Bradfield College Chapel Archive
Location: Bradfield College Chapel Archive, West Berks, RG7 6AU
A remarkable set of survivals all ex-Bradfield students, mostly in remarkable condition. Special thanks to Karen Ward for going to a huge amount of trouble sorting these out and the additional photographs of some of the boys. Huge thanks to James Kerr for the use of his exceptional photography and Sarah Wearne for additional assistance and allowing use of some of the material they have been working on. Also Ali for transcribing the reports and Jess for research and links . This is one of the largest surviving collections in Britain, only matched really by Cavendish, and Byfleet in terms of condition and quantity and Cheltenham Cemetery in terms of quantity (both to follow).
Bradfield College First XI Cricket 1911 Cyril Maxfield Dixon seated left
Lt F C Batty-Smith
Details on cross:
RIP
In memory of Lt F C Batty-Smith 13th Batt. Royal Fusiliers
Killed in Action June 4th 1916
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Painted script in black
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 698mm
Cross beam width: 615mm
Width of wood: 75mm
Thickness or depth:45mm
Circle plate (if celtic type)
Outer diameter: 160mm
Width of circle: 255mm
Thickness: 10mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Nails from front to back
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Colour washed wood.
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Varnish wearing off.
Notes and observations:
Ends of cross are rounded off to give elaborate finish, metal tags affixed to rear as detailed above
CWGC
Francis Clive BATTY-SMITH died 4 Jun 16
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 04/06/1916
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers, 13th Bn.
Grave Reference: A. 4.
Cemetery: DE CUSINE RAVINE BRITISH CEMETERY, BASSEUX
Additional Information: Son of Henry Batty-Smith, of 47, Campden House Court, Kensington, London.
Lieut. George Dudley Arthur Black
Details on cross:
1-A-12
I.W.G.C
22/BTN RYL FUSILIERS 21-6-16
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): GRU tags
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 800mm
Cross beam width: 410mm
Width of wood: 68mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Screw hole in middle of cross
Detailing: None
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Plain Wooden Cross
Notes and observations:
Name Tape has disappeared. Contacted war graves commission and with date/regiment identified as Lieut. George Dudley Arthur Black who was at Bradfield
CWGC
George Dudley Arthur BLACK died 21 Jun 16
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 21/06/1916
Age: 20
Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers, “C” Coy. 22nd Bn.
Grave Reference: I. A. 24.
Cemetery: CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ
Additional Information: Only son of the late George and Florence Black, of Richmond, Surrey.
2nd Lieut G.S. Blake
Details on cross:
RIP Killed in Action
2nd Lieut G.S. Blake RE 203rd Field COY Royal Engineers
Sept 5th 1917
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Carved
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height:980mm
Cross beam width: 755mm
Width of wood: 105mm
Thickness or depth: 90mm
Circle plate (if celtic type)
Outer diameter: 465mm
Width of circle: 465mm
Thickness: 45mm
Other information
Detailing: All lettering beautifully carved
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Unfinished wood
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
one small tag and evidence of another
Carved at top and cross beam ends
Notes and observations:
Incredibly heavy cross.
Most intricately cut cross at Bradfield.
CWGC
Geoffrey Stuart BLAKE died 5 Sep 17
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 05/09/1917
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers, 203rd Field Coy.
Grave Reference: I. E. 3.
Cemetery: VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Additional Information: Son of Sir Arthur Ernest Blake, K.B.E. and Florence Emily, his wife, of West Leake Manor, Notts. After leaving R.M.A., Woolwich, he served as Asst. Staff Officer to Chief Engineer, Third Army, subsequently joining 203rd Field Coy.
William Robert Aufrere Dawson
Details on cross:
Mostly illegible
A Dawson
“Faithful unto death”
at bottom of shaft on wooden block.
{Died 1918 not legible}
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 150mm
Cross beam width: 530mm
Width of wood: 90mm
Thickness or depth: 45mm
Square plate (if supported)
Width of Square arms: 330mm
Angle of arms: 375mm
Thickness: 40mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: none
Detailing: very weathered and worn
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
Horizontal cross beam is broken but held together by square plates/arms
Notes and observations:
William Robert Aufrere Dawson from college records.
CWGC
William Robert Aufrere DAWSON died 1918
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Date of Death: 03/12/1918
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), 6th Bn.
Awards: D S O and 3 Bars, 4 times Mentioned in Despatches
Grave Reference: XLV. A. 10.
Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of William and Ethel L. Dawson, of Cold Ash, Newbury, Berks.
LT C MAXFIELD DIXON
Details on cross:
Part of cross only
LT C MAXFIELD DIXON
1/4 BN YORKS & LANCASTER REGT
Photo by Karen Ward
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Painted black no tags
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: shaft is not present
Cross beam width: 538mm
Width of wood: 115mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Incomplete Cross – No vertical shaft
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): white painted wood
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
Had assumed that a vertical shaft we have stating of wounds and 1/7/16 was with this cross for Maxfield Dixon but fear his shaft may be missing. The shaft is also wider than the one we have for Lt Dixon.
Notes and observations:
Cyril Maxfield Dixon’s school record says he was killed in action in 1915 so the vertical shaft we have is not his. The internet says Cyril died 30th August 1915. – KW
CWGC
Cyril Maxfield DIXON died 1 Jul 16 (Unable to match this date to the name)
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 30/08/1915
Age: 20
Regiment/Service: York and Lancaster Regiment, 4th Bn.
Grave Reference: IV. A. 31.
Cemetery: TALANA FARM CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Mrs. H. B. Dixon, of Downton House, Stonehouse, Glos, and the late Mr. A. E. Dixon.
Lt. V.W.D. Fox
Details on cross:
Lt. V.W.D. Fox
Irish Guards
RIP
18.5.15
(photo also shows Wickham’s cross)
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Inked in black, very faded script. metal tags to rear help with name and date.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 900mm
Cross beam width: 560mm
Width of wood: 72mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Screw holes to top and bottom
Detailing: Simple cross but diamond cut to ends of shaft and cross beam.
Notes and observations:
Interesting this cross is affixed to the bottom of the shaft of the cross of Nigel Wickham – possibly by the college while in storage/on display.
CWGC
Victor William Darwin FOX died 19 May 15
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 18/05/1915
Age: 32
Regiment/Service: Irish Guards, 1st Bn.
Grave Reference: II. A. 19.
Cemetery: LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L’AVOUE
Additional Information: Son of Robert Gerard Fox and Emily Mary Fox, of 1, Harley Gardens, West Brompton, London. Native of Sandown, Isle of Wight.
2nd Lt. A.H. Hack
Details on cross:
In memory of 2nd Lt. A.H. Hack
8th Batt. K.O.Y.L.I
1-7-16
Killed in Action
RIP
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Black painted with shadow detailing around cross
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 670mm
Cross beam width: 660mm
Width of wood: 75mm
Thickness or depth: 50mm
Circle plate (if celtic type)
Outer diameter: 463mm
Width of circle: 455mm
Thickness: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: None
Detailing: Chamfered corners to shaft/cross beam
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
Part of circle at the bottom broken where the word action is written
Notes and observations:
No metal tags or evidence of them
CWGC
Adrian Henry HACK died 1 Jul 16
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 8th Bn.
Grave Reference: V. I. 18.
Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE WOOD
Additional Information: Son of Sydney J. and Ellen Hack, of The Knoll, Holmwood, Surrey.
Major NC Ingpen
Details on cross:
GRU
35
Major NC Ingpen 175- M G C
4-12-17
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): GRU tags only
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height:625mm
Cross beam width: 415mm
Width of wood: 70mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Screw to top still in place
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Unfinished Wooden Cross
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
Dusty but unpainted wooden cross
CWGC
Norman Cecil INGPEN died 4 Dec 17
Rank: Major
Date of Death: 04/12/1917
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 175th Coy.
Grave Reference: III. E. 35.
Cemetery: TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Arthur Ingpen, K.C., and Mrs. Ingpen; husband of Vera Ingpen, of Highmount, Guildford. (his brother is also listed as follows: Edward Lucien Ingpen Rank: Lieutenant, Date of Death: 10/06/1916, Age: 25, Regiment/Service: Northern Rhodesia Police, Grave Reference: 2. A. 6. , Cemetery: NDOLA (KANSENSHI) CEMETERY, Additional Information: Son of Arthur Robert Ingpen, K.C., and Mrs. M. E. Ingpen, of 13, Wynnstay Gardens, Kensington, London.)
Lt. D Trewartha James
Details on cross:
Believed to be Lt. D Trewartha James
KIA
13-10-15
Stu R Berks Regt
GRU
Plot 9
D6
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): GRU tags
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 865mm
Cross beam width:408mm
Width of wood:65mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Screw and holes top to bottom
Detailing: Simple wooden cross
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Plain Wood
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc):
7 tapes all still attached. Some splintering to wooden shaft edges.
CWGC
Derrick Vernon TREWARTHA-JAMES died 13 Oct 15
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 13/10/1915
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: Royal Berkshire Regiment, 5th Bn.
Grave Reference: IX. D. 6.
Cemetery: DUD CORNER CEMETERY, LOOS
Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Trewartha-James, of 5, Chester Place, Hyde Park Square, London. Gazetted Sept., 1914.
2nd Lt. G. Rawnsley
Details on cross:
2nd Lt. G. Rawnsley
22.1.17
4th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
Killed in Action
RIP
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Black inked name etc
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1300mm
Cross beam width: 722mm
Width of wood: 140mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Hole for all mounting
Detailing: Black painting around edge of whole cross.
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Grey/ white painted
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Faded colour
Bradfield College First XI Football 1912-13 Gerald Rawnsley seated right middle row
CWGC
Gerald RAWNSLEY died 11 Jan 17
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Date of Death: 22/01/1917
Age: 20
Regiment/Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), 4th Bn.
Grave Reference: A. 9.
Cemetery: BERLES POSITION MILITARY CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Mr. J. R. and Mrs. M. E. Rawnsley, of “Ashleigh,” Savile Rd., Halifax.
Lieut E J M Robertson
Details on cross:
RIP
Lieut E J M Robertson
70 Battery REA
Killed in Action
May 22nd 1915
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Black painted script
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 470mm
Cross beam width: 584mm
Width of wood: 72mm
Thickness or depth: 36mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: No evidence
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Unfinished wood.
Notes and observations:
Cross created by cutting in to vertical and horizontal wood setting into this cut so cross smooth to front – similar to corner joint.
CWGC
Edmund John Macroy ROBERTSON died 22 May 15
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 22/05/1915
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery, 70th Bty. 34th Bde.
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Grave Reference: 45.
Cemetery: BEUVRY COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Dr. J. R. S. Robertson and Bessie Robertson, of The Lighthouse, Winterton, Gt. Yarmouth.
Lieut. Stockwood
Details on cross:
G.R.U
Lieut. Stockwood Household BN
14.10.17
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): GRU tags
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 805mm
Cross beam width: 408mm
Width of wood:20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Hole in middle for mounting
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Unfinished
Notes and observations:
Evidence of 2 other soldier’s tags originally on this cross now removed. Stockwood details in the centre of the cross.
CWGC
Lawrence Finlay STOCKWOOD died 14 Oct 17
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Date of Death: 12/10/1917
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Household Battalion
Grave Reference: I. G. 10.
Cemetery: CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Samuel H. and Alice E. Stockwood, of Westfield, Bridgend, Glam.
Lieut. E.L. Warman
Details on cross:
In memory of
ROYAL MARINE Lieut. E.L. Warman
Killed in Action
8-8-18
On bearer arms
ROYAL MARINE ARTLLY B.E.F
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Painted or printed in black.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 895mm
Cross beam width: 530mm
Width of wood: 64mm
Thickness or depth: 60mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Long screw still in place.
Detailing: Rounded corners to cross. Diamond shape to overall shape
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): White painted all over, distressed.
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Distressed but good condition
Notes and observations:
Cross has evidence of metal tapes on back but tapes no longer in place. Main shaft broken at back but held together by diamond network of wooden structure.
Bradfield College First XI Cricket 1897 E L Warman back 5th from left
CWGC
Edgar Leslie WARMAN died 8 Aug 18
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 08/08/1918
Age: 38
Regiment/Service: Royal Marine Artillery, No.1 Gun, Howitzer Bde. R.N. Div.
Grave Reference: XX. E. 11.
Cemetery: BIENVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Warman, of Stroud, Glos; husband of Glencora Isabel Warman, of 33, Junction Rd., Southsea, Portsmouth.
Capt. Nigel J Wickham
Details on cross:
Killed in action at ….
Capt. Nigel J Wickham
6th Btn The Connaught Rangers
18th April 1916
Capt. Nigel J Wickham on GRU tags at the back
(photo also shows Fox’s cross)
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1500mm
Cross beam width: 645mm
Width of wood: 72mm
Thickness or depth: 65mm
Square plate (if supported) most unusual
Width of Square arms: 370mm
Angle of arms:
Thickness: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: None evident
Detailing: unusual design
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): part of wooden roof falling off, white washed wood.
Notes and observations:
This cross has a diamond wooden square resembling markers out in the sea. It also has a roof structure protecting the text part.
Lieut E.W. Woodhams
Details on cross:
In Memory of Lieut E.W. Woodhams
Bedfordshire Yeomanry
Died of Wounds
December 11th 1917
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): 2 tags but text on front all painted black in capital letters
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1145mm
Cross beam width: 530mm
Width of wood: 70mm
Thickness or depth: 60mm
Square plate (if supported)
Width of Square arms: 400mm
Angle of arms: 90
Thickness: 60mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Hole for mounting top and bottom
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Painted white/grey finish
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): wood has cracked on square plate
Notes and observations:
Very solid made cross and structure
Other tags for soldier on rear
CWGC
Eric Williams WOODHAMS died 11 Dec 17
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 11/12/1917
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: Bedfordshire Yeomanry
Grave Reference: IV. B. 14.
Cemetery: TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of William and Jessie Woodhams, of Rochester Kent; husband of Dora Sybil Woodhams, of “Meadhope,” Broadstone, Bournemouth
Unknown Soldier
Details on cross:
Part of cross only
Of Wounds 1/7/16
Photo: Karen Ward
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): handwritten/black printed
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 850mm
Cross beam width:
Width of wood: 145mm
Thickness or depth: 25mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Hole to bottom
Detailing: Black writing on lower shaft but upper part missing
Notes and observations:
This is the vertical shaft for an old Bradfieldian for whom we do not have any further details at this time, other than the date of death and of wounds.
Unknown Soldier
Details on cross:
I.W.G.C
Metal tag only. No name.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 407mm
Cross beam width:429mm
Width of wood:
Thickness or depth:18mm
Other information
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): Weathered with evidence of 4 other tags which were originally fixed to it.
Notes and observations:
Photographed by James Kerr but person whose cross it was was unknown but obviously an old Bradfieldian of Bradfield College.
Survey by: Karen Ward, Transcription Ali Treacy, Research Jess Macdonald, photography James Kerr, with thanks also to Sarah Wearne.
Date of Survey: 17/7/17
These crosses are now displayed on the wall on the stairs leading to the chapel,with a profile of each of their time at Bradfield and war service. As posted on twitter recently
Ainsi que les cimetières sur les lieux de combats, ces croix nous permettent de nous souvenir de tous ces jeunes Soldats qui se sont sacrifiés pour que nous puissions prononcer le mot Liberté aujourd’hui.
Je me joins à vous pour perpétuer ce Devoir de Mémoire, afin de ne jamais les oublier.
Je réside sur la ligne de front, lors de WW1, à Vis-en-Artois, où tous les kilomètres, vous pouvez trouver un cimetière militaire de la Grande Guerre. Je suis également à proximité de la Somme et de la Belgique.
Je suis heureux d’avoir eu ce contact avec vous.
Souvenons-nous.
Philippe.