Malvern College First World War Casualty

2nd Lieut John Paxman Everitt

Photo of John Paxman Everitt
House and time at Malvern: No 8, 1910 - 1914.

Regiment: West Yorkshire Regt.
Died: 01 July 1916 aged 20 in France. Killed in action near Serre.
Battle: Battle of the Somme. Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial P 2A 2C 2D

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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