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.
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
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
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
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
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
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