of Henry and Elizabeth Gilman (Oil and Colour merchant), Nuthurst Grange, Hockley Heath, Warwickshire.
Lower Modern II — Modern I.
Birmingham University.
Articled to a Chartered Accountant.
'R. J. Gilman, like his elder brother, will always be remembered here for his simple, straightforward character. He had grit and determination which carried him up the School and gave every promise of success in the future. His Major wrote of him: "Young, keen and popular with everyone: just the right fellow to make an ideal officer"; and that is exactly what his friends here would expect him to be. He obtained his commission, in December 1915, at the age of 17. He served in Egypt and Palestine, and was wounded on Nov. 8th, 1917, in charge of the Yeomanry. After this action he was recommended for the Military Cross, but he did not receive it. On his way to another front his ship was torpedoed, and he was one of the few to go down with her. The shock and exposure are believed to have been the cause of his illness and death, three weeks after his arrival, in a military hospital abroad.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
On 8th November 1917, he sustained a gun shot wound just below the left shoulder.
Service record:WO 374/27389
Son of the late Maj. P. F. P. Hamilton, R.A., and Mrs. Hamilton, Brendon, Winchester, b. 1884.
Army IV—II.
Royal West Surrey Regt. (from Militia) 1904; Lieutenant 1910.
Great War, Lieut.-Colonel 19th London Regt. M.C., Despatches (2).
Husband of Kate Gibson Hamilton, of 42, Eaton Square, London (married on 2nd April 1914 at Christ Church, Mayfair).
'Arthur Percy Hamilton joined No. 1 in September 1898, being placed in the Army Side. He was an attractive boy of a quiet modest nature. His health was unfortunately not strong, and on this account he left school before he was able to attain any high position. His character when with us gave indications of the spirit which was afterwards to lead to distinction in the Army. He was killed in action on September 15th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Service record:WO 339/6053
Born Aug 24th 1890. Son of Mrs. J. Harris, of 3, Leven St., Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorks, and the late Col. J. Harris, V. D.
Upper IV B—Modern I. Chance Prize. XXII Football.
In business.
12th Bn. Yorkshire Regiment
'Jack Harris left School young, to go into business, but remained a faithful Malvernian, and enlivened many winter gatherings in the House with his inimitable whistling and general good spirits. He was the only son of a widowed mother and single-handed in his business, but he felt called to join up in 1915, and was commissioned March 16th, 1915, Captain, May 1916, in the Yorkshire Pioneers. After spending some time at Cannock Chase Camp, he went to France June 1916 and received the Military Cross for excellent work during the year, especially when in command of a company, always getting the best out of his men. He was reported "Missing" November 26th, 1917, when he was out with two R.E. officers looking over very important ground at Bourlon Wood. They were surprised and fired on by the enemy. The others reached a sunken road, but Captain Harris was never seen again. It is presumed that he was killed and buried by the Germans. One of the R.E. officers crept out to look for him and was instantly killed, and the search parties could find nothing. His men loved him, and say they would follow him anywhere. He was splendid in danger.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
Captain J.A. Harris was in Z Coy. On Nov 20th 1917 he went out reconnoitring for defensive work in front of Bourlon Wood with Major Johnson V.C. of the Royal Engineers and Major Clarke R.E. They were caught by a party of the enemy and fired on. Major Johnson was shot in the throat, Major Clarke escaped and reported the affair saying Major Johnson and Capt Harris were dead.
Service record:WO 339/25087
Son of Alfred and Ellen Dorothy Hayman, of Great Elm, Frome; husband of Marjorie Hayman, of Cromarty, Elmsleigh Rd., Weston-super-Mare. b. 1884.
Modern IV—II. House XI Football.
4th Batt. Welch Regt.; retired 1911.
Rancher in Canada.
Great War, Private Canadian Mounted Rifles 1914; Captain 3rd Batt. Welch Regt.
"A" Coy. 2nd Bn. Welsh Regiment.
'After resigning his commission he married, and went to Canada to take up farming He was doing very well there when war broke out, and he joined the Canadian Mounted Rifles and returned to England. Upon his return he re-joined his old Regiment, was made Captain last December, and left for the front (France) early this year. He went through a great deal of very hard fighting, in which he showed conspicuous bravery (as those who knew him here felt sure he would); while his good nature made him very popular both with officers and men. He was wounded early in July, but was soon at the front again, and was killed while leading his Company into the front line on Sept. 9th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour:
He was killed in action while leading his company at High Wood. He was awarded the Military Cross "For keeping his men together a whole week in the front line under terrific shell fire. Although wounded the first day, he refused to allow himself to be sent back, and was buried three times. He acted with great gallantry and set his men a splendid example.” The Brigadier-General of the 1st Division wrote "He was certainly one of the best company commanders in the brigade, and had done most excellent work only last month, where his energy and fearlessness were most conspicuously shown. He is a real loss to us,” and his Commanding Officer: “I thought you would like to know how much I valued him, and how highly I thought of his abilities as a soldier.” A brother officer also wrote: "It may be a great consolation to you to know that he was beloved by the officers and men of my battalion. I have known him for the past twelve years. I had the very highest opinion of him.” and another: “I look back on all my friends who have gone, and above all stands one — a little higher, a little nobler, a little finer than all the rest — your husband."
Son of William Ross Hedges and E. Hedges, of 117, Anderton Park Rd., Moseley, Birmingham.
Middle IV B—Modern I. House Prefect. Aldershot Boxing.
In business.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant R.E. 1914; Captain 1915.
1st (North Midland) Field Coy. Royal Engineers.
'Soon after the outbreak of war he went to the front with a commission in the 1st North Midland Field Co. He was present at the second battle for Ypres. In March 1915 at Hill 60 he was shot whilst going across the open to take aid to a wounded man of his company. On recovering from his wounds, he was sent to Egypt with the rank of Captain. On his return he did much arduous and dangerous work in the fighting round Arras. For one particularly dangerous and successful piece of engineering, carried out entirely by his own skill and coolness, he was personally congratulated by the General of the Division. In June this year he was awarded the Military Cross. On August 18th he was wounded for the second time. He had gone some distance back from the firing line when the enemy began a haphazard shelling, during which he was severely wounded. After an operation he went on, very well, and it was fully expected that his fine physique would pull him through, but amputation became necessary. He survived the operation for one day. No braver or more popular officer has laid down his life in this war than Captain Hedges. His loss was keenly felt in his regiment. His General, writing to his father, says: "Personally he is a great loss to me as an officer and as a friend. He was brave, energetic, capable, and reliable, and had a magnetic influence over his men. He was marked out for distinction. You must have been proud of such a son, and it will be some small consolation to you to know how nobly he has lived and died, and how greatly he was respected and loved by the men and by all of us." Another officer writes: "Your son was brave, generous, and kind-hearted. His men would have done anything for him, or followed him anywhere. From the General downwards, we all loved him." These and many other letters show in what affectionate regard he was held by all ranks, and such a tribute of affection will not surprise his Malvern friends who admired him for his quiet strength of character, as well as for his physical courage. He will perhaps be remembered at Malvern chiefly for his enthusiasm for boxing. He represented the School in the Light Weights at Aldershot, and in the School competitions he won the Light Weight in 1910 and the Heavy Weight in 1911. After leaving School he was successful in various competitions. In 1913 he was Midland Counties Heavy Weight Champion, and again in 1914.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
On 6th April 1915, the Birmingham Gazette reported that he had been shot through both legs by a rifle bullet while attempting to rescue one of his wounded men in front of the trenches as a result of fierce fighting at Zillebeke near Ypres.
During his time in hospital he wrote to the editor of the Sporting Buff saying:
'The left leg is healing up well and the muscles and nerves, which were mostly severed, are joined up again, as I can move my right foot several inches already. It is rather a slow business, though. I had also frost bite in my right foot, through having to lie in a ‘Jack Johnson’ hole (shell crater) for nearly six hours before we could be got away. No stretcher party could have lived there by daylight, of course, and the hole was about one third full of water, in which my feet were submerged. It was really a most uncomfortable way of spending a Sunday afternoon.’
He was severely wounded on the 18th August, and was taken to the 20th Casualty Clearing Station based at Warlincourt where he died three days later.
Detailed biography at Moseley-Society
Son of J. H. Horsley, Keyston Manor, Huntingdon, b, 1887.
Middle IV B—Modern II. House Prefect.
Formerly Sheep-grazer in New Zealand and Cattle Rancher in the Argentine; Farmer in England.
Great War (overseas), Captain East Yorkshire Regt.; Flying Officer 53rd Sqdn. Royal Flying Corps and General List.
'He was a quiet steady boy who won his way to authority in the House and showed promise of developing into a valuable man. On leaving School he went out to New Zealand and later proceeded to the Argentine. When war broke out he was farming in England. He joined up at once and received a commission in the East Yorkshire Regiment. He went out to France in command of Trench Mortar Batteries. He had lately transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.' (Malvernian, Jul 1917).
Below is an extract from a very detailed biography written by his great nephew Joe Horsley and kindly provided by Simon Hooper via email:
He served first with the East Yorkshire Regiment in Egypt, and then in France where he commanded his Brigade Trench Mortar Battery in the Battle of the Somme where he was awarded the Military Cross.
In the autumn of 1916 he joined the Royal Flying Corps, and returned to France in June 1917 and was killed a month later on the 2nd July 1917.
His Commanding Officer wrote:-
“He was escorting six planes on photographic duty, over enemy lines in Flanders when attacked: after seeing his escort into safety, he turned and attacked three German planes, when he was shot down, falling in “No Man’s Land”. His Observer was unconscious for three days but is recovering.”
His aircraft was a Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 (serial no A3249).
There is a memorial at St John the Baptist, Keyston, Huntingdon.IWM
RAF museum story vault
Son of L. H. Lovett-Thomas, Hillside, Broadstone. b. Feb 6th 1897.
Army II—I. House Scholar. House Prefect.
R.M.A. Woolwich; 165th Bde. Royal Field Artillery 1915. M.C.
'He passed into Woolwich in 1915 and received his commission in the R.F.A. in the same year. In January 1916 he was sent with his brigade to Egypt, and to another front in the following March. For splendid services rendered on February 17th, 1917, when he kept up communication with a forward infantry report centre under the most difficult conditions, he was awarded the Military Cross, but the honour was not announced until after his death, which occurred on March 11th, from wounds received on that day while he was acting as officer in charge of the guns. Letters received from his brigade describe him as a very gallant soldier, invariably plucky and cheerful, and emphasise his manly worth, his exceptional ability, and his very lovable personality. "He was," writes his C.O. in reference to one particularly trying occasion, "just his bright cheerful-serious little self all the time." The words aptly hit off the nature of the boy, as we knew him.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
Bideford Gazette 10th April 1917:
He proceeded to Egypt with his brigade in January, 1916, and to another front in the following March. His commanding officer writes: "I have lost my most efficient and best-loved officer. I cannot speak too highly of him, both as a gentleman and officer. For splendid services rendered to his country on the 17th of February, he was mentioned to those in higher command."
'Hebuterne. 11/3/17. HQ & Battery positions shelled. Casualties 2nd Lieut R S Lovett-Thomas 'C' Battery fatally injured. 1 OR wounded.' (Unit War Diary).
Northam remembered
Service record:WO 339/45693
Unit war diary:WO 95/2349/3
Born 28th November 1888. Son of James and Euphemia Carrick Barclay Martin, 10 Greenhill Park, Edinburgh.
Middle IV—Lower V. House Prefect. House XI Cricket and Football.
Edinburgh University; B.A. (Honours in Law).
Solicitor.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant "A" Coy. 8th/10th Bn. Gordon Highlanders 1914; Captain.
'John Martin was one nothing can daunt. He of those cheerful, happy boys, whom took honours in Law at Edinburgh University and joined his father as a solicitor. In August 1914 he obtained a commission in the Gordon Highlanders, served for two years in the front line trenches, and was killed in the attack of April 9 when his regiment did so well. He had inspired his company with that confidence which only a brave man can do; their turnout and steadiness were admirable. He won the Military Cross (as already recorded) for the courage and ability with which he organised a trench raid. A keen, true-hearted sportsman in every way, he belonged to the best type of British Officer.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
Service record:WO 339/11822
Son of William and Constance McArthur, of The Meadow, Chislehurst, Kent. b. 1890.
Middle Shell Lower V. XL Cricket.
In business; H.A.C.
Great War, mobilised 1914, Lieutenant; Captain 12th Sqdn. Royal Flying Corps and Honourable Artillery Company .
Killed in action May 27, 1917; M.C., Despatches (2).
'A member of the H.A.C. before the war, he left for the front with the first contingent in September 1914, and in June, 1915, was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in an action, in which he was severely wounded (on June 16th near Hooge, Ypres). On recovery he entered the R.F.C. and since October, 1916, has been engaged at the front. He was mentioned in despatches twice and was gazetted Flight Commander last January. His School career was not marked by any striking performances owing perhaps to his leaving when only 17. His chief interest was in amateur carpentering—especially in the form of building models of boats, at which he showed special ability.' (Malvernian, Jul 1917).
He won the MC with the following citation:
'For conspicuous gallantry on June 16, 1915, at Hooge. When our troops were forced to retire from the third line of German trenches he rallied part of the retiring troops and reoccupied and held the vacated trench under heavy fire until he was himself forced later to withdraw owing to retirements on his flanks. He was severely wounded on this occasion.'
On the 9th May 1917, Captain Lawrence William McArthur MC & Lieutenant Joseph Senior were in a Sopwith Strutter A8226 and were attacked. During the fight they appeared to have driven down one of their attackers, but Senior was badly wounded in the stomach and had his hand partially severed. McArthur put the Strutter into a spin and returned to Baillieu aerodrome. Senior later died of his wounds. The victory was claimed by Vitzfeldwebel Witterkind from Jasta 28 but this was not confirmed.Airwar19141918
Brass plaque memorial at St Nicholas Church, Chislehurst.IWM
Service record:WO 374/43517
Born 23rd March 1893. Son of Benjamin Arthur and Rosina Nathan, 36 Glenloch Road, N.W. and 22, Belsize Park, London.
Lower V—Lower VI. House Prefect. XXII Cricket.
Stock Exchange.
Great War, Private H.A.C. 1914; Captain 36th T.M. Bty. Royal Field Artillery.
M.C., Despatches.
'Percy Nathan was a boy who was much liked at school: he was trustworthy and sensible, with ability above the average, and showed promise as a cricketer. His school career was blameless, and his influence was always good. And he had character.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
He died of wounds received in action at No 61 Casualty Clearing Station, France.
Service record:WO 339/37484
Unit war diary (9th Bn Royal Fusiliers - wrong) :WO 95/1857
Son of Henry Edward O'Neill, Pinehurst, Heathfield. b. 1815.
Modern III.
Bedfordshire Regt. (from Militia) 1896; Captain 1902; retired
1908; East Africa 1901—02, Despatches (2), Medal with Clasp; entered
service of Colonial Office 1908; Assistant District Commissioner
Uganda, 1910.
Great War, re-joined Bedfordshire Regt; Major
Middlesex Reg.
Husband of Margaret Theodora O'Neill.
Citation to Military Cross: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in making a most daring personal reconnaissance of the enemy's wire. Accompanied by an N.CO, and two runners, he crawled through a gap in the wire and got in rear of the enemy's post. Finding it occupied by two of the enemy, he shot them in the legs with his revolver and took them both prisoners. He set a fine example of initiative and gallantry to his battalion'.
Son of W. A. Onslow, Preston Bagot House, Henley-in-Arden. b. 1887.
Lower V—Lower VI. House Prefect. House XI Cricket.
Keble College, Oxford; B.A. (Second Class History) 1909.
In business; worked for many years at the School Mission.
Great War, Australian Voluntary Hospital 1914 (overseas); 2nd Lieutenant Royal Warwickshire Regt. M.C.
'Arthur Onslow was a most painstaking, earnest-minded boy at School. His ability was above the average, and he always did his best all round. He had hoped to be ordained, but an unfortunate tendency to stammering stood in his way. But he went to the School Mission and did most excellent work there for some years. At the outbreak of war he (and other members of the Mission Staff) joined the Australian Voluntary Hospital. In May 1915 he returned to England and received a commission in his own county regiment (the Royal Warwickshire). Nearly a year later he went to the front, where he distinguished himself over and over again. Recommended for reward for his gallantry on July 15th, he met his death on August 12th, while bravely leading his men in a grenade attack on a specially difficult position. His name appeared in the Gazette on September 22nd, and in the list of those to whom the Military Cross had been awarded. He was quiet and unassuming, but his character was remarkably strong, and he was greatly loved.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Son of Lieut.-Colonel Orde, Nunny Kirk, Morpeth, b. 1886.
Army III—I. Minor Scholar. House Prefect.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1907; Captain 1914.
Great War, Brigade-Major; M.C., Despatches.
'After passing out of Woolwich he was appointed to a Battery of the R.F.A., in which he served in England, South Africa, and India. In December 1914, he went with his division to France, and saw hard service in that country for more than a year, after which he was sent to another front. During his time in France he acted as Staff Captain, as temporary Brigade Major, and as Liaison Officer. In January, 1915, he was mentioned in despatches, and in the following December was promoted Major, and appointed to the command of a Battery. Last January he was awarded the Military Cross. He died on February 12th of wounds received the same day. As a soldier he was considered exceptionally efficient and admired for his invariably cheerful and courageous spirit. "He was," writes a brother officer, "the life and soul of the Brigade, and was literally loved by both officers, and men''—words, the reality of which will be readily understood by the many who shared his friendship here.' (Malvernian, Apr 1917).
Son of E. Oudin. b. 1891.
Upper IV A—Matriculation Class. House Prefect. Ledbury Cap.
Great War, Private Royal Fusiliers 1914; Captain Duke of Cornwall's L.I.
'At School he was a keen runner, a singer of some promise, and a boy of blameless character. He "came on" considerably during his last year, and it is no surprise to those who knew him that his record in the service is so distinguished.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
The Times: "Captain Oudin enlisted in the 2nd (City of London) Royal Fusiliers on August 5, 1914, and went to Malta with the regiment, returning in December to take up his commission. He went to the front in July 1915, and was decorated with the Military Cross for a conspicuous act of gallantry. The official report stated that when cut off in a bombing post with a machine-gun and a few men, he held his own under a very heavy bombardment, and, when attacked, successfully repelled the enemy. He received his Captaincy in July. He was killed in action on August 24th."
Son of H. Peel, Taliaris, Llandilo, S. Wales, b. 1889.
Middle IV—Modern I. House Prefect. House XI Football.
Tea Planter in India.
Great War, Lieutenant R.F.A.
'Robert Peel was a boy of a quite distinctive character. He had great influence in his House. His quiet demeanour, his sound principles, his stern sense of duty, made a deep impression on those with whom he came into contact. His thoughtfulness for others was a noticeable feature in his character in those early days, and this characteristic came out fully when he became an officer in the Army.
He held an appointment in the south of India when war broke out. He resigned this, and reached England in December, 1914. He received his commission on December 30th, in the R.F.A. He was at Suvla Bay from August, 1915, till the evacuation, and then in Egypt till the battery went to another front in July 1916. Last December he was awarded the Military Cross, for rescuing wounded under heavy fire, and preventing the explosion of ammunition dumps. He died, on September 3rd, of a shell wound received the same day while on duty with the guns.
Those officers who knew him most intimately have written of him as follows: "He was a man of very wonderful sympathies, whose fine sensibilities and humanity not even the worst side of war could blunt. He was one of my best officers, and a very tower of strength and help at all times."
"He left the impress of his personality writ large over all his men; he has 'made' by his example more officers than one."
"When he was wounded he realised that his wound was fatal, and he tried to persuade the doctor to leave him, and said, 'The time you spend in attending to me will be wasted; look after the others, please.' As he lived a splendid life, so he died a splendid death."
"Had anyone else met his death as he did, we should have thought it wonderful: as it was —he was just himself."' (Malvernian, Nov 1917).
Born 30th March 1887. Son of Joseph Ridley Shield and Mary Octavia Shield, Cardew, Alresford.
Lower V—Middle V.
Solicitor with Pugh & Co., Calcutta.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 1914. 4th Bn. Highland Light Infantry attd. 51st Division H.Q. Staff; afterwards Staff Captain. M.C.
The Times: "He obtained a commission in the Highland Light Infantry in September 1914, was afterwards appointed Staff Captain, and went through the fighting at Ypres, and was sent to the Staff College in France. On leaving that he was appointed to a Divisional Staff. He was mentioned in despatches in 1915, and was afterwards awarded the Military Cross, He was killed on October 7th." His contemporaries at Malvern will read this record with pride. He threw himself heart and soul into his soldier life, and his General saw in him great abilities which combined with intense application and modesty would have carried him far. (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Service record:WO 339/20657
Son of J. Rodgers (O.M.), 14 Endcliffe Avenue, Sheffield, b. 1896.
Modern III—I.
In business.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant "D" Coy. 2nd/4th (Hallamshire) Bn, York and Lancaster Regt. 1914, Captain. M.C.
'After leaving School, John Rodgers spent several months in Dusseldorf. On his return from Germany he entered his father's business at Sheffield, but when the war broke out he promptly joined up. He had a long and varied experience of fighting on the Western front, and took part in many of the biggest battles from 1915 up to the day of his death. In the action in which he fell his battalion had made an advance when the enemy made a counterattack, and it was during this attack that he was killed by a machine-gun bullet. He had proved himself to be an excellent soldier, and well deserved the high praise given to him by his Colonel, who said of him that, if he had lived, he would have undoubtedly received a decoration. Those who knew John Rodgers at School had the greatest admiration for his high principles and blameless character. He would have made an excellent prefect, and his House was all the poorer that he left comparatively young.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
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Born: December 27th 1895. Son of Herbert Stanley Stone, M.D., and Kate Stone, Beechwood, Reigate.
Army III—I. School Prefect. XI Cricket and Football.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; 1st Bn. Worcestershire Regiment 1914; Captain 1917. M.C., Despatches (2).
He was a contemporary at Malvern of C. S. Lewis, who wrote home to his father in October 1913: 'The mother of Stone .. has died this week and he has consequently gone home. It is a very nasty business.' C. S. Lewis also served in the trenches and was wounded in April 1918.
He was wounded by a bullet which passed through his left arm on the 9th September 1915 at Hooge.
He was again wounded in 1917 by a gunshot wound in the left leg.
'Noel Stone was a very attractive and blameless boy at School; his career was successful in every way, and he was both liked and respected by all, though somewhat undemonstrative. He represented the School with credit both at cricket and football. When he entered the Army (his chosen profession) he soon showed himself a worthy representative of Malvern in the splendid county regiment. His Military Cross, finely won, gave promise of even greater things. Dis aliter visum (It seemed otherwise to the Gods)'. (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Wisden
Service record:WO 339/23639
Unit War Diary:WO 95/1723/1
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Son of J. P. Tatham, 16 Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, N.W. b. 1890.
Upper IV B—Lower Modern I. House Prefect. Ledbury Cap.
Farmer in England; Tea Planter in Ceylon.
Great War 1914-19 (overseas), Private Royal Fusiliers 1914; Lieutenant 14th Middlesex.
'After two years' of farming in England, he went to a tea plantation in Ceylon. At the end of 1914 he came over to England, enlisted in the Empire Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. Early in 1915 he received a commission in the 14th Middlesex, and one year later joined the 11th Middlesex in France. He was invalided home in August 1916, suffering from shell shock. Later he was with the 1st Battalion, with whom he was serving when he was awarded the Military Cross. He was demobilised in March 1919. But the war had left its mark on him, an operation was considered essential, and he died, as the result of it, on May 25th, 1919. Another of those quiet, unassuming boys, who have proved their worth up to the hilt.' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
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Son of F. E. Thornhill, Cross Hall Lodge, St. Neots, Hunts, b. 1891.
Lower IV—Modern I. House Prefect.
Trinity College, Cambridge; B.A. 1913; East Kent Regt. 1912. 1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
Great War, Lieutenant 1914. M.C., Despatches.
'Robert Thornhill went up to Trinity, Cambridge, and after taking his degree obtained a commission in the East Kent Regiment in 1912. He took part in the early campaigns, was mentioned in Despatches, and was one of the first recipients of the Military Cross. He was reported wounded and Missing in October 1914, and, as nothing further has transpired, he is now presumed to have been killed. He was one of those keen, cheerful boys who contribute so much to the life of a House. He gave of his best at School, as he did afterwards on the battle-field.' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
M.C. Citation:
"On the 23rd October, 1914, Thornhill and his platoon were sent forward to reconnoitre a gap in the line where the enemy had pushed the 2nd York and Lancs out of some trenches. There appeared to be no enemy in the gap and Thornhill and his men rushed forward to secure the trench. Unfortunately Thornhill and ten of his men were shot down at 15yds range by a hidden machine gun post. Only ten of the party returned unhurt, bringing seven of the wounded with them, but were obliged to leave Thornhill who had actually fallen into the trench and several others."
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Son of Percy Wright (Retired Farmer) and Annie Rebecca Thorniley, Shooter's Hill, Wem, Salop, and Hole Head, Dawlish, Devon. b. 1896.
Upper V—VI. Minor Scholar. School Prefect. Head of House. XXII Football.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant Manchester Regt. 1914, Captain.
'Upon leaving Malvern, Arthur Thorniley was almost at once gazetted to the Manchester Regiment; and after spending a short time in training in England, he went out with his battalion to France in November 1915, and was made a Company Commander in the following year. From the first he proved himself an excellent officer, and, after being wounded in November 1916, was awarded the Military Cross in the New Year's Honours Lists this year. At the time of his death he was acting Major, and had gained the esteem of all who were working with him. His Colonel writes: "He was positively one of the bravest of the brave, and a fine example of one who was able to pull himself together, and go again into a fight as if it was the first time. In this he was a valuable asset to the Battalion; though so young, he had great capacity for command, and exerted it to my entire satisfaction. In action he was always not only brave but wonderfully cool, and his reports to me of passing events were unusually lucid. In regard to the details of his death, I hear, in having gained his objective, he went up to where two Germans, who had surrendered and were 'hands up" were standing, and that then a third German shot him. This act was then and there avenged, for his men simply bayonetted every man they saw. I can well understand how they felt, for every man in the battalion knew what his loss meant."' (Malvernian, Mar 1917).
Son of D. Ward, Lower Hall, Foxearth, Long Melford. b. 1891.
Upper IV B—Lower Modern II.
Birmingham University; First Class Diploma in Brewing 1910.
Brewer.
Great War, Private R.E. 1914; 2nd Lieutenant N. Staffordshire Regt.; Major R.F.C.
M.C. with Bar.
'Ward joined the North Staffords in April 1915 and subsequently transferred to the R.F.C., where he reached the rank of Major. He was awarded the M.C. in 1916 and a Bar in 1917 for fine work in artillery reconnaissance. He was killed in action on September 2, 1917' (Malvernian, Mar 1918).
Citation for M.C.: 'When in one of three machines engaged on photographic reconnaissance, they were attacked by a formation of nine hostile scouts. A determined resistance was offered to this attack, which was beaten off, and the photographs were then taken. Whilst returning to the aerodrome this officer turned back alone to take some further photographs, and, observing six hostile machines approaching, he promptly attacked them at close range, and after a sharp fight brought one down and drove off the remainder. He then completed his photography. (M.C. gazetted Nov, 25th, 1916).'
Biography at Foxearth
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Son of S. B. Watson, Greenbank, Brigham, Cockermouth. b. 1894.
Lower Shell—Lower VI. House XI Football.
Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 11th S. Staffordshire Regt. 1915; Lieutenant M.G.C.
'The keen interest Charlie Watson took in all the details of School life endeared him in no small degree to the members of his House; and the news of his death has caused grief to all who remember the promise he showed. Upon leaving Malvern he entered Magdalene College, Cambridge; but in January 1915 he joined a Training Corps, receiving a commission in the following month, and was awarded the Military Cross only a few days before his death. In the early morning of 12th July last he was in the Support Line which was giving covering fire for an infantry raid, when a shell burst a few yards from him, inflicting wounds from which he died four hours later. His Commanding Officer writes: "my own sorrow at his loss is only equalled by my pride in having had such an officer under my command."' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
Military cross citation: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of two machine-guns. Under heavy artillery fire he controlled the fire of his guns in such a manner as to break-up a determined enemy attack. Later, when the enemy had got round his flank, he moved his guns and inflicted heavy casualties on them. He fought his guns most efficiently, and his conduct throughout was of the highest order.'
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Son of H. I. Wilson (O.M.), 139 Bishop's Mansions, S.W. b. 1892.
Lower Shell—Mathematical VI. Minor Scholar. House Prefect.
Ontario Agricultural College.
Great War, Lieutenant Royal Welch Fusiliers.
'His career at school in a general way, and more particularly the energy and determination he showed in endeavouring to reach the aim he had set before himself, gave certain indications of what might be expected of him when he arrived at the age of manhood. And the record of his work as an officer marks the fulfilment of these expectations. He made Mathematics his special study, and it was intended that he should go to Cambridge; but, owing to a change of plans, he went to Canada and joined Guelph College, Ontario. After he had finished his course there, he was appointed to do work under the Canadian Government, and he was engaged on this when the war broke out.
The action for which the Military Cross was awarded to him is spoken of, in the official announcement, as follows: "Thanks to his dauntless courage, splendid leadership, and perseverance, a position captured by another battalion was successfully consolidated by the company under his command, despite intense machine-gun and rifle fire. His contempt of danger, splendid personal example, and devotion to duty inspired his men with the greatest confidence and enabled them to fulfil their task under the most trying and adverse conditions."
The Major-General of the division in which his regiment was, speaks of him as a keen and courageous officer, and his Major says that he was leading his men in a counter-attack on April 6th, when he was killed by machine-gun fire. During the whole night before the attack he was very cool and collected, thinking only about his dispositions for the attack and the best he could do for his men. "I need hardly say he was absolutely fearless, and he seemed to have no other thought than to ‘put up a good show,' which he did. No leading could have been finer, and the troops responded admirably to his leadership."' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Born 4 Nov 1893, Bedford Park, Chiswick. Son of Sydney Benjamin Beale and Elizabeth Beale (nee Davis),
Sutton House, Brighton Road, Sutton.
Upper IV B — Modern I.
Chartered Accountant.
Great War 1914-19 (overseas), Private Public Schools' Batt.;
2nd Lieutenant, 2nd and 4th Batt. East Surrey Regt.; (invalided);
R.A.F. (invalided) ; M.C., Legion d'Honneur.
He enrolled on the 15th September 1914 and received a commission on the 26th March 1915.
He joined the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment on the 16th October 1915 which left Marseilles on the 23rd October for Alexandria and then arrived at Salonika on 30th November 1915 in the war against Bulgaria.
Extract from 2nd Battalion East Surrey War Diary:
25.5.1917
Barakli - Dzuma
Another hot day. Enemy put large shells out at 100th Battery Position that is 200 yards behind
us.
In view of information being required of T trench that is in front of us, a raiding patrol was
arranged for tonight. This trench consists of a long communication trench marching out from
the enemy's main line trench and which ends in a fire trench. At 9.05pm our guns opened an
intense bombardment on the enemy front line trenches and on the town of Ernekos for 5 mins.
The idea was that our patrol should charge the trench immediately the bombardment ceased, in
the hope of catching the occupants of the trench lying down for cover. The assaulting party
consisted of 10 OR under 2/Lieut N. S. BEALE and they were to get within rushing distance of
the trench before the bombardment ceased.
However the going was very bad indeed as the grass is well over 6 feet high in places and the
patrol must have been seen or heard as they were heavily fired upon when they had reached a
point 100 yards from the enemy line.
The patrol then made 3 very gallant rushes towards T trench under heavy rifle fire, getting
right up to the enemy wire where they were heavily bombed. Our men replied by throwing 30
bombs into the enemy but after 2/Lt BEALE and 8 OR had been severely wounded the patrol
retired in good order having obtained valuable information and the congratulations of the
Brigadier.
He had suffered a gun shot wound to the head and was sent to the 42nd General Hospital, then to Malta where he remained one month. Then to the No 2 General Hospital, London and was invalided out of the Army.
As a result of the action he received the MC with the following citation:
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a patrol.
Although severely wounded by a bomb, he continued to handle his patrol with skill and judgment, and
returned with valuable information as to the enemy's dispositions.' (London Gazette, 16 Aug 1917)
The medical board found a 'Gun shot wound to head & open scar above right ear & in front of right ear. Considerable impediment in speech. Obvious difficulty in remembering dates etc.'
On the 10th June 1918 an X Ray showed 'three foreign bodies, 2 probably bone, quite superficial, the third probably metal lies deeper 1 and 1/4 inches 'from the surface'. He suffers from headaches and giddiness on the slightest exertion. He sleeps badly. His temperament is nervous. He is able to walk and lead a quiet life. On 25th May 1918 he apparently had an epileptic seizure.'
By the 28th October 1918, it was found that 'Wound is well healed but there is absence of bone just above Right Rinna about size of 2 shilling piece, at joint of wound and pulsation can be felt. He states that he has improved considerably but still suffers from headache and giddiness at times. His speech is quite good but he stammers a little.'
He joined the RAF on the 26th October 1918 but was transferred to the unemployed list on 17th April 1919.
He died on the 26th May 1922 at the Neurological Hospital, Tooting after an operation on the head wound with the official cause of death being gunshot wounds received in warfare and encephalitis.
References:
Malvern College Register (1924 edition), page 507.
Service Record East Surrey Regt: WO 339/45028
Service Record RAF: AIR 76/29/192
Medal Card: WO 372/2/55756
Unit War Diary: WO 95/4921
MC Citation in London Gazette
Legion d'Honneur Chevalier in London Gazette
Obituary at FlightGlobal
Gravestone at FindaGrave