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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Father: William Robert Le Guyt Anderson, C.B., Rawal Pindi, India,
Mother: Emilie Frances Anderson
Christened: 23 Jan 1884, Holy Trinity, Rugby
Service Number 675725.
"C" Bty. 285th Bde. Royal Field Artillery
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Son of General B. M. Bateman, R.G.A.. b. 1891.
Army III—I. Minor Scholar. House XI Football.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1910; Lieutenant 1913.
'He was in the retreat from Flanders at Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne, the Aisne, was wounded twice slightly on September 13th at Chassemy, and was sent to a hospital in France. He joined his battery again on September 27th—his wounds hardly healed —and was in the thick of the fighting area on the Aisne, and gave much fighting service since, gaining the tribute from a comrade that "He knows his duty thoroughly, and does it thoroughly, and always does it as if he loved it." He was awarded the Military Cross ‘for conspicuous gallantry on 10th June, 1915, near Ypres, when he was dangerously wounded in endeavouring to restore telephone communication under very severe fire, and had been noted for consistent gallantry, and was wounded on two previous occasions’. He died on July 24th of wounds received on that occasion.' (Malvernian, Nov 1915).
Biography
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Born: Oct 21st 1890, St Margarets Twickenham
Father: Walter James Beall (Lace Agent) Manchester House, Friday Street, London and Trebarwith, Sanderstead, Surrey.
Mother: Isabel Mary Beall.
4 Siblings: Isabel, Kathleen, John, Alan.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1910; Lieutenant 1913. 7th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.
'Oil leaving Woolwich he went out to India and remained there till Sept. 1914, when he went to France with the Indian Expeditionary Force. Killed in action.' (Malvernian, Jun 1915).
Service record:WO 339/7776
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Born July 6th 1894. Son of Sir James Bell, Hill Place, Farnham Royal, Bucks.
Middle IV—Middle Shell.
Great War, Private Public Schools' Batt. 1914.
Address: Hill Place, Farnham Royal, Bucks.
'Never a boy of very robust health, J. C. A. Bell was always a "trier." His determination of character was shown by his persistent and finally successful efforts to get passed for service, and he did right well as a soldier. At school he was prevented by physical causes from distinguishing himself, but he had a good deal of quiet influence, and left a blameless record behind him.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Embarked: 10th Sept 1915.
To England: 24th July 1916. Myalgia from kick by horse on July 17th 1916. He was exercising his horse which fell when jumping a wall, rolled over, & kicked him in the back of right hip.
Embarked: 24th May 1917.
Wounded: 7th Aug 1917 and 18th May 1918.
Next of kin: Sir James Bell (Father), 4 Queens Gardens, Osborne Road, Windsor.
Service record:WO 374/6145
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Son of Inspector General (formerly Surgeon-General) T. C. Bolster, R.N., and Mrs. Bolster; husband of Vary C. Bolster, of "Woodlands," Meopham, Kent.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.G.A. 1903; Lieutenant 1906; retired 1909.
Great War, re-joined 1914 .
124th Bty. 28th Bde. Royal Field Artillery .
MC.
Great War Forum
(Thanks to Karen Syrett via Paul Godsland, for correction of Richard Bolster's wife's name from Mary to Vary, and for his date of death from 15th July 1917 to 5th June 1917)
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Born 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
Born 17th January 1887, 3rd son of Fred Crisp JP DL and Elizabeth Crisp, White House, New Southgate.
Planter in Malay States.
63rd Anti-Aircraft Sect. Royal Field Artillery.
'Stanley Crisp was a boy of fair ability, and showed distinct promise at cricket. He was popular in his House. On leaving School he went to the Malay States, as a planter. He did excellent work in the war, and was a temporary Major in the R.F.A. when he died of wounds.' (Malvernian, Mar 1918).
On the 9th December 1917, his wife, Mrs Muriel May Crisp, received a telegram at the Mascot Hotel on Baker Street from the War Office regretting that her husband was dangerously ill with shell wounds to the chest and the following day on the 10th December 1917 she received a telegram deeply regretting to inform her that he had died from his wounds at No 39 Casualty Clearing Station, Italy.
Service record:WO 339/57134
Grevestone memorial at Friern Barnet Churchyard
STANLEY SEARLE CRISP (H1/18)
My dearly loved husband Fred Crisp JP DL who departed this life November 9th 1905 in his 57th year, “Peace perfect peace”,
also Stanley Searle, 3rd son of the above, Major Royal Field Artillery, killed in action December 6th 1917 aged 31 years, buried in British Military Cemetery Istrana Italy, “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”,
also Elizabeth, wife of the above Fred Crisp, passed on March 23rd 1939 in her 90th year, “God moves in a mysterious way.”
Son of Rev. H. M. Faber, Malvern College, b. 1883.
Army III—II.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1902; Major 1916. 47th Bde. Royal Field Artillery.
'He left School at the age of 16, and was thus prevented from reaching a position of importance here, but before he left he had already shown those qualities of steady perseverance and purposeful application, whether he was engaged in work or in games, which stood him in such good stead in his career in the Army. As a junior he won some distinction in the School sports in '98 and '99; in the latter year his house came second in the competition for the cup.
In 1902 he obtained his commission from Woolwich. He spent several years in India with his battery and in 1912 he became Adjutant to the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A., T.F., and he was occupying this post when war broke out. In October, 1914, he was promoted Captain, and in the spring of 1915 he was given an ammunition column in one of the divisions which composed the "First Hundred Thousand." Shortly afterwards he obtained command of a battery, and in March, 1916, he was promoted Major. He was mentioned in despatches in January 1917. He was spoken of as an exceptionally good Battery Commander. He was of very great assistance to the Staff owing to the good example that he set. He was an excellent soldier, keen, very thorough, loved by his officers and men. His loss has been very much felt, and it was realised that it would be very difficult to replace him.
Those who knew him at Malvern as a boy can well understand that he came to be an extremely valuable officer in the Army. Devotion to duty and a zealous interest in all that concerned his profession secured for him steady promotion, and the special mention of his services was a thoroughly well deserved recognition of the success which has attended his career.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
In April 1917 the Malvern News reported: “News has been received in Malvern on Tuesday that Major Stanley Faber RFA (son of the late Revd H M Faber of Danby Wiske) has been killed on Friday last – the day before the death of his father who was a Housemaster of Malvern College for many years. He was born in 1883 and educated at Malvern College. He left in 1894 and entered the Royal Military Academy Woolwich.”
There is a commemoration at The Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, Malvern.
Malvern remembers
Unit War Diary:WO 95/1887/1
Born July 2nd 1897. Son of Ernest A. and Florence M. Freeman, Ambleside Avenue, Streatham, and Hendon Hall. b. 1897.
Middle IV A - Matricu1ation Class. House Prefect. XI Cricket.
Great War, Private Labour Batt.; 2nd Lieutenant 18th Div. Ammunition Col. Royal Field Artillery attd. 83rd Bde.
'Frank Freeman came to Malvern the third term of 1911. He was the only son of Mr. E. A. Freeman of Streatham. As a small boy he showed signs of considerable promise in football, but he developed so late that he never got into the Football XI. He, however, showed skill as a slow bowler, and in his last season got into the Cricket XL. He got several Form Prizes, and was a keen member of the O.T.C. On leaving school he enlisted in a Labour Battalion, and was sent to the Front, being eventually transferred to a Battalion of the K.R.R. While with this Battalion he was recommended for a commission in the R.F.A., but was wounded before he could be sent home for training. On his recovery he was sent to the R.F.A. Cadet School at Exeter, and was eventually given a commission and posted to the Brigade commanded by Colonel Lyon at Ipswich for further training before proceeding Overseas. He was sent abroad early in February, and was killed on March 21st, the very first day of the great German advance. He had developed to an extraordinary degree after leaving school, and had grown into a fine fellow and showed signs of making a very good officer. Universally popular, and keen on everything he took up, he will be mourned by all who knew him at Malvern and elsewhere.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
Joined Bn in the field on 14 Sep 1916.
Wounded on 13 Oct 1916 and posted to England.
Posted to RFA Officer cadet School on 18 Jun 1917.
Discharged on receiving commission in RFA: 7 Dec 1917.
2 sisters: (Mrs Jenkins and Miss Sylivia Freeman)
Service Record:WO 339/87211
Son of S Fry, Cleeve Mill, Goring. b 1890.
Middle Shell - Matriculation Class. School Prefect. Head of House. XL Football.
Tobacco Planter. Great War, 2nd Lieutenant "D" Bty. 211th Bde. Royal Field Artillery.
'Ned Fry served his House with unswerving loyalty, and a strong dislike for anything petty or mean made his influence all for good. A natural restlessness and a dread of falling into a humdrum life inclined him to farming, which he tried at home and abroad. As soon as war broke out, he fretted like a young horse to be off. In his service abroad he was face to face with many a peril, but he knew no fear when duty called, and he met his death when on observation duty at a notoriously dangerous place. Letters about him all touch on one characteristic, his love for his fellowmen, and the loyal leadership he showed at School he showed also in fighting for his country. It was particularly touching that his great friend here, Frankie Benitz, was killed just previously.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918)
Military Cross citation: 'When acting as forward observation officer his task was to follow-up the infantry attack. As the enemy put down a most intense barrage, he had to cross this on four occasions before he was able to establish communication with his battery and brigade headquarters. His resource and determination throughout this trying period were most commendable.'
Son of John Hamilton Gair and Martha Grace Gair, Skelwith
Bridge, Ambleside. b 1889.
Middle V - VI. Minor Scholar.
School Prefect.
New College, Oxford; B.A. (Second
Class History) 1912; articled
to Clerk of Lancashire County Council.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 2nd West Lancashire Brigade R.F.A. (T.F - 'A' Bty 276th Bde.)
1914; Lieutena.
The Thomas Gair Exhibition was founded in his memory.
'When war broke out he joined the R. F. A., but before the Brigade went abroad he was appointed Instructor at the Bettisfield Training Camp. In January last he once again re-joined his Brigade, which was then in Flanders, and he was in the third battle of Ypres on July 31st. On September 9th he was doing a 24 hour tour of duty with an infantry battalion. Their headquarters were heavily shelled, and three-quarters of the unit became casualties. He attended to the wounded, and when a shell hit the dug-out occupied by the battalion runners and signallers, he went to them, anxious to know if any of his own men were among those hit. Just as he was about to enter the dug-out a shell hit him, and he was killed instantaneously.' (Malvernian, Nov 1917).
Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Bog Labs, Brathay, South Lakeland, Cumbria.
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Born May 19th 1894. Son of Rhodes and Louie Hebblethwaite, of Highthorne, Husthwaite, Yorks.
Upper Shell—Science I. School Prefect. Editor of Malvernian. XXII Cricket; XL Football; Ledbury Cap.
King's College, Cambridge.
Great War, Private 18th Hussars 1914; 2nd Lieutenant R.F.A.
88th Bty. Royal Field Artillery.
Address: St Helen's, Fulford Rd, Scarborough.
'At the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 18th Hussars, and subsequently obtained a commission in the Artillery. He was killed by a high explosive shell in France on the 3rd of October. His Colonel wrote of him that he "had the makings of an excellent officer; he was very keen and energetic, liked by his brother officers and his men, and I feel that the Brigade of the R.F.A. have lost an excellent officer." He was somewhat delicate when he came to Malvern, but soon outgrew that, and played a prominent part in every phase of school life. Quiet and reserved in manner, thoroughly reliable in every way, he exercised an influence which was wholly good.' (Malvernian, Nov 1915).
Service record:WO 339/18899
Son of Thomas Killby (butcher and meat purveyor) and Annie Killby, 152 Highbury New Park, N. b. 1882.
Modern IV—Lower Modern II.
Stock Exchange.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant "C" Bty. 307th Bde. Royal Field Artillery , 1914.
Husband of Gladys Cressy Spear (formerly Killby), of Brewhurst, Loxwood, Billinghurst, Sussex.
'Chester Killby as a boy had a quiet and retiring nature, below which was a strength of sterling character, which endeared him to all his friends. He left School early to go into business, and for some years was a member of the London Stock Exchange. When war broke out he volunteered, and was gazetted as a 2nd Lieut, to the R.F.A. After training he went to France, and very soon proved to be one of the bravest of the brave, frequently volunteering for any post of danger. He was in command of an anti-tank gun, in a forward post, on March 21st when the German offensive began. For some time he was reported missing, but news has since come from a wounded prisoner in Germany that he was seen, standing alone by his gun, surrounded by the enemy, till he fell, mortally wounded.' (Malvernian, Nov 1918).
On March 20, 1918, Lt. Killby took command of an anti-tank gun in front of Holnon Wood, near St Quentin, and the following day he was reported missing, believed killed in action, defending his command.
Biography at Stewkley
Service record: WO 374/39550
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
Son of L. H. Lovett-Thomas, Hillside, Broadstone. b. Feb 6th 1897.
Army II—I. House Scholar. House Prefect.
R.M.A. Woolwich; 165th Bde. Royal Field Artillery 1915. M.C.
'He passed into Woolwich in 1915 and received his commission in the R.F.A. in the same year. In January 1916 he was sent with his brigade to Egypt, and to another front in the following March. For splendid services rendered on February 17th, 1917, when he kept up communication with a forward infantry report centre under the most difficult conditions, he was awarded the Military Cross, but the honour was not announced until after his death, which occurred on March 11th, from wounds received on that day while he was acting as officer in charge of the guns. Letters received from his brigade describe him as a very gallant soldier, invariably plucky and cheerful, and emphasise his manly worth, his exceptional ability, and his very lovable personality. "He was," writes his C.O. in reference to one particularly trying occasion, "just his bright cheerful-serious little self all the time." The words aptly hit off the nature of the boy, as we knew him.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
Bideford Gazette 10th April 1917:
He proceeded to Egypt with his brigade in January, 1916, and to another front in the following March. His commanding officer writes: "I have lost my most efficient and best-loved officer. I cannot speak too highly of him, both as a gentleman and officer. For splendid services rendered to his country on the 17th of February, he was mentioned to those in higher command."
'Hebuterne. 11/3/17. HQ & Battery positions shelled. Casualties 2nd Lieut R S Lovett-Thomas 'C' Battery fatally injured. 1 OR wounded.' (Unit War Diary).
Northam remembered
Service record:WO 339/45693
Unit war diary:WO 95/2349/3
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 Colonel Sir Arthur Mackworth, Bt., C.B., R.E. b. 1876.
Shell—Army Side. House Scholar Chance Prize. School Prefect.
Scholar, Selwyn College. Cambridge; BA. (Jun. Opt.) 1898;
R.F.A. 1898; Major 1914; Staff College; West African Frontier Force 1904—08.
Great War, G.S.O. Despatches.
'A boy of considerable ability, "Sapper" Mackworth took a high place in the examination for Woolwich, but was rejected on the ground of insufficient height. However, he grew into a tall man at Cambridge, and passed into the army as a University candidate. Born of a family honoured in the services, he proved himself a keen soldier, graduated at the Staff College, and was serving in the present war (together with his schoolfellow, Capt. W. R. Reid) on the Artillery Staff of the 3rd Division. He was mentioned in Despatches, and was promoted Major on Oct. 30th. Two days later, ignorant of the honour he had won, he was mortally wounded by a splinter from a shell.' (Malvernian, Dec 1914).
Son of Sir Hugh Murray, CLE., Morleys, Henfield, Sussex, and Bramble Hill Lodge, Lyndhurst, Hants b. 1891.
Army III—I. School Prefect. Head of House. XI Cricket; XI Football. Cadet Officer.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1911; 61st Bty. 131st Bde. Royal Field Artillery; Captain 1915.
Great War. Despatches (2).
'He went to France with the Expeditionary Force in August, 1914, serving throughout the war until the day of his death in action. Originally appointed to the 46th Field Battery, he served during the early part of the war as orderly officer to the colonel of the brigade, and was subsequently transferred to J Battery, R.H.A., and later to the 61st Battery, R.F.A.
On the morning of September 25th, near Neuve Chapelle, whilst accompanying the advancing troops in order to find a new observing station for his guns, he was mortally wounded by a shell and was left behind during the subsequent retreat. He was mentioned in despatches in connection with the first battle of Ypres.
All who knew him when he was at Malvern will remember his radiant cheerfulness, his keen sense of humour, his readiness to help those who needed help, and his enthusiastic interest in the general life of the School. At the front he endeared himself to his Commanding Officer and to his men, by whom he has been spoken of with real affection.' (Malvernian, Dec 1915).
Born 23rd March 1893. Son of Benjamin Arthur and Rosina Nathan, 36 Glenloch Road, N.W. and 22, Belsize Park, London.
Lower V—Lower VI. House Prefect. XXII Cricket.
Stock Exchange.
Great War, Private H.A.C. 1914; Captain 36th T.M. Bty. Royal Field Artillery.
M.C., Despatches.
'Percy Nathan was a boy who was much liked at school: he was trustworthy and sensible, with ability above the average, and showed promise as a cricketer. His school career was blameless, and his influence was always good. And he had character.' (Malvernian, Jun 1918).
He died of wounds received in action at No 61 Casualty Clearing Station, France.
Service record:WO 339/37484
Unit war diary (9th Bn Royal Fusiliers - wrong) :WO 95/1857
Son of Lieut.-Colonel Orde, Nunny Kirk, Morpeth, b. 1886.
Army III—I. Minor Scholar. House Prefect.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1907; Captain 1914.
Great War, Brigade-Major; M.C., Despatches.
'After passing out of Woolwich he was appointed to a Battery of the R.F.A., in which he served in England, South Africa, and India. In December 1914, he went with his division to France, and saw hard service in that country for more than a year, after which he was sent to another front. During his time in France he acted as Staff Captain, as temporary Brigade Major, and as Liaison Officer. In January, 1915, he was mentioned in despatches, and in the following December was promoted Major, and appointed to the command of a Battery. Last January he was awarded the Military Cross. He died on February 12th of wounds received the same day. As a soldier he was considered exceptionally efficient and admired for his invariably cheerful and courageous spirit. "He was," writes a brother officer, "the life and soul of the Brigade, and was literally loved by both officers, and men''—words, the reality of which will be readily understood by the many who shared his friendship here.' (Malvernian, Apr 1917).
Son of H. Peel, Taliaris, Llandilo, S. Wales, b. 1889.
Middle IV—Modern I. House Prefect. House XI Football.
Tea Planter in India.
Great War, Lieutenant R.F.A.
'Robert Peel was a boy of a quite distinctive character. He had great influence in his House. His quiet demeanour, his sound principles, his stern sense of duty, made a deep impression on those with whom he came into contact. His thoughtfulness for others was a noticeable feature in his character in those early days, and this characteristic came out fully when he became an officer in the Army.
He held an appointment in the south of India when war broke out. He resigned this, and reached England in December, 1914. He received his commission on December 30th, in the R.F.A. He was at Suvla Bay from August, 1915, till the evacuation, and then in Egypt till the battery went to another front in July 1916. Last December he was awarded the Military Cross, for rescuing wounded under heavy fire, and preventing the explosion of ammunition dumps. He died, on September 3rd, of a shell wound received the same day while on duty with the guns.
Those officers who knew him most intimately have written of him as follows: "He was a man of very wonderful sympathies, whose fine sensibilities and humanity not even the worst side of war could blunt. He was one of my best officers, and a very tower of strength and help at all times."
"He left the impress of his personality writ large over all his men; he has 'made' by his example more officers than one."
"When he was wounded he realised that his wound was fatal, and he tried to persuade the doctor to leave him, and said, 'The time you spend in attending to me will be wasted; look after the others, please.' As he lived a splendid life, so he died a splendid death."
"Had anyone else met his death as he did, we should have thought it wonderful: as it was —he was just himself."' (Malvernian, Nov 1917).
Born: November 2nd 1885. Son of Charles Aldcroft Phillips and Constance Phillips, Dildawn, Castle Douglas, Scotland.
Army III—I.
R.M.A. Woolwich; R.F.A. 1905; Captain 1914, 31st Bty Royal Field Artillery.
Great War, Despatches.
He was in hospital in Boulogne with stomatitis and was discharged from hospital on 22nd January 1915.
'He had been sent forward to our front trenches, his task being to control the fire of two batteries by telephone during an attack made by the Canadians. In the early morning of May 21, the attack being over, he was sleeping behind a haystack, when a shell burst immediately overhead and killed him instantly. His commanding officer writes: "Not only was he a very great friend of mine, but the most loyal, brave, and energetic of officers." ' (Malvernian, Jun 1915).
Service record:WO 339/6406
Son of F. A. Ravenscroft, Hill Close, New Brighton, b. 1892.
Lower Shell—Science I. XL Football.
Rancher in the Argentine.
Great War, R.F.A. 1914, Lieutenant R.F.C.
Accidentally killed near Croydon, January 16, 1917.
'A boy of vigorous, fearless character, with a strong sense of humour, and withal, when occasion required, a deep seriousness of outlook. He was at his best when things were going worst. At the outbreak of war he was farming in the Argentine, but came home and received a commission in the R.F.A. He was at Suvla Bay until the evacuation, returned to Egypt with his regiment, and came to England last August. He transferred later to the R.F.C., and died on January 16th, as the result of an accident while flying in this country.' (Malvernian, Mar 1917).
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 W. A. Sweet-Escott, Hartrow, Penarth. b. 1898.
Shell—Upper V. School Prefect. Head of House. XI Football; XI Cricket.
Great War, Lieutenant R.F.A.
'He was killed on October 14th by a shell, which struck the O.P. from which he was observing. Bill Sweet-Escott, in spite of a shy manner and reserved disposition, had many friends at School, as afterwards in the service; it is given to a few to have the capacity, which he possessed, for forming the closest friendships. Consequently his loss will be felt by many with peculiar severity. During his School life he held the respect and affection of all who knew him. Conscientious, with a strong sense of duty, he played a large part in the life of his house, and won popularity without courting it. That his sterling qualities were recognised in the service is amply proved by letters from those with whom he served. His C.O. wrote that he was very brave, and that no task was too difficult or too dangerous for him. Perhaps two extracts from the letter of a brother officer recall him best: "He was brave as a lion, a very gallant officer, a perfect gentleman, and a splendid friend"; and, "He was awfully popular, everyone knew him as 'Bill,' from the Divisional Artillery Staff downwards."' (Malvernian, Feb 1919).
Son of Mrs. Willett, Cotswold, Somers Road , Malvern. B. 1876
Modern III.
Served in South African War 1899-1902, Queen’s Medal with 5
Clasps, King’s Medal with Clasps.
Great War, Gunner R.F.A. "H" Bty. 7th Bde. Royal Horse Artillery.