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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Son of Marion Annie Brockbank, of "Ulverscroft," 19, Adelaide Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool, and the late R. M. Henry Brockbank.
Middle IV—Lower V.
In business in Karachi, India, 1906-11.
Partner in William Porter & Co., Liverpool.
Became a partner in his father's firm of African produce merchants.
He enlisted in 1914, became a Captain in March 1916, and was in command of 1 Company, 18th Battalion The King's (Liverpool Regiment).
'Norman Brockbank was a thoroughly good boy at school; steady, trustworthy, loyal. All his subsequent career has borne out the hopes of his friends, and his ready answer to his country's call was of a piece with his previous record.—S.R.J. After leaving school, he spent five years in business in India, returning afterwards to Liverpool, where he became a partner in the firm of W. Porter and Co., African produce merchants. At the outbreak of the war he trained with the 2nd City Battalion of the Liverpool Regiment. ' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, he led his men into action. He was shot twice by a machine gun and died. It was his 32nd birthday.
After being hit, he refused to seek shelter and asked to remain in the open so that he could continue to cheer on his men.
He was heard shouting "go on, number one" - a memory that stayed with the men of his company.
Biography at BBC
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Son of Edward and Katharine L. Brocklehurst, of Kinnersley Manor, Reigate, Surrey. b. 1886.
Upper IV—Lower VI.
Trinity Hall, Cambridge; B.A. (First Class Law Tripos Pt. I.) 1907; Second Class Law Tripos Pt. II. 1908; LL.B. 1908.
Occupation: Solicitor.
Joined the 28th Btn London Regiment as a Private and embarked to France on 24th October 1914. Left on 25th May 1915 to be a 2nd Lieut posted to 2nd Bn Royal West Surrey Rgt.
Promoted to Captain on 20th August 1915.
Wounded in action on 25th September 1915. Sustained a shell wound of the right buttock, the fragment still remaining. An unsuccessful attempt was made at removal on October 5th 1915.
Rejoined Btn in the Field on 15th February 1916.
Killed near Mametz. Buried on the Mametx-Montarcon Road, 1/2 mile N E of Mametz and 2 miles North West of Mancourt.
'He will be remembered by his contemporaries at School as the possessor of a delightful treble voice and as a pianist of unusual merit. There was a remarkable solidity about his character combined with much personal charm, and the seriousness of purpose which he showed at all times gave high promise for the future. It is no surprise to those who knew him that he has gallantly made the supreme sacrifice.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Biography - Surrey in the Geat War
Service record:WO 339/804
Born: Aug 16th 1896. Son of Charles and Elizabeth E. Everitt, of 12, Inglis Rd., Colchester and 5 Sydenham Rise, Forrest Hill, S.E. Brother: John Page Everitt.
Upper V—VI. House Scholar. School Prefect. Head of House. XL Football; House XI Cricket.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 11th Yorkshire L.I. 1914; 15th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own).
'Before going to France he served with the West Yorks Regiment in Egypt, and was recommended for promotion six weeks ago. His career here marked him out as a leader of the first order, and one cannot speak too highly of the splendid example he set to those over whom he was in authority.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
The following is from 'Malvern College: A 150th Anniversary' by Roy Allen and was read out in a memorial service at Malvern on 1st July 2016:
'Full of grit, a thorough gentleman, with his high ideals and with a cherished hope for the welfare of his School and House, he answered the call of his country in the same grand spirit that was characteristic of him throughout his school days. An extract from a letter to his mother from a Private in his regiment shows in what admiration he was held by his men: "I am proud to be able to say that he was always kind and a gentleman. I admired his principles; he was well liked and admired by his men, and what few of them remain join me in sending our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement".'
There is a memorial to him at St Leonard at the Hythe Church, Colchester.
Photo of Memorial at Colchester
Malvern Observer article of Centenary Memorial service at Malvern
Service record:WO 339/31115
Battalion war diary: WO 95/2361/3
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Son of Rev. H. L. Harkness, Hove, Brighton. b. 1884.
Shell—Lower V. House XI Cricket.
Captain 4th West Yorkshire Regt. (Special Reserve) 1908.
Great
War, mobilised 1914.
2nd Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own).
The Times: "Captain Harkness held a commission in the West Yorkshire Regiment at the outbreak of the war, and saw active service in the earlier engagements. He was injured at Neuve Chapelle owing to a fall from his horse, and was invalided home. He had only recently re-joined his regiment when he fell in action on July 1st."
His Colonel writes: "He was in command of the two leading companies, and led them with great coolness right up to the enemy's trenches when he was killed by a shell. To him and his fine example during the battle is greatly due the splendid reputation the Battalion gained in this action." (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Son of Walter Sydney and Florence Harvey, of 9, Vale Court, Maida Vale, London and 24 Westbourne Terrace Road, W. b. 1888.
Lower V—VI. School Prefect. Ledbury Cap; XI Football; House XI Cricket.
Trinity College, Oxford; Third Class Mods. 1909; B.A. 1910.
Assistant Master at St. Andrew's School, Eastbourne.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 1st/5th Bn. London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). 1914, Captain.
'An earnestness of purpose, crowned with an attractive personality, endeared Bernard Harvey to all who knew him. He set a fine example of loyalty to school and house, and he never spared himself to make others share his true enjoyment of life. At Oxford he figured prominently on the river, and interested himself deeply in the Trinity College Mission. He chose school-mastering as his profession, and returned to his former school, St. Andrew's, Eastbourne. At the outbreak of war he applied for and received a commission in the 5th Battalion of the London Regiment. He was wounded in May, 1915. Early this year he was promoted to be Captain. He was killed in action on July 1st. His General writes: "One of my men says he was with Captain Harvey when he was hit in the shoulder, but he still continued to lead his men and cheer them on. He was wounded again, and in the evening when conducting the retirement he and others had to get through some wire; in doing so a noise was made that attracted the attention of the enemy, and the end came at once."' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Son of Ven. Archdeacon Jeudwine and Harriet Elizabeth Jeudwine, Lincoln, b. 1895.
Lower Shell—Science I. O.M. Science Prize 1913,14.. House Prefect. House XI Football.
Offered place at Caius College, Cambridge.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regt. 1914, Captain.
'Jeudwine left in the summer of 1914, intending to proceed to Caius, Cambridge. Like many others, he found himself at once called to other and sterner duties, and obtained a commission in the Special Reserve of the Lincoln Regiment. He saw a good deal of active service on the Western Front, and was twice wounded—May 1915 and 1916. On the first day of the battle of the Somme (July 1st, 1916) he was in action with his regiment, and was posted at the end of the day as Missing. Nothing further having been heard, he is now presumed to have been killed in action: one of thirteen O. Ms. who fell on that fatal day. He was a boy of considerable intellectual capacity, with varied interests and a catholic taste for all literature.' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
On the first day of the Battle of the Somme his battalion was ordered to attack the German held village of Ovillers-La-Boiselle. The battalion had 450 casualties, including 21 officers with him being among the 'missing'.
Detailed biography at Brighton College Remembers
Son of Farquhar M. Laing, Farnley Grange, Corbridge-on-Tyne. b. 14th Nov 1889.
Middle V—VI. Minor Scholar.
Shipowner.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers 1914, Captain.
Killed in action at La Boiselle on the Somme.
'As a boy he was shy and reticent, and did not distinguish himself greatly in the general life of the School. He joined a Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers in November 1914, and at the time of his death he commanded his Company. He was killed in action in July of this year.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Unit War Diary extract:
1st July 1916. 7.30am. The battalion moved forward to the attack on the enemy trenches south of La Boiselle. Heavy enemy gun fire was experienced but the Bn, less heavy casualties suffered, reached enemy 2nd line.
A small party proceeded toward the enemy 3rd line but had to retire owing to heavy enemy fire.
8am. Six separate attempts to rush our flanks were made by the enemy without avail.
12.45pm. Strength 7 officers and 200 other ranks.
10.15pm All ranks greatly in need of water and very much fatigued.
Service record:WO 339/18934
Unit war diary:WO 95/2463/1
Son of W. A. Lindsay, K.C., Clarenceux King of Arms, and Lady Harriet Lindsay, 17 Cromwell Road, b. 1876.
III—VI. Dowdeswell Prize. School Prefect. Head of House.
XI Football 1893,94; XXII Cricket; Shooting VIII (captain);
Lieutenant in Corps.
Scholar, Clare College, Cambridge; BA. (Jun. Opt.) 1898.
Examiner Scotch Education Department 1899; Hon. Secretary
O.M.F.C. 1900-08; Captain 1st/14th Bn. London Regiment (London Scottish).
Great War, mobilised
1914.
Husband of Helen Margaret Lindsay, of 7, Emperor's Gate, South Kensington, London.
'By the death of Francis Howard Lindsay, Malvern has lost a devoted son, the country has lost a loyal and gallant officer, and many people have lost a true friend. The same keenness which marked his life as a man was one of his chief characteristics when he was a boy at school. During his time here he strove with unfailing energy and enthusiasm to promote the interests of his house and the interests of the School. His efforts met with conspicuous success. He won considerable distinction for himself and much more for his house. He was prominent in every part of the life of the School. In football he did good service as a member of the XI, and he was one of the mainstays of his house team. As a cricketer and a fives-player he achieved considerable success at times. He shot for the School at Bisley on several occasions, and in the Corps he was a keen volunteer at all times, and in the latter part of his time he was a capable officer. His intellectual attainments, especially in mathematics, were considerable. After he left Malvern he showed his devotion to the School by the deep interest which he took in all that went on here, and he rendered most important services to the O. M. Football Club for a considerable period. He kept up his rifle-shooting and regularly attended the Bisley meetings, and sometimes shot with great success. But what claimed his chief attention and occupied much of his leisure time was the work connected with the Volunteer (or Territorial) Force. When he entered the Scotch Education Department in London he joined the London Scottish Corps, and he did good service to his country by helping to give the men of that force a sound physical and military training. Of his professional work in London a writer in the Scotsman says: "His administrative experience as an examiner in the Scotch Education Department was wide, and in 1912 he was selected to take special charge of the superannuation scheme for Scottish teachers—a new branch of work. It was a task for which his mathematical tastes and his habit of careful and conscientious work made him admirably fitted, and he threw himself into it with great zest. It is not too much to say that the teachers of Scotland owe him a substantial debt of gratitude for his unsparing labours which enabled him to overcome the difficulties which attended the new scheme." In 1914 he volunteered with his regiment for foreign service, and was severely wounded at Messines in November of that year. He was not fit again for foreign service till May 1916, when he went to France a second time. He was killed in action on July 1st. He was gazetted temp. Major a few weeks before.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Service record:WO 374/42209
Unit war diary:WO 95/2956/1 Trench Map
Born: 6th October 1896. Son of Hon. Col. Hugh Mesnard Melly, V.D., and Eleanor Lawrence Melly, Quinta, Greenheys Road, Liverpool.
Army III—I.
Passed into R.M.C. Sandhurst, but did not enter.
Great War. 2nd Lieutenant 1st Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment).
'From here he passed into Sandhurst, but war broke out just before he was due to join. He, therefore, chose to accept an offer of joining the Special Reserve of the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He went out with a draft to France and was wounded in the foot on (27th) April, 1915 (at Ypres). Later on he received a commission and proceeded again to the front. He was killed on July 1st while leading his men on to assault the second line of German trenches. His Major writes: "He was very happy in his life in the Regiment. He was a brave, fearless and capable officer." ' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Killed in action at Serre on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
'Green Trench, near Serre. 1st July 1916. At 8.46am leading sections of the Batn advanced from the assembly area. Directly the advance commenced the Batn came under heavy machine gun fire and there seems no doubt that a large number of casualties occurred before reaching our own front line. The advance still continued, however, a large number of casualties being sustained in no man's land from both machine gun and shell fire. Only a small number of the two left companies reached the German front line.
2nd Lieut Melly was among the 7 officers killed in his battalion, and a further 13 officers were wounded. Only 120 men were left at the end of the day.' (Unit War Diary).
There is a memorial plaque at St John The Evangelist Church, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port.IWM
Service record:WO 339/24244
Unit war diary:WO 95/1506/1
Son of J. H. Mullins, Rosapenna, Llanishen, Cardiff, b. 1893.
Modern III—Science Form.
In business.
Great War, Private 11th Batt. Welch Regt. 1914; Captain 10th York and Lancaster Regt.
'On the outbreak of war he joined the Cardiff "Pals" as a Private, and after three months was given a commission in the York and Lancaster Regiment. He went to France in 1915, and fought in the battle of Loos, after which he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He was invalided home in December, and went to the front again in May. ' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Born: 16th September 1894. Son of Reginals Neill (O.M.) and Geraldine Neill, of "Sheena", Craigavad, Co. Down., and Collin Grove, Dunmurry, co. Antrim.
Modern II—I. Chance Prize. House Prefect.
Stockbroker.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 11th Royal Irish Rifles 1914, Lieutenant.
'Reginald Neill was the son of R. Neill (O.M,), of Dunmurry, Co. Antrim. He rapidly made his way to the top of the Modern Side, and won the Chance Prize. On leaving School he became a stockbroker, and when war broke out he obtained a commission in the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. He was in action at the battle of the Somme (July 1st, 1916), and was reported Missing, His father has never been able to obtain any news of what happened to him. To him we extend our sincere sympathy in the loss of a son of proved merit and capacity.' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
The unit war diary states that their attack was initially successful but their flanks were exposed and the Germans heavily counter-attacked. The remnant of the battalion who went to attack in the morning at 7.30am returned to their trenches at 11.45pm with only 4 officers and 250 men.
''The Lieutenant was in B Coy, 2nd in command and took over when Captain Craig was wounded. I saw Lt Neil wounded at Thiepval on July 1st 1916; he was in a communication trench between the first and second German lines. He was lying down; his wound had been dressed; we held the ground. It was being heavily shelled all day.' (Informant L/Cpl M. Griffin).
There is a memorial plaque in St John the Baptist Church of Ireland Church, Suffolk, Belfast.
Photograph and small biography at IWM
Biography and details of Memorial plaque
Service record:WO 339/14586
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2506/1
Born: October 20th 1896. Son of Sydney Smith (Stock Broker) and Ethel Angeline Smith (formerly Jacomb), of "Endwood," 18, Grassington Rd., Eastbourne, Sussex, and Warnford Court, E.C.
Middle IV B-Army III. House Prefect. XXII Football; House XI Cricket.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; 1st Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment. 1915.
'At school he was a boy of great pluck and determination. His heart was set on entering the Army, and he would have made an excellent officer.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
He was one of 8 officers killed in his battalion during the first day of the battle of the Somme at Fricourt. There is a detailed account in the unit war diary below.
Service record:WO 339/54050
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2161/2
Born May 23rd 1889. Son of Francis Paul Smith, Greystone, Dale, Haltwhistle.
Modern III—Lower Modern I. House Prefect. House XI Football.
In business.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 11th Bn. Border Regiment. 1914, Captain.
'Raymond Smith was loved by all who knew him. His influence was always for good: he was a very faithful O.M., and there never was a keener man in whatever he took up. His character was transparently sincere and attractive.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
'Authille Wood. 1/7/16. Zero time 7.30am. Battalion advanced from assembly trenches at 8am and came under very heavy machine gun fire suffering over 500 casualties. Captain R Smith was one of ten officers killed.' (Unit War Diary).
Service record:WO 339/21844
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2403/1
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Born 27th October 1889 at 2 Church Road, Ashford. Son of Henry James Bracher (Solicitor) and Marian Alexandra Bracher formerly Neale, of Church House, West Malling, Kent, and of Clock House, Lunton, Kent, and 33 Earl Street, Maidstone.
Upper IV B—Matriculation Class. House XI Cricket.
Occupation: Solicitor.
Corporal of D Coy, 19th Batt, Royal Fusiliers from 2nd Sept 1914 to 15th May 1915. 6th Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
'Guy Bracher will always be remembered here for his splendid vitality: he was thoroughly keen and took a wholly unselfish interest in all that concerned the school. In his subsequent career he showed the same perseverance and activity. He received a commission in the Buffs (East Kent Regiment), and was killed in action.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Biography at Wikipedia
Service record:WO 339/3610
Son of Rev. T. H. Orpen and Mrs. Amy 0. G. Orpen of 5, Herschel Rd., Cambridge and Mark Ash, Abinger Common, Dorking, b. 1893.
Upper Shell—Lower V.
Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant N. Staffordshire Regt.; transferred 2nd Bn. attd. 10th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers.
'At school he was a small, quiet boy, always well behaved and steady, and likely to develop later. This he certainly did.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Times Obituary, 27th July 1916: “Second Lieutenant Walter Selwyn Orpen, North Staffordshire Regiment, who was killed on July 6th aged 23 was the youngest son of the Rev. T. H. and Mrs Orpen of Mark Ash, Abinger, Surrey. He was educated at Malvern, and at Selwyn College, Cambridge where he had completed his second year when war was declared. He was then in the OTC and was gazetted to the North Staffordshire Regiment in September 1914. After 9 months training he went to the Front being attached to the Lancashire Fusiliers. He had recently been made sniping Intelligence Officer to his battalion, and it was in the discharge of this duty that he met his death instantaneously from a snipers bullet. His adjutant writes: During the time he has been with us I grew to like him more and more and to respect his many good qualities. He was always cheerful and brave.”
Biography at Dorking Museum
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Son of the Rev. Charles Lowther Arnold and Mary Delamere Arnold, of Holy Trinity Vicarage, Fareham, Hants and Wroxall Vicarage, Isle of Wight, b. 1892.
Middle IV A — Modern II. House Prefect. XI Cricket 1909, 10; Fives Pair.
Magdalene College, Cambridge; B.A. (Third Class Medieval and Modern Languages Tripos) 1914; played Cricket v. Oxford 1914.
Great War, Private 1914; afterwards 2nd lieutenant 18th Royal Fusiliers.
11th Bn. attd. 8th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
He went to Magdalene College, Cambridge in 1911, and played cricket for Cambridge University, 1912-14, 5 matches. Hampshire, 1912-14, 16 matches. Free Foresters, 1914, 1 match.
'Alban Arnold was, as his record shows, distinguished both at school and afterwards at cricket. He was an excellent cricket-keeper, one of the two or three best we have had, and a very dangerous though perhaps not quite a sound bat. It was his consistently heavy scoring that forced him into the Cambridge Eleven of 1914. Here he was a steady, quiet, somewhat reserved boy, but always pleasant and attractive, and of striking appearance. He left a year, before his proper time to study in France, with a view to entering the Consular Service. As time went on he "came out" much more, and promised to become a really valuable man. He enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion in the first month of the war, and received his commission later in the year. He was killed in an advance on July 7th, 1916.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Ref:Wisden on the Great War
Final Wicket:Test and First Class Cricketers Killed in the Great War By Nigel McCrery
Wikipedia
Medal card: WO 372/1/118329
8 Bn Royal Fusiliers (1915 June - 1918 Feb) War Diary: WO 95/1857/1
Son of Harold and Adele Lea-Smith, of Heathfield Houses, Windmill Rd., Wimbledon Common and Gothic Lodge, Wimbledon Common, S.W. b. 1897.
Upper V—Matriculation Class. Minor Scholar. XXII Football.
Magdalen College, Oxford.
Great War, Private Middlesex Regt. 1914; Lieutenant 6th Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
'Full of vigorous life, Leslie Lea-Smith showed great promise in his school days. He was a delightful companion, particularly attractive for his sturdy independence. He answered his country's call for the first 100,000 men by enlisting in the Public Schools Battalion (16th Middlesex), where he obtained two stripes. In February, 1915, on his 18th birthday, he received his commission in the "Buffs" (East Kent Regiment). He was wounded in the Hohenzollern crater fighting in March, 1916, and many will recall his graceful figure and imperturbability from the following account which appeared in the "Daily Chronicle": "When all the men in one of these infernal craters were dead or wounded, Lieutenant Lea-Smith ran forward with a Lewis gun, and served it during a fierce attack by German bombers until it jammed. Then he left the gun and took to bombing, and that single figure of his flinging grenades like an overarm bowler kept the enemy at bay until reinforcements reached him." For this act of heroism he was mentioned in despatches. He was killed in action on July 7th, and his Colonel writes: "He was quite the most gallant boy I have known, and his fearlessness almost amounted to recklessness, so great was his utter disregard of danger. His loss to the Battalion is irreparable, and he will be truly mourned by both officers and his men who were devoted to him, as their comfort was always his first thought."' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Biography at Merton
Son of Horace Arthur and S. Kate Fisher, Arno Vale, Nottingham. b 1892.
Modern III - Upper Shell. House Prefect.
Trinity College, Cambridge; B.A. (Third Class Theological Tripos).
1913; Schoolmaster.
Great War, Inns of Court O.T.C. 1914; Captain Sherwood Foresters.D.S.O., Despatches.
'The fourth and youngest brother of a School House family, John Wilfred Fisher throughout his school career was a sound and trustworthy boy, full of quiet purpose. The following extract from the "Times" shows how he rose to the occasion, and what a loss he is to his country: "Captain John Wilfred Fisher, D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds on July 8. He joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. in August 1914, obtained a commission in the Sherwood Foresters, and went to the front a year ago. Captain Fisher won the D.S.O. in March for conspicuous gallantry, the official record of his conduct being as follows: 'When the enemy blew up a portion of the front trench he drove off their attack and skilfully organised the defence. He continued fighting long after he was wounded, and set a fine example to all around him.' Captain Fisher, who was mentioned in despatches in April, had been four times wounded within nine months—the last time fatally." ' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
He was wounded at Sanctuary Wood, Ypres, Belgium, 30th October 1915 by a German sniper and rejoined his battalion 11th December 1915 at Ypres, when he took over command of "D" Company. He was wounded again 16th February 1916 at Ypres.
He was awarded the D.S.O. with the following citation: "For conspicuous gallantry on the 14th February 1916, near Ypres/Commines Canal. When the enemy blew up a portion of the front line trench, he drove off their attack and skilfully organised the defence. He continued fighting long after he was wounded, and set a fine example to all around him".
He was again wounded when in the Quadrangle support line near Contalmaison on the Somme, France, 7th July 1916, and died the following day.
Biography at Sherwood Foresters
Son of James and Jane Bethune MacKenzie, Daresbury, Malvern, b. 1883.
Junior School—III.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1903; Major 1916. 29th Bty. 42nd Bde. Royal Field Artillery.
Husband of Ethel F. MacKenzie, of "Daresbury," Great Malvern.
Eric Mackenzie, commanding 29th Battery, Royal Field Artillery was killed when during a bombardment the dugout in which he was sleeping collapsed at 2 am on the 8th July 1917. livesofthefirstworldwar
Son of W. H. Speer, Mus. Doc, Powyscourt, Balcombe, Sussex, b. 1894.
Upper V—Matriculation Class. School Prefect. XL Football.
Trinity College, Cambridge.
Great War, Private Public Schools' Batt. 1914; Lieutenant R.F.A. and R.F.C.
'On the outbreak of war he joined the Public School Brigade, and subsequently received promotion. In 1915 he trained for the R.F.C, becoming attached in January of this year. He was on active service from March until July 9th, when he met his death in combat in the air over the enemy lines. He was attacked single-handed by six or seven Fokker machines; his machine was shot down and he and his observer burnt. His commanding officer reported that: "he was a gallant soldier, a fine flier, and a most fearless fighter."' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
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Son of Edward Charles Bambridge, a Lloyd’s insurance underwriter, and Kathleen Sylvia (née Bailey) Bambridge of The Elms, 22 Merton Hall Road, Wimbledon, and 121 North Side, Clapham Common, b. 1893.
Upper Shell—Lower V. House XI Cricket.
Underwriter at Lloyd's.
‘B’ Company, 10th (Stockbrokers) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
'Oliver Bambridge's friends will readily understand with what alacrity he joined the service at the earliest opportunity. Had he been spared, he would have obtained his commission. It was, however, characteristic of him to join in the ranks, rather than to wait. Many will remember his great keenness in everything he did, and his delightfully happy disposition. He left at a comparatively early age, and before he had reached a prominent position, but not before he had shown that he possessed character and courage. He was the youngest of three brothers whose names are held in honour in their house, and all of whom joined early in the war. He died of wounds on July 13th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
At 9pm on the 10th of July 1916, B and C Companies of the 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers were pushed forward to relieve the 13th Battalion Rifle Brigade in their attack towards Pozieres on the Somme. The Fusiliers lay in exposed positions for the next two days under heavy shell fire, suffering a number of casualties but without engaging
the enemy. Frederick Bambridge was wounded on the 13th of July and died later the same day.
His brother, Rupert Charles Bambridge, was a much decorated Captain in the same Battalion, being the holder of the D.S.O., M.C. and M.M. Sadly, he too was killed in action, in May 1918.
Medals sold at auction for £340 in 2004
Ref:
Lloyd's of London WW1 pdf booklet.
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Born 13 March 1890. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Blake, 6 Queen's Gate Place, S.W, and Groton House, Boxford, Suffolk and Hillside Cottage, Steeple Aston, Oxon and Fairlawn, Maskeliya, Ceylon.
Army III—I. House Prefect. House XI Football.
Experience: Ceylon Platers Rifle Corps & Malvern College Cadet Corps.
Became a Tea Planter in Ceylon and came home to join in the early days of the War.
8th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment.
'In his school-days Norman Blake gave every promise of being useful to his country when he grew up, and when the demand for service came he readily answered the call. He did not proceed to Sandhurst from Malvern, as he had originally intended to do, but went out to Ceylon as a tea-planter, and was well established there when war broke out. He then returned to England and obtained a commission in the East Yorkshire Regiment. He went to the front in October 1915, and was wounded in March 1916. He re-joined his regiment in May last. He fell in action, on one of the early days of July, whilst he was most gallantly leading his company. The high estimate formed of his character when he was here has been amply confirmed by the subsequent events of the life which he has given for his country.' (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Somme roll-of-honour
Service record:WO 339/40971
Son of B. B. King, I.C.S. b. 1893.
Army III—Science Form.
Ranching in Argentina.
Great War, Private 7th Bn Leicester Regt. 1914.
'Upon leaving Malvern, Willie King went to the Argentine, and for four years worked on a ranch, intending to make farming his life's work; but upon the outbreak of war he at once gave up his post in order to enlist in the Leicester Regiment; after a short training in England he was sent to France, and fell during the battle on the Somme. No details have been received as to his death, and he is simply reported as "missing, believed killed," but since his identity badge has been found and returned to his mother, there is but little hope that he survived.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Below War diary describes detailed attacks at Mametz wood and Bazentin-le-Petit wood during the Battle of the Somme.
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2164/2
Son of Fredrick Ashfield Wright and Ann Wright, Hitchin. b. 1883.
Ill—Middle V. School Prefect. XI Cricket; House XI Football.
Solicitor 1907.
Husband of Elizabeth Helen Wright, of Moor Mead Hill, Hitchin, Herts.
Great War, O.T.C. 1914; Captain 7th Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
'He was articled to a firm of solicitors in London, and afterwards practised at Hitchin with his father. At the outbreak of war he joined the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps, and soon received his commission. From a Hitchin local paper we take the following account: "Captain Wright was widely known as a cricketer and as the captain of the Hitchin Cricket Club. Before the war he had a regular place in the County Eleven, and invariably did well. He was not only a good bat and change bowler, but smart in the field; he set his men an excellent example of keenness. This fine example he set also in the more arduous game of war and in the larger field of battle. He was a true type of the new British officer—a courageous leader of the New Army." (Malvernian, Jul 1916).
Unit War Diary extract:
'Carnoy. 14th July 1916. 3.30am. Battalion advanced towards German trenches and were held up by barbed wire. Remainder leaped into shell holes & consolidated along road 200 yards from German trench. At 12pm Battalion again charged & captured both 1st & 2nd trenches & also 250 prisoners. When all battalion were collected & consolidating German 2nd trench we found 5 officers were untouched, the remainder were wounded or killed, with heavy losses in the ranks - 147 killed, 278 wounded, 16 missing.
Captain Wright was one of the many officers who died of wounds. '
Unit War Diary:WO 95/1421/4
Son of William G. and Clara Quihampton, of Wood Cottage, Nutfield, Surrey, b. 1886.
Middle IV B—Upper IV C.
Formerly in British Columbia; later Farmer in Canada.
Great War, Private, 54th Bn. Australian Infantry. 1914.
'He was the younger of two brothers in No. 3. As a New Boy he was remarkable for his very large size, and he rejoiced in the name of "Jumbo." His extreme good-nature made him a most popular boy. On leaving school he went out to farm in British Columbia, and moved into Canada later on. When war broke out he answered the call of his country, and served as a Private in the Australian Imperial Force. He was killed in action in July 1917.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 19/20 July 1916.
Letter from 4310 R.O. SAMUELS, to Mrs Quihampton, 14 August 1916: 'As I am the other remaining friend of your son, W. Quihampton, it is my duty to write you a short letter. The day after we embarked in Sydney he gave me your address and told me that if anything should ever happen [to] him to write to you and tell you that he had done his best for home and country and now, Mrs. Quihampton, it has fallen to my lot to send this this cruel news, but you must be brave and, besides, it was God's will so we must not complain, and there are thousands of other mothers who have to mourn the loss of their dear ones, but I can feel for you, Madam, because I lost my brother in the same charge and I have to send the cruel news to my dear mother, but you know when we enlist we know that we can't all go home again, some of us must give our lives. Your boy was my best chum and I know I will never get another friend like him in this world, he was in every sense of the word a pure man. There is a possibility of your son coming to light again, but I feel sure he was killed. I can give you no hope, so, dear Mrs. Quihampton, do be brave and don't cry; you son was a brave, good man.'
Biography at AIF including further letter to his mother
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Son of George Farncombe Blake and Mary Elizabeth Blake, of King's Heath, Birmingham.
Shell B—Mathematical VI. Minor Scholar. Dowdeswell Prize.
Leaving Scholarship. Senior Chapel Prefect. President of Debating Society. XXII Football; House XI Cricket; Ledbury Cap; Lieutenant in Corps.
Scholar, Trinity College, Cambridge; B.A. (Sen. Opt.) 1901; Assistant Master at Merchiston Castle School 1902-05; Bradfield College 1905; Captain Cadet Corps.
10th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
'As soon as hostilities commenced he was offered a commission in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which he accepted, and went out to the front in September 1915. He was wounded in February, and killed in action, July 21st.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Biography at Moseley Society
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Son of T. Tiernay (O.M.), Beech Grove, Leamington, b. 1890.
Lower Shell—Modern I. House Prefect.
Engineer.
Great War, Private 1st Birmingham City Batt. 1914.
'The elder son of T. Tiernay (O. M.), he left in Modern I., and was engaged for some time in engineering work. He enlisted in August 1914 in the 1st Birmingham City Battalion, afterwards known as the 14th Warwicks. He remained with them, refusing all offers of a commission, and went out with them to France in November 1915. He was posted as Missing on July 22nd, 1916, near Delville Wood, east of Albert. Nothing has transpired as to his fate, so he has since been presumed killed on that day.' (Malvernian, Nov 1919).
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Son of E. C. Wadlow, Wyke, Shifnal, Salop, b. 1879.
Lower IV—Army Side. House Prefect. XI Cricket; House XI Football.
R.G.A. (from Militia) 1898; Captain 1904; Instructor in Gunnery, First Class, 1909; Instructor in Gunnery, South African Union Force, 1913; South African War 1899-1902, Queen's Medal with 2 Clasps, King's Medal with 2 Clasps. Great War, G.S.O., S.W. Africa.
Despatches. 109th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery.
Married Constance Emily Blackburn Van Breda on 4 Dec 1906 at St John's Church, Wynberg, Cape Colony.
2 children. Peter Van Breda Wadlow born 17 July 1909, and Constance Joan Wadlow born 31 Mar 1916.
'The death of Harold Wadlow, killed in action on July 24th, will be read with much sympathy by all Malvernians who were at school with him, but especially by those who had the opportunity of knowing him intimately. Fond of all outdoor games, he quickly made his mark in the House (No. 3) as an athlete, and took part in all its games, excelling specially in cricket, in which he gained his School Colours.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Service record:WO 339/6731
Son of Ernest Louis Melly (Solicitor) and Florence Melly, of Highbury Bank, Meriden, Coventry, b. 1888.
Middle IV—Matriculation Class. House XI Cricket and Football.
Solicitor 1911.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 20th Bn. King's Liverpool Regt. 1914, Captain.
'As a boy here he threw himself whole-heartedly into the life of the School; his influence was entirely for good, and by his attractive character he made and deserved many friends. His later life was of a piece with his boyhood. He volunteered for service at the beginning of the war and received a commission in a Battalion of the Liverpool Regt. in Feb 1915. He was promoted Lieutenant in May 1915, and for the last month of his service had the command of a company. He was killed in action on July 30th, while gallantly leading an attack. His Colonel speaks of him as having been an excellent officer, who was beloved by his men and whose services in command were invaluable.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
'He was a keen cricketer, and was well-known in Coventry and the Midlands as a left half hockey player, playing for Warwickshire and the Midlands, and later for Yorkshire and the North. He joined as a private in August, 1914, received his commission in February, 1915, and was promoted lieutenant in May, 1915. ' (Liverpool Echo, "Roll of Honour. Casualties In Local Battalions", 7th August 1916 ).
Son of Mrs. Edward Davenport, of Amberley, Stroud, Glos., and the late Rev. Edward Davenport, Stoke Talmage, Tetsworth, Oxon. b. 1897.
Lower IV—Middle IV A.
Engineer.
Great War, Inns of Court O.T.C. 1914; 2nd Lieutenant "A" Coy. 14th Bn. Hampshire Regiment.
'He was of a happy, generous, and affectionate nature, and an excellent companion, observant of and keenly interested in out-door things. Delicacy of health in earlier life had caused slow development, but he found himself in the practical work of engineering and of military service. He obtained a commission in a Battalion of the Hampshire Regt., in which he did exceptionally good work as Bombing Officer. His men were devoted to him and he was described by his Colonel as "one of our best officers, always cheery and always at work." He died of wounds received on Aug. 2nd through the premature explosion of a hand grenade, while he was assisting the Instructor of the Brigade Bombing School. ' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
He was wounded in an accident at the Brigade Bomb school and died shortly after being admitted to hospital. Several other officers from the 11th, 12th & 13th Royal Sussex Regt were also wounded at the bomb school.
The following day on the 3rd August at Les Choqueax, several officers attended his funeral along with men from his platoon.
Service record: WO 339/40073
Medal card: WO 372/5/171212
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2583/6
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Born 30 May 1889. Son of John Aste (Corn Factor) and Margaret Aste, Hawthorns, Foxgrove road, Beckenham, Kent & 34 Clement's lane, London.
Lower V—Lower VI. House XI Football.
In 1909 was working aged 20 as an articled clerk to a solicitor (John Carnm Holmes).
Solicitor in 1912.
Living at 42 Lancaster Gate, London at time of application for commission in 1915. Had joined the Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry) on 27 Sep 1909 as a Corporal. On active service from 18 Sep 1914 to 7 Feb 1915 when was wounded from a gun shot wound in the right leg (calf).
'The second of three Malvernian brothers, he obtained a commission in the R.A., having already served for five years in the Territorial Forces, and had been at the front for some time before he was killed in action on Aug. 4th. Quiet and serious-minded, he appealed strongly to a large circle of friends with his straightness and utter honesty of purpose and life.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Died from wounds received in action from a G.S. wound in the thigh causing a haemorrhage in the femoral artery.
Service Record:WO 339/28639
Medal Card:WO 372/1/138750
Ancestry
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 H. Noble, Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames, b. 1897.
Middle IV A—Army I.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; K.R.R.C. 1915.
'Norris Heatley Noble was a member of No. 5 from 1910-14, when he left for a short stay with an Army Tutor preliminary to Sandhurst. He was at the R.M.C. for the first few months of the war, commissioned to the King's Royal Rifle Corps in March 1915, and was wounded in an attack and counter-attack on July 27th, and again on the way to the dressing-station. For a time he seemed likely to recover, but he died on August 15th, much regretted by his fellow officers and men. He left School too young to have made his mark, but will be remembered by his generation as the embodiment of good temper and good humour in all the changing fortunes of daily life.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
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Son of G. Sturt, Lismore, Weybridgc. b. 1893.
Upper IV—Modern I. Boldero Prize. House Prefect.
King's College, London (Engineering School).
Great War, Private Middlesex Regt. 1914; Lieutenant.
'He was known amongst us as a boy of high principle, courteous manners, and considerable ability, especially interested in scientific subjects. He was studying engineering at King's College, London, when at the beginning of the war he joined the Public Schools Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. He was given a commission in the Regiment in December 1914. In August 1915, when he had been barely a month at the front, he was wounded, but returned to his Battalion last March. He was killed by a German sniper on August 16th, just after carrying out a dangerous patrol with great success. He was considered a very capable officer, "one of the best in the Battalion," said his Colonel, and a touching letter from his Platoon Sergeant concludes thus : "I can truly say that he was beloved by his own Platoon; not only was he a leader whom any man would be proud to follow, but also his great abilities were always freely at the disposal of all wishing to consult him when in doubt or difficulty. We could not help admiring him as a man as well as respecting him as an officer."' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
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 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 Samuel John and Helen Grace Daw, 35 Lincoln's Inn Fields, b. 1881.
Shell—Lower VI. XXII Football.
LL.B. (First Class Honours) Lond. 1903.
Solicitor 1904; Inns of Court O.T.C. (retired).
Great War, re-joined 1914, 2nd Lieutenant 15th Batt. K.R.R.C. 1915. "B" Coy. 9th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.
Husband of Laura Daw, of Vine Cottage, West Hoathly, Sussex.
'Reginald Daw was at School a quiet steady boy, of more than average ability. He was a very useful football player and helped to win the Football Cup for his House. His legal attainments were very considerable, and it says much for his patriotism that he lost no time in re-joining the Inns of Court O T.C. when war broke out. His subsequent record speaks for itself. He went to the front in August 1915, and was recently mentioned in despatches. He was killed on August 25th, being struck in the back with a piece of shell; he became unconscious at once and was removed to a dressing station, where he died the next morning.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
He was killed in action at Delville Wood.
Service record: WO 339/70032
Medal Card: WO 372/5/214175
Unit war diary: WO 95/1900/2 List of Officers Delville wood attack Map showing attack
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Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Morris Mitchelson Brooke and May Brooke, London House, Dawlish, South Devon, b. 1897.
Army III—I.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; 1st Bn Wiltshire Regt. 1915.
'Brooke passed out from Sandhurst into the Wiltshire Regiment in April 1915. He was reported Missing in September 1916 and subsequently posted as having been killed in action on September 3.' (Malvernian, Mar 1918).
'Lt Brooke was my platoon officer; he was a tall fair fellow and he only joined a week before we went over the top, at Bouzincourt. We went over at Leipzic Salient in the morning and he was hit by a machine gun just after we got over the top, no more than three yards from me. He fell and lay quite still and I took him to be dead. We went on and took the German trench and have held it ever since. We were relieved that evening. The wounded were picked up, but not the dead. Mr Brooke was a very good officer'. (Informant F Salmon B Coy, Sept 10th 1916).
'He was hit in the lower part of his abdomen. He fell on his back and did not speak or move, and there was blood on his clothes. We were not allowed to halt for anything, but I and another man dragged him into a shell-hole for safety. I saw no more of this officer. (Testimony of Pte Salmon).
'Brooke was killed between the lines near Thiepval' (Testimony of Pte Westcott).
Father was at Lucknow, India at time of son's death.
Service record:WO 339/45922
Son of Major R. Hayes-Sadler, of "Cooleen," Farnborough, Hants, and Stafton Grange, Howick, Natal, b. 1896.
Army III—I.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; Royal Warwickshire Regt. 1915; Lieutenant 1916.
2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
'He will always be remembered here with real affection for his gentle, thoughtful, kindly disposition. He had a calm and quiet manner, and there was nothing shallow in any friendship he made. He reached no prominent position in the School, but a short soldier life brought fully to light his pluck, courage, and determination. He was wounded slightly in April, and re-joined his Battalion in July. He was again wounded in September, but was reluctant to go back when ordered to do so; soon after a shell burst near, killing him. His Captain writes: "We all greatly feel his loss, he was so keen on his work and popular in all ranks; he was of the greatest help, keeping cool under terrific fire, and, had he got through, I should have sent in his name for mention." ' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Killed in action near Delville Wood.
Son of F. A. Naylor, Central Provinces, India, b. 1878.
Lower IV—Army Side. School Prefect. XI Football; House XI Cricket.
Indian Police 1898 (United Provinces).
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 13th Bn. Durham Light Infantry 1914; Major attached 6th Bn. Royal Irish Regt. Despatches.
Married Charlotte Pope Paterson on October 12th 1904 at St James Church, West Derby, Liverpool Born 19th January 1881, and had five children.
The Times:
'Major Urmstone Shaw Naylor who was killed in action on September 3, received a commission in the Durham Light Infantry when war was declared. In April 1916 he was attached to the Royal Irish Regiment as second in command. His Colonel writes: "I am indeed proud to have had such a splendid officer and good comrade under my command. His loss to me at this juncture is a most serious one."'
The following is from the Unit War Diary:
'Guillemont. 3rd September 1916. At 12.25pm the Bn advanced to the attack on Guillemont and Sunken Road, which latter was the final objective. The Bn went over the parapet with the pipes playing & the men went forward in excellent order. The final objective was in our hands by about 3pm and the line was at once consolidated & held in spite of three counter-attacks.
The casualties in the days fighting were heavy, being 14 officers & 311 O.R.
Major U.S. Naylor, 2/Lt Magill & 2/Lt Downing killed in action.'
Service record:WO 339/37535
Unit Diary:WO 95/1970/3
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Born October 8th 1894. Son of Sidney Edward Percy and Ethel Cade, of Titchfield, Fareham, Hants.
Upper IV B—Science I. School Prefect. Head of House. XL Football; House XI Cricket. Cadet Officer.
Matriculated from University of London in 1913.
11th Bn. Hampshire Regiment.
'Darrel Cade was about to join London University when war broke out. In September 1914, he was gazetted to a commission in the Hampshire Regiment, and was promoted Lieutenant in the July. His name appeared in The Gazette, as Captain (to date from January) on September 12th, one week after he was killed. His Company Commander wrote of him: "He did not know what fear was, I have never seen him in the slightest degree perturbed in any circumstances." His Colonel described him as one of the best of his young officers, adding that he was a universal favourite with the officers and with the men. What Darrel Cade was as a soldier, that he was as a boy and prefect. Behind a gentleman there was real strength. The high sense of duty, which he not only possessed, but kept alive, while at School, was not likely to fail him in a supreme hour. That it did not fail him, those who were with him when he fell, shot at close quarters, bear generous witness. He was killed in action on September 6th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Service Record:WO 339/19679
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."
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Son of the late Henry and Mary Elizabeth Bromfield, Newnham Hall, Northants. b. 1869.
Hertford College, Oxford; Captain 3rd South Wales Borderers;
served in the South African War 1900-01, Despatches, Queen’s Medal
with 3 Clasps, King’s Medal with 2 Clasps, D.S.O.; retired 1910.
Chief Constable of Radnorshire 1909.
Prince of Wales's Coy., 1st Bn. Welsh Guards. D S O.
Husband of Ethel Philippa Bromfield.
'H. H. Bromfield was the eldest of four brothers, who accompanied the Rev. W. Grundy from Warwick on his appointment to the Headmastership of Malvern in 1885: of these four, only J. B. Bromfield, the second brother, now survives. 'Hal' Bromfield, as his friends called him, inherited early in life the entailed estate of Newnham Hall, Northants, but his means were not sufficient to enable him to live on his estate. He served with distinction in the South African War, as an officer in the South Wales Borderers Militia, retiring as Captain and Hon. Major in 1910. In 1906 he married the eldest daughter of Sir Charles Philipps, Bt., of Picton Castle, Haverfordwest, and soon settled down to important public work in Wales. When war broke out he re-joined his old battalion, but, on the formation of the Welsh Guards, he was gazetted to the new regiment, with the rank of Major. He fell in action on September 10th, aged 47. A capable man of action, he was endowed with many personal gifts which rendered him popular both here and throughout his life.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Leaves a widow and a son.
Biography
Born 20 April, 1884. Son of Arthur Robinson, Lawrence Weston, Henbury, Bristol.
Modern IV—II. House Prefect. House XI Cricket.
Merchant.
Husband of Ruth Douglas Robinson, of Helenslee, Dumbarton.
Great War, Private 1914, afterwards Captain 12th Batt. Gloucester Regt.
'As a boy at School he pursued the even tenor of his life, not marked by any great school honours, but one in which he was very popular. At the outbreak of war he joined the Gloucester Regiment, in which he held the commission of Captain. He died of wounds received in France on September 10th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
'Director in the firm of E. S. & A. Robinson, Bristol; enlisted as a Private at the commencement of the war of 1914, and was quickly promoted Corpl.; gazetted 2nd Lieut. 12th Gloucester Regt. in Nov. 1914; obtained his Captaincy 16 Nov. 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France from Nov. 1915; was shot through the lungs 3 Sept., while leading his company at the taking of Guilllemont on the Somme battle-front, and died in a Clearing Hospital, France, 10 Sept 1916, of his wounds.' (De Ruvigny).
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Only Son of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Burke, of Cloonee, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, b. 1897.
Middle Shell-Lower VI. School Prefect. Head of House. House XI Football.
He entered Sandhurst in May, 1915, and received his commission in November, 1915.
70th Sqdn. Royal Flying Corps and 6th Bn. Royal Fusiliers.
Sisters: Rose (age 12) & Olivia (age 8) in 1916.
'On passing out of Sandhurst in November 1915, Edward Burke joined his regiment at Dover, where he remained until he was attached to the R.F.C. in March 1916, when he began his training in the air. In July he was sent to the front. In the seven weeks he was out, he made many flights over the enemy's lines and won a great name for himself, as he was absolutely without fear. His pilot, Capt. Patrick, of the 70th Squadron, R.F.C., thus records the gallant way in which he died: "I selected him as my observer before all the others as he was one of the very best. We and another machine were somewhat behind on a reconnaissance when a strong hostile patrol came up and attacked the other machine. As the pilot was young and inexperienced, I turned to help him. We kept off the enemy, your son fighting like a hero. It was then that he was hit. He became unconscious but he recovered consciousness, and no sooner had he done so than he started working his Lewis gun, and actually fired another drum of ammunition before again losing consciousness. Your son was dead when he reached the ground. He was buried at Gezaincourt." Every letter from the front tells the same story of his pluck and reliability as an observer. But these letters also show how keenly his loss is felt for personal reasons. One of the 70th Squadron writes: "For some time past Paddy had been the life of the mess, and I do not expect ever to come across a more charming boy." The number of friends he had made in his short career is remarkable. He had a most attractive personality; his impulsive boyishness and his cheerful outlook on life made him a delightful companion. His many school friends, as well as his army friends, deeply regret his loss, and would wish to record their sympathy with his father and mother.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
The Burke Prize for Military Efficiency was founded from a bequest in memory of him:
'In honour of the memory of his son, E. W. Burke (No 2) 2nd Lt. 6th Bn. Royal Fusiliers and R.F.C., who was killed in Sept. 1916, W. C. Burke, Esq., O.M., has given the sum of £50, left by his son, to be at the disposal of the Cadet Corps. The money will be used to establish an efficiency prize in the Corps, which will be called the Burke Prize.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
Biography at South Dublin Libraries
Service Record:WO 339/54935
Son of Colonel Frederick Arthur Forsyth and Ellen Sanford Forsyth, Netherleigh, Leamington. b. 1887.
Army III - I. House Prefect. House XI Cricket and Football.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; Yorkshire
Regt. 1906; Captain 1914.
Great
War, temporary Lieut-Colonel 191 D.S.O., Legion d'Honneur
(Chevalier), Despatches.
2nd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers attd. 6th Bn. Yorkshire Regiment.
The Times: "Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. Forsyth, D.S.O., Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed on September 14th, 1916, passed into the Army from Sandhurst in 1906 and went immediately to South Africa, where he joined the Yorkshire Regiment. On returning to England two years later he was adjutant for two courses to a mounted infantry battalion at Longmoor, and in 1910 was made adjutant to his battalion. When the war broke out, Colonel Forsyth's regiment was in Guernsey, and at that time he was going through the School for Instruction for Flying, but was recalled to his regiment, which went to Belgium in October 1914, and took part in the first battle of Ypres, at which Lieut. Forsyth, as he then was, was severely wounded. He returned to his regiment in March 1915, having been awarded the D.S O. in January of that year. In February the President of the French Republic bestowed on him the Croix de Chevalier of the Legion of Honour "in recognition of his distinguished conduct during the campaign." On resuming his military duties Colonel Forsyth became second in command and adjutant to the Wilts Regiment under Colonel Leatham, and after the death in action of that officer at the battle of Hulluch he took command of the regiment, continuing in command for three days after being wounded. On recovering Colonel Forsyth was sent out to Egypt, where he was given command of a Yorkshire battalion which had just come from Gallipoli. After service in Egypt he went to another front last July with a Yorkshire battalion as temporary major, but was soon promoted lieutenant-colonel (dated February 9). A brother officer writes: “In his death the Army has lost one of its most brilliant and promising young officers, and I should think at the time he was given command of the Yorkshire Battalion he was probably the youngest commanding officer in the Regular Army. He had a great future in front of him if only he had been spared to come through this war." Those who knew Cusack Forsyth at school will not be surprised to hear that he became "one of the finest officers in the Service"; such was the opinion of a senior officer. As a boy, keen, alert, smart, endowed with good abilities, extremely popular, he was not likely as a man to disappoint the high hopes formed of him. He was killed in one of the captured trenches, after he had completed the task—a hard task too—that had been allotted to his battalion. (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Service record: WO 339/6579
Son o
f George Croker Fox, Penjerrick and Pennance Cottage, Falmouth. b. 1879.
III - Shell.
Architect in Vancouver.
Great War, Inns of Court O.T.C. 1914.
2nd Lieutenant Worcester Regt. 1915. Lieutenant 12th Bn East Surrey Regt.
'He left Malvern too early to reach a prominent position in the school, but he will be remembered by contemporaries as a boy of refined character and endowed with considerable ability as an artist. On leaving school he accompanied his father to British Columbia, where he became a member of a firm of architects at Vancouver. Shortly after the outbreak of the war he returned to England and joined the Inns of Court O.T. C. In April 1915 he was gazetted to the Worcestershire Regiment. After a course at the Staff College, Camberley, he was transferred to the East Surrey Regiment, being promoted Lieutenant in December.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
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
Son of Rev. J. G. Pinder, C.F. b. 1887.
Middle V—Mathematical VI. House Scholar. English Essay.
Dowdeswell Prize 1904-06; Warrington Exhibition. School Prefect.
Mathematical Scholar, Queens' College, Cambridge; B.A. (Sen. Opt.) 1909.
Ceylon Civil Service 1910.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant Leicestershire Regt. 1915. Despatches.
'Held in high regard for his singularly sincere and unselfish character, he was also intellectually one of the most distinguished boys of his time. He was not only an apt mathematician, but also showed a marked literary bent; and he proved during his short term of service in Ceylon that he possessed administrative ability of a high order. Volunteering for the war in 1915, he was given a commission in a Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, in which he was later promoted Lieutenant and became Signalling Officer. He was considered a particularly cool, capable, and trustworthy officer, invariably cheerful under whatever conditions. For conspicuous gallantry on one occasion, when, exposed to heavy fire, he dug out men buried by a shell, his name was specially recorded. He was killed—it is thought by a sniper—on September 15th.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Son of Reginald N. Rogers, Carwinion, Falmouth, b. 1882.
Middle V—VI. Minor Scholar. School Prefect. XI Cricket 1900,01; XI Football 1899, 1900.
Worcester College, Oxford; Third Class Class. Mods.; B.A. (Third Class History) 1905; played Association Football v. Cambridge 1904,05.
Joint Head Master of Kent House School, Eastbourne.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 15th Rifle Brigade and 7th Bn. Rifle Brigade.
'At Malvern, as afterwards at Oxford, Reggie Rogers was one of those who got full value out of both. His many-sided success was the outcome of high capability both of mind and body, combined with an intense love of life, every hour of which he lived. By his many friends at School and College, and among the boys at his school at Eastbourne—who have written most gratefully of his influence there— his memory will long be cherished as of one who lived and loved his life, but loved honour more. He fell in action while gallantly leading his men to the attack on September 15th.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
On the 14th Sept 1916, the battalion moved to Delville Wood in the night and deployed for attack.
On the 15th Sep, at 6.20am (zero), the advance began in conjunction with an intense artillery barrage on the enemy's defences (there had been no preliminary bombardment). The orders were to seize the TEA support trench (reported obliterated) and the 3rd (Switch) line. TEA trench was found to be strongly held and proved to be a serious obstacle. Both here and before the 2nd objective (Switch) the Bt suffered severely. It pushed on in small parties to its final objective (GAP trench) which it captured.
Officers, 1 killed (2nd Lt Rogers), 1 missing, 7 wounded. O.R. 18 killed, 75 missing, 210 wounded. (Unit War Diary).
Unit War Diary:WO 95/1896/1
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Born: December 18th 1897, Mentone, France. Son of Arthur Wellesley-Miller (Chartered Accountant) and Edith Wellesley-Miller (formerly Hamilton), of "Hadley Dene," 24, Bedfordwell Rd., Eastbourne, and Glenlee, Ayrshire.
Lower Modern II—Matriculation Class.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; The Buffs 1915.
Great War, 1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
'Wellesley-Miller did not remain long enough at Malvern to reach any great position, but he remains in our memory as one who worked on quietly and well. He was a very quiet boy, inclined to be shy, and was not originally intended for the Army. When war broke out, like every other Public School Boy, he took the earliest opportunity of getting a commission. He was gazetted to the Buffs in 1915, and went to the front last May. He fell on September 15th, while leading his men to the attack.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
'He was my platoon commander; Pte. Edwards in No 5 platoon told me that he saw Mr Miller fall close to him just in front of Loos Wood about 6.30am on the 15th September. I was Prisoners Guard at the time, but made particular enquiries about Mr Miller as we were all very fond of him. There seems no doubt that he was killed.' (Corporal Tritton, 20 General Hospital, Etaples, 27th Sep 1916).
Service record:WO 339/45404
Born June 15th 1885. Son of Charles Ashby Scott Leggatt M.D. and Helen Henrietta Leggatt (formerly Anderson), 2 Walton Place, S.W.
Middle IV—Army III. House XI Cricket.
Natal Mounted Police 1903-12; served in Natal Native Rebellion, Medal; Civil Service N. Rhodesia 1912,13; Assistant Secretary of Falcon Mines, Rhodesia.
Great War 1914 (overseas), 2nd Lieutenant "C" Bty. 47th Bde. Royal Field Artillery .
Husband of Ada Leggatt, of 30, Manchester St., Manchester Square, London. (Married at Church of St Thomas , Regent Street on 15th March 1915).
'At the outbreak of the war he returned to England and obtained a commission in the R.A., and according to the report of his C.O. proved a most capable officer. He was wounded in October of last year, and was killed in action in September of this year. He was a boy and young man of singular charm and strong personality, and extremely popular wherever he was.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
'Bazentin-le-Grand. 16th Sept. 9.30am The enemy kept up a heavy barrage on Switch Trench throughout the day. 2/Lt A.G.S. Leggatt killed.' (Unit War Diary)
Service record:WO 339/16782
Unit war diary:WO 95/1887/1
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Son of W. H. Woodroffe, 51 Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. b. 1894.
Middle V—VI. Minor Scholar. School Prefect. House XI Football.
Scholar, Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 7th Middlesex Regt. 1914, Captain. Croix de Guerre.
'His five years at Malvern were years of steady growth, and he left us for Cambridge with good hopes of a successful career, and these, so far as fate allowed, were fulfilled. His alert and acquisitive mind, his industry, his humour, and his powers as a speaker were gifts which could not fail to bring him into prominence, and he made his mark at the Union, at which he was elected a member of Committee. Keenly interested in political questions, he would probably have aspired to Parliamentary honours. He was a warm-hearted friend and a companion full of charm; no gathering could be dull where he was present. Early in the war he was gazetted to a Battalion of the Middlesex Regt., in which he rose to be a Captain. Last July he was awarded the Croix de Guerre (1st Class) for conspicuous gallantry in the field. He was killed instantaneously—shot through the heart—on Sept. 15th while leading his company to the assault.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Son of Clement Edward Hoyland, Stock Park, Ulverston, and Brinkworth Hall, Elvington, York. b. April 22nd 1895.
Middle IV B—Science II. House Prefect. Shooting VIII 1913,14.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 4th Bn. Attd. 9th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers 1914.
'A sound, reliable boy in every way, an excellent leader and a good shot, Hoyland was a splendid type of the "First Hundred Thousand." He secured a commission in the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was reported wounded and Missing in October 1916, and is now assumed to have been killed.' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
Killed in action at Mouquet Farm, Thiepval.
Clock memorial at St Peter's Church, Finsthwaite, Cumbria.
Husband of Louisa Eddie (formerly Fraser).
Service record:WO 339/29979
Son of Rev. E. R. J. Nicolls, Trowell, Nottingham, b. 1894.
Upper V—VI. Lea Scholar. Reading Prize. School Prefect. Head of House. Champion Athlete. XXII Cricket.
Exhibitioner, Hertford College, Oxford.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant Sherwood Foresters 1914; Captain 11th Batt.
'He had been a year at Oxford when he volunteered for the war and received his commission in the Sherwood Foresters in September 1914. In July 1915 he went to Gallipoli and was severely wounded in action after the landing at Suvla Bay, in which he took part. He left England for another front last March, saw much fighting and was promoted Captain in July. Letters from officers in his Battalion testify to his courage and cheeriness, his regardlessness of self, and his admirable control of his company. It was while he was looking after his men in some captured trenches "won thanks to his leading," that he was killed by a sniper's bullet on October 1st.
In his early years at Malvern a sensitive nature and a certain veil of irony concealed the independence of view, force of will, and strength of character which came out later, when as Head of his House and as Champion Athlete he occupied a prominent position in the School. Intellectually, his abilities were not such as would have attained great success in the schools, but he had read widely in English and was genuinely fond of literature. He had a fastidious taste in music and possessed a well-trained and pleasing voice. There was in his speech and writing a humorous and epigrammatic quality which was the delight of his friends. To them he was unswervingly loyal; where his affection was enlisted, it knew no reserves. On all those who were privileged to share it the sense of loss weighs heavily.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
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
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Son of Thomas Walker, (Barrister-at-Law) and Mrs. M.H. Walker, of 1, Chester Gate, Regent's Park, London and Creig-ny-gaie, Lewaigne, Isle of Man. b. 1893.
Lower IV—Modern III.
Aspatria Agricultural College.
Farmer in Canada.
Great War, Trooper King Edward's Horse 1914; 2nd Lieutenant 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.
Despatches.
'By his generation here, he will be remembered as an ardent naturalist. He went from School to Aspatria Agricultural College, and then joined his brother Jocelyn for a few years in Canada, returning to England in 1914. He enlisted within the first week of war in the 2nd King Edward's Horse, and was commissioned in the Special Reserve of Officers in January, 1915, and attached to the Bedfordshire Regiment. He proceeded to the front with his battalion in October, and obtained a permanent commission in August 1916. He was killed in an attack on October 12th, and his Captain writes: "We had just entered a trench, and your son had done, as usual, magnificently. He was absolutely unselfish and very brave, and had several times been recommended for his bravery and good works."' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
The commanding officer further wrote 'During the attack we were held up by their machine guns, and your son at once got hold of a rifle and began firing at the Germans, who were about 100 yards from us. He was marked down and shot through the head, and I am so thankful to tell you that death was instantaneous. He has several times been recommended for his bravery and good work.” He was mentioned In Despatches [London Gazette, 4 Jan. 1917] by Genera Sir Douglas Haig, for gallant and distinguished service in the field' (De Ruvigny).
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Born: 11th July 1896 at 10 Montgomery Terrace, Ayr.
Father: William Morison Paterson (Dress Goods Manufacturer).
Mother: Margaret Swale Paterson (M.S. Agar).
Adopted son of R. Agar, Edgecombe Hall, Wimbledon Park, S.W. b. 1896.
Lower IV—Science I. School Prefect; House XI Football.
Cadet Officer.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders 1916.
At enlistment in May 1915, lived at Edgecombe Hall, Beaumont St, Wimbledon Park, London.
Brother: James A Paterson was killed near Ypres on October 30th 1914.
'After passing through Sandhurst he was gazetted to the Seaforth Highlanders, and went out to France on July 18th, where he was killed in action on October 14th. His cheerful and generous nature endeared him to all his contemporaries at School, and many boys owed much to his kindly and thoughtful influence.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
War Diary:
"He and his company were endeavouring to attain Dewdrop Trench, he was killed by very heavy machine gun fire while being driven back to Rainy Trench."
War Diary says that "he was a splendid officer and his death is a great loss to the Battalion".Ref
Service Record: WO 339/57485Extracts
Medal Card: WO 372/1/26326
Unit War Diary: WO 95/1483/5 (1916 July 1 - 1916 Dec 31)
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Son of Charles Frederick and Maria Thompson, Churchfield House, West Bromwich, and 109A, Adelaide Rd., Hampstead. b. 1893.
Upper IV B—Modern III.
Engineering Student.
Great War, Private H.A.C. 1914; 2nd Lieutenant R.F.C.
Killed in action October 16, 1916; D.C.M., Despatches.
'He left School early owing to the claims of business, but in the short time that he was at Malvern, his happy disposition and unassuming character made him a well-liked member of his House. Early in the war he joined the H.A.C. as a Private, and was subsequently promoted Lance-Corporal. In June 1915, after seeing much fighting and being wounded in one of the fiercest engagements of the year, he was awarded the D.C.M. Later he obtained a commission in the R.F.C. Engaged in offensive patrol work he took part in various successful bombing raids over the enemy's lines. From one of these, last October, his machine failed to return. His death was officially reported on March 19th.' (Malvernian, Apr 1917).
Son of A. Kerwood, Watling House, Barnt Green, b. 1886.
Middle V—Remove. Minor Scholar. Lea Shakespeare.
Solicitor 1908; Captain 8th Worcester Regt. 1909;
Great War, mobilised 1914, Major.
He disembarked at Boulogne on March 31, 1915, with the 1/8th Battalion.
He was promoted to Major at the front and became Second-in-Command of the 1/8th Worcesters.
'Major Kerwood had always taken a keen interest in military matters. Twelve years ago he joined the Volunteers at Redditch. He became a captain, and was instrumental in raising a company of Territorials at King's Norton. He afterwards obtained funds for building a drill hall, which was opened about four years ago. He went to the front a year and eight months ago, and was killed in action on October 21st while in temporary command of a battalion of the Cheshire Regiment.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
He was killed on October 21, 1916, while in temporary command of the 13th (Service) Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment, when the unit made a successful assault on Regina Trench, which ran north of Courcelette, in which the battalion captured around 250 prisoners.
Redditch Advertiser
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Born September 25th 1897. Son of J. W. H. Burgoyne.
Upper IV—Modern I. School Prefect. XL Football; Shooting VIII (captain); Cadet Officer.
88th Bde. Royal Field Artillery.
Address Wellers, Ashington, Sussex.
'Shortly after leaving school he obtained a commission in the R.F.A., and it was in the performance of the most dangerous duty which falls to the lot of an artillery officer that he lost his life. In letters received from his Colonel and Battery officers mention is made in every case of his popularity in the Battery, and of his gallantry. "A splendid soldier, and absolutely without fear," wrote his Battery Commander. "We were all extremely fond of him in the Mess, where he was always good-tempered, unselfish, and thoughtful for others." To have won that is to have won all. A man is his true self at the Front; moreover, this is the Jack Burgoyne that we knew.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Next of kin: Lorna Heywood Burgoyne (sister) and Miss B Morgan (Aunt-Guardian), Wellers, Ashington, Sussex
Service Record:WO 339/49394
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Son of E. V. Surr, San Francisco, U.S.A. b. 1891.
Upper Shell—Lower VI.
Birmingham University; B. Com. (First Class) 1913.
In business (Baldwin's, Ltd.).
Great War, Private Public Schools' Batt. 1914; Lieutenant 5th Worcesters.
'After leaving School he attended Birmingham University and took his degree with honours in commerce. He afterwards entered the works of Baldwin's Ltd., and at the outbreak of war joined the Royal Fusiliers. Later he took a commission in a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment, and went to the front a year ago. He was keenly interested in the Boy Scout movement, being a Scoutmaster for some years. As a boy at school he was distinguished for his kindly and genial courtesy. A short poem written by him not long before his death is published below.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
SUNSET.
Those golden entry-ways of cloud
Like islands in a sunset sea
Are gateways, leading from the crowd
Of mortals, to where God must be.
Beyond, unfathomable blue.
From out which peeps one evening star.
Revealing Peace, which men still view
In glimpses only, seen afar.
How many souls have passed that way ;
Gone through the gateways gleaming bright ?
How many angels come each day
To meet there those who seek the Light ?
Men cannot tell, but this they know,
Those clouds must be a trysting-place,
Where wait them, toiling still below.
The souls who early won their race.
R. V. S.
(Killed in action October 1916).
Son of the Rev. W. H. Elmhirst, of "Elmhirst", Barnsley and Pindar Oaks, Barnsley. b. 1892.
Lower V—VI. House Prefect. House XI Cricket.
Scholar Worcester College, Oxford; B.A. (Third Class Jurisprudence) 1914.
Articled to a Solicitor.
8th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment.
'At School, Will Elmhirst's career was not marked by any exceptional incidents or achievements, but he exercised a very sound influence here. He fully realised the meaning of duty and responsibility, and in a quiet unobtrusive way he always set himself to satisfy the demands of his position. During his time at Oxford he maintained the same high standard that he had aimed at and reached here in really important things. In the Army he was regarded with respect and affection by those with whom he came into contact. Many of these have given written testimony to the debt which they owe to him for his help and guidance.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Barnsley Chronicle 9 December 1916:
He took a scholarship from Malvern to Worcester College, Oxford, where he gained honours in law. He volunteered in 1914, from the office of Messrs. Brown and Elmhirst, solicitors, York where he was articled. His commanding officer writes, "He was a universal favourite both with the officers and men. I looked upon him as one of the best young officers I have had in the battalion. He always took such an interest in his work, was so keen, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to do, and to do thoroughly. His death is a sad loss, not only to his friends, but to the Army. He was last seen rallying his men close up to the German position."
Barnsley soldiers
Service record: WO 339/21678
War diary: WO 95/1424/2
Son of Mrs. Southwell, Fairfield, Bridgnorth, b. 1887.
Lower IV—Lower Modern II.
Great War (overseas), Private 1914, afterwards 2nd Lieutenant 9th Shropshire Light Infantry.
'Early in the war he enlisted in the Shropshire L.I., and after being promoted Lance-Corporal was given a commission. He went to France with his Battalion, and took part in the fighting in the summer of 1916. On November 13th of that year he was wounded during an attack carried out in thick mist, and later was reported missing. It is now officially notified that he died from wounds on or about that date. A soldier in his Battalion spoke to the writer of this notice in the highest terms of his work as an officer, and especially of his constant anxiety for the well-being of his men. During the three happy, if uneventful, years he passed at Malvern be showed a keen interest in the life of the school—an interest which continued unabated in later years.' (Malvernian, Dec 1917).
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Son of Frederick and Julie Charles, of 153, High St., Waltham Cross, Herts and 10 Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, N.W. b. 1896.
Middle IV—Modern II.
In business.
Great War, Private H.A.C. 1914, Sergeant-Major. 1st Bn. Honourable Artillery Company.
'As a boy at school he rose to no great distinction either at work or play, but his downright honest nature made him respected and popular. He joined the H.A.C. as a private at the beginning of the war, and had more experience of trench warfare than most people. Except for a short leave after being wounded, his active service was without a break for over two years, and he had been promoted to Colour Sergt.-Major. He was mortally wounded on November 13th, and died the next day.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).