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.
Son of Lt. Col. A. S. Blair, C.M.G., T.D., and Mrs. Elinor W. Blair, of 36, India St., Edinburgh.
Lower V—Army I. House Prefect. Cadet Officer.
Edinburgh Academy
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. (Special Reserve) 1912; 1st Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 1914.
Picture and short biography
Son of F. D. O. Bullock, 59 Mount Park Road, Ealing, b. 1882.
Lower V—Remove. Minor Scholar. School Prefect. Head of House. XI Football; Shooting VIII; XL Cricket. Lieutenant in Corps. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge; B.A.; was in Ceylon.
Great War, Private Inns of Court O.T.C. 1914; 2nd Lieutenant 1915 11th Bn. South Wales Borderers.
'He was in Ceylon when war was declared and came home to join the Inns of Court O. T. C. Receiving his commission in the South Wales Borderers in January 1916, he went to the front in the following June. He was killed in action on July 31st, 1917.' (Malvernian, Nov 1917).
Born 22nd April 1890, Ross, Herefordshire.
Son of the Rev. William
Shuttleworth Clarke, M.A., Vicar of Marstow, Ross, Herefordshire, and Maria Brandram.
Upper IV—Middle V. Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Champion Athlete; XXII Football; XL Cricket. Lieutenant in Corps.
St. John's College, Cambridge; B.A. 1912; President C.U.A.C.; ran the Mile 1911-13, and the Cross-Country Race 1911 v. Oxford; ran the Two Miles for Oxford and Cambridge v. Yale and Harvard 1911. He came 2nd in the mile and won the 3 miles in 1912.
Assistant Master Golden Parsonage Preparatory School, Hemel Hempstead.
Great War, Private 1914, afterwards Captain D Coy, 5th Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
'Robert Clarke was one of those who make more friends than acquaintances. He was a man of few words, but his conversation often revealed the enthusiasm of the man of action. Living a hard, clean life he delighted in honest sport, both for himself and for those children of rich and poor alike whom he helped to train up to true manhood. It was characteristic of him that when war began he chose to learn soldiering in the ranks. To his own personality he owed his corporal's stripes, his Colonel's recommendation for a commission, and his subsequent promotion. And as he had lived, so he died, handing on the lamp of life to those who shall succeed him. He was killed on September 25th.' (Malvernian, Dec 1915).
L/Corpl.
C. Kelcowyn wrote, “On September 25 we were ordered to take two
lines of trenches; we advanced about dawn and captured the first line.
Just then I was struck by a bursting shell. Captain Clarke was struck by
the same shell. He was hit in several places. We crawled into the
communication trench and lay there. Captain Clarke had his flask with
him and he gave me some drink from it. He said, ‘Cheer up, lad,’ and I
think he died from loss of blood.” And Sergt. F. Langford, “From the
men who came out of the charge on 25 September and were near him
at the time I know how magnificently he fought, he
died a hero. This is how his memory is revered in this battalion.”
Service record:WO 339/19681
Unit War Diary:WO-95-1902-1
Memorial Baroque tablet on the South wall of St Matthew, Marstow
Biography: Menin Gate North:In Memory and In Mourning By Paul Chapman
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
Son of Alexander and E. J. Cooke, of Nottinghill House, Malone Road, Belfast, b. 1884.
Lower Modern II—I.
Formerly in the Linen Trade; afterwards served in British South African Police, S. Rhodesia.
Prior to 1914 he served with the South African Police and was assisting as Adjutant in the Ulster Volunteer Force upon the outbreak of war.
3rd Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Mentioned in Despatches.
Ref:IWM Bond of Sacrifice
Son of Lieut.-Col. J. C. Culling, West Lydford, Taunton, b. 1885.
Army III.
Royal Munster Fusiliers 1906; Lieutenant 1908; resigned 1909;
afterwards an officer in the Canadian Militia, and a Lumberman.
Great War, Captain Canadian Infantry 1914 (overseas).
2nd Bn. Canadian Infantry
Son of E. Deacon, Buxted Park, Uckfield. B. 1872.
Army Class. School Prefect. XXII Football.
R.M.C. Sandhurst 1891; 1st King’s Dragoon Guards 1892;
retired 1899; M.P.H. East Essex, Newmarket and Thurlow; D.L. co.
Essex 1912; Lieut.-Colonel Essex Yeomanry 1911.
Great War,
mobilised 1914, Commanded Essex Yeomanry formerly 1st (King's) Dragoon Guard.
Husband of Sybil Deacon, of Sloe House, Halstead, Essex.
Master of the Essex Foxhounds.
'After leaving Malvern, he went to Sandhurst and was gazetted to the 1st King's Dragoon Guards in 1891. He retired in 1899, and became successively Master of the East Essex and the Newmarket and Thurlow Hunts. When the Essex Yeomanry was formed, in 1901, he joined with the rank of Major, having raised a squadron in his own Hunt. In 1911 he was given command of the regiment. The Essex was one of the first Yeomanry Regiments to be chosen for active service, and left England for France in November 1914. He was killed, while still in command of the Yeomanry, at the second battle of Ypres, May 13th, 1915. ' (Malvernian, Dec 1919).
He was killed during the attack at 2.15pm to reoccupy front line trenches east of Potijze, near Ypres.
Biography - Charterhouse
Menin Gate North:In Memory and In Mourning By Paul Chapman
Son of Mrs. Dennis, c/o Cox & Co., Charing Cross, S.W. b. 1888.
Army III—I. School Prefect. Head of House. Shooting VIII 1906,07; House XI Football.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1909; Lieutenant 1912.
'Owen Dennis was
killed by a shell when he was directing his battery’s fire from the
infantry trenches. His Major states that he considered him to be the
smartest officer. Throughout the time that he was at the front he
displayed unflinching bravery. This was quite in accordance with what
we noted in him at school. He had a definite aim before him, and he showed steady resolution in attaining it. He served his school and his country well.' (Malvernian, Dec 1914).
Menin Gate North:In Memory and In Mourning By Paul Chapman
Son of James Fabian, of 6, Daleham Gardens, Hampstead, London, b. 1892.
Lower Modern II—Matriculation Class. House Prefect. Shooting VIII 1908,09 (captain).
Articled to a Chartered Accountant; H.A.C. 1909.
Service Number 542. 1st Bn. Honourable Artillery Company.
'On leaving School he was articled to a firm of Chartered Accountants, joined the H.A.C,, and gave up much of his spare time to work at the School Mission, He became secretary and subsequently captain of the H.A.C. Rugby Football team, and in 1913 was Battalion Shot. He went to France early in September, and though he was twice ordered home from hospital owing to an injured knee, he each time evaded the order, and finally managed to get to the trenches.' (Malvernian, March 1915).
Killed in action at Kemmel.
Biography at hac1418
Unit War Diary: WO 95/1415/4
Son of J. J. Gale, Benson, Wallingford, Berks. b. 1884.
Lower V —Remove. School Prefect. Head of House. XXII Football; XL Cricket; Ledbury Cap.
Surveyor; A. S. I.
Great War, Corporal Oxfordshire Hussars
1914.
Killed at Zouave Wood, Hooge, Ypres, Belgium
Medal Card: WO 372/7/187228
Unit War Diary: WO 95/1137/2QOOH
Son of Sir Henry Hawley, 5th Bart., and Lady Hawley. B. 1878.
Army Side.
King’s Royal Rifle Corps 1899; Captain 1905; South African War 1899-1902, Despatches, Queen’s Medal with 6 Clasps, King’s Medal with 2 Clasps.
Husband of Ursula Mary Hawley, of 14, Stafford Place, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W.
Served in the South African Campaign.
2nd Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.
He joined the Battalion near Ypres with a draft of 105 men on the 1st November 1914. On the 2nd of November, the 2nd Battalion KRRC were ordered to assist the 1st Battalion and he was killed by a sniper at 4pm near the Chateau Herenthage just off the Menin Road to the east of Hooge.
Unit war diary:WO-95-1272-1
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hilton; husband of Hylda Swan (formerly Hilton), of 7, Elysium Row, Calcutta, India. b. 1873.
III —Lower IV.
Roberts’ Horse; Middlesex Regt. 1900; Captain 1906; South
African War 1899-02, Despatches, Queen’s Medal with 6 Clasps,
King’s Medal with 2 Clasps.
3rd Bn. Middlesex Regiment
'He received his commission in the Middlesex Regiment in 1900 from the ranks of Roberts' Horse, after a campaign of much distinction in South Africa. He took part in the relief of Kimberley, and was present at the operations at Paardeberg, Dreifontein, and Vet River, and was in actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Diamond Hill in the Transvaal, and Lindley, Bethlehem, and Wittebergen in the Orange River Colony.' (Malvernian, March 1915).
He entered the front-line on 10 February 1915, and was killed in action less than a week later,
on 16 February 1915, during fighting to recapture some lost trenches.
Menin Gate North:In Memory and In Mourning by Paul Chapman
Son of Herbert Hobbs, of Riding Mill, Northumberland and Falcons, Elmfield Road, Gosforth. b. 1894.
Middle Shell—Matriculation Class. House Prefect. Shooting VIII.
Keble College, Oxford.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 8th Northumberland Fusiliers 1914 ; Lieutenant 2nd Batt.
2nd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers.
He was a fine long
distance runner, and won the mile race for his College while at Oxford.
'At the outbreak of the war he had just completed his first year at Keble College, Oxford; he intended after his University career to be ordained. He was one of the first to be given a temporary commission in August 1914, and was sent for one month to the Officers' Training Camp at Churn, after which he was appointed to the 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. After several months training he was promoted Lieutenant and went to the Staff College at Camberley, subsequently being gazetted to a permanent commission in the Regular Army, 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He went out to the front with a draft to his regiment on May 2nd, and was killed in
action nr. Hooge on May 25th.' (Malvernian, Jul 1915).
Menin Gate South:In Memory and In Mourning By Paul Chapman
Son of J. Hopkinson, 36 Netherhall Gardens Hampstead. B. 1875.
Lower IV— Upper V. School Prefect. Head of House. XI
Football 1892,93; House XI Cricket.
Farmed for some time in Aberdeenshire; North of Scotland
Bank, Elgin; Factor Drumtochty Estates; Lieutenant 6th Batt.
Seaforth Highlanrs.
Great War: Lieutenant 4th Batt. Gordon
Highlanders 1914; Captain.
'He joined the Gordon Highlanders from the Reserve of Officers having served formerly with the 6th Seaforth Highlanders. On September 25, 1915, he was in command of a double company, and had the honour of being selected to lead the attack. He had reached the third line of the German trenches, and was standing beside a captured gun when he was shot through the head by a sniper. We have had the privilege of reading many letters written by his fellow-officers and men, which testify alike to his universal popularity and his sterling qualities as a soldier. One quotation, however, will suffice: "He was one of the bravest men I ever fought beside, and his daring and courage, combined with his cool and collected behaviour during this very difficult operation, could not be excelled by the very bravest. His first thought was always for the pleasure and comfort of the men under him; and he was dearly loved by all." This is high praise; but his contemporaries who remember the boy on the football field and as Head of his House will recognise the man.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Service record:WO 374/34653
Transcript of unit war diary
Son of Edward Hume (Barrister-at-Law) and Agnes Mary Hume, Church House, Oatlands, Weybridge. B. 5th July 1890.
Army III—II.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; South Staffordshire Regt. 1910; Lieutenant 1913.
"B" Coy. 1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
He was fond of polo and sailing.
At the time of his death his battalion formed part of the VIIth Division, and as the senior officers had been killed he was leading his company.
Menin Gate North:In Memory and In Mourning By Paul Chapman
IWM
Son of Colonel Cecil Newton Lane, C.M.G., and Adela Mary Lane, Foster Winston Hall, Salop, b. 1879.
III—Modern III.
Aspatria College; served with Paget's Horse in the South African War, Medal; afterwards in Tasmania.
Great War, Private Australian Infantry.
Husband of Mrs. V. A. Lane. Native of Shrewsbury, England.
'He was one of the most popular boys in the house. With particularly pleasing manners, and a bright disposition he made many friends'. (Malvernian, Jul 1917).
Born 15 Jan 1881 at Bonigale, Shropshire. Son of Colonel C. N. Lane, C.M.G., Whiston Hall, Shropshire, b. 1881.
III—Lower IV.
Formerly at Aspatria College; served in the South African War with Paget's Horse; afterwards in Canada.
Rancher in Canada.
Great War, Private Canadian Infantry 1914; 2nd Lieutenant 1915 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment).
'Percy Lane served with Paget's Horse in the South African War, receiving a medal and clasp. He subsequently went to Canada, and on the outbreak of the present war enlisted in the Canadian Infantry; in this he obtained a Commission and was killed in action on or about May l0th, 1915.' (Malvernian, Dec 1917).
'On the 8th May,1915, Captain Dennison, Lieutenant Lane and a few men were last seen fighting a rearguard action in the front-line trench near the Bellewaerde and Frezenberg Ridges, before being overwhelmed by the German assault.'
Invision Zone
National archives of Canada
Born 1 Dec 1879, Shanghai, China. Son of James and Jane MacKenzie, Daresbury, Malvern.
Junior School — Upper IV.
Seaforth Highlanders (from Militia) 1901; Captain 1911; South African War 1900-02, Queen’s Medal with 5 Clasps: Saxe-Ernestine Order 1907.
Great War, attached Gordon Highlanders.
Husband of Louise Scott MacKenzie, of 14, Paulton Square, Chelsea, London.
He was killed instantly by a shell at Hooge near Ypres on the 12th November 1914.
His recreations were golf and football, and he was a member of the Worcestershire Golf Club and Nairn Gold Club.
IWM
Tain Museum
Son of Dr. Charles Edward and Elizabeth Morris, of Campden, Glos., and London, Ontario, b. 1886.
Ill—Middle IV B.
Settled in Canada.
Great War, Private 31st Bn. Canadian Infantry.
Son of J. J. Muir. b. 1896.
Upper IV B—Science I. School Prefect. Head of House. XI Cricket; XXII Football; Fives Pair. Cadet Officer.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 6th Bn. attd. 3rd Bn Worcestershire Regt. 1914.
'He left us only last Christmas. Here he earned the respect and affection of all who knew him by the genuine simplicity of his character and a certain natural dignity. He was not one of those to whom a soldier's career would in itself be likely to make any great appeal, but a high sense of duty impelled him to try, despite his short sightedness, to obtain a commission. This he gained in the 6th (Reserve) Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment. He went to the front in March with the 3rd Battalion, and was killed in action in Flanders on June 6th.' (Malvernian, Jul 1915).
Unit War Diary extract of 16th June 1915:
'The orders to the Battalion were to support and consolidate the positions gained by the 9th Inf. Bde. In the captured trenches about “Y” wood and to the North of Hooge, and help them consolidate. After an examination of the position had been made, it was decided that immediate support was not necessary. After the assault by the 9th Infantry Brigade, the 7th Infantry Brigade had orders to occupy their assembly trenches and this was done. The H.A.C. at once followed the battalions Royal Fusiliers and 1st Lincs and helped them to consolidate, but after communication with them in captured trenches it was found that immediate support to the H.A.C. which had been ordered, was not necessary, so battalion remained in the assembly trenches vacated by the 9th Inf. Bde., remaining there under heavy shell fire, and a good many casualties occurred. [Killed: Capt EW Buckler, Lt B Muir, Lt RN Loring; Wounded 11 officers. Rank and File: Killed 30, Wounded 255, Missing 24. Total 309]'.
Born: 16th July 1883. Son of Hugh Nicholson (Cotton Broker) and Margaret Gifford Nicholson (formerly Broadfoot), Sutton Hall, Little Sutton, Cheshire.
Lower IV—Middle V.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 2nd Bn. Cheshire Regt.
'Ypres, 24th May. 4am. Battalion proceeded to Ypres (from Brandhoek) following line of railway south of town and thence into trenches in square I 10 (Sheet 28 1/40000) from which an attack was made on enemy trenches about midnight. Battalion was subjected to a withering shell fire in the morning while advancing over open ground.
11pm 25th May. Battalion relieved and returned to Brandhoek.
Casualties: 5 officers (including Nicholson) and 8 other ranks.' (Unit Way Diary)
Service record:WO 339/508
Unit war diary:WO 95/2276/2
Born 14th July 1894. Son of Rev. George and Eva Blanche Palmes, Naburn Hall, York.
Army III.
R.M.C. Sandhurst; 1st Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1914; Lieutenant 1915.
'He was killed in action near Ypres whilst rallying his men in a charge against the Prussian Guard.' (Malvernian, Jun 1915).
'He was wounded on May 8th round Zonnebeke. It took three wounds to finish him. He came out with us and was a very nice gentleman. I saw him wounded the first time, but he kept going and was going about with a bayonet in one hand and a revolver in the other. It was the case of every man for himself, and we had to get back to keep the line straight. He got finished on the way and his servant was wounded trying to save him. The stretcher bearers sent in the news of his death. A man of my Coy, Pte Storey, who has been killed since saw him dead and told us.' (Ref Lance Corporal Dexter, No 14 Clearing Hospital, July 23rd 1915, Boulogne).
Below is the unit war diary extract:
'Friezenberg.
8th May 1915. Trenches heavily shelled with high explosive; this was followed by a ferocious attack. C & D Companies were shelled out of their trenches. A & B drove off ferocious attack and withdrew from trenches at night.
Casualties. Killed: Captain H K Hughes, Captain K Lambert, Lieut Palmes and 53 Other Ranks.'
Service record:WO 339/15776
Unit war diary:WO 95/2274/1
Son of Douglas Petrie, White House, Hadley, Barnet. b. 1884.
"E" Coy. 1st/14th Bn. London Regiment (London Scottish).
'"Roy," as he was always called, was thirteen when he joined us, and he spent more than five years here. His characteristics were an independent nature and an upright view of life and its duties. He was good at work and games, and possessed a charm of manner which made him popular with all. When he left school he had the distinction of passing the Surveyors' Institute Examination at the head of the list. He had apparently a very successful prospect before him, but he placed his duty to his country before his private interests, went with the London Scottish to the front, and met his death near Ypres.' (Malvernian, Dec 1914).
His unit arrived at Hooge in the Ypres salient on 7th November 1914, and on the 8th November they moved to Zillebeke and into trenches in the wood 1 ˝ miles, south-east of the village. Here they stayed until 13th November, heavily shelled day and night. Their right flank was very vulnerable and a farmhouse on the left flank was occupied by the enemy. Several small attacks were made on their trenches during the first night there and on 10th November there was a fierce artillery bombardment that destroyed the HQ dug-out. Some of the trenches were so badly damaged that new ones had to be dug. The next day, 11th November, at 6.30am, the whole of the British line here was heavily shelled accompanied by a constant rain of rifle bullets. Then, from the German trenches, only 100 yards away, came the enemy infantry, advancing in large numbers from the woods behind them. By this time his battalion were fighting in two separate groups, having men from 2nd Welsh and 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers between them, and a very strong force of Germans were heading towards the right group. Their right flank was enveloped and things looked serious until a counter attack against the exposed left flank of the enemy was made by some of 2nd King’s Royal Rifle Corps which restored the situation. Later the left half of the 14th London also came under serious attack and this time the situation was saved by bringing up what remained of Battalion HQ into the line. By the end of the day the Germans had made no gains in this sector. During the night of 13-14th November, the 14th London were withdrawn from the line and moved back to a wood near Hooge before going into Corps reserve the next day. Alan Petrie was one of the casualties on the 13th November.
Biography at London War Memorial
Born on 12th Sept 1878. Son of T. T. Prince, Laurel Lodge, Barnet.
III—Lower V.
Emmanuel College, Cambridge; B.A. 1899; Manchester Regt. 1901; North Lancashire Regt. 1908; Captain 1912; Malay States Guides 1910-13; South African War 1901-02, Queen's Medal with 3 Clasps.
Great War. 1st Bn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Despatches.
He married Emma Caroline, daughter of William Beadell Bacon, Tunbridge Wells, and left two sons, Harold, born in November 1911, and Ralph Bacon, born in February 1914.
It was reported he was shot in the head but was too near the German lines to be reached.
Biography at IWM
Son of St. G. C. W. Robinson, Woodville, Sligo. b. 1895.
Modern III—Army II. House XI Cricket and Football.
Lieutenant 3rd Batt. South Staffordshire Regt. 1913.
Great War, mobilised 1914, Lieutenant 1914.
'His brother officers have written of him with praise and affection, describing him as a most promising soldier, and speaking of his wonderful calmness and pluck under fire. On the day of his death no less than five officers had been killed or wounded, and he was left in command of the Company; and it was while going round to see that they were safe that he met his end.' (Malvernian, Dec 1914).
Son of Archibald C. C. Rogers (Public Works Dept., India), and Jennetta Rogers, of 5, Eaton Place, Fisher St., Paignton, Devon and The Haven, Paignton, b. 1883.
Junior School—Army Side. House Prefect. House XI Football.
Duke of Cornwall's L.I. (from Embodied Militia) 1901; Captain 1912; M.V.O. (Member of the Victorian Order) 1910.
Great War, 2nd Bn. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
He obtained his commission from the Militia in 1901 and his captaincy in 1912. In 1908 he was A.D.C. to the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Bermuda, and from 1908 to 1910 served as A.D.C. to the General Officer Commanding, N. Army, India. (Malvernian, March 1915).
Son of Wyndham and Constance Rushbrooke, of Nowton Cottage, Bury St. Edmund's and Rushbrooke Hall, Bury St. Edmunds, b. 1892.
Middle IV B - Upper Modern II. School Prefect. XI Football; XXII Cricket.
Cadet, British North Borneo Civil Service, 1913; Lieutenant 3rd Batt. Suffolk Regt. 1912.
Great War, Captain. 3rd Bn. attd. 2nd Bn. and 1st Bn Suffolk Regiment.
'As a boy he was singularly free from self-assertion, and had that rare power of sympathy which made others show him their best. He played all games well, and in the true sporting spirit. He was made a School Prefect while still young, and his early departure was a loss to the School. He joined the Special Reserve with a view to taking a Commission in the Army; but a good opening offered in Borneo, and he joined the Civil Service there in 1913. When war broke out he was not released for military service, but in 1915 he resigned his position, and came home to re-join the Special Reserve. He was sent to Flanders at once, and was reported "missing" after an attack in the summer. He is now officially declared killed, and his loss will be deeply regretted by Malvern friends.' (Malvernian, Mar 1916).
This officer was wounded on the 24th May at Hooge Chateau on the right of Ypres. Could not get away. He possibly might be wounded and prisoner of war. Was wounded by machine gun fire.
'At Zillebeke on Whit Monday he was killed during an attack and was left between our trenches and those of the enemy. We had to retire 400 or 500 yards. Did not actually see Capt Rushbrooke killed but there are others who did, and it is pretty certain that he is dead'. (Extract from statement made by Sergeant Farman).
'On Whit Monday May 24th 1915, we were ordered at 2am to move up from billets to join Divisional reserve. We moved about 2.5 miles up the Vlamertinghe Ypres road & awaited orders.
At 11am we received orders to reinforce Cavalry who had been gassed; we arrived at G.H.A. lines at 3pm and the Northumberland Fusiliers & Cheshires were front line supported by Welsh Suffolks, under command of Major Toke (Welsh Regt).
During the second line advance A & B companies were in front. After advancing about 700 yards we were ordered to fix bayonets & Capt Rushbrooke asked me to get him a rifle & bayonet, which I did.
When the line halted Capt Rushbrooke said that he would go & find Major Maycock who was in command, as he was not satisfied that we were going in the right direction, leaving his rifle & bayonet with me.
After waiting about 5 minutes, I saw the line move & I advanced with them, thinking that Capt R. had joined his company & given the order to advance.
I have not seen him since, & in my opinion he is undoubtedly killed. The attack was not a success and we had to retire.' (Edward C.S.M. 'A' Company).
Marble memorial at St Nicholas Parish Church, Rushbrooke
Service record:WO 339/9127
Son of J. G. Silcock, I.C.S. of 36, Lansdowne Rd., Tunbridge Wells, Kent. b. 20 Jun 1882.
Modern IV—III. House XI Football.
Emigrated to Canada in 1904.
Engaged in Railway Construction in Canada.
Great War, Private Canadian Light Infantry.
'He was farming in Canada when war broke out. He joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry as a Private, and was killed in action at Ypres on May 8th.' (Malvernian, Jul 1915).
NB: Surname is down as Silcox in CWGC.
Son of John H. W. Somerset, of "Glenwood," Bronshill Rd., Torquay, England, and the late Mary de Chair Somerset.
Middle IV—Upper Shell. House Prefect.
Farmer in Canada.
Great War, 1914. Private. 10th Bn. Canadian Infantry. Service Number 20375.
He is commemorated in St Giles’ Churchyard, Ashtead, Plot C1 Stepped cross tablet and kerb, with the following inscription:
Buried in a nameless grave
laid aside with other brave.
His life for king and right he gave.
An only son.
Biography at surreyinthegreatwar
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
Son of A. Taylor, Starston Place, Harleston, Norfolk, b. 1888.
Upper Shell—VI. School Prefect. Head of House. XI Cricket; XL Football.
Pembroke College, Cambridge; B.A. 1910.
Assistant Master St. Andrew's, Eastbourne; in business (Osier's, Birmingham).
Great War, Lieutenant 5th Shropshire L.I.
'He took the greatest interest in all that belonged to school life, and his cheerful disposition together with a sense of humour made him a splendid companion. As Head of No. 3 he showed the qualities of a real leader; he never spared himself, and by his kindness and patience he always got the best out of others. On leaving Cambridge, he returned for a short while to his preparatory school, St. Andrew's, Eastbourne, and after that he went into Osier's Glassworks in Birmingham. He was killed in Flanders on August 9th, aged 27. He met his death while in command of an advanced trench, a shell killing him instantaneously while he was endeavouring to bind up the wound of one of his corporals.' (Malvernian, Nov 1915).
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
Son of Rev H G Thwaites, Limber Magna. b. 1876.
Modern III.
Served in South African War 1901—02.
Husband of Ethel J. A. Thwaites.
Great War, Private
Canadian Infantry 1916; Lieutenant 1916. 7th Bn. Canadian Infany.
'He was one of three brothers who entered the School together. He was killed in action, on November 10th, 1917, and so far we have been unable to obtain further details.'
(Malvernian, Dec 1919)
The War Diary states that Lieut B. C. Thwaites was in charge of No 6 Platoon and he was wounded at 7.30am on the 10th November an hour and a half after zero hour at 6.05am which was the start time for the resumption of the offensive on Passchendaele. Map of operations including Map location V.30.b.1.4.
The War Diary further states that 'The good work done by Capt Mogg, Lieut Carter and Lieut Thwaites during the operations deserves to be recommended.' (They were all killed by shell fire in the reserve trench.)
Unit War Diary for November 1917 Unit war diary - Thwaites wounded Recommendations
Operations
Cont
.jpg "View original memorial book page")
Son of Captain J. Waley, Northumberland Street, W. b. 1895.
Upper IV B—Modern I.
In business.
Great War, Private Middlesex Regt. 1914; Lieutenant 12th Bn. Royal Fusiliers .
'On the first day of the war he enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment, but was transferred to the O.T.C., and gazetted to the Royal Fusiliers. He went with his battalion to France, and was seriously wounded in the fighting at Loos in 1915. He developed tetanus, and lay for many weeks between life and death. On recovery he re-joined the depot, and in due course went back to his original battalion in France, where, within 48 hours of his return to the trenches, he met his death leading his platoon.' (Malvernian, Nov 1917).
