Author Archive: WW1 Photos

Stern L H 2nd Lt 13th London Regiment

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Stern L H 2nd Lt 13th London Regiment

SEC.-LIEUT. LEONARD H. STERN, OF THE 13th LONDON REGIMENT.

A brilliant student, as well as a fine and promising Officer, was lost to the country by the death in action at the Battle of Fromelles, Flanders, of Second-Lieutenant Leonard H. Stern.

Born at Synagogue House, Stepney, September 12th, 1891, Second-Lieutenant Stern was the elder son of the Rev. J. F. Stern, the minister of the East London Synagogue, Stepney, and Mrs. Stern.

He was educated at the Preparatory School, Holly Hill, Hampstead, and University College School. Proceeding to Cambridge in 1910 as an Exhibitioner in Classics of Magdalene College, he was elected a Scholar of his College, in the following year. He also held the Cambridge Jewish Exhibition. In June, 1913, he graduated B.A.,taking a First Class in the Classical Tripos in that year, and in the following year a Second Class in the History Tripos.

An athlete as well as a scholar, he obtained his College Football Colours in 1912, and in the same year played for his College against Magdalene College, Oxford. He was a member of his school Cadet Corps, and subsequently joined the Cambridge O. T. C. He was also a member of the Cambridge Union Society.

During the whole time that he was at the University, Second-Lieutenant Stern took an active part in the affairs of the Cambridge Hebrew Congregation, and held in succession the several Synagogue offices. He was an occasional speaker at the Union, and read several papers at College Societies.

A young man always keenly interested in the welfare of others, he devoted a considerable part of his vacations to social work in East London, and was a manager of the Stepney Jewish Lads’ Club and the Oxford and St. George’s Jewish Lads’ Club. He also took a great interest in the Boy Scouts’ movement, and became a Scout Master of the seventh Stepney Troop, B. P. Scouts.

When war broke out he co-operated with other Toynbee Hall workers in the organisation of the East London Scouts for public service in the Metropolis. He enlisted as a private in the 13th County of London (Kensington) Regiment, and, a thorough soldier from the first, was not long before he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In February, 1915, he obtained his Commission, and went to the front in the following month. On Sunday, May 9th, this young soldier, who, had his life been spared, would assuredly have accomplished much noble and useful work, met his heroic death. The Battle of Fromelles, which is the subject of a graphic letter contributed to the “Times” of June 19th, 1915, by an Officer who took part in the engagement, and which appears under the headlines “Kensingtons in Action,” “Imperishable Glory,” and “A famous Sunday described,” will live for ever in history, and though the bitterest sorrow must have been experienced by those who mourn the loss of the gallant men who fell that day, they must also have felt intense pride at the thought of the manner in which they fell.

A Service in memory of Lieutenant Stern was held on May 30th at the East London Synagogue, of which his father has been minister for more than a quarter of a century, when an eloquent tribute to the life and character of his “Son of the Sanctuary” was paid by the Rev. S. Levy, M.A., Minister of the New Synagogue, Stamford Hill, who had known him from his childhood.

How greatly Lieutenant Stern’s courage was admired, and how much he was loved by Officers and men of his Regiment alike, is shown by the following extracts from letters received after his death by his parents.

Col. Fred W. Lewis wrote:-

“You can indeed take consolation in the way your son met his death- he fell gallantly. He had a dangerous job, but he went through with it, setting a fine example to his men. I grieve to think it cost him his life. We have lost a promising Officer.”

Major H. G. Stafford wrote:-

“It may be some small consolation to you to know that he met his death leading his men in the true British way. Although he had only been with us a short time he had already won the esteem of his brother-officers, and gave great promise as an Officer. He was put in charge of the bombers and he showed zeal and initiative in his work. Col. Lewis… desires me to express his great regret at the loss of so promising an Officer.”

And from Captain Kimber, D.S.O., the following frank and sincere tribute was received:

“What splendid work he did with Knight. He was probably coming to tell me what had happened, but as he was hit just before he reached me, of course he had no opportunity…. He was a brave and splendid lad.”

Private Robert Knight, in a letter to his own parents, thus describes the last heroic deed by which Lieutenant Stern met his death:

“The scrap started at 5 a.m. on Sunday and I was a bomber. There was a forty minutes bombardment of their trenches, and then the mine which had been dug under their trench was let off. That was the signal for us to be up and doing. Over the parapet we went, right through their first line and then their second. Alas! they got their machine guns working and then the poor Kensingtons went down like chaff. We got to the third line of German trenches and our job was to bomb them out by walking along the trench. I was carrying the bombs and one bullet amongst them would have meant picking up the pieces. They were in a bag on my back. We got into a trench and could see the heads of five Germans coming along towards us. Mr. Stern (he is the Officer) handed me a bomb and then lit it. I threw it and it went up with four and a half Germans with it, but the other half accounted for me.. As we passed, Mr. Stern yelled, ‘look out,’ and shot off his revolver. This German had got up on his elbow and fired at my back. Mr. Stern’s shot was a fraction of a second earlier and so spoilt his aim. The bullet slid between the bag of bombs from the middle of my back along my ribs, out at my shoulder blade, and then through my left arm. It felt as though someone had hit me with a big stick. Mr. Stern took the bombs and went on alone. Poor fellow, he was seriously wounded further on and was unable to move. We took and held the third line, but supports could not get up in time. Of all the Kensingtons there are but forty-seven left unharmed. Poor 16th Platoon led the charge and were all wiped out. It was terrible. It took me seven hours to crawl out The swines of German snipers were potting at any wounded they saw move.”

The following very short extract, taken from a letter written by Private J. R. Lansberg, sums up, in a few words, the true character of this gallant

English-Jew, who so willingly gave his life for his Country :-

“He was wounded several times and died a hero’s death, thinking of others all the time.”

Source : The British Roll Of Honour Vol 1

 

Stern L H 2nd Lt 13th London Regiment

STERN, LEONARD HERMAN, 2nd Lieut. 13th Battn. (Princess Louise’s Kensington Battn.) The London Regt. (T.F.), elder s. of the Rev. Joseph Frederick Stern, Minister of the East London Synagogue, Stepney, since 1887; b. Synagogue House, Stepney, 12 Sept. 1891; educ. at The Preparatory School, Holly Hill, Hampstead, and University College School. Proceeding to Cambridge in 1910 as an Exhibitioner in Classics of Magdalene College, he was elected a Scholar of his College in the following year. He also held the Cambridge Jewish Exhibition. He graduated B.A. in 1913, taking a First-Class in the Honours Classical Tripos in that year. In the following year he gained Second-Class Honours in the History Tripos. He obtained his college football colours in 1912, in which year he played in the College team against Magdalen College, Oxford. He was a member of his school Cadet Corps, and subsequently joined the Cambridge O.T.C., in which he obtained the rank of Sergt. Throughout his stay at the University he took an active part in the affairs of the Cambridge Hebrew Congregation, holding in succession the several Synagogue offices. He was an occasional speaker at the Union Society, and read several papers at college societies. He devoted a considerable part of his vacations to social work in East London, being a manager of the Stepney Jewish Lads’ Club and the Oxford and St. George’s Lads’ Club. He also took a keen interest in the Boy Scouts movement, and became a scoutmaster of the 7th Stepney Troop B.P. Scouts.

On the outbreak of war he cooperated with other Toynbee Hall workers in the organisation of the East London Scouts for public service in the Metropolis. He enlisted in the ranks of the Kensington Battn. of The London Regt. with a number of the lads of his troop, and shortly after was made a sergt. of his company. He obtained his commission as 2nd Lieut. in the same regt. 6 Feb. 1915, and left for France on 7 March, was wounded several times, and was killed in action at the Battle of Fromelles, 9 May, 1915; unm. Col. Fred E. Lewis wrote: “He fell gallantly. He had a dangerous job, but he went through with it, setting a fine example to his men. I grieve to think it cost him his life. We have lost a promising officer.” And Major N. E. Stafford, in notifying his death to the Depot Officer of the regt., said: “He met his death leading his men in the true British way. Although he had only been with us a short time, he had already won the esteem of his brother officers, and gave great promise as an officer. He was put in charge of the bombers, and he showed zeal and initiative in his work. Col. Lewis, who has gone to hospital very ill, desires me to express his great regret at the loss of so promising an officer.”

Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1

Sterling W Pte 9097 1st West Yorkshire Regiment

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STERLING, WILLIAM, Private No. 9097, West Yorkshire Regt., s. of William Sterling, of Hebburn, Joiner, by his wife, Isabella, dau. of James Turner; b. Hebburn New Town, co. Durham, 13 Feb. 1897; educ. there; enlisted on outbreak of war, 1914, and went with his regt. to France, 9 Jan. 1915. He died of wounds received while in action at Neuve Chapelle, 14 March, 1915. buried in Bailleul Cemetery; unm. A comrade wrote: “We fought hard all day, not having time to eat, and late at night we went about 50 of us to a billet to eat. Shortly afterwards the Germans shelled our place, and mostly all were either killed or wounded, Private W. Sterling being hit in the back with shrapnel and died two hours afterwards in a hospital near by.’

Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1

Sterling R W Lt 3rd Attd 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers

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Sterling R W Lt 3rd Attd 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers

Sterling R W Lt 3rd Attd 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers

Source : For Remembrance – Soldier Poets Who Have Fallen In The War

STERLING, ROBERT WILLIAM, Lieut.,

3rd, attd. 1st, Battn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, elder s. of John Lockhart Sterling, of 30, Ashton Gardens, Glasgow, by his wife, Clara Frances, dau. of James Lowe, of Lancashire; b. Glasgow, 19 Nov. 1903; educ. Glasgow Academy; Sedbergh School, and Pembroke College, Oxford (scholar), where he took a second in Honour Mods., and had just completed his second year when war was declared in Aug. 1914; volunteered for foreign service and was given a 2nd Lieutenancy in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, 15 Aug. 1914, and promoted Lieut. March, 1915; took a draft of his regt. to France in the middle of Feb. 1915; was attd. to the 1st Battn., and was killed in action near Ypres, 23 April, 1915; unm. Buried in the Military Cemetery, Dickebusche. His commanding officer wrote: “He was in command of a trench which was of the utmost importance, and had held it most gallantly all day. He was killed about 8 p.m. I cannot tell you how much the Scots Fusiliers mourn his loss. He was quite one of my best.” In 1914 he wrote the Newdigate prize poem on the Burial of Sophocles, which he read at the Encaenia in the June of that year. His younger brother, 2nd Lieut. John Lockhart Sterling, 3rd Battn. R.S.F., attd. 2nd Battn. R.S.F., was killed on 28 Sept. 1915, before Hulluch, France. Two editions of The Poems of Robert Sterling were published by Oxford friends in 1916.

Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1

Stephenson H Pte 4020 10th King’s Liverpool Regiment

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Stephenson H Pte 4020 10th Kings Liverpool Regiment

STEPHENSON, HAROLD, Private, No. 4020, 10th Battn. (Liverpool Scottish) King’s Liverpool Regt. (T.F.), 8. of John James Stephenson, of Shepstone Avenue, Walton, Liverpool, by his wife, Isabella, dau. of James Rigby; b. Liverpool, 7 March, 1893; educ. Venice Street School there; was a Pattern Maker; volunteered after the outbreak of war and joined the Liverpool Scottish, 2 Nov. 1914; went to France end of Jan., and was killed in action at Hooge, 16 June, 1915; unm.

Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1

 

Stenning L G Lt 6th Essex Regiment

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STENNING, LESLIE GERALD, Lieut. and acting Capt., 6th Battn. The Essex Regt. (T.F.), yst. s. of Henry Stenning, of 16, Norfolk Road, Seven King’s, Civil Servant, by his wife, Selina, dau. of Richard Coleman; b. Ilford, co. Essex, 25 Feb. 1894; educ. County High School there; was a Bank Clerk; obtained a 2nd Lieutenancy in the Essex Territorials 1 Oct. 1913, and was promoted Lieut. 16 Oct. 1914; volunteered for Imperial service on the outbreak of war in Aug. 1914; went to the Dardanelles, 24 July, 1915; acted as Capt. from 3 Aug., and died on H.M. Hospital Ship Soudan on the 13th, from wounds received in action there; unm.

Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1

Binns R L 2nd Lt 8th Yorkshire Regiment

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2nd Lieut. RAYMUND BINNS, 3rd Bn. (attached 8th Bn.) The Yorkshire Regt.

The letter written by Raymund Binns’ Colonel, announcing his death to his widow, described him as “a fine soldier,” who died “whilst assaulting the enemy’s position, which the battalion eventually captured.”

His death was instantaneous-a bullet through the head.

A brother officer, describing his bearing during the attack in which he met his death, on the evening of July 10th, 1916, said :-

He was perfectly splendid, and the men followed him wherever he went. The men of his platoon carried him back to Bécourt cemetery outside Albert and gave him a burial any soldier might be proud of. He was the bravest platoon commander I have had.

At the time when the bullet struck him he was leading the bombers of the battalion. His men had just captured the first trench. His soldier servant, who supplied these details, spoke feelingly of his affection for his officer and of the regard felt for him by all the men in his platoon.

At the outbreak of war Lieut. Binns, though married and successfully embarked on his career as an artist, unhesitatingly gave up his happy home and congenial work to join the Army. “I feel the times call for something a bit heroic,” he observed quietly to a near relative who was discussing the sacrifice he had made.

The artist friend, with whom he worked and who was much attached to him, wrote thus:-

When Fr. John Gerard sent Raymund Binns with a letter of introduction, his name was familiar to me as figuring very frequently among the winners of the drawing prizes at Stonyhurst; and it was a pleasure to pass him along from the uncongenial surroundings of an office in the city to the Art and Book Company.

Attendance at evening classes soon gave him greater facility in draughtsmanship, and when I moved into the country to work with stained glass in more pleasant surroundings, he very gladly joined me. He was at all times a well tried friend. He was keen in work or at play, clean-minded and cheery, a Catholic through and through, and an honour to the College of his upbringing.

I have not seen his equal in diving, and he was a fine swimmer and a capital forward at hockey.

The time came when his artistic ability had outrun the work I could lay before him. In London he was rapidly making a name for himself by the dignity and well-ordered balance of his designs and letterings. Not the least happy of these are the drawings which form the design still used for the cover of the Stonyhurst Magazine, and the delightful end papers of the book of views of Stonyhurst.

Lieut. Binns was born in 1884, and entered Stonyhurst in 1897. He was the son of the late Dr. Binns and of Mrs. Binns, of East Bergholt.

Source : Stonyhurst War Record

Bamford O J Captain 6th North Staffs Regiment

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Bamford O J Captain 6th North Staffs Regiment

Capt. OSWALD J. BAMFORD, 1/6th The North Staffordshire Regt

Oswald Bamford came to Stonyhurst in 1894, at the age of 17, with his brother Julian, later a military Chaplain. His brother Henry had preceded him to Stonyhurst two years previously, and since their day the family has been well represented at the College by other relatives of the same name.

At school, Oswald is remembered as a serious-minded, sensible boy of determined character and genial disposition. He was just the sort of boy who would develop later into a shrewd manager of men – industrious, thoughtful and businesslike. He was the second son of Mr. S. B. Bamford, senior partner in the well known Uttoxeter firm of manufacturers of agricultural engineering implements, whose machines have a world-wide celebrity. Oswald had a natural bent for mechanical engineering, and on leaving College he entered with enthusiastic interest into the work of the firm and soon established his position as a valuable and influential partner in the business. With his elder brother Henry he had joined the Uttoxeter Territorial Company some years before the war, commanding the Company as Lieutenant on his brother’s retirement. In October, 1914, he was promoted Captain. He had been in France since August, 1915, in command of “B” Company, 1st/6th Bn. The North Staffordshire Regt., and had seen much service with them in the trenches during the two months which preceded the fight in which he fell at the head of his men.

He left a widow and two children. With his men, many of whom were his own employees in his ironworks, he was universally popular, and his senior officers had a high opinion of his military capacity. In a letter to his father, Mr. S. B. Bamford, his C.O., Col. R. F. Ratcliff, thus describes his death in front of the Hohenzollern Redoubt:- Oswald was a brave and plucky officer who did his duty really well. We had orders to advance against the German trenches, and were met by a fearful rifle and machine gun fire, which laid low so many of our men. The following extract from the Uttoxeter Advertiser describes in brief the circumstances of his gallant death on October 13th, 1915- “Letters from the front give glowing accounts of the heroic conduct of the late Capt. Oswald Bamford, commanding the Uttoxeter Company of the Burton Battalion, who so gallantly led his men in the face of a withering fire during the recent charge of the 6th North. On the order being given for the men to charge, Captain Bamford, leaping on to the parapet of the trenches, cried, “Come on, lads,” and dashed forward at the head of his men. He had not gone far, however, before he fell, and Corpl. J. Fradley, a Uttoxeter soldier, who saw service in the South African War, went to his assistance, but was himself shot down.” His popularity in his native county was well attested by the numerous Press notices in the local papers, which spoke of him in terms of high praise. The following, from the Burton Chronicle for October 28th, 1915, may be taken as an example :- “The sad news of the death of Capt. O. J. Bamford, who was killed in the recent British attack, will be received by his many friends. with deep sorrow and regret. He was educated at Stonyhurst, and like so many of his College friends, has fallen in the titanic struggle. He was the second son of Mr. S. B. Bamford, J.P., senior member of Messrs. Bamfords, agricultural engineers, Uttoxeter, in which firm he took an active part in the management of the works, particularly in the engineering branch. He became attached to the Territorials in 1909, and was gazetted Captain about twelve months ago. He went out to France in August last, when he took over the command of ‘B’ Company of the 1st/6th Bn. The North Staffordshire Regt., and was immensely popular. The many letters the family have received from the Colonel down to the men in the ranks are all in the same vein-he was a brave and plucky officer, and died a true soldier. He was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends throughout the county. He was a prominent member of the Catholic congregation at Uttoxeter, and in the new church recently built in that town by his father, he leaves a lasting memorial in the form of a beautiful mosaic altar, the cost of which he and his brother, Mr. H. B. Bamford, contributed.”

A letter to his wife from a military Chaplain, dated October 17th, 1915, shows that Captain Bamford was well prepared to face death :-

In a little country church we assembled “to make our souls” and prepare in our Master’s company to face the danger. Capt. Bamford came forward and served my Mass that morning and went to his duties with many others. It was in the early phase of the attack that he fell shot, and died immediately. They afterwards recovered his body, and buried him with many of his companions. We had a little chat in the sacristy after Mass was over, and knowing the danger he was going into, he said: “If I am called this time, Padre, you have prepared me well; I trust all in God now.”

Source : Stonyhurst War Record

Archer-Shee G Lt 1st South Staffs Regiment

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Archer-Shee G Lt 1st South Staffs Regiment

 

Lieut. GEORGE ARCHER-SHEE, 3rd Bn Staffordshire Regt. (attached 1st Bn.)

The death of this young officer, so well known and popular at Stonyhurst, caused deep regret to his many College friends. Our sympathy is intensified by the recollection of the very trying ordeal he had to pass through some years ago as a boy cadet at Osborne, where he was mistakenly accused and dismissed on a charge of petty theft. During the legal proceedings which followed, it will be remembered that the College authorities, who knew him well, and were convinced of his innocence, sent representatives to give evidence in court as to the high character he had always borne as a boy at Stonyhurst.

The details of the trial-the cause célèbre of the year and the subsequent debates on it in Parliament are so well known that we need not recall them here. They resulted in what every newspaper in the country described as “a complete vindication of his character.” He received an ample apology from Mr. McKenna, then First Lord of the Admiralty, and was awarded £7,000 damages.

After leaving Osborne he was welcomed back to Stonyhurst, where he remained till of age. to enter the Army. It is pleasant to recall the fact that not only did his schoolfellows at Stonyhurst believe him guiltless of the charge, but that his fellow-cadets at Osborne were unanimously in his favour.

The newspapers, in recording his death, one and all concurred in tributes of special sympathy.

The Daily Mail, under the heading “Romance of a Hero,” concluded with the words, “Driven from the Navy by injustice, Lieut. Archer-Shee has won fame and honour in the Army, and- he has served his country well.”

The following notice is from The Times :- “Lieut. George Archer-Shee, 1st Bn. The South Staffordshire Regt., who was killed near Ypres on October 31st, aged 19 years, was the younger son of the late Martin Archer-Shee and Mrs. Archer-Shee, of Woodchester,

He joined the Royal Naval College, Osborne, in 1908, but was removed. in circumstances which afterwards formed the subject of legal proceedings in the King’s Bench, the result of which was the complete vindication of his character.

Colonel Ovens, C.M.G., the officer commanding the 1st Bn. The South Staffordshire Regt., writes of him to his mother-

He was a most promising young officer, and in the short time he was in the 1st Bn. The South Staffordshire Regt. he earned the love and respect of both officers. and men, and by his bravery and example contributed largely to the success of the battalion in the actions. near Ypres.'”

Although the evidence of his death on October 31st, at Klein Zillebeke, near Ypres, was confirmed later, his relatives and friends. had been kept in suspense as to his fate from October to May, during which period his name had been officially posted as “missing.”

By all accounts received from his brother officers and the men of his regiment, he had borne himself with special gallantry throughout the fighting in which he took part.

His death at the Battle of Gheluvelt is thus described in a letter from an officer of the 1st Bn. The South Staffordshire Regt. at Ypres, to Major Archer-Shee :-

Jan. 14th, 1915.

It seems that during the retirement of the Division he was in charge of a platoon in an exposed portion of the line; other units of other corps, it seems, had received orders to retire, but the order had not reached him. Someone, it is said, pointed out to him that the units on each side of him were retiring; he replied that he did not care what they did, but no one of his men was to retire till he gave them orders to do so, and so they held on against great odds.

Later a message seems to have reached him, for he gave the order to the men to retire as best they could. He, it is said, was the last to retire, and a man, since killed, reported that he looked round and saw him lying face downwards on the ground, motionless, though killed instantly, his head towards the enemy He earned the highest opinions of his brother officer, and his loss is most keenly felt by all who knew him. He was such a charming and interesting young fellow. and had seen such a lot of the world for his years, that he was a most pleasant companion at all times and made many friends.

Source : Stonyhurst War Record

Amoroso M Lt Royal Field Artillery

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Amoroso M Lt Royal Field Artillery

Lieut. MICHELE AMOROSO, 95th Brigade Royal Field Artillery.

Lieut. Amoroso, son of the late Mr. Michele Amoroso, shipbroker, of Liverpool, and Mrs. Amoroso, of  “Ellerslie,” New Brighton, was killed in action on July 3rd, 1916, aged 24 years. He was educated at Stonyhurst College, and was a member of the Racket and Liverpool Ramblers football clubs. He joined the Liverpool Scottish on August 4th, 1914, and after three months’ training in Edinburgh, obtained a commission in the R.F.A. He was sent to the front on September 1st, 1915, and went through the battle of Loos, where he distinguished himself, and was promoted Lieutenant.

Lieut. Amoroso served continuously for over ten months with the R.F.A. in France, and took part in much heavy fighting. His fighting record during the last few days of his life had been distinguished by several acts of conspicuous bravery.

On July 1st, Lieut. Amoroso, with a brother officer, succeeded in bringing in wounded men over the front line parapet under heavy fire.

On July 2nd, with great coolness and thoroughness, he ran his telephone wire out over a shell-swept area in front of our troops, establishing connection with an advanced post of importance known as the “Crucifix.” Owing to the care with which his line was laid, communication with his battery was never interrupted throughout the day. In the evening he led a small party of bombers, and cleared the “Crucifix” trench for a distance of a hundred yards beyond the point designed as an artillery observation post near Fricourt.

Next day, July 3rd, working parties were being worried by snipers close in front of his trench. To investigate this annoyance, Lieut. Amoroso took charge of a machine gun, which he worked until he was killed by a sniper at the close range of thirty yards.

His brother officers and men were keenly affected by his loss. His unflinching devotion to duty, and notably the way in which he was always ready to sacrifice his own convenience to relieve others of irksome duties, had made him a general favourite.

The expression of his face in repose, as seen in our illustration, might convey an impression of sternness. But in reality his was a merry nature, always kindly and equable. Thus he is remembered by the many Stonyhurst friends, who regret his untimely end.

The Chaplain who buried him, and knew him well, bears testimony to the high character he bore, his personal attachment to the practices of his religion, and his zeal for the religious welfare of his men.

Source : Stonyhurst War Record

Allanson W G Lt Royal Air Force

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Allanson W G Lt Royal Air Force

Lieut. WILFRID GEORGE ALLANSON Royal Air Force

Wilfrid Allanson was a boy who won the respect of masters and boys alike. His talents were above the average, and he had a career of distinction as a student. He came here into Second Figures in September, 1909. Each year of his course he was a prizeman. In Syntax, in 1912, he gained the first medal; in Rudiments, 1910, and Poetry, 1913, the second medal. In 1912 and 1913 he gained prizes in Classical Honours, and the first B.C.A. prize in the latter year.

He passed the Lower Certificate in 1911, with first classes in Latin and English; the School Certificate in 1912, and the Higher Certificate in 1914. The next year he matriculated at the London University.

In November, 1915, he joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. (His brother Gerald held a commission in the M.G.C.)

His preliminary training in the Inns of Court O.T.C. was at Berkhamstead, where he passed the Lewis-gun course, obtaining 99 per cent. of the possible marks. In March, 1917, he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. After qualifying at Oxford, he was gazetted on May 25th, 1917, and shortly afterwards was attached to the School of Aerial Gunnery, Hythe, as Pilot Instructor. There is no doubt that his mental and physical attainments were much above the average, and had he survived, he gave every promise of going far in his profession. He loved flying, and was really a first-rate pilot.

In March, 1918, he went to France, and on September 21st he was shot down, while fighting five hostile machines, at Cassel, in North France.

His C.O. wrote:- He was one of the most popular officers there has ever been in this squadron, and excellent, too, at his work. I cannot tell you how much we shall miss him. The following copy of a letter from a Church of England Chaplain shows the high esteem in which he was held by the squadron:-

No. 7 Squadron, R.A.F., October 3rd, 1918.

I have just returned from leave and learn with the utmost sorrow of the death in action of your son, Lieut. W. G. Allanson. I cannot find words adequately to express my grief, but I want to offer you my very true and heartfelt sympathy, and to tell you how deeply every member of the squadron feels his loss. It is no exaggeration to say that everybody loved him, for he had one of those very attractive dispositions which won him friends wherever he went. He was always the same bright, cheery, sympathetic friend, good all through, and a pillar of strength in the squadron.

Born in 1897, Lieut. Allanson was the son of Mr. G. Allanson and Mrs. Allanson, of “Belmont,” King’s Avenue, Clapham Park, London, S.W.

He was laid to rest in the British Cemetery Proven two miles inside the Belgian at frontier by the side of his observer, Lieut. W. R. Anderson, who was killed at the same time.

Source : Stonyhurst War Record