Research on the Old Maidstonians who served in The Great Boer War 1899-1902

INTRODUCTION

In the School’s Big Hall there is a stained glass window remembering four former students who gave their lives during the Boer War, and also an English Oak Memorial Board with the names of 29 students who served in this conflict, including the four that died. After researching the 46 OMs who died in the Great War, and the 72 who gave their lives in World War Two, it seemed apt to research the MGS and Boer War connection.

This project proved to be more challenging as the sources of information used in the previous investigations were either patchy or non-existent eg. the School’s Admissions Registers in the School’s archives only go back to 1882; also the interesting, and invaluable Maidstonian Magazines only start with three editions in 1885, and then only Form Lists, Reports for Governors, and Results of Examinations and Prize winners were produced until December 1890, when full Maidstonian Magazines were again regularly published until 2011. Hence, many of the MGS students who fought in the Boer War joined and/or left the school with no trace in our archives. Fortunately, the Maidstonians of 1899-1902 gave some information of their experiences in this conflict.

I started wondering why at MGS there was such a clear clamour to commemorate this particular conflict, and those who served, when there appears to be no list of names on plaques, or windows, for previous national engagements, such as the First Boer War, the Crimean War or Napoleonic Wars where OMs would have served and died. For example, OM Major-General Sir Henry Calder (1740-1792), who was the Lieutenant- Governor of Gibraltar and involved in many conflicts and his even more famous OM brother, Sir Robert Calder (1745-1818), who had a distinguished career in the British Navy being prominent in the battle of St Vincent 14th February 1797, for which service he was knighted, and then created a Baronet as Sir Robert Calder of Southwick, Hampshire. Also, the OM Admiral Lord Gambier (1756-1833) who was Admiral of the Fleet and gained the distinction of commanding the first ship to break through the enemy line at the Battle of the ‘Glorious 1st of June’ in 1794 in the

2 23 May 2020 French Revolutionary Wars, and later oversaw the bombardment of Copenhagen during the Napoleonic Wars. These famous OMs don’t appear to have School recognition or commemoration plaques, so why the School’s apparent new desire to commemorate their Old Boys in the Boer War?

My suggestions to this question focus on the ‘spirit of the age’ of late 19th century society, and certain key events particular to Maidstone Grammar School.

Modern nationalism was developing apace in late 19th century Europe in general, and Britain in particular. A new word came into the British language, ‘Jingoism’ which epitomised the desire for a stronger foreign policy. The word came from a popular music hall song first aired in 1878, which included the lyrics:

‘We don’t want to fight But by Jingo if we do, We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, we’ve got the money too. We won’t let the Russians get to Constantinople!’

This song caught on and spread widely through the public sphere. Advocates of neutrality began to deride those calling for war by labelling them ‘Jingoes’. The British Prime Minister at the time, Benjamin Disraeli (who had been MP for Maidstone 1837-41 and lived in Earl Street where there is a carved stone bust of him above the entrance to Pizza Express!) had already realised that ‘One Nation Toryism’ (a phrase that he coined) could be built on the appeal of nationalism for the twin pillars of Empire and Monarchy. Disraeli took a strong stance against the Russians at the 1878 Congress of Berlin and persuaded them to back down, so avoiding the expected war. This is why, sixty years later, in 1938 when Neville Chamberlain returned from Germany waving the famous, or infamous, Munich Agreement signed by himself and Hitler, he stated to the gathered press at 10 Downing Street: “My good friends, for the second time in our history a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time … Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.” In the late 19th century imperialism was not an embarrassing, negative term, like today, but something to be proud of. This was the zenith of the Victorian era with ‘the sun never setting on its empire’, which stood

3 23 May 2020 at over 12 million square miles, being one quarter of the world’s land mass. This was the time when literacy rates were increasing dramatically as the State at long last was providing primary education, and the first national, cheap tabloid newspapers (the Daily Mail 1896, and the Daily Express 1900) aimed at the working class were launched and society was being bombarded with nationalistic sentiment in both politics and popular culture. Typical of this was the desire to take over and ‘civilise’ the world, as the phrase ‘White Man’s Burden’ represents from Rudyard Kipling’s poem published in 1899. Coincidently, 1899 was the year the Boer War or more accurately the Second Boer War, (the first one was 1880-81) broke out. This conflict was perceived as necessary to maintain and extend the British Empire, and hence it caught the imagination of the British people. Because of the new technology of their day, including telegraphs, telephones, photographs aiding the developments in mass media, War Correspondents were able to fuel the nations desires to discover what was going on overseas, and to create the heroes of their day.

Schools are a microcosm of society, so Maidstone Grammar School, and its environs, would also have been wrapped up in this imperialistic clamour. However, there are some particular developments in the history of MGS which also help to explain the School’s increased sense of pride in its history and its role in the community: firstly, the Old Maidstonian Society was formed in 1884, and has proved to be integral in building a sense of pride and ‘esprit de corps’ among generations of Maidstonians. Secondly, the principle of the Maidstonian Magazine was trialled in 1885 and then became a permanent feature for over a century from December 1890 onwards. Thirdly the school’s identity was further developed by the various school songs, hymns, that its then Music Master, Dr Henniker (front row 2nd right in picture above) wrote. The most famous, and lasting one, ‘Gaudeamus’ was first

4 23 May 2020 performed at the 1908 Speech Day (music written by Dr Henniker and lyrics by the then Headmaster the Reverend CG Duffield). Fourthly, the school celebrated its 350th Anniversary in 1899, the year the Boer War started. So, the Boer War (1899-1902) was viewed by most British subjects, as a just, noble conflict, hence they would want to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives. There were four Old Maidstonians who paid the ultimate price:

Major FF Crawford, Army Veterinary Department Trooper HE Hulseberg, BSA Police Regiment Lance Corporal FW Smith, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry Trooper R Blake, 69th Company Imperial Yeomanry

As early as the Christmas 1900 edition of the Maidstonian the idea of a commemoration to the two OMs who had died already, Crawford and Hulseberg, was being mooted, and at the Old Maidstonian Supper, held at the Star Hotel on Saturday December 15th 1900, it was suggested that ‘they should put in the Grammar School a memorial window’. It was believed it would cost about £20 (equivalent to about £2,500 today) and the Old Boys passed round a paper to obtain promises of subscriptions. “He (Mr HJ Day) hoped they would obtain the whole amount that night and it could be then handed over to the Head Master (Reverend CG Duffield) to carry out the scheme as he wished”. In reply, the Head Master preferred that the OMs carried out the memorial scheme and suggested “that if they had enough funds they should also put up a plaque in the school bearing the names of all those OMs who fought in the War”. That evening £15 5 shillings was raised for the project, and the shortfall was quickly accrued by further fund raising, and plans by the elected OM Committee went ahead. Unfortunately two more OMs died in the conflict, but by April 1902, the memorial window (see front cover) was ready.

The window was designed by Messr. Burlison and Grylls, of Newman Street, Oxford Street, London, a firm with the highest reputation for artistic workmanship. The figure is that of St George, and the colouring and general treatment of the design had been arranged so as to harmonise as much as possible with the stained glass windows already in position which were the work of the late Mr William Morris’ firm. The July 1902 Maidstonian quoted

5 23 May 2020 an article from the South Eastern Gazette about the unveiling of the window:

“The School Head Master stated how the figure represented in the window was that of St George, the Patron Saint of England. St George had been chosen by Christian nations as the symbol of Christian fortitude. Since the 8th century he had been looked upon as the Patron Saint of soldiers, and since the 13th century he had been honoured as the Patron Saint of England. His name was used as a battle cry in the Crusades; and he was chosen by Edward III as the Patron of the highest Order of Knighthood in England. The cross he bore on his shield was the foundation of our national flag; it was carried on every battleship in the British Navy; and that day, April 23rd, had for nearly 1,000 years been associated with his name. Our soldiers had fought bravely and had cheerfully endured the greatest hardships; they had been merciful in the hour of victory and most patient in the hour of defeat; they had shown the utmost tenderness to the women and children of their foes; and they had kept the Red Cross Shield of St George, the escutcheon of British honour, bright and unstained. Battered and bruised it had been on many a stricken field, but, raised as it was to defend the cause of justice and equity between man and man, it would be laid down, when peace reigned once more, absolutely unstained and untarnished. In this work they were proud to think that some 30 of the Old Boys of that school had taken part in various capacities (applause), and four of them, alas, had sealed their devotion to their country with their lives. It was those four they were commemorating that afternoon.”

I suggest this extract from the Head Master included the line “they had shown the utmost tenderness to the women and children of their foes” because there had been some national and international criticism of the British tactic of herding Boer civilians away from their towns and their farms into ‘concentration camps’ (the first time this controversial term came into use). Living and medical conditions in these camps were notoriously poor, and there were over 26,000 Boer women and children

6 23 May 2020 who died in them, a higher figure than the British and Colonial Forces deaths during the conflict.

The article went on to give a summary of Major Cornwallis’ speech at the unveiling ceremony which included:

“The four boys who had given their lives for their country … were simple, brave, honest men in their lives, and they were glorious in their deaths, not only to themselves and to their country, but to the school which reared them (applause). They were often told that they had faults in their education system; they all knew that no system was perfect, but at any rate their education system had brought out in England one thing, and that was love of the School. That love never weakened but it rather grew in strength as the years passed by. He knew of no picture that came back to one with more tender recollections than the picture headed ‘Floreat Etona’, which was a regular tradition of the school at which he had the honour to be educated, and he was sure they had the same at Maidstone which appealed to them with equal force … Of the Old Boys who had died, Major F Crawford was a County cricketer, who had served in Africa, Ireland and India, and who was taken off by disease, and they deeply deplored his loss. Corporal F Smith was one of his own men in his own Squadron, a kind friend and neighbour, and a son of his old brother Churchwarden, Mr F Smith of Loddington – a true Englishman and a man of Kent. Harold Hulseberg was a son of a late and gallant officer in the country’s territorial Regiment, and his skill was very useful in the engineering line. The last of the four was Reginald Blake. They knew that by his bravery he saved the hill which it was the object of his General to take and saved many lives besides. Captain Gilmour wrote that he could only say he died as a brave man should, doing his duty and facing big odds. (loud applause) …

The inscription at the bottom of the windows reads: ‘In memory of Major FF Crawford, AVD, Lance Corporal FW Smith, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry, Trooper HE Hulseberg, BSA Police and Trooper R Blake, 69th Company Imperial Yeomanry, who died in the service of their country in

7 23 May 2020 South Africa 1900-1901; this window was given by the Old Boys of the School. ”

The Easter 1904 Maidstonian stated that there had been a proposal to commemorate those who served in, and survived, the Boer War:

“It is felt that while the School possesses a beautiful Memorial of the four who laid down their lives for the country, there is no record of those who accepted the same risk, but were fortunate enough to return. It was suggested that a board of plain English Oak should be set up with an inscription.”

In the Easter 1905 Maidstonian:

“Below is a list of the names of Old Maidstonians who served in the War in South Africa. It is possible that the list may not be correctly given, or that some names may have been inadvertently omitted. In order that the board which is to be set up in the Big Schoolroom may be as complete as possible, we shall be glad to hear from any who know of omissions or errors:—Major F. F. Crawford, Army Veterinary Department; Major C. Stonham, C.M.G., Imperial Yeomanry Hospital; Lieut. J. R. G. Adam, 1st Dragoon Guards; Lieut. W. A. Morling, 36th Co. I.Y.; Lieut. E. C. Langton, 1st Railway Pioneer Regt.; R. E. W. Biddell. C.I.V. ; Percy Biddell, Canadian M.I.; Sergt.-Major C. H. Long, Rhodesian Regt. ; Lance-Corp. F. Smith, 36th Co., I.Y.; Sergt. S. Smith, 36th Co. I.Y.; Lance-Corp. P. A. Payne 36th Co. I.Y.; H. E. Hulseberg, Rhodesian Regiment; Reginald Blake, 69th Co. I.Y.; J. G. Kirby, Natal M.I.; C. S. Anscombe, 36th Co. I.Y.; H. L. G. Alison, M.I., Gordon Highlanders; J. H. Stopford, Diamond Field Artillery; A. F. Vigor, C.I.V.; P. Robinson, 36th Co. I.Y.; E. C. Carpenter, 36th Co. IV.; E. W. Corfe, R.A.M.C.; R. Corfe, R.A.M.C. ; C. I. Betts, 36th Co. I.Y.; S. Clarke, 36th Co. LV.; H. B. Day; R. J. Larking, 36th Co. 1.1; A. Page, 36th Co. IV.; H. C. Trousdell, Oxford Light Infantry.”

There were 28 names on this list including CI Betts and HB Day who do not appear on the final Memorial Board. Also the final Board has reference to LC Day, PH Johnson and HE Sharp which took the total to 29. These discrepancies are discussed later in the booklet.

The Memorial Board was duly ordered. On Empire Day, May 24th 1905, 9am, after a brief address on the responsibilities and greatness of Empire,

8 23 May 2020 the Head Master unveiled the new oak board erected in the Schoolroom (Tonbridge Road site) in honour of OMs who served in the Boer War. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

It is also interesting to note that the names on the Memorial Board are given in rank order for each of the regiments, rather than alphabetical. By rank was generally the norm in memorials up to the Great War, indeed some, only gave the names of officers and then the number of other troops who died. However, many of the Great War (1914-18) Memorials tend to put the names in alphabetical order regardless of rank, and this is an interesting change reflecting the erosion of deference, and the growth of democracy, equal importance, and the sense of being ‘in it together’. This concept was further enhanced by the government’s decision in the Great War that no families would be able to pay for, and arrange, for their loved ones bodies to be returned for burial, but all soldiers, from rich and poor backgrounds alike, would be buried together close to where they fought and fell with their comrades.

When the Boer War started Britain initially deployed just over 13,000 troops to the hostilities in the region but as the expected quick and easy victory didn’t materialise, the number increased to nearly 450,000. Of these just over 22,000 died, the majority, over 13,000, of disease. Of the four OMs who died, 3 died of disease (Dysentery, Blackwater Fever – a complication of Malaria infection, Enteric Fever – Typhoid) and 1 (RH Blake) died in action. At least 29 OMs served in the Boer War of which 4 died (13.8%). The 1921 Maidstonian states that the School knew of 324 OMs who had served in the Great War, of which 46 were killed (14.2%). I was surprised at these similar death rates because of all the British soldiers who served in the Boer War (450,000), deaths (approximately 22,000), so the death rate was 4.9% nationally. Whereas in the First World War the corresponding figures are: British soldiers who served: 5.7 million, of which 705,000 died, hence the much higher death rate of 12.4%.

The following research clearly is not exhaustive, but hopefully it gives an initial insight into the OMs who served in this conflict. Though I have endeavoured to ensure the following information is correct, I apologise in advance for any errors.

Graham Walker, MGS History Teacher, 1981-2018

9 23 May 2020 I researched school records for the twenty-nine OMs, and the relevant details follow in the order that they appear on the Memorial Board: Page 1. Major FF Crawford Army Veterinary Department (died in Boer War) 12 2. Major CD Stonham CMG LWH 16 3. Lieutenant JRG Adam 1st Dragoon Guards 17 4. R Corfe Civil Surgeon Royal Army Medical Corps 18 5. EW Corfe Civil Surgeon Royal Army Medical Corps 19 6. Corporal HLG Alison Gordon Highlanders Mounted Infantry 20 7. Private HC Trousdell Oxford Light Infantry 21 8. Private HE Sharp Scots Fusiliers 22 9. Lieutenant EC Langton 1st Railway Pioneer Regiment 22 10. Sergeant-Major CH Long Southern Rhodesian Regiment 24 11. Trooper HE Hulseberg BSA Police Regiment (died in Boer War) 24 12. Private P Biddell Canadian Mounted Infantry 26 13. Private JG Kirby Natal Mounted Infantry 27 14. Trooper EG Carpenter BSA Light Horse 30 15. Private LO Day West Australian Mounted Infantry 31 16. Private JH Stopford Diamond Fields Artillery 31 17. Lieutenant WA Morling 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 32 18. Sergeant S Smith 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 34 19. Lance-Corporal FW Smith 36th Company IY (died in Boer War) 35 20. Lance-Corporal PA Paine 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 36 21. Lance-Corporal PH Johnson 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 36 22. Trooper SH Clark 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 37 23. Trooper RJ Larking 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 37 24. Trooper AW Page 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry 37 25. Trooper R Blake 69th Company IY (died in Boer War) 38 26. Trooper P Robinson 1st Company Imperial Yeomanry 40 27. Trooper CS Anscomb 1st Company Imperial Yeomanry 41 28. Private REW Biddell City Imperial Volunteers 42 29. Private AF Vigor City Imperial Volunteers 43

During the research a number of puzzles arose which I tried to shed light on: Page i) It is intriguing that the Maidstonian magazines of 1900 and 1901 acknowledge the following OMs who according to the magazine were fighting in South Africa but then they don’t appear on the Memorial Board which was unveiled in 1905: a) CI Betts 45 b) Bonny 45 c) HB Day 46

10 23 May 2020 ii) In the Easter 1906 Maidstonian, after the Memorial Board had been put in place, there is a reference in the Old Maidstonians’ News Section that: d) ”J. Franklin Bartlett, Paymaster, Natal Naval Volunteers, 47 who served in Ladysmith during the Siege, claims his place on the roll of honour for the Boer War.”, but his name wasn’t added, and no additional plaque appears to exist today.

iii) Also in the ‘notes’ column of the Schools Admissions Registers there are hand written notes indicating the following two students also served in the South African conflict: e) GW Diplock 47 f) S Plomley 48

iv) When researching the First World War project it appeared that two OMs may have also fought in the Boer War but their names do not appear on the Memorial Board: g) W McVicar 49 h) HS Coles 51

Information that tries to clarify these conundrums will follow the details of the 29 names commemorated on the Memorial Board.

11 23 May 2020 1. Major FF Crawford Army Veterinary Dept 17th June 1850 - 16th January 1900

Frank Crawford attended MGS during the 1860s and therefore would have had all his School career at the Corpus Christi site. His father, Andrew, was a Master at the school and is the top right figure in the Staff and Pupils 1866 photograph. He had played cricket for the Gentlemen of England and lived to the age of 101.

Painting of Corpus Christi Hall, 1780 by Old Maidstonian W Alexander The Staff and Pupils 1866

Frank Crawford was the first OM to die in the Boer War, and the following obituary, taken from the ‘Daily Graphic’, was printed in the April 1900 Maidstonian:

“The late Major Frank Fairbairn Crawford, of the Army Veterinary Department, whose death took place in January this year, at Pietersmaritzburg, from dysentery, entered at the school in 1859, when he was 9 years of age. Until his entrance as student at the Royal Veterinary College, he was a tower of strength to the School both in cricket and football. As a boy he had the honour of playing for Kent V Surrey, together with three other Old Maidstonians in Mote Park, in 1869, on which occasion he signalized his first appearance for his County by carrying out his bat for 28, the highest score of the innings and by catching out the last Surrey batsman, when the latter required but 2 runs to win. Though doing fairly well for the County, he much more excelled for the Mote Park Club and other neighbouring Clubs in Kent, compiling many centuries. In (rugby)football the School was also as successful as in the cricket matches. Major Crawford being not only a fine runner but a splendid tackler and a drop kicker. On joining the Royal Artillery at 12 23 May 2020 Woolwich, he became one of the backbones of the Army Cricket team stationed there, and in the subsequent years in South Africa, Ireland and India, he was a tower of strength to the various districts to which he was attached. His highest recorded score in any innings was 171. His defence was excellent, and he was dubbed ‘the stonewaller’ of South Africa. While there he undertook the arrangements for the visit of the English Eleven and made it the success that it was. When the War broke out, Major Crawford was starting for home, but on a telegram from the War Office, asking if he would take duty at the Cape, he sailed with the Indian contingent and landed at Natal in November. He died on January 16th of dysentery, the fell disease which is carrying off so many of our troops at the Front. The Major was also a fine Racquet, Tennis and Billiard Player. He was also a member of MCC, and was uncle to

VFS Crawford, the young Amateur, who now plays for Major F F Crawford Other 1: Last Post to be checked

Surrey. Search Results by FLATTEXT Thanks to the kindness of the Editor of the ‘Graphic’ we are able to give a portrait of Major Crawford.”

Indeed, Major Crawford, came from a distinguished sporting family which had many connections with MGS. His father was a Master at MGS and lived to be over 100, as the following extract from the April 1925 Maidstonian explains:

“Not having heard recently of Mr Andrew Crawford, who came to the Grammar School as Second Master in 1858, many Old Maidstonians imagined that he had passed away, but they were agreeably surprised to see his portrait in all the newpapers on the occasion of the celebrations of his 100th birthday. Mr Crawford was the father of two famous Kent cricketers and Old Maidstonians, Major Frank and Reverend John Crawford, and the grandfather of the more famous cricketing trio JN, VFS and RT Crawford.”

13 23 May 2020 He died, one year later, and the following obituary appeared in the July 1926 Maidstonian:

“Mr Andrew Crawford was born at Linlithgow on 27th January 1825. After holding an assistant-Mastership at Appleton Grammar School, Westmorland, he came to Maidstone, and was Second Master at the Grammar School from 1858- 1870. He left to take a Private School in the Ashford Road, which he carried on till 1891, when he went to live with his eldest son, the Reverend JC Crawford. His sons, the Reverend JC Crawford and Major F Crawford, Old Maidstonians, both played cricket for Kent. The former of these was the father of VFS Crawford, who played for Surrey and was said to be as hard a hitter as JL Jessop; RT Crawford, who represented Leicester, and JN Crawford, the Surrey cricketer, who later went to Melbourne College, Australia. One of his former students stated ‘that Mr Crawford was an erudite man, and what is of more importance he had the gift of imparting his knowledge. When he retired from the school and took up private coaching he helped many a lame dog over the stiles which led to the Church, the Law and Medicine.’”

A decade later, the April 1935 Maidstonian reprinted the following obituary of the Reverend JC Crawford, an OM and Gunsley Scholar, which originally appeared in The Times 25th February 1935:

“THE REVEREND JC CRAWFORD. A CRICKETING FAMILY. The Reverend John Charles Crawford, who died at his home at Wimbledon in his 86th year, was the oldest surviving member of the remarkable cricketing and athletic family, possibly only equalled by that of the Fosters of Worcestershire.

Besides being a famous cricketer in his day, playing for Kent County and one of the oldest and respected members of the MCC, Parson Crawford, as he was known to everyone, was the father of RT, JN, and the late VFS Crawford, all of whom played County cricket for Surrey and Leicestershire, and for England, both here and in Australia. His father, the late Andrew Crawford, MA, died at the age of 101 in full possession of his faculties; he played for the Gentlemen of England in the days when top hats were worn, and had a clear recollection of the Reform Bill (1832) being passed and of the Corn Exchange riots. A brother of Parson Crawford, Major (acting Lieutenant-Colonel) FF Crawford, who died in the South African War, was captain of Kent county in the early 1870s and played for the MCC in representative matches in South Africa, India and elsewhere, and was the father of Major IF Fairbairn-Crawford, TD, who won the half-mile amateur athletic championship in 1907 and represented Great Britain in the Olympic Games the following year, and was the winner of many international and other athletic contests.

14 23 May 2020 Mr JC Crawford took his degree from University College, Oxford, and was for thirty-six years chaplain to Cane Hill Mental Hospital. He was a man of massive build and great strength, who enjoyed much personal popularity. His passing will be felt by the cricketing world generally and in particular by his many friends at Lords, where he always occupied a special corner seat in the pavilion, and woe betide any person taking this seat while he was there! He is survived by two sons, RT and JN, and three daughters, all of whom in their younger days could bat and bowl far better than the average male club cricketer, and on more than one occasion a team of eleven Crawfords, including the grandfather, his two sons, grandsons, daughters and nephews, have taken the field.”

Extract regarding Major Frank Crawford taken from the Anglo Boer War website:

He died in the Base Hospital at Pietermaritzburg, of dysentery, January 16th, 1900, after three days illness. He was the son of Andrew Crawford, was born in 1850, educated at the Grammar School, Maidstone, and was an excellent cricketer, playing for his county while at school. He was well known in cricket circles in South Africa and India. He joined the Veterinary Department in 1873, being promoted veterinary-surgeon (first class), 1883, and Veterinary Major 1893. Major Crawford served with the Bechuanaland Expedition, under Sir Charles Warren, 1884-85, also in the operations in Zululand, 1888. He accompanied the Indian Contingent to South Africa. He married in 1882 Frances, daughter of Benjamin Hill, Resident Magistrate, of Longford.

Though Frank Crawford’s MGS years were at the Corpus Christi site, all the other students who are on the Memorial Board attended the School after it had moved to the Tonbridge Road site in 1870-1930.

This period coincided with great changes in education. It was the early days of central government involvement initially encouraging, and then enforcing through legislation, a wider curriculum with more emphasis on science, technology and physical training.

The Tonbridge Road School Photographs of classrooms at Tonbridge Road:

Dining Hall History Classroom

15 23 May 2020 Woodwork Shop Physics Lab

The following photograph of the whole School in 1909 shows it still had less than 100 pupils:

2. Major CD Stonham, CMG, IY Hospital

Charles Douglas Stonham was born in 1871 and is generally referred to by his middle name of Douglas. His father was TG Stonham who was a chemist who lived and worked at 70 Bank Street, Maidstone. He joined MGS in September 1882 and left in January 1885, unfortunately before the Maidstonian Magazine started.

In the April 1900 edition he was listed along with 15 other OMs believed to be serving in the war in South Africa. The Easter 1901 magazine updated his information: “Major D Stonham, who went out to South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry in charge of a Bearer Company and has done such splendid service as Second-in-Command of the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital, is returning home invalided.”

16 23 May 2020 The July 1901 Maidstonian proudly announced that Major Charles Douglas Stonham had been awarded the CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) for Service with the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital in South Africa.

Order of St Michael and St George This Order was instituted in April 1818 by the Prince Regent (later George IV) and was intended to commemorate the placing of the Ionian Islands under British protection. It was originally intended for distinguished citizens of the islands, and also of Malta. At first, the Order was conferred upon those holding high position and commands in the Mediterranean but as the British Empire expanded the Order was extended to those who had given distinguished service in the Dominions and Colonies, as well as in foreign affairs generally. The Order consists of three classes: Knight Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight Commander (KCMG), and Companion (CMG). The Order's motto is Auspicium melioris aevi ('Token of a better age'). The Order features a depiction of the archangel St Michael holding a flaming sword and trampling upon Satan. The awards for the Boer War were: GCMG KCMG CMG Total 4 13 198 213

The Christmas 1901 Maidstonian stated that Major Stonham, CMG, had given “a very interesting lecture at the Town Hall, in November, on the work of the Imperial Yeomanry Field Hospital. He also gave a professional lecture to the Doctors of the town on the medical aspects of the war.” He clearly was a multi-talented individual as the 1906 Old Maidstonians news states: “Major Stonham is editing for Messrs Heinemann, a new book on British Birds, with photographic illustrations.”

The 1916 Maidstonian mentions that Colonel Charles Stonham, FRCS, died in Egypt, aged 45. No more details have yet been found but I presume he was not working in a military capacity as there is no reference to him serving or dying in World War One according to the CWCG.

3. Lieutenant JRG Adam, 1st Dragoon Guards

James Ronald Glennie Adam was born in 1877 and joined MGS (seems to be referred as R Adam) in June 1887. His father was Dr Adam of West Malling. In

17 23 May 2020 Lower School Class 3 he came 2nd in Arithmetic but was bottom in the French examination! Apparently he had a “peculiar cross-country style”, but came 2nd in the U15 440 yds and won the High Jump with the height of 4 ft 3 ins. He played for the 2nd XI Football team and was awarded the Form Prize in 1892 and he became a Randall Scholar and took his degree at Trinity College, Cambridge.

In the 1896 Maidstonian the following appeared in the Old Boys News section:

“Though Rugby Football was abandoned some years ago at the school, the Old Boys do not appear to have forgotten the game as the following have appeared in the Maidstone Rugby team: JR Adam.” (along with 11 other names including 4 that would also serve in the Boer War: CH Long, F Smith, S Smith, R Corfe and one who would die serving in WW1, P Smythe).

The Christmas 1900 edition quoted with pride:

“R Adam, who served with much distinction in Loch’s Horse while the regiment was reduced in effective strength from 220 to 84, and was promoted from Trooper to Sergeant Major, has been gazetted to a commission in the 1st Dragoons. On his return to Malling, Lieutenant Adam received an enthusiastic reception from his townsmen.”

Though he survived the Boer War, his health deteriorated as illustrated by The London Gazette extract, and sadly the 1906 Maidstonian announced his death and published the following obituary:

“JRG Adam. We regret to announce the death of J Ronald G Adam at Hythe on July 7th from an affection of the lungs, in his 29th year. He was a Randall Scholar and ultimately took his degree at Cambridge (Trinity College). He volunteered and served with Loch’s Horse in the Great Boer War, and was mentioned in despatches for valour; subsequently he received a commission in the 1st Dragoon Guards.”

4. R Corfe, Civil Surgeon, RAMC

Robert Corfe was born in 1870, the son of AF Corfe who was a chemist in Gabriels Hill, Maidstone and also an Old Maidstonian. His father regularly attended OM Suppers, becoming the OM President in 1912, and in 1909, he was elected the

18 23 May 2020 Peoples Warden of All Saints, Maidstone. Robert joined MGS in September 1882, and his younger brother Ernest would also serve in the Boer War.

Robert was top of his class of ten students, excelling in Algebra, History, Geography and Latin, and he became a Randall Scholar. In 1885 he won a Mathematics Scholarship “value five guineas, tenable for 3 years”. The 1894/95 Maidstonian informed the school that he had been successful in passing the final examinations of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians and also the final examination for the MB degree of London. He went on to be appointed as House Surgeon at St Mary’s Hospital, for whom he played rugby. The Christmas 1901 Maidstonian reports:

“Dr R Corfe, who has been practising at Pretoria and Bloemfontein, as a Civil Surgeon, attached to the RAMC, is expected home this month.” Not only did he use his medical skills to help the troops in the Boer War, but he also served during WW1. The 1915 Maidstonian records: “Major R Corfe is serving in the Army with the 5th London Field Ambulance.” He survived the war, but sadly died in 1927 and the following obituary appeared in the Christmas 1927 Maidstonian:

“Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Corfe, MB London, who died on 27th September, at the age of 57, was the second son of the late Mr Alfred F Corfe, and a very busy Medical Practitioner at Greenwich. Dr Corfe received his medical education at St Mary’s Hospital, where for some time he was obstetric officer. He was RMO at Ipswich General Hospital, and during the Boer War acted as Civil Surgeon. In 1902 he settled in Greenwich, where he has carried on practice for the past 25 years. During the Great War he served in France and Salonika, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.”

5. EW Corfe, Civil Surgeon, RAMC

Ernest William Corfe was born in 1878 and joined MGS in May 1890, leaving in 1895 to train as a dentist. At school he was picked out by an Inspector for his promising work in Latin, and being top in French. Overall he was ranked 4th in his Form II class of 20. At Sports Day, he and Hulseberg won the Three-Legged race – poignant that they both would serve in the Boer War, and Hulseberg would be one of the four Maidstonians who died in the conflict. He represented the school at football; his football report stated “Good worker and fair shot, but slow. Played back in Lent term; good kick, and hard to pass”. Against Cranbrook the report stated: “only the capital defence of Hodsoll and Corfe saved us from a heavy defeat”. The following season “ was the best of the backs playing a

19 23 May 2020 magnificent game against Ashford GS.” He also captained the school Cricket XI, being a successful bowler averaging 5.3 runs per wicket. He also won the U15 100 yds in a time of 11.6 seconds, and performed the role of Salerio in the Merchant of Venice.

In 1893 he passed the Oxford Local Junior Examination, Third Class Honours, with a distinction in Greek. He regularly participated in the Old Boy’s Race (220 yds handicap) at Sports Day, winning the 1897 event by 5 yards in 26.2 seconds. The Christmas 1901 Maidstonian reported:

“Ernest Corfe, formerly Dental House Surgeon at Guy’s is appointed Civil Dental Surgeon attached to the RAMC in South Africa. He is now at Standerton.”

The following year it was reported that he had returned from South Africa to take up practice as a Surgeon Dentist at Muswell Hill. He attended the 1902 OM annual Supper held at the Star Hotel.

6. Corporal HLG Alison, Mounted Infantry, Gordon Highlanders

Henry Lewis Guthrie Alison was born 16th February 1882 and joined MGS in May 1892, aged 10, leaving 3 years later. His father was a clerk in Holy Orders, and Henry would eventually be ordained as a priest in 1911.

He won the U12 100 yds, 220 yds race and he won the First Form, Form Prize. The 1911 Maidstonian proudly announced that:

“HLG Alison, who was ordained by the Bishop of Qu’Appelle, in Advent, 1910, and licensed to the curacy of the Parish Church of Regina, Saskatchewan, under the Arch-deacon of Regina, and who was the Gospeller on the occasion, has this

20 23 May 2020 Advent been ordained Priest.” During WW1 he served as a Reverend for the Royal Army Chaplains Department.

7. Private HC Trousdell, Oxford Light Infantry

(William) Hugh Cornwallis Trousdell was born in 1879 in Boxley, Maidstone. He was the second child and eldest son of 15 children born to Captain William Blakeney Persse Trousdell. Hugh was an academic and Randall Exhibitioner; he was praised by the Inspectorate team in their report to the Governors, dated July 28th 1890. He was one of four students who sang at the Speech Day ceremony, but he and his brother were listed as ‘absent’ for the 1892 exams, and no mention afterwards, mean I assume they moved away. Further research showed that he attended Carlisle Grammar School from 1893-98. However, the Easter 1902 Magazine stated:

“HC Trousdell (formerly Randall Scholar) Hastings Exhibitioner of Queens College, Oxford, has joined the Oxford University Volunteers for service in South Africa. He sailed on March 15th.” He returned to finish his studies, and the Christmas 1903 lists in the Old Boys Successes Section: “H Trousdell – BA Queen’s College, Oxford. Third Class in Final Honours School of History.”

He then worked for the Colonial Civil Service in Nigeria as the Chief Accountant of the Nigerian Railways. After visiting family in England in 1915 he boarded a passenger ship in Liverpool to return to Nigeria. Unfortunately, his ship, the SS Falaba, was torpedoed; extract from the website: www.wrecksite.eu:

On the 28th March, 1915, the SS Falaba, of 4,806 tons, was overhauled after a short chase by the German enemy submarine U-28 about 60 miles west of St. Ann's Head. The submarine hailed the ship through a megaphone to "take to the boats, as they were going to sink the ship in five minutes." This was at noon, and ten minutes later the submarine fired a torpedo from a distance of about 100 yards. The Falaba took a list to starboard and sank in 8 minutes. The steamer carried a crew of 95 and 147 passengers, including seven women, a total of 242 persons; and it was quite impossible to transfer this number of people to the boats in the twenty minutes that elapsed between the submarine's warning and the sinking of the ship. While the boats were being launched at top speed, the falls of one boat slipped, the falls of another jammed, some boats were dashed against the side of the ship, and one was seriously injured by the explosion of the torpedo. The result was that 104 lives were lost, 138 being saved. This heavy loss of life was quite unnecessary, and would never have occurred if the German commander had allowed the master a reasonable time in which to abandon ship. We are entitled to claim that the sinking of the Falaba, carried out as it was, amounted to nothing less than an act of murder. This is true, because the safety of the U-boat did not depend upon

21 23 May 2020 the immediate sinking of the steamer, which could have been destroyed just as effectually without the loss of single life.

Unfortunately, Hugh was one of the 104 passengers who lost their lives and there is a memorial to him in Boxley Church.

"Kent & Sussex Courier" 09 Apr 1915, page 5:

A memorial service to the memory of Mr. W.H.C. Trousdell, son of Captain and Mrs. Trousdell, of Maidstone, who was one of the missing passengers of the torpedoed "Falaba," was held at Boxley Church on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Trousdell, who held a high appointment in the Colonial Civil Service, was returning to his station in Nigeria, after a few weeks' leave. There was a large attendance at the church, including several well-known county families, and amongst the family mourners was Miss Sibyl Thesiger, Mr. Trousdell's fiancee.

8. Private HE Sharp, Scots Fusiliers

Herbert Edward Sharp was born in 1879, son of P Sharp of Week Street who was a grocer. He joined MGS in January 1889 and left in August 1894. He was ranked 7th out of 17 in Class 4. He came 2nd in the half-mile Handicap and won the 220 yds Open Race. He also represented the school at cricket. He came 3rd in the Old Boys 220 yds race the year after he left MGS. He survived the Boer War, and in 1913 he was living in Bower Mount Road. In 1914 he was named in the list of OMs serving in His Majesty’s Forces, recorded as Lieutenant HE Sharp, RAMC. Fortunately he also survived this conflict.

9. Lieutenant EC Langton, 1st Railway Pioneer Regiment

Eustace Claude Langton, born 29th October 1883, son of DW Langton Esq, a Timber Merchant. He joined MGS (West Borough House) in May 1895 and left in December 1900. He represented the school at Football and Cricket, eventually becoming Captain of both and was awarded his football colours. His early football report stated: “Good kick, tackles well, but does not stick to his man; needs weight.”

At cricket an early report stated: “a free punishing bat without much defence; fair change bowler. Slack field.” However, in his final season he had a very

22 23 May 2020 successful season as Captain of the Cricket XI, taking 6 for 30 against Snodland, 6 for 17 against Rochester, 6 for 8 against the Mathematical School, and remarkable figures of 5 wickets for 0 runs against St Peter’s Guild, who were skittled for 7! His final cricket report was very praiseworthy:

“Langton (WBH) Captain of XI – may claim credit directly by his excellent bowling, and indirectly by his good example, for much of the improved keenness and consequent success of the XI. Good bat, but nervous at first.” Indeed he topped the batting average (17.9) and bowling taking 45 wickets for 246 runs (average 5.5), and was awarded both prizes at Speech Day.

He also won the U15 Long Jump with a distance of 11 feet 3 inches. He lost in the final of the Fives’s Singles Tournament, but won the Throwing of the Cricket Ball (76 yards). He performed in three scenes from ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ (O Goldsmith) at the 1899 Speech Day.

Interesting to note that the F Streatfeild in this photograph (far right) is the author of the History of Maidstone Grammar School published in 1915.

In April 1900 he was confirmed at All Saints Church by the Lord Bishop of Dover. The April 1901 Maidstonian reports that:

“Eustace Langton went to South Africa in December 1900 to join Baden Powell’s Police”, and then the July 1901 Magazine informed OMs that: “E Langton had become a Lieutenant 1st Railway Pioneer Regiment”.

He played Cricket for the HM XI in a convincing victory against the school on 21st May 1902, being run out for 71, taking 3 wickets and 2 catches as the School were bowled out for 48.

The Easter 1903 Maidstonian printed a four page letter from Eustace Langton entitled ‘Prospecting, Prospectors and Prospects’ which gives a detailed account of his Gold prospecting in South Africa during late 1902.

23 23 May 2020 10. Sergeant-Major CH Long, served in the Rhodesian Regiment

Charles Howard Long was born in 1873 and joined MGS in November 1883. His father was, CG Long, a Maidstone Hotel Keeper and Wine Merchant; Mayor of Maidstone in 1884 and School Governor.

In 1885 he scored a try in a win for the Day Boys V the Boarders. He played Rugby and Cricket for the school, achieving colours in both. He was also a good singer: “The singings throughout the (Confirmation) Service was decidedly good, the trebles having a good leader in Long, whose voice was clearly heard throughout the Church (St Peter’s).”

His name appears in the 1888 Honour List, being awarded Second Class Freehand South Kensington. He was one of the 13 MGS students awarded the St John’s Certificate for First Aid to the wounded at the Town Hall in a ceremony 20th May 1890, awarded by FSW Cornwallis Esq MP. After leaving MGS he kept in touch, playing in the Past V Present cricket match in July 1894, which was interrupted by rain. He also played rugby for Maidstone. In 1900 the Maidstonian listed him as serving in the War in South Africa with the Rhodesians.

11. Trooper HE Hulseberg, BSA Police Regiment

Harold Edwin Hulseberg was born in 1875, and joined MGS in January 1887 and left in July 1891. He was the fifth son of Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Hulseberg, RAMC, who was a Brigade Surgeon at Maidstone Barracks. Unfortunately Harold died of Blackwater Fever while serving his country in the South African War.

At school he was “the most conspicuous in our team” (Football 2nd XI), where he played in the backs, alongside McVicar, who would also serve in the Boer War (though not named on the board) and then sadly die while serving in WW1. Harold was also awarded his St John’s Ambulance Association Certificate. He won the 3-legged race in the 1891 Sports Day, attached to EW Corfe, who would also serve in the Boer War, and fortunately survive.

He is mentioned in the April 1900 Maidstonian as one of the 16 known OMs serving in South Africa. Unfortunately, the next edition in July 1900 stated “we regret to hear that Harold Hulseberg died of Blackwater Fever in Rhodesia. His brother has been twice wounded, the second time during the defence of Wepener”. It isn’t clear which of his 4 brothers this is referring to, only one of them, Castern Emile Hulseberg is in the School’s Admissions Register as being born in 1878 and attending MGS September 1887 to July 1890. Another brother,

24 23 May 2020 who was clearly an OM, FW Hulseberg, has an interesting history. He is mentioned in the 1888 Maidstonian “FW Hulseberg has left us for New York. We are very sorry to lose him, and wish him every success.”

The April 1901 Maidstonian included a long obituary to Harold’s brother FW Hulseberg, taken from the ‘New York Sun’:

“Details of the death of Dr Frederick W Hulseberg have just reached the city. They are sad, but characteristic of the life of the gallant young physician, who worked his way through Yale, who took honours in the Medical School, and who made one of the most remarkable records at the New Haven State Hospital of any House Surgeon. The story of the Murder of Dr Hulseberg by the Filipino insurgents has been told by Dr Winter, Surgeon Major of the regiment in the Philippines, with which Dr Hulseberg was acting at the time of his death.

Dr Winter had become especially attached to Dr Hulseberg, because of the young Yale graduate’s energy, his skill as a surgeon, and his tirelessness in caring for the sick and wounded. A letter from Dr Winter to a close friend of Dr Hulseberg, gives the details of the latter’s death, as follows: ‘I have full particulars of the distressing death. Dr Hulseberg died as he had lived among us, the same amiable character exhibiting itself in its crucial test. A way train en route to Santa Cruz, in charge of a Company of the Regiment, had been on the road about an hour, when hostile insurgents fired upon it from either side of the road. The doctor was near the head of the column, but with the characteristic devotion to his duty which has always characterized him, he started back to a Red Cross ambulance, containing a number of sick men who were under his charge. He had only gone a few feet when he called to Captain Myers that he had been shot. The Captain saw that he had received a wound through the left forearm, and ran to him, assuring him that it was trivial. He started to put on a first-aid dressing, when the doctor still standing, exclaimed ‘I am killed’. When Captain Myers asked him if he had any other wounds than that on his arm he said, looking the brave undaunted spirit that lived within him, ‘Right through the heart’. He fell into Captain Myers’ arms and died instantly without a struggle. This was at 8:30 o’clock in the morning of August 1st. At 10 o’clock I dressed him in his uniform, and with those

sad impressive honours which are prescribed for military funerals, we followed the remains of our noble friend to the boat which was to take his body to Manila.

25 23 May 2020 The enlisted men of the hospital corps, who had learned to love him just as all of us did, bore his coffin, and as our regimental band played ‘Home, Sweet, Home’ we all bowed to that destiny whose inscrutable workings we could not fathom, and the tears came to all eyes. All the officers of the regiment had learned to love our friend, and there has been no event in the regiment’s history which has been fraught with so deep sorrow to all of us as the tragic death of your friend and ours. While not of our organisation, and attached to us only provisionally, we yet claim him as our own, and no name on the roster merits more justly and receives more fully the endorsement of a good soldier – the full measure of a soldier’s aspiration. His kind are not of common occurence in life, and how gladly and thankfully we should have kept him with us I can by no means tell you!

It has been learned since Dr Hulseberg’s death that he had been ordered to Santa Cruz before he was ordered, but had not made the change that would have saved his life. In his last letter written to a friend in the city, and received the day after he was killed, he said that the chief danger he feared was an attack from the Filipino savages upon the waggon trains on the road.”

Sadly, no such detailed obituary appears for his younger brother, Harold.

12. Private P Biddell, Canadian Mounted Infantry

Percy Biddell joined MGS in September 1884, along with his brother Reginald, and they would both serve in, and survive, the Boer War. Their father was G Biddell, a Land Agent. One of the Biddell brothers (referred to Biddell ii) came second in the U12 100 yds in the 1885 Sports Day. The Biddell brothers played together many times in the MGS teams. Percy’s cricket report in 1888 states “may ultimately develop into a good bat, as he has a fair defence and plenty of confidence, is at present too slow in batting and bowling, especially the latter.” However, he did top score with 32 not out in a 1st XI victory against the Masters and 41 in a comfortable victory against Sevenoaks, and taking 6-19 against Cranbrook in 1889. He and his brother played in the 1888-89 school rugby team (Percy is bottom left) and they

26 23 May 2020 were both awarded their Rugby Football colours, with Percy playing full-back and Reginald in the forwards. He also played in goal for the Football XI. Percy received the Sixth Form, Modern Division Prize at the 1888 Speech Day Ceremony at the Corn Exchange and in 1889 achieved his Pitman’s Certificates.

Percy appeared in the list of 16 names given in the April 1900 Maidstonian of OBs currently serving in South Africa: ‘P Biddell, Canadian Contingent,’ and hence he is commemorated on the Boer War Board.

13. Private JG Kirby, Natal Mounted Rifles

John Gordon Kirby was born August 1874 and joined MGS in January 1890, leaving in April 1893; he also had a younger brother who attended the school, January 1890 to Summer 1891, rather confusingly called James Gordon Kirby. The Schools Admissions Register notes that James died on December 30th 1893. While at school both were stalwarts of the senior football team, John playing centre- forward. The Football team photograph (left) has the two brothers standing on the top row 2nd and 4th from left. The 1891 Maidstonian reports that in a game against “Sevenoaks, played on

Saturday December 6th …… our centre- forward John G Kirby was severely hacked just before half-time was called, and forced to play in goal the second-half.” Another match report, of a close victory against Cranbrook, includes: “our first goal, kicked by John G Kirby was greeted by thunders of applause from the patriotic onlookers.”

Both JG Kirbys also represented the school at Cricket, and can be seen standing together on the top row far left in the 1891 Cricket photograph (above).

27 23 May 2020 Similarly, one of the Kirby boys was second in the Hurdles, second in the 440 yds and second in the 880 yds.

I found a very sad reference in the obituary of the student Percy Le Clair Hills who tragically died at the School’s firework display on 5th November 1894 (and whose death, 2 of the stained glass windows in the Big Hall commemorate). Part of the obituary reads: “Many of those who stood round the grave and heard Mr Watson’s voice saying those words, must have had their thoughts carried back a few short months to a cold January day in East Farleigh Churchyard, when the same familiar voice uttered those same words over another comrade’s grave, that of James Kirby, another boy beloved and respected, whose school course had ended but a few months before he passed from among us.” James loss must have been devastating for John and the rest of his family.

The 1896 Maidstonian states “We drew attention to a most interesting letter from JG Kirby (OM), whose genial prescence on the football field will long be missed. We wish him all good luck in his South African life.” The Head Master allowed the letter to be printed in the Maidstonian. I have selected a few extracts from the 8 page letter:

Pietermaritzburg, Natal, January 20th 1896 My Dear Sir I arrived at Cape Town on Friday morning, December 20th … the city lies between Table Mountain and the Lion’s Mane, a name given to a large hill which runs down to the sea … all the Cape Town streets are much broader than the High Street of ye ancient borough of Maidstone. …. On boxing-day I went by train to a place called Newlands, about 12 miles from Cape Town to see the English Eleven play against 15 men of the Western Province. The cricket ground is beautifully situated; it is surrounded by oak, beech, elm and other fine trees, in fact the place strongly recalled our own beautiful Mote ground.

I left Cape Town for Durban on December 29th … At East London we heard of the rebellion in Johannesburg (now called Judasburg) and the awful railway disaster in Natal, which cost the lives of ninety people … In Cape Colony they allow the blacks to be about at all times of the night, but at Natal a curfew bell is rung at

28 23 May 2020 9 o’clock when all blacks, including Indians, must be indoors, and if they are caught outside after the bell has rung they are marched into prison.

(After 5 days) I left Durban for Maritzburg, 79 miles but it took over 6 hours to cover the distance. The line winds up and down the mountains over 3,000 feet high. I have got a post in the chief lawyers office, writing down the evidence in the Native High Court of Justice, type writing, writing lawyer’s letters, indexing Law books etc.

Maritzburg is beautifully situated, surrounded by hills covered with green and purple grasses. The city stands 2,215 feet above the sea, and not withstanding that height, the thermometer registers 120o in the shade. Hail … the size of small chicken eggs are frequent. The excitement caused by the Jameson Raid is intense here … Everybody seems mad on fighting; the antagonistic feeling towards the Boers and those who side with them is carried to such pitch that even in advertising they always state: ‘No German, Frenchman or Dutchman need apply’ …. How is the school getting on in its football matches? I should like very much to know all about them. I take a lively interest in my old school, and shall always do so, for it was there I met with the greatest kindness, and spent the happiest days of my life.” JGK (OM)

Then later it was reported JG Kirby (OM) had been appointed a Master of the Model School, Durban. Another 9 page letter dated March 28th 1897 appeared in the 1897 Maidstonian, with a poignant opening line: “What a troublesome time South Africa is having! We hear of nothing but wars and rumours of wars all around us.” A later extract is even more prophetic, “even if England has to send a strong army corps to enforce her demands, though I am afraid that at the present moment England would be loath to send an army of over 50,000 men here, as she might need them at any moment at home, owing to the serious European complications, which may break into the most terrific war ever known in the world’s history.” [The European complications of growing Anglo-German rivalry did eventually lead to a major conflict 17 years later, and it certainly proved to be a terrifying war]. The letter goes on to explain how the Natal Government had in 1895 ordered every school to have a cadet corps, and he illustrates how wonderful the one in his school was.

“I think it is a great pity that all the Public Schools in England do not follow the example set them by Natal Schools, for some day England may need every one of her sons to take up arms in her defence, and I think it behoves every boy who has the least particle of patriotism to try and bestir himself to form, with the aid of his school-fellows, a cadet corps in his school. I am sure that you will agree with me that drill and military discipline are splendid things for boys; drill

29 23 May 2020 strengthens the body more than any athletic performance, and discipline teaches boys to obey orders without giving a thought of the why or why not should they obey. During the happy time I was at Maidstone School, you brought up the idea of a cadet corps, I remember, but somehow or other the boys did not seem to take to it. [the Editor of the Maidstonian added as a footnote: ‘in answer to the circular sent out to the School over this matter, two volunteers offered themselves!’]”

Britain would introduce a similar version in 1906, partly as a result of the difficult experiences recruiting quality personnel during the 1899-1902 Boer War and MGS did start a Cadet Corps, which became the OTC and finally CCF, which is still strong and proud today, well over a century later.

When the Boer War conflict finally did break out in South Africa, two years after this letter, the clearly very patriotic John, appears to have been quick to serve, and his name is in the April 1900 Maidstonian, which listed the first 16 OMs serving. The July 1900 edition reports: “We have been pleased to have a flying visit from J Kirby, an Old Maidstonian, in the uniform of the Natal Mounted Rifles, invalided home for a short time. He went through the siege of Ladysmith, and was injured by a fall from his horse. He returns to Natal to resume work on the Board of Education, which he temporarily resigned to go to the front as a volunteer.”

It is interesting to note that the April 1900 Maidstonian states that “on March 1st 1900, on receipt of the news of the Relief of Ladysmith, a half day holiday was given.” John’s name appears on the Memorial Board, but sadly no further correspondence to MGS was located. According to the Wikitree website, it appears that John stayed in South Africa after the War and married Irene Florence Burne on 30th June 1909 in Durban. They had two sons, but John died on 5th June 1942 aged 67, and is buried in Isipingo Cemetery, Durban. His grave inscription reads: “Abide with Me”.

14. Trooper EG Carpenter, British South African Light Horse

Sadly little knowledge could be found out about EG Carpenter. His School’s Admission Register was not located. There was a “Carpenter (2)” in the First Form 1885 register, possibly younger brother of student C Carpenter (in the Third Form) of 4, Quiriten Road, Lee Terrace, Blackheath. Carpenter (2) was commended for his work in Scripture and won both the U12 races.” [100yds and 220yds]

30 23 May 2020 15. Private LO Day, Western Australian Mounted Infantry

Leonard Osborn Day, was one of the four sons of Mrs S Day, who attended MGS. Three sons, Hubert Bartlett, Charles Frederick and Henry Reginald had all joined MGS by September 1882, whereas Leonard started in 1887. Leonard’s initials are a conundrum; the Memorial Board clearly states LC Day, but the 1905 Maidstonian List has LO Day.

Even more intriguing is that the April and July 1900 Maidstonians both state HB Day, not LO Day, was an OM serving in the war with the Imperial Yeomanry, but Hubert doesn’t appear on the School’s Memorial Board. A Leo Day does appear on a website giving those who served in the conflict for the West Australian Mounted Infantry, which supports that this was the OM LO Day as the Memorial Board states he served in the West Australian Mounted Infantry. The Easter 1906 Maidstonian states in the Old Maidstonians’ News Section: “LO Day Chief Inspector in Police in Siam, is to receive from His Majesty the King of Siam, the Order of the White Elephant, 4th Class and is to be promoted.” Then the April 1914 edition quoted: “The King of Siam in November 1913, conferred the Order of the 4th Class of the Crown of Siam on L Day, in recognition of 12 years’ service in His Majesty’s Police. L Day is the son of the late Mr Samuel Day, formerly of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone.” However, I was unable to confirm that his brother Hubert Bartlett served in the war, as stated in the Maidstonian Magazine, see page 47.

16. Private JH Stopford, Diamond Fields Artillery

James Heginbottom Stopford was born in April 1878 and joined MGS in May 1892 aged 14, joining Mr Hartland’s Second Form. He represented the School at Football playing as a forward or half-back. In a 7-1 victory against Skinners the Maidstonian reported: “Stopford put in some capital work” and against Maidstone Wednesday “The halves were all in great form, Stopford playing up hard and well against their strong wing.”

31 23 May 2020 He also played cricket, a Maidstonian report stating: “JH Stopford: Bats fairly well at practice, with plenty of power, indifferent field.”

He was a member of the Debating Society and performed in the March 1894 debate when A Vigor (who also served in the Boer War) moved the following resolution: ‘That a town life has greater advantages than a country life’. Stopford spoke against the motion “on the score of pleasure”. He was also School House Monitor, and while at school, gained Second Class Honours in Freehand Drawing in the South Kensington Art Examination, and came second in his form (Mr Harding’s Third Form) of 26 students.

The April 1901 Maidstonian states: “To the names of the OMs who have served in the Boer War we have to add that of JH Stopford, who was in the Diamond Fields Artillery during the Siege of Kimberley.”

After this, there are no further references to him in the Maidstonians apart from his name being listed for the Memorial Board in the 1905 magazine.

17. Lieutenant WA Morling, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

William Archibald Morling was born in 1876, the son of Mr W Morling , draper. Interestingly, a reference in the July 1899 Maidstonian states: “House Colours selected are: School House, purple, gold and light blue; East Borough House, purple, gold and red; West Borough House, purple, gold and green. The above ribands can be had at Morlings.” I am not sure if there was any connection. Also, a William Morling was the Mayor of Maidstone, and attended the 1895 Speech Day. He was Mayor again in 1903-4 and became a School Governor in 1901; this could have been the father. William junior joined MGS in 1886, and left in 1889, during the time of the lack of Maidstonians so personal references could not be located in the school archives, until there is a reference to Morling representing the ‘Past’ students V the Present in a cricket fixture in the summer of 1895. The April 1900 edition lists WA Morling as one of the 16 OMs serving in the South African War. The December 1900 magazine published a very interesting letter by William about his experiences in South Africa:

“The Terrible Experience of an OM [from the South Eastern Gazette]. WA Morling, writing to his parents from Kimberley on September 10th says: ‘Since last I wrote to you I have been through some very exciting and dangerous times. Firstly, I was shut up and besieged at Elands River; secondly, I was taken prisoner and by the Boers rough and inhuman treatment and exposure I caught bronchitis, which put me in Mafeking Hospital. I had just got comfortably into bed there

32 23 May 2020 when that terrible tornado started and blew the tents hundreds of yards away with our blankets, etc, leaving us exposed to the mercies of the rain, wind, and dust, which were pitiless in the beating on our almost naked bodies. When we had been at Elands River about two weeks the Boers started firing at us. This continued for 12 days, on the ninth of which I was sent out with a dispatch for relief. I had not got far before the Boers collared me and took my rifle, bandolier bayonet, and every stitch of clothing I had on my back, giving me in exchange a dirty old pair of trousers and a coat, but no boots or socks. Then they put two Boer guards over me, but they did not keep me for long, for just after it got dark I got away from them and made my way to Mafeking, a distance of 77 miles. This took me 5 days. I entered 3 or 4 farmhouses on the way and took food and a few articles of clothing. The old women on the farms growled, but I did not care a snap for them. When I arrived at Mafeking I was taken very ill. I was examined by a doctor who pronounced my complaint bronchitis, and was admitted to the Field Hospital. Then the tornado came, and I can tell you I never want to undergo such another half-an-hour’s experience. I would rather go through all our skirmishes with the Boers again. The wind simply took our tents with the beds and patients, and deposited us about 60 yards from our original position. It was an awful sight to see the wounded lying about helpless, now in the pouring rain, now amidst a torrent of hail-stones, larger than pigeon’s eggs, and the poor orderlies (up to their knees in water), carrying them into the nearest houses which were a good mile away. I made my way to a farmhouse, where they treated me right royally, and now we have all arrived at Kimberley, where I am getting my discharge as medically unfit, through bronchitis and bad teeth. After all, therefore you may expect me home about the end of November or before. I am sorry to say that I am deaf as a post in my right ear, through being so close to our 15-pounder guns when they were discharged, but the doctor says I shall get over that in time. I am very glad the war is nearly over, for I am heartily sick of the whole affair, as is everybody else who is engaged in it. The military authorities are trying very hard to get us Colonials to join the Transvaal Police at 10 shillings per day and all found, but it is only a few who have no trade that are doing so. They are in a fix to get men, as the Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, and Tasmanians will have nothing to do with South Africa at any price, and neither will any of the Imperial Yeomanry that I have met.’ In a subsequent letter Mr Morling states that his health has improved, and he is being sent to Salisbury, whence he will be sent home.”

The April 1901 Maidstonian updated the situation: “Lieutenant WA Morling, of the Rhodesian Regiment, who returned home just before Christmas, has gone back to South Africa as Captain in the Imperial Yeomanry.” However, on the Board his rank is given as Lieutenant. Interestingly the magazine goes on to state that: “The newly formed draft of Imperial Yeomanry, West Kent Company, now

33 23 May 2020 on its way to the Cape contains three OMs viz. Bonny, Anscomb and P Robinson.” The latter two appear on the Memorial Board, but not Bonny, see page 46.

The Easter 1902 Maidstonian states: “Lieutenant Morling has resigned his commission in the Imperial Yeomanry.” He attended the Old Boys dinner at the Queens Head Hotel, on Wednesday April 23rd 1902, along with Councillor W Morling and B Morling, possibly his father and brother respectively. During the evening Mr JPH Wood said “he had much pleasure in coupling the toast to the Army, Navy and Reserve Forces the name of a member of their society who had distinguished himself in South Africa – Lieutenant WH Morling, of the 7th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry. The path of duty was the way to glory, and they welcomed Lieutenant Morling there as one who was already on the road to glory (applause).” Lieutenant Morling, replying to the toast, said “he had two years’ experience in the present war, as a trooper and an officer, and could say the slanders against their troops were entirely unfounded. Serving in both capacities, he could safely affirm he had seen nothing but kindness to the men, women and children. As to the Generals, well, everyone was likely to make mistakes. General Buller, in his march through Natal, had a task about like getting from High Street over that house, while Lord Roberts’ march, might be compared to going over a billiard table.”

In the 1928 Maidstonian WA Morling was named as one of the OMs who made a donation to the school, so he clearly kept an interest in, and contact with, MGS and the OMs.

18. Sergeant S Smith, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Selby Smith was born in February 1876, younger brother of Frederick Smith who sadly died in the Boer War. Their father was a farmer, F Smith of Loddington. Selby joined MGS in September 1886 and left in April 1892.

He played Fives and also represented the school at Cricket and Football being labelled “A plucky and useful half-back,” “Always plays a steady game, kicking and tackling nicely.”

He was victorious in the Hurdles (Open) race in the 1891 Sports Day and he passed (2nd class) his Geometry in the South Kensington Science and Art Examination. After leaving MGS, he and his brother regularly returned to play in various Past V Present cricket matches eg. he ‘bowled three maidens’, and Past V Present football matches and they both played for Maidstone Rugby Club.

34 23 May 2020 Selby and Frederick were named in the list of OMs serving in the South Africa War, given in the April 1900 Maidstonian; the July 1900 edition stating they were representing the Imperial Yeomanry. Selby served in the same regiment (36th Company, 9th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry) as his brother, and Frederick’s death on January 4th 1901, must have been very difficult for Selby, so far away from the rest of his family. However, the July 1901 Maidstonian was the bearer of good news, informing OMs of the marriage on June 4th 1901 at Norwood of “Selby Smith to Nancy, daughter of W Rawlins Esq of West Norwood, and formerly of Fox Pitts, West Farleigh.” The same edition also cites under Old Boys Successes 1901: “Selby Smith – mentioned in Lord Roberts’ Despatch for meritorious service with Imperial Yeomanry in S. Africa.”

19. Lance-Corporal FW Smith, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Frederick Smith was born in 1875 and joined MGS in January 1886. His father was a farmer, F Smith from Loddington. Sadly, Frederick would be one of the four OM’s who died in the Boer War, but his younger brother Selby would survive the conflict. The two brothers were close in age and played in cricket, football and rugby matches together during, and after, leaving school, so Frederick’s death must have hit the family hard, particularly his brother Selby, who served in the same regiment.

Frederick performed scenes from Twelfth Night for the August 1st 1888 Speech Day, where he played Sir Toby Belch. He also represented the school at football as a forward, and he regularly returned, with his brother, to play in the Past V Present football matches: “Piper and Smith were conspicuous with some dangerous rushes”, and Past V Present cricket matches.

The 1896 Maidstonian reported in the Old Boys’ News: “Though Rugby Football was abandoned some years ago at the School, the Old Boys do not appear to have forgotten the game, as the following have appeared in the Maidstone Rugby Team: F Smith, S Smith (and 11 other names).”

Both Frederick and his brother Selby, are named in the list of OM’s serving in the South African War in the April 1900 Maidstonian, with the July 1900 edition adding that they were both part of the Imperial Yeomanry. Sadly, the April 1901 Maidstonian reported his death as follows:

“We greatly regret to hear that death has claimed another victim from the ranks of Old Maidstonians serving in South Africa. Lance-Corporal F Smith died at Winburg on January 4th, of enteric. A correspondent writing to the South Eastern

35 23 May 2020 Gazette says ‘Lance-Corporal Smith was the son of Mr FG Smith of Loddington. The sad news has cast quite a gloom over Boughton parish, where the deceased had lived practically all his life, and was popular with everyone. He had been connected with D (or Maidstone) troop of the West Kent Yeomanry for nearly 4 years, and was a good shot and smart horseman. He and his brother Selby, who is a Sergeant in the same troop, were among the first yeomen of Kent to volunteer for active service, and they have all along been attached to the Eight Division under General Rundle.’”

During the unveiling ceremony (23rd April 1902) of the Memorial stained glass window for the four OMs who died in the Boer War, Major FSW Cornwallis said: “Corporal F Smith was one of his own men in his own Squadron, a kind friend and neighboour, and a son of his old brother Churchwarden, Mr F Smith of Loddington – a true Englishman and a man of Kent.”

20. Lance-Corporal PA Paine, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Percival Andrew Paine was born on 7th June 1872, and joined MGS in 1886. His father was PA Paine, a farmer in Leeds. Percival’s time at school coincided with the Maidstonian’s not being published (1886-Dec 1890) so no references to him could be located, until the notification of the Memorial Board in the July 1905 Maidstonian.

21. Lance-Corporal PH Johnson, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

I couldn’t find a School’s Register for PH Johnson, so information is very sparse about him. There is a reference to a Johnson in the Mathematical Exams (Class II), but it can’t be confirmed that it is PH Johnson. The fact that there is no reference to a PH Johnson in any of the Maidstonians may indicate he was at MGS before the Maidstonians were first printed in 1885. The only reference I could find to him was in the July 1905 edition which printed a copy of the Memorial Board, which stated L-Corporal PH Johnson, 36th Co IY, this was confirmed by the extract below from the Anglo Boer War website which gives his first names as Percy Hope:

36 23 May 2020 22. Trooper SH Clark, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Sydney Hatch Clark was born in 1875, son of T Clark, a farmer from Harrietsham. Sydney joined MGS in September 1885 and left in mid 1888, when virtually no Maidstonians were printed, so personal information and achievements are lacking. There is a December 1885 Maidstonian (last one until December 1890) and a Clark is named in the Rugby XV Fixtures against other schools playing prop. Sydney was only 10 years old, so I doubt it was him.

S Clarke is mentioned in the April 1900 Maidstonian as one of the 16 OMs serving in the war, the July edition adding he was serving with the Imperial Yeomanry, but in both cases the surname has an ‘e’ added, whereas the Memorial Board clearly states SH Clark. This is likely to be a mistake, rather than two separate OM’s. The Boer War website records only Sydney Hatch Clark, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry, and there is no record of an S Clarke.

23. Trooper RJ Larking, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Ross John Larking was born 4th June 1882 and lived with his mother in Medway Street, Maidstone. He joined MGS in January 1895, aged 12, meaning he was very young when he served in the Boer War, only 5 years later.

He represented the school cricket team, “scoring freely” against a Maidstone 2nd XI. He appeared to be fairly strong academically coming 4th overall in his Second Form class of 18 students, including being second in Mathematics, and he was the Second Form Monitor.

He is named in the April 1900 Maidstonian as one of the 16 serving in the South African War, when he was only 17 years old. The July edition adds that he was serving in the Imperial Yeomanry, and the Memorial Board adds 36th Company.

24. Trooper AW Page, 36th Company Imperial Yeomanry

I couldn’t locate an admission form for A Page but found an A Page in William Day’s School List for 1874-78 printed in the 1909 Maidstonian. This would explain why there was no reference to him in any Maidstonians, as he was at school before they started in 1885. The April 1900 Maidstonian does list him as one of the 16 OMs known to be serving at that early stage in the War in South

37 23 May 2020 Africa, and the July edition adds he was with the Imperial Yeomanry. He duly appears on the Memorial Board and the Anglo Boer War website gives his name and military number as Alan Wright Page, 7519, with the 36th Company, 9th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry, but sadly doesn’t give his age. No further information could be found.

25. Trooper R Blake, 69th Company Imperial Yeomanry

Reginald Hepburn Blake, was born in 1877 and he joined MGS in September 1888, leaving in July 1892. His father was J Blake, a draper in Maidstone. Sadly Reginald was one of the 4 OMs who died serving in the Boer War, being the only OM killed in action, on March 22nd 1901, the other three dying of disease.

While at MGS he gained his St John’s Ambulance Association Certificate, awarded with 12 other MGS students by FSW Cornwallis Esq MP at the Town Hall on May 20th 1891. It is poignant to note that the same FSW Cornwallis would speak at the official ceremony to unveil the Stained Glass Window commemorating the 4 OMs who died in the war.

While at school he had one of the solo parts in the concert performance of Barnett’s Ancient Mariner, and the Maidstonian states: “With a little more training, Blake and Thurston, whose voices have more power than the others, should do very well.” He came top of Mr Priestley’s Modern Fourth Form of 11 students, coming 1st in French, Maths, 2nd in German and Shorthand and Book- keeping and 3rd in English, meaning he was awarded the Form Prize. He passed his Oxford Junior Local Examination and also in the South Kensington Science and Art Examinations he achieved Second Grade in Plane Geometry and Second Class in Elementary Inorganic Chemistry. Also, the December 1892 Maidstonian highlights that “R.Blake has passed the entrance examination for the City & Guilds of London Institute (Engineering). There were 120 candidates, of whom 60 were admitted.”

Reginald returned to partake in the Old Boys V School Football Match in 1897, and the Maidstonian records “Blake & Stiles were the pick of the forwards” in a 3-2 victory for the Old Boys. He attended the Old Boys Supper, along with his brother, on Saturday 16th December 1899 at the Mitre Hotel where he performed a whistling solo and sang ‘Song of the Bow’. He is one of the 16 names of OMs given of serving in the war in the April 1900 Maidstonian, but the April 1901 edition included the following obituary:

38 23 May 2020 “We deeply regret to learn of the death of Mr Reginald Blake, son of Mrs Blake, of High Street, Maidstone, a Trooper in the 69th (Sussex) Company Imperial Yeomanry. Trooper Blake was with Lord Methuen’s force, and met his death at Hartebeestfontein, which is a few miles north-east of Klerksdorp, in the south- west of the Transvaal, in the severe fighting which occurred there on Friday, March 15th. Much sympathy will be felt for Mrs Blake and Mr Arden Blake, his brother. The late Mr Blake was but 23 years of age and left England with the Imperial Yeomanry in March of last year.”

The Christmas 1901 Maidstonian gave more details about the loss of Reginald who according to the Head Master (the Reverend CG Duffield) in his Speech Day address “Blake died a real soldier’s death (applause)”:

“The Death of Reginald Blake (Extract from a letter from Captain Gilmour, OC, 20th Company IY) … on the morning of the 22nd we marched at 5:30am. After going some miles our advance scouts sent back to report the Boer convoy was in sight. All the mounted troops, two RHA guns, and a pom-pom were sent in pursuit. During the first part of the day we were close to the guns, but later on we got out in front, and seeing three waggons ahead made for them. The Boers with the waggons bolted after firing a few shots. As we had taken them in the hollow it was necessary to get to the ridge beyond to prevent the Boers returning. At this time we were very much scattered, as, having galloped fast and far, many horses were blown. Captain Wormald (12th Lancers), myself, and some six men, among them your brother, reached the ridge first, when we came under heavy fire. I gave the order to dismount, but in the confusion found the men had retired, with the exception of your brother. We had to let our horses go and return the fire, to prevent the hill being taken, till our men came up. Your brother was kneeling and firing at the Boers, about 500 yards off, and was hit almost at once. The fire was very hot for some time, and for almost half an hour I was fully occupied firing. At this stage the guns got up, and, firing a few rounds, cleared the Boers off from my front. I then got over to your brother, who said he thought he was hit in the legs, but was not bad. I gave him some whisky which I had in my flask and went back for help. I found some of my men had sent for the doctor, and left two men to look after him, as I had to go. The doctor was soon with him, and he was brought into the camp in one of the captured

39 23 May 2020 waggons and died shortly after. I can only say he died as a brave man should, doing his duty and facing big odds. Today we buried him close to camp, under a tree, nearly all the Yeomanry attending the funeral …”

At the official unveiling of the Stained Glass Window (23rd April 1902), Major FSW Cornwallis stated “the last of the four was Reginald Blake. They knew that by his bravery he saved the hill which it was the object of his General to take and saved many lives besides. Captain Gilmour wrote that he could only say he died as a brave man should, doing his duty and facing big odds [loud applause]. Their admiration was for those who had so nobly fallen.”

The July 1902 Maidstonian also included the good news that Reginald’s brother Arden and his wife Sarah, who had got married in Brompton on July 7th 1901, had had their first child, a son, on July 12th 1902, in Maidstone. Arden continued to attend Old Boys Dinners, performing violin solos on such occasions.

Reginald has a memorial plaque in All Saints Church, Maidstone, and also his name appears on a memorial within the St Mary the Virgin Church, Battle, which commemorates the soldiers of the Sussex Imperial Yeomanry who gave their lives in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902.

26. Trooper P Robinson, 1st Company Imperial Yeomanry

Percy Robinson holds a unique record. He is the only name that appears on the board of those who served in the Boer War, and then also, sadly, is on the panel of those who died serving their country during the ‘Great War’.

Percy was born 13th July 1880, the son of James Robinson and Mrs Harriet Robinson who lived at 65 Grecian Street, Maidstone. His father was an Elementary School Master and Percy had 4 brothers and 4 sisters. He joined MGS on 27th January 1893, aged 12, and he left in February 1896. Percy won the Form Prize in Year 2 and the Mathematical Prize in Year 3. He passed his College of Preceptors Exam, and his Mathematics (First Stage) and Freehand Second Class in the South Kensington Science and Art Examinations in 1894. He was awarded

40 23 May 2020 a Foundation Scholarship, and was the Classical Fourth, and Fifth Form, Monitor. He represented the School at Football, playing half-back.

The April 1901 Maidstonian states: “The newly formed draft of Imperial Yeomanry, West Kent Company, now on its way to the Cape, contains three OMs viz Bonny, Anscomb and P Robinson.”

On returning to Maidstone after the Boer War, he worked for the Medway Brewery as a clerk. According to the 1911 Census, Percy was lodging in King Edward Road, Maidstone with his younger brother Leonard. Percy was single and still a brewery clerk.

Soon after the outbreak of war, Percy, already 34 years of age, enlisted and became a Private in the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action on 7th October 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His body was never found and so his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial along with 72315 others. The following obituary appeared in the South Eastern Gazette, October 17th 1916:

"MAIDSTONE HERO KILLED: Pte Percy Robinson, Royal Fusiliers. Mr Robinson of Foley Cottage, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, has received unofficial news that his son, Private Percy Robinson, 28th Royal Fusiliers (Public School Corps) was killed in action in France on 7th last. A letter from his comrades says Private Robinson was killed instantly by a bullet in the head as his platoon went over the trench to attack the German position 100 yds away. Before joining up in March last, Private Robinson was on the clerical staff of the Medway Brewery, and for some 3 years he was secretary of the Maidstone Conservative Club. He fought in the Boer War as a trooper of the West Kent Yeomanry."

27. Trooper CS Anscomb, 1st Company Imperial Yeomanry

Claude Stephen Anscomb was born April 28th 1882 and joined MGS in January 1891, leaving in July 1895. He was part of the cast who performed scenes from ‘Bombastes Furioso’ at the Speech Day held at the Corn Exchange in Autumn 1891. He came 4th overall in Mr Lester’s First Form of 10 students, including coming top in English and Second in Latin and French.

The April 1901 Maidstonian states: “The newly formed draft of the Imperial Yeomanry, West Kent Company, now on its way to the Cape, contains three OMs viz Bonny, Anscomb and P Robinson,” when he must have been just 18 years old.

41 23 May 2020 His name then appears in the 1905 edition which gives details of the Memorial Board.

West Kent Imperial Yeomanry

28. Private REW Biddell, City Imperial Volunteers

Reginald Elliot William Biddell was born in 1872 and he joined MGS in September 1884, along with his brother Percy; they would both serve in, and survive, the Boer War.

Reginald represented the School at Cricket and played many games alongside his brother. In 1888 he was awarded a Mr George Marsham bat for best fielding and bowling taking 22 wickets at an average of 10, including 7 wickets for 6 runs against RKS and 2-32 against the Mote. His Cricket report stated: “One of the best bowlers in the team, slow right-hand and breaks both ways. Much improved in his batting, though still wants more confidence. An excellent field and throws in well.” He also gained his Rugby Football Colours in 1889 and was a valuable place-kicker.

He also performed an extract from Sheridan’s Comedy ‘The Rivals’ at the 1888 Speech Day on August 1st at the Corn Exchange: “Biddell gave an excellent rendering of the peace making valet, David”. At the same ceremony, his younger brother, Percy, received the IV Form, Modern Division, Prize. In 1889 Reginald was awarded his 2nd Class Freehand, South Kensington.

Reginald appears in the list of 16 names given in the April 1900 Maidstonian of OBs currently serving in South Africa: “RE Biddell CIV”, and hence he is commemorated on the Boer War board.

42 23 May 2020 29. Private AF Vigor, City Imperial Volunteers

Arthur Frederick Vigor was born on July 19th 1879 and joined MGS as a boarder in May 1892, aged 12, and left in July 1895.

He came 6th overall in Mr Hartland’s Second Form of 15 students including being 3rd in English and 4th in both Maths and Physics. He was top overall of the Modern Fifth Form of 10 students, coming first in French, German, Maths, Science and Book-Keeping and Shorthand and was the Modern Fifth Form Monitor. He also became Head of School House, and he was awarded the Class 4 Maths Prize, the Third and Fifth Form, Form Prize and the German and Pearson Shorthand Prize in 1895. He passed the Oxford Junior Local Examination, and the Mathematics, Plane and Solid Geometry, and Inorganic Chemistry exams in the South Kensington Science and Arts Examinations.

He was an active member of the Debating Society making incisive contributions for the ‘modern side’ in the debate: ‘Classics exercise a great superiority over Modern Languages as a means of Education’. Also “many valuable remarks were offered by Brown and Vigor in favour of ‘the execution of Charles I was by no means justifiable’.” Also on Saturday March 10th 1894 he moved the following resolution ‘That a town life had greater advantages than a country life’, the motion losing by 11 to 10. In another debate, ‘Oratory is a greater influential power than the Press’ the Maidstonian reports: “AF Vigor followed and treated the meeting to a discourse more remarkable for its eloquence than its argument.”

In 1895 the traditional Boarders V Day Boys football match was resumed after an interval of four years. Arthur Vigor, along with his younger brother, represented the Boarders, though they lost 3-0. He also played cricket for the school, his Maidstonian report being: “AF Vigor – Neat bat, and improving rapidly; good field but cannot throw.”

The Editorial page of the July 1895 Maidstonian includes the following interesting account: “The School has another subject of congratulations in the opening of the new Town Baths, which took place with all due ceremony by the Mayor and Corporation a few weeks ago. They are a great improvement on the old baths in the matter of size, arrangement, dressing accommodation, and in luxury of fitting. That they are justly appreciated by the School is proved by the fact that the fellows in the School House turn out to a man every available morning in the week, and go to bathe almost as soon as the throstle’s note is heard in the hedge. As a fitting reward of

43 23 May 2020 so much merit, it is pleasant to find that the beautiful medal, presented by the Mayor on the opening day to the best swimmer entered for the Grammar School competition, fell to the lot of A Vigor, a house-boy of some years standing. We believe that we are correct in stating that there is scarcely a boy in the house now who cannot swim his two lengths of the bath.”

The Christmas 1900 Maidstonian states that “AF Vigor has been serving with the Honourable Artillery Company contingent attached to the City Imperial Volunteers Battery in South Africa.” Hence he is recognised on the Memorial Board.

Boer War Medals

The Queen’s South Africa Medal (QSA) was awarded to military personnel who served in the Boer War in South Africa between 11th October 1899 and 31st May 1902. The obverse of this medal has the crowned bust of Queen Victoria with the inscription 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse has the figure of Britannia facing right with her hand stretched out holding a wreath. Behind her is her shield bearing the Union Flag and in the background can be seen the ships of the Royal Navy and soldiers marching into battle. Above Britannia are the words 'SOUTH AFRICA'.

Obverse Reverse

Major C Stonham was the only OM to be awarded a medal for distinguished service, the CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) see page 18.

44 23 May 2020 Investigations into the possible other OMs who may have served in the Boer War but are not on the Memorial Board:

i.a) CI Betts Charles Idenden Betts was born on 14th March 1880, son of a butcher, and joined MGS in January 1891 and left in 1896. He was in Mr Lester’s First Form of 21 students, along with Claude Anscomb who served in the Boer War. Charles was placed 3rd in that form, including being top in Mathematics and second in both Latin and French. In Mr Williams’ Class 4, he was 4th out of 18 students, with AF Vigor, who would serve in the Boer War, coming 1st.

He played in the Cricket 2nd XI: “Betts made a good many runs, pulling everything.” He also played in goal for the Football team, and the report against Sevenoaks stated: “5 goals were scored against us in the first half and Betts saved several others.” He passed the first stage of the Maths South Kensington Science Examination, and also passed the Oxford Junior Local Examination.

The April 1900 Maidstonian lists 16 OMs currently serving in the war in South Africa, and one of the names given is CJ Betts; and the July 1900 edition again has CJ Betts serving, with the Imperial Yeomanry. Then the list given in the 1905 Maidstonian has 28 names including CI Betts. Does this mean that CJ Betts had been an error? Interestingly enough CI Betts or even CJ Betts does not appear on the final Memorial Board. No CI Betts could be located in the Boer War records searched, though a CI Betts does appear in the OM members list of 1913 giving his address as the High Street, Maidstone. The lack of confirmation about him serving in the Boer War means there is still doubt as to whether his name should be added to the Memorial Board.

i.b) Bonny The April 1901 Maidstonian stated: “The newly formed draft of Imperial Yeomanry, West Kent Company, now on its way to the Cape, contains three OMs viz. Bonny, Anscomb and P Robinson.’ Anscomb and P Robinson appear on the Memorial Board but there is no ‘Bonny’. Looking through the School’s Admissions I found three Bonnys that could have served: Charles Edwin (attended MGS 1880-1884), Thomas James (at MGS 1885-1892 and attended the OM Supper in 1906), and Walter John (at MGS 1897-1898). Also an F Bonny represented the former students in the Past V Present Football Match of 1892, but nothing else could be found on him in the school archives or Maidstonians. Records from the 36 Company 9th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry lists three Bonnys who served in the Boer War: Charles (Service No. 27654), Edward Forder and Frank. Unfortunately these records don’t give

45 23 May 2020 age, date of birth, civilian addresses etc. so as yet it is impossible to verify which one, if any, is the OM referred to in the April 1901 Maidstonian. i.c) HB Day Hubert Bartlett Day was born in 1869, and he and two other brothers (Charles Frederick and Harry Reginald) were all at MGS by 1882, with a younger brother Leonard Osborn joining in 1887. It appears as though their father had passed away by 1880, as in the School’s Register it has their parent as Mrs S Day. They lived at Dalmuir, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone.

Because 3 brothers started at a similar time, and surnames with no initials tended to be given in the early records, specific references to Hubert were hard to find. However, it may appear that Hubert left the school in 1894, as C Day and H Day are listed as playing in the Past V Present Rugby Match played on Dr Monckton’s Field on December 13th 1894; they represented the Past students, which were soundly beaten “by 5 goals and 6 tries to nil.” Though the report does say “H Day played up well.” In the Summer of 1888, H Day is recorded as playing for the Past students against the Present Cricket XI, unfortunately he was bowled for 0.

Then confusion arises, as the April 1900 Maidstonian references HB Day as one of the 16 OMs serving in South Africa, confirmed by the July 1900 edition which adds he was serving with the Imperial Yeomanry.

Also, in the July 1900 Maidstonian there is an interesting extract taken from the South Eastern Gazette, entitled: ‘How a Maidstonian saved the Diamonds’ (right).

The manager Mr Day is certainly an OM and one of Mr S Day’s sons, but I was unable to find whether it was HB Day, or one of the other brothers. Did the ‘manager’ join the military to fight the Boers after this experience?

46 23 May 2020 The Easter 1905 Maidstonian gives a list of 28 Old Maidstonians who served in the War in South Africa and stated: “It is possible that the list may not be correctly given, or that some names may have been inadvertently omitted. In order that the board which is to be set up in the Big Schooolroom may be as complete as possible, we shall be glad to hear from any who know of omissions or errors.” The list published included HB Day, 36th Company, Imperial Yeomanry, but the actual Memorial Board has LC Day WAMI. So far I have not been able to confirm that HB Day served in the war. ii.d) J Franklin Bartlett Interestingly, in the Easter 1906 Maidstonian, after the Memorial Board had been put in place, there is a reference in the Old Maidstonians’ News Section that: “J Franklin Bartlett, Paymaster, Natal Naval Volunteers, who served in Ladysmith during the Siege, claims his place on the Roll of Honour for the Boer War.” Extracts from the Anglo Boer War website (below) confirms he served:

Clearly his name was not added to the Board, however it may have been put on a separate plaque which was lost/mislaid in the move of the School from the Tonbridge Road to the Barton Road site. Unfortunately, no reference to a J Franklin Bartlett was found in the Admissions Registers or Maidstonians, indicating he may have been at the school before 1880, but his name deserves recognition somewhere, somehow, at MGS. iii.e) George William Diplock George was born on March 27th 1882 and joined MGS September 1893 (aged 11) as a boarder and stayed until July 1897. In his Schools Admissions Register it has a handwritten note stating: “Imperial Yeomanry 1901, served in South Africa.” and the April 1901 Maidstonian has a reference stating: “GW Diplock has joined the 33rd, or East Kent Company.” The Anglo Boer War website: confirms that a George William Diplock was a Trooper in the East Kent Company of the Imperial Yeomanry and served in South Africa in 1901, so I believe his name should be added to the Memorial Board.

George joined Mr Richard’s Lower School Class and was ranked 2nd out of the 26 students. He later was awarded the Freehand Drawing (Elementary) Second Class in the South Kensington Science and Art Examinations. He won the U12 Fives Tournament in 1894, and represented the Boarders in the School Football match against the Day Boys. He also won the Swimming Prize

47 23 May 2020 for Beginners, and the Three-Legged Race, attached to Paterson. He played for the 2nd XI Cricket Team where the Maidstonian references “Good form was shown by Diplock.” iii.f) S Plomley Stewart Plomley was born in December 1876 and attended MGS from 1886- August 2nd 1893. His father was Dr Plomley, a Maidstone Surgeon, who regularly gave donations to the school, was President of the Old Boys 1894-5 and was a member of the OM Committee created to organise the Boer War Memorial Board.

Stewart scored a try for the Day Boys in an 8-8 draw in the Rugby match against the Boarders. He went on to play for the 1st XV in the three-quarters, being a regular try-scorer including 3 in a very convincing victory against Sevenoaks. He was at MGS during the time the school changed from playing Rugby to Football, and he played for the school, in the same football team as Hulseberg, who would die in the Boer War, and P Smythe, who would die in the Great War. Against Sevenoaks the report states: “Plomley played a capital game.” and against the Kings School Rochester “Plomley was safe and vigorous as usual.” His final football report was: “S Plomley: right half. Good tackler; sticks to his man; meets the ball well; improved much through consistent practice.”

He came 2nd in the 1891 U15 440 yds race, and in his final Sports Day in May 1893 he won the Bicycle Race, and he and HS Coles were the Fives (Open) Champions. Sadly, S Plomley would die in South Africa, in January 1899, prior to the Boer War officially starting, and HS Coles would die in the Great War.

At the end of the Christmas Term 1892 Stewart performed in scenes from Sheridan’s ‘The Rivals’, playing Fag. He also participated in the Debating Society and featured in the debate held on 25th February 1893 at 8pm when the motion discussed was: ‘That War is not a necessary evil in the present age.’ He questioned whether arbitration could always suffice. He achieved 3rd Class 1st Division in the College of Preceptors’ Examination.

After leaving MGS he returned for a few years to play in the Past V Present Football matches, “Plomley did some good work” in a 1-0 victory in December 1893, and he is also recorded as participating in the Old Boys’ Race at the 1895 and 1896 Sports Day. He was clearly a keen all-round Sportsman as the March 1896 Maidstonian states: “Though Rugby Football was abandoned some years ago at the school, the Old Boys do not appear to have forgotten

48 23 May 2020 the game, as the following have appeared in the Maidstone Rugby Team: S Plomley.” (plus 12 others including F Smith, who would die in the Boer War and P Smythe who would fall in the Great War).

The Christmas 1896 Maidstonian states: “S Plomley (OM) has entered the Natal Mounted Police.” Sadly, the March 1899 Maidstonian announced his death: “Stewart Plomley (OM) of the Natal Police Force. Died in Hospital Pietermaritzburg, Natal, of enteric fever on January 20th 1899. ‘Throughout this whole and scattered Force there is not one man who knew him who does not sincerely regret him’”.

The Christmas 1903 Maidstonian announced the death of Dr Plomley, Stewart’s father, an OM, being taught at Corpus Christi. He was a stalwart of the Old Boys Society and the wider Maidstone Community, being a Councillor, JP as well as a renowned surgeon. His funeral was held at All Saints on the 16th December 1903, and it was attended by many from the school and a wreath was sent on behalf of the school. In consequence it was decided to postpone the OMs’ Supper which would have taken place on December 19th. “Death on December 13th at Knightrider House, John Frederick Plomley, JP, LRCP (London), MRCS (England), MRCP (Edinburgh), MD (Brussels), aged 58.” iv.g) William McVicar William McVicar, should, I believe have been included on the Boer War Memorial Board; he was in the Army from 1893-1919 and he survived the South African conflict but died while still a serving soldier in July 1919 aged 42, because of haemorrhaging of the lungs possibly caused by his Great War experiences. His CWGC memorial (below) states: “served in the South African Campaign.” which confirms his contribution to the Boer War and therefore he should be commemorated on the Boer War Board.

Below is what was researched, and printed about him in the booklet commemorating the 46 OMs who died in the Great War: William McVicar was born in September 1876, to Robert and Ann McVicar. His father was a wine merchant and lived in the High Street,

49 23 May 2020 Maidstone. He started at MGS in April 1886, aged 9 and left in July 1892. He was awarded the Lower School Class III Arithmetic Prize in 1888, and in the Modern Fifth Form (Mr Priestley) he came first in Maths, English and Book- keeping, second in French, and third in German, Drawing, Chemistry and Shorthand out of 7 students, winning the Fifth Form Prize. In 1892 he passed the South Kensington Science and Art Examinations in Inorganic Chemistry and Plane Geometry. He also achieved his Oxford Local Exams.

He was a keen sportsman, coming second in the U15 100yds and representing the school at football and cricket. His football 1st XI report states: “McVicar proved himself an excellent goal-keeper; he should be very useful next year.” In a match on Barming Heath against Sevenoaks the report states “McVicar in goal was excellent; he was frequently called upon, but he saved capitally; once they shot through, but were ruled offside, and we succeeded in keeping our goal intact to the call of time.” A cricket comment included: “A very safe field. Fair, steady bat.” (Bottom right, photo)

After leaving MGS he had a long military career, achieving the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He remained single, with an address as 9 Finsen Road, Camberwell, Surrey. He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent on 4th September 1893 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1895, Corporal 1896, Lance Sergeant 1897, Sergeant 1899, fighting in the Boer War, and Colour Sergeant in 1904. He was permitted to continue beyond 21 years of service in August 1914 and appointed to training reservists in September 1916, appointed A.S.M May 1917. Lieutenant Quartermaster W. McVicar assumed duties as quartermaster of the 116th training Reserve Battalion on the 1st May 1918. His military employment sheets show good reports of his work as clerk, instructor, money changer, pay sergeant, garrison police sergeant and recruiting sergeant.

William died while still a serving soldier on the 17th July 1919 aged 42, in the Military Hospital, Grantham because of haemorrhaging of the lungs. He is remembered with honour at Grantham Cemetery, Lincolnshire.

50 23 May 2020 iv.h) Herbert Stonehouse Coles HS Coles is another MGS student who died in World War One, but he may also have served in the Boer War. He was promoted to Captain by June 1902, implying he was in the regular Army during the Boer War and therefore likely to have had a tour of duty during the conflict. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find confirmation of this in the Boer War websites I researched, but they didn’t appear exhaustive or completely reliable as a number of MGS boys who we know served couldn’t be located on such sites. The lack of reliable evidence means I don’t think he can be added to the 29 names already on the list. Below is what was researched on him during the World War One project, plus a photograph of him I came across while researching the Boer War:

Herbert was born on 7th September 1877 in Cranbrook, Kent. He lived at 26 Eversfield Place and was the second son of Mr James R Coles and Lucy Coles, of Burgess Hall, Leeds, Kent. Herbert joined MGS from Cranbrook School on the 5th of May 1891, aged 13. He played with the cricket team; the 1892 Maidstonian magazine stating that he was a “Very good field when he likes. Hits with more spirit that judgement!” However later he received a prize for best batting average, and the bowling award went to GBP Hodsoll who would also die in WW1. Also in the March 1892 edition of the Maidstonian there are references to Herbert S. Coles winning the 100 yards under 15 “A good race, won by 5 feet, Time 13.2.” He also won the hurdles race at the Sports Day held at Lock Meadow. He also played goalkeeper for the school football team and in the 1893 edition his report states: "Quick with both hands and feet ... not so careless as he looked!”. Against his former school, Cranbrook, the report states "Coles had plenty to do and excelled himself in a 0-0 draw". He also took part in the U15 Fives Doubles competition. He achieved a Plane Geometry (Second Grade) in the South Kensington Science + Art Examination.

He appeared to have fought in the Boer war 1899-1902. The London Gazette of June 17, 1902 states "1st (Cumberland) Volunteer Battalion, the Border Regiment, Herbert Stonehouse Coles, Gent., to be Second Lieutenant. Dated 18 June 1902". He rose to Captain, retiring from the Army and moving to Canada in 1908. In 1914, being on the reserve of officers he offered himself for service when war broke out and was accepted. He arrived in England on December 29th 1914, and went to the front a month later. Herbert S. Coles died on the 16th May 1915, aged 37 and he is commemorated at the cemetery Le Touret Memorial in Pas de Calais, France.

51 23 May 2020