Susie Schofield, the Alumni Officer at Alleyn’s School, has been continuing her research into the identities of the Alleyn’s Old Boys who were killed in both World Wars.
1946
1946
Now, to coincide with Remembrance Day on 11 November, Susie has completed her research into those who died on military service during the Second World War.
This fascinating information comes in two parts. Part 2 is published on Tuesday.
As with the First World War, Alleyn’s Old Boys were involved in all parts of the theatre of war and are buried as far afield as Thailand’s Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to Kings Lynn Cemetery here in Britain. Local residents may be interested to learn that two of the casualties of World War 2 were killed by doodlebugs in Dulwich – one in Burbage Road and the other in Lovelace Road.
Alleyn’s Old Boys who were killed in the Second World War (Part I)
How many AOBs were killed in WW2?
There were 131 Alleyn Old Boys (AOBs) killed on active military service during the Second World War. The main sources I used for researching the background of these AOBs were:
• the Edward Alleyn Magazine, the School and Old Boys’ publication of the time
• the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s online database
• individual House pupil records
• Alleyn’s: The Coeducational School, Arthur Chandler (1998)
The Edward Alleyn (EA) Magazine gave both news of AOBs’ activities and reports on the School and its staff. Information on WW2 casualties is restricted to a brief one-line description logged in a Roll of Honour which appeared in the magazine during the war years and beyond.
This brevity of biographical information was largely because paper was scarce in the war years and it is noticeable that the number of pages and the quality of the magazine’s paper reduces during the war. Indeed, editorials were abandoned altogether as a space-saving measure in March 1942. However, an editorial was re-introduced in July 1945:
‘…on this occasion the great events which are happening as we go to press call for some recognition. In this hour of complete victory over the Germans, and filled with gratitude of our great deliverance, we should first like to offer our heartfelt tribute to all those who have fought and worked so magnificently to bring it about.’
Memorial Garden
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has an online database which lists the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars, and the 23,000 cemeteries, memorials and other locations worldwide where they are commemorated. The register also lists details of the 67,000 Commonwealth civilians who died as a result of enemy action in the Second World War.
The CWGC database limits its additional information about casualties to the names of the AOB’s parents and, sometimes, wife. There are a select few whose qualifications are recorded and a couple whose profession is declared. However, two sets of brothers are identified by the CWGC – Harold & Frank Everett and Desmond & Ivan Turner. There was another set of Alleyn’s brothers listed on the Honours Boards – Robert & Michael Buysman.
Which regiments did they join?
Men who fought in the air forces were lauded by the public as heroes. Young men joining up dreamed of becoming a pilot and earning public acclaim; however, life expectancy for a pilot in the Second World War was low – at four to five weeks. It is therefore not surprising to find that the vast majority of AOB casualties served in the air force.
AOBs served as both officers and in the ranks. The three most common ranks AOBs served as were:
• Pilot Officer 16
• Lieutenant 15
• Second Lieutenant 10
Which year saw the most casualties?
1943 saw the largest number of AOB deaths caused whilst on military service – at 29.
How old were the AOBs?
Their ages ranged from 18-48 – 18 AOBs died at the age of 21, the largest age group. Able Seaman Peter Howard was the youngest at 18. Lt Cecil Meadley, was the oldest, at 48; he was mentioned in despatches twice.
This is an on-going project as Susie hopes to gather details of the experiences of those Alleyn’s Old Boys who fought and survived the Second World War. If you are interested to find out more, please contact Susie on alumni@alleyns.org.uk or 020 8557 1466.
Part 2 on Tuesday
Alleyn’s First World War Dead DOV article by Susie Schofield
Loading ...