Commemorating the Fallen of WW1

Today we remember …

1st November 1918

Desmond Cancellor, MC, C Social 1912. Lt, 1st Bn, Hampshire Regt. Killed in action, Battle of Valenciennes

Senior Prefect. He was a Junior Scholar who played for the Cricket and Rugby teams. He won a History Exhibition to New College, Oxford in 1915, but joined up in 1916.

He was a very popular Senior Prefect. News of his death on the major Feast Day of the school was devastating. After his death, his family published a novel entitled ‘Young England’ about school-life which he had written under the name ‘Douglas Strong’.

Born in 1898, he came, here as a Scholar in 1912, and ended his School career as Senior Prefect – a position which he filled with dignity and conscientious thoroughness. He was a keen and successful athlete, who had no idea of allowing athleticism to interfere with the more real and important aspects of education. And indeed, all through his School life, there seemed to be a background of serious sincerity which guided his conduct and was the secret of his strong and quiet influence for good.

And when we read the letter which told of his cheerful devotion and unshrinking bravery during those last trying and strenuous weeks of his service, we knew that he had been consistent to the end – the same gentle cheery boy upheld by that mysterious background of strength which had been with him all through. We are told how on one occasion he swam alone across a river and single-handed rushed an enemy machine-gun which was blocking the advance of his Company – no braver deed has been done in the war.

He is featured in the Commemorations for the town of Valenciennes

Aged 20

Lt Desmond Cancellor, kia 1st November 1918

Commemorating the Fallen of WW1

Today we remember …

31st October 1918

Thomas Irwin, H Social 1910. Lt. 2nd Bn, Sherwood Foresters. Died of wounds received in the Second Battle of Cambrai

At school he played for the Cricket XI and the Racquets Pair. ‘It was in the latter that he made his mark and was conspicuous at Queen’s Club for his cool and clever game. On leaving he enlisted as a private in the P.S.B.,but later entered Sandhurst, and took a commission in the Sherwood Foresters. He was very badly wounded in 1916, being shot through the lung. He went out again to France this year, and died of wounds on Oct. 31 (received on Oct. 8).’

He died in England and is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery.

Aged 22

Lt Thomas Irwin

Commemorating the Fallen of WW1

Today we remember …

29th October 1918

H.R. Bradley, College Staff. Lance-Serjeant, 2/4th Bn, Ox & Bucks LI. Killed in action during the German Retreat of the Hindenberg Line

Commemorating the Fallen of WW1

Today we remember …

22nd October 1918

Noel Williams, G Social 1902. Lt, 1st/5th Bn, South Lancashire Regt (Intelligence Corps). Killed in action in an unknown engagement

He won the Old Radleian French Prize at school, then went to Trinity College, Cambridge. He won a Boxing Blue at university. He then taught in Germany.

Radley Library has a copy of Noel Dyson Williams: his life and letters by his mother, Rosalind Dobbs, published in 1920. His letters reveal he was in the Intelligence Corps. He is buried at Tournai Cemetery.

‘Then we heard that the other officer was certainly in a German camp and more than probable that he also had been captured, and so for three weeks I lived in hope. But late one evening, just after the Armistice had been signed, came a terrible letter from the CO telling me how they found Noel’s body, together with those of three or four of his men, on the ground which had just been evacuated by the Germans. And so I knew at last that my worst fears were true, and that never more on earth should I see my dear one’s face or hear his gentle, cheery voice, nor ever again find joy and rest in his true and faithful love.’ Rosalind Dobbs

Aged 29

AND

Geoffrey Smith, MC, C Social 1911. Captain, 1st Bn, Coldstream Guards. Wounded and captured at Haussy on 16th October, presumed to have died of wounds as a Prisoner of War about 22nd October

Citation for the Military Cross. For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership in an attack through an impenetrable fog. On reaching the objective the company commander was killed. He at once took charge and reorganized the company, which at the time was being heavily bombarded.Later, he captured the final objective, and although his right flank was in the air, he so disposed his command as to give very good security.

Aged 21