The Men

The Men

Sunday 19 January 2014

Telling Their Stories - Remembering the High School Past Pupils Who Fought and Died in the Great War

Colourized by D. Curran, 4th Year HSD
Some sixty-nine past pupils of The High School Dublin, lost their lives in The First World War.  Their names have long graced the walls of our school, commemorated on a handsome plaque next to a beautiful, stained-glass memorial window.

In this, the centenary year of the beginning of WWI, our aim is to gather together information on the men who bravely gave their lives in a most selfless way.  If you have any information relating to the men listed here, or to other past pupils who fought in both World Wars, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We would like to thank the tireless researchers who have contributed to this website: the late Patrick Hogarty, from the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association; High School archivist, Alan Phelan; WWI specialist and prolific author Tom Burnell, historians Ken Kinsella, Patrick Hugh Lynch, David Power, Michael Pegum, Mal Murray, Pól Ó Duibhir, Tim Whiteaway, Doug Vaugh and Johnny Doyle; and the countless, nameless people who have contributed to this site, and who regularly give up their free time to delve into the past, just to recall those who have gone before us.
We would especially like to thank the families who have come forward to share treasured memories of their fallen relatives, in particular the LeBas, Barron, Carter-Webb, Brewster and Wisdom families.

They may be gone, but they are not forgotten.

Michelle Burrowes
Creator of The HSD War Stories Project.



An Irish Airman Foresees His Death
Glorney, Royal Flying Corp. whose plane 
went down over Kent, on a return 
mission to France. 25th Oct. 1916 

I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
My country is Kiltartan Cross,
My countrymen Kiltartan's poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.

William Butler Yeats
(High School Past Pupil)




* Second Lieutenant Norman Frank Currall






The company of which your son was in went forward with magnificent dash…he was gallant soldier, who has won the respect of all his brother officers and the regard of the men in his platoon.” '





Second Lieutenant Norman Frank Currall of the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action on 18 October 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. You can see him here with his men at Hawthorn Ridge - he is the man center-frame to the right, just removing a soft hat.
Norman Frank was born in Leamington Priors, St Mary's, Warwickshire, England; the eldest child and only son of Percy Frank and Kate Currall. He was a pupil at The High School Dublin from 1909 to 1913, where he gave his address as 2 Windsor Road, Rathmines.

Here is a detailed description of this image from the Imperial War Museum: 'Staff Sergeant (pointing to his right) of the 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment (29th Division) with a group of troops of the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, parading at the "White City" opposite Hawthorn Ridge for the attack on Beaumont Hamel. Behind them is a party from the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders of the 4th Division. Note white cloth carriers "C" letter badges on arms of two soldiers from that group.

The officer in the middle left (with his back to camera, removing his cap) is Second Lieutenant Norman Frank Currall of the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action on 18 October 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Label Original caption reads: Soldiers of the 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment of the 29th Division parading at 'White City' opposite Hawthorn Ridge for the attack on Beaumont Hamel. Behind them is a group from the 2nd Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders of 4th
Division.'
Source of data and photo: Imperial War Museum




















The Weekly Irish Times. Ireland’s Roll of Honour. November 17, 1917. Second Lieutenant N. F. Currall, East Lancashire Regiment, who was reported missing on October 18th last year, and is now officially presumed to have been killed in action on that date, was the only son of Mr Percy F Currall, formerly District Manager Post Office Telephones, Dublin, and at present Ditrict Manager, Post Office Telephones, Brighton. Second Lieutenant Currall was a student at the Royal College of Science, and a member of the Trinity College, O.T.C. He received his commission in the East Lancashires in 1915, and went to the front in the summer of last year. His Colonel, in a letter to Lieutenant Currall’s parents, says;-“Your son was an extremely capable officer, and one who had made himself most popular amongst his comrades.” The chaplain writes;-“The company of which your son was in went forward with magnificent dash…he was gallant soldier, who has won the respect of all his brother officers and the regard of the men in his platoon.” Pier and Face 16 C Thiepval Memorial.
Source: Tom Burnell

* Capt. William Oswald Halpin


Capt. William Oswald Halpin

William Oswald had a slightly older brother, George. They both became doctors. George went to London for further studies and took up a general practice near Reading, married and had children before the war, and remained there to his death in 1958. George's only son was killed on service in WW2. William Oswald was engaged to be married and, sadly, left a generous bequest to his fiancée in his will. His fiancée's surname was Chamberlain. Attached to 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars as Regimental Medical Officer, in the 2nd Cavalry Division, when he was wounded and killed.

Source: Bill W., Rootschat.com
Captain William Oswald Halpin.  The Royal Army Medical Corps. attd 4th [Queen's Own] Hussars.
Trinity College B.A., M.D., M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.
Captain William Oswald Halpin, was the second son of William Oswald Halpin [1840-1908] and Anna Maria [née Burgess] Halpin [1848-1933] who were married in Dublin in August 1880.
He was born in Dublin in 1886, and educated at The High School Harcourt St.
and St. Andrew's
College, Dublin, and Trinity College, Dublin, from where he graduated in Medicine.

He received his commission as a Temporary Lieutenant in the RAMC on 10 August 1914, and was attached to the 4th [Queen's Own] Hussars. He was promoted to Captain in 1915.
His name is included on the War Memorials at Tullow Church, Brighton Road, Foxrock, Co. Dublin The High School and Mount Jerome Cemetery War Memorial

Burial:

Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery

Villers-Bretonneux















Departement de la Somme

Picardie, France

Plot: III. BB. 8.

Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56558953


* Capt Charles Henry Alexander

Capt Charles Henry Alexander
“We were all very proud of your gallant son, for on many occasions he had distinguished himself by brave, cool action in time of great stress and danger.  He had had many narrow escapes, and it was the hope of us all he would be equally fortunate in the big operation in which he was engaged.  He had indeed seen through the worst part when the big attack was made, but was struck down on the 8th June.”  (Source: Tom Burnell)

Lieutenant Charles Henry Alexander, 9 Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, AIF. Killed in action, Belgium, 8 June 1917. Age 33. Born Dublin. Son of David McGowan Alexander and Emily Frances Alexander of 71 Frankfort Avenue, Dublin, Ireland.

Captain Charles Henry Alexander, Trench Mortar Battery Australian Imperial Force, was killed in action on June 8th, 1916. He was the fourth son of Mr. D. M‘G. Alexander, 71 Frankfort Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin, and was educated at the High School, Dublin, and took his Engineering degree in the College of Science. On the outbreak of the war he returned from Australia and received his commission. He
received his Captaincy on the field.
Source: Irish Life Magazine, 27 July 1917 (David Power)

Charles Henry Alexander, Captain Trench Mortar battery, Australian Imperial Force 4th son of David McGowan Alexander, of 71, Frankfort Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin by his wife, Emily Frances, daughter of Francis Power Gahagan; born Dublin 29 December 1883; educated at The High School, and the Royal College of Science there, which he entered with a scholarship, and graduated as Engineer in Science in 1904; became a lecturer in Cawnpore, India, and afterwards at Knox College, Sydney, as Mathematical Master; enlisted July, 1915; obtained a commission the following December; returned to England; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from November, 1916, and was killed in action at Messines Ridge, 8 June, 1917.  Buried at St. Yves. His Colonel wrote:  “We were all very proud of your gallant son, for on many occasions he had distinguished himself by brave, cool action in time of great stress and danger.  He had had many narrow escapes, and it was the hope of us all he would be equally fortunate in the big operation in which he was engaged.  He had indeed seen through the worst part when the big attack was made, but was struck down on the 8th June.”  He was well known in the rowing and football circles in Dublin.

Source: De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, Volume 4 Page 2. (Researched by Tom Burrell, war historian.)

* Lieutenant Henry McDonnell Anderson

Lieutenant Henry McDonnell Anderson was awarded a Military Cross for bravery.
Death: May 30, 1918 Note: Lieutenant, D Coy, 5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers attd. 63rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. Died of wounds received in enemy air raid at Doullens. Son of John and Mary Anderson, of 32 Dargle Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin. Native of Portaferry, Co. D Burial:Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt GezaincourtDepartement de la SommePicardie, FrancePlot: III. A. 9.

The Irish Times, May 30, 1919: Roll of Honour.  Anderson-In loving memory of Lieutenant H McD Anderson (Harry), Northumberland Fusiliers, who died in hospital at Doullens, France, (hospital bombed), 30th May, 1918. 

Irish Independent. Lieutenant H McD Anderson, Died of wounds, son of Mr John Anderson, 32 Dargle Road, Dublin. he had been wounded and in hospital when it was bombed by enemy aircraft. III. A. 9. Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt in France..
Source: Tome Burnell, War Historian



* Private Walter D. Appleyard

     'Letters from his comrades are unanimous in extolling his bravery...'
14789 Private Walter D'Ancie APPLEYARD. Born Dublin. Enlisted Dublin. 7th Battalion Killed in action. 16th August 1915. Was employed in the Irish Land Commission. Enlisted and left for the Dardanelles with D Coy. 10 July, 1915, arriving at Gallipoli 6 .Aug. and landing at Sulva Bay on Saturday, the 7th iitst. The moment they landed the troops were in action, and D Coy. leading they advanced over the open plain a target for heavy shell fire and snipers, at evening driving the Turks out at the point of the bayonet and capturing Chocolate Hilli.

Private .Appleyard escaped without a scratch, though a bullet passed through the leg of his trousers. Later he was with three or four men in a small post without ammunition ; the enemy were throwing bombs on them. It was while throwing back these bombs that he was shot through the heart, 16 Aug. 1915. on the ridge Kizlar Dagh.

He was buried in Gallipoli at the foot of Dublin Hill (Hill 5:i) : . Letters from his comrades are unanimous in extolling his bravery, devotion to duty. self-sacriflce, and good comradeship. His brother. George, is now (1916) serving with the Leinsters at the Front. Gallipoli
Source: brenontario http://www.flickr.com/photos/imperialwarmuseum/9545487387/
Source: Tom Burnell
The Helles Memorial Gallipoli Turkey contains the names of 474 Dublin Fusiliers who died in the Gallipoli campaign. This record is noted:
Appleyard Walter D’Ancie 14789 Private 7th Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers 16/08/1915
Enlisted in Dublin, worked as a clerk for the Irish Land Commission before enlisting. Religion, Church of Ireland.
irishmedals.org/gpage58.html

14789: Pte Walter D Appleyard. 7th. Batt. Royal Dublin Fussiliers. Killed in action at Galliopi, 16th August 1915. Enlisted in the "Pals" Coy. No known grave. Name on Helles Memorial, Turkey.
Source: http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/7-batt/ORs-7th-bn/list-ORs-7th.html




Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/imperialwarmuseum/9545487387/in/photostream/

* Private Albert Henry Bailey


Source: The Pals of Suvla Bay by Henry Hanna
Albert Henry Bailey was born in Dublin in 1885, the youngest son of Alexander and Anna Bailey, and someone who
crisscrossed the globe during his short life.
He was a pupil of The High School Dublin in 1893, when he was living at 20 Grafton Street, Dublin. At the time of the 1901 census, he was living with his family in Clontarf, but by 1911, he had already left home.

Records show that 21 year old Albert H. Bailey, from Clontarf, traveled unaccompanied, on the S.S. Celtic, leaving Liverpool, on the 19th March, 1908 - just after St. Patrick's Day-  and arriving at  New York, on March 30th.   His destination was Tampa Florida, where he stayed until 30th November 1908.

A further record shows that he then spent some time in Toronto, Canada, spending Christmas 1908 there, but he crossed the border into America at Huron Michigan, on 13th January, 1909.  He gave his occupation as 'tourist', his home address as 'St. Elmo's, Fairview Avenue, Dublin', and named his final destination as Dublin.  However, Albert Bailey's travelling life was not yet over: he would have a number of long, sea-journeys ahead of him.  One would lead him to Auckland, in the southern hemisphere, while another would take him to a distant corner of the failing Ottoman Empire: Gallipoli.

By 1914, he was living at 'Dabriada', Milton Road, Auckland, the address he gave when he enlisted in the Auckland Mounted Rifles.  He named his mother, in Dublin, as his next of kin.  He was unmarried.
After his death, probate records give his occupation as a 'store-keeper', and his place of residence as
Whitianga, Thames-Coromandel, Waikato, New Zealand, which mirrors an  electoral role record for him in 1914.  Like so many ANZAC soldiers in 1915, Albert Bailey's journeying was not yet over and he soon found himself on another ship, heading for Turkey: his final destination.

Source: Michelle Burrowes


War Diary of the Aukland Mounted Rifle Regiment Aug 8th 1915

'Left OVERTON GULLY at 0130 and proceeded to RHODDENDRUM SPUR arrived there at 0800. Proceeded under fire to cross ridge into safety. Remained in gully until 1200 during which time several shrapnel shells struck and did damage. 11th and half the 3rd Squadrons then rushed over the crest line of the hill and reinforced firing line on CHUNUK BAIR and remainder of the 3rd and 4th Squadrons joining us at 1400. Kept enemy back with greatest difficulty (from 1800 t0 2000 had only 85 men) Relieved by OTAGO infantry at 2015. Fought all night.' Trooper Albert Henry Bailey died during this engagement.

Source: http://www.nzmr.org/wardiaries/WD_Ak1915aug.html


LAST UNIT SERVED
Auckland Mounted Rifles
PLACE OF DEATH
Gallipoli, Turkey
DATE OF DEATH
8 August 1915
YEAR OF DEATH
1915
CAUSE OF DEATH
Killed in action


Click HERE for more details
Bailey, of 74 St Lawrence Road, Dublin, Ireland. Irish Times. Bailey-August 8. 1915, killed in action in Gallipoli, Trooper Albert H Bailey, Auckland Mounted Rifle regiment, New Zealand Forces, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Bailey, 74 St Lawrence Road, Clontarf. 1 Chunuk Bair 
 ( New Zealand ) Memorial in Turkey.  
Source: Tom Burnell, war historian

* Lieutenant Louis Barron

Louis Barron was born on Christmas Eve, in 1888.  He was a pupil at The High School, Harcourt Street, from 1899- 1905.  Some eleven years after he left the school, he was dead; listed as 'wounded and missing', killed in action on 19th July 1916.  But who was this man?  Some interesting information, compiled here might shed some light on his story.  

The Facts:

Lieutenant 10th Battalion Border Regiment (attached 2nd/6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment)  They landed in France on 21 May 1916.

DIED AGE 27
DATE OF DEATH 19th July 1916

Commonwealth War Dead
GRAVE REF.Panel 68 and 69
RESTING PLACE. Loos Memorial.
ADDITIONAL INFO:  Son of Esther Barron, of 38 South Circular Rd., Portobello, Dublin, and the late Hyman A Barron, A Solicitor.
SOURCE: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Some very interesting information carried out, with thanks, by researcher Johnny Doyle and featured on his blog, johnny-doyle.blogspot.ie:
'Looking at one of his 2 witness statements(regarding events during the Easter Rising of 1916) Seamus Kavanagh made reference to a Jewish officer by the name of Lt Barron. It would appear that Lt Barron was Lt Louis Barron, a Dublin solicitor from 38 South Circular Road who appears in the witness statements of 2 others :
Gerald Doyle (Most interesting to read how Lieutenant Barron offered to give some money to the arrested republican, who he had met previously in different circumstances)
Source: Here
Robert Barton (reference to ' Lt. Louis Barron, who was in charge of Richmond Barracks when the first prisoners were brought in...' during the 1916 Rising )
'Lt Barron's Medal Index Card shows that he entered France a short time afterwards, 28th June 1916. He appears to have been killed soon after this in July 1916 and is commemorated at The High School and Terenure Synagogue. The Medal Index Card indicates he was commissioned in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in November 1914, transferred to the Border Regiment and attached to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at the time of his death.
He has no known grave but is a name that appears on the Fromelles list where the authorities are looking for DNA samples from relatives : Herald newspaper 
Western Front Association  
'Louis Barron (born on 24th December 1888) was the eldest of six children of Hyman Elias Barron, originally from Lithuania (1861-1915) and Esther Greenberg (1869-1948) from Russia. The family initially lived in Limerick where Louis was born. About 1893 the family moved to Dublin, where his father owned the Munster Furniture Co., at 24 Camden Street. He was a pupil at the High School. They lived on the South Circular Road. He was apprenticed to Michael Noyk, a well-known Republican Solicitor.'
Source:  http://johnny-doyle.blogspot.ie/2013/11/louis-barron.html


* Capt. Launcelot Myles Bayly

Source: Tom Burnell, Newspaper Obituary
Capt. Launcelot Myles Bayly MC 3rd Batt Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds 22nd October 1918 in France.  He was born on 7th August 1884, in County Tipperary, and attended The High School from 1899 to 1902.  He lived at 3 Sandford Terrace, Ranelagh and also 4 in Earlsfort Place. Dublin.
He was the son of Captain Edward Crosbie Bayly and Isabel Davison.  

Census 1901






The Edinburgh Gazette 18th Sept, 1918



* William Francis Benson

Photo Source: FindAGrave.com

Taken from The High School Newsletter, The Erasmian Obituary, December 1918.
'Wm. Francis Benson, Sub-Lieut., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (1907-12), was killed in action while leading his platoon on October 8th, aged 23. He was the eldest son of the late William. Benson and Mrs. Benson, 46 Reuben Avenue, S.C.R. He was a scholar of the School, and distinguished himself in the Intermediate. When the war broke out he joined the R.A.M.C., but later transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve when his good services won him a Commission.'
William Francis Benson, Sub-Lieutenant Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Drake Battalion. R.N. Div. Died 08/10/1918 Age23 Son of Mary Jane Benson, of 46, Reuben Avenue, South Circular Road, Dublin, and the late William Benson. Irish Independent; Officers in the casualty lists...Second Lieutenant W F Benson, Reuben Avenue, SCR, served with the RAMC in Dublin during the Rising of 1916. V. B. 1. Cambrai East Military cemetery, Nord, France.
Source: Tom Burnell War Historian
Sub-Lieut William Francis Benson. "B" coy "Drake" Batt Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Killed in action at Niergnies, 8th October 1918, age 23. Son of Mary Jane Benson, of 46 Reuben Ave, SCR Rd, Dublin and the late William Benson. Buried in Cambrai East Military Cemetry-Nord, France. Grave No. V.B.I. Source: Pat Hogarty, war historian

* James Black

James Black

BLACK, JAMES

Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:
19/08/1917
Age:
24
Regiment/Service:
King's Own Scottish Borderers
 
7th/8th Bn.
Grave Reference
II. G. 26.
Cemetery
BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY NO.3

Additional Information:

Son of James and Sarah Black, of Edinburgh.

Source:  http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/139786/BLACK,%20JAMES


* John Black

John Black, born 23rd August, 1891, and a pupil at The High School from 1903-1906, and had an address in Inchicore, Dublin.

* William Buckley

Private William Buckley
 Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Irish Regiment. Unit: 7th Battalion. He was previously with the South Irish Horse where his number was 1299. Age at Death; 29, age also listed as 30.

Date of Death: 06/08/1918. Service No: 25059. Born in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. Enlisted in Dublin while living in Enniskerry. Died as a prisoner of war in Valenciennes in France. Supplementary information; Son of Francis and Georgina Buckley, of Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Grave or Memorial Reference: Grave or Memorial Reference: V. E. 9. Cemetery; Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery in France. Source: Tom Burnell, war historian.

Erasmian Obituary December 1918:
'WM. BUCKLEYTrooper Wm. Buckley of the Irish Horse (1903-04) died in hospital, aged 29, whilst a prisoner of war in Germany on August 6th last. He was the eldest son of the late Francis Buckley of Enniskerry.'

* Lieutenant Percival Fossey Thackaberry Burns

Burns: School photo
Form VI,  Nov 1912*
Lieutenant Percival Fossey Thackaberry Burns was just 22 years old when he died.

Second Lieut. Perceval Fossy Thackaberry Burns, King’s Liverpool Regiment, who died from wounds received in action in France on March 21st, 1917, was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Acton-Burns, 1 Charlton Terrace, Kilmainham, Dublin. He was educated at the High School, Harcourt Street, and Trinity College, where he had a very distinguished university career. He received his commission in
July, 1915, and went to France in July, 1916, and had fought with great bravery until fatally wounded. He was mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Irish Life Magazine, 04 May 1917 (David Power)


Irish Times, March 21, 1918. In Memoriam. Burns-Inloving memory of Second Lieutenant Percival Fossy Thackaberry Burns----King’s Liverpool Regiment, who died from wounds received in France 21, March, 1917, aged 22 years. Mentioned in despatch 9th April, 1917, “For ever with the Lord.” Inserted by his sorrowing parents, brothers, and sisters.

The Irish Times, March 21, 1919. In Memoriam. Burns-In loving memory of our dear friend, Second Lieutenant Percy F T Burns, Liverpool Regiment, who died of wounds received in action, 21st March, 1917. “Father, in Thy gracious keeping. Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.” Burns-In memory of my dear son, Second Lieutenant P F T Burns, who fell in action, march 21st, 1917. If I could lift the veil and see How unmixed all your pleasures are ‘Twould calm the thoughts that rack me so. And make me long your bliss to share. Mother. V. K. 6. Habarcq Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Source: Tom Burnell, war historian.

* Photo: Courtesy the Board of Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq

* Captain Charles Selss Burrows

Charles Sells Burrows was born on 14th November, 1884.  He was a pupil at High School from 1895 to 1903.  He was awarded the Military Cross on the 1st January, 1918, but almost six months later he was killed in action.  

Irish Life Magazine: 21 June 1918

Capt. Charles S. Burrows M.C., who was killed in action on May 28th, 1918, was
the eldest son of the late Mr. Alexander C. Burrows and Mrs. Burrows, 8 Albert Villas, Morehampton Road, Dublin, and was in his 33rd year. He was educated at the High School, Dublin. In January, 1915, he returned from South America and
went to France in September of that year.

The decision to go war may have been a complicated one for Charles Selss Burrowes as his grandmother. Antonetta Wilchelmina Amanda Selss, was a German, born in Westfalen, Prussia.  With an irony that mirrored the drama played out between the German and British royal families, Charles Selss Burrowes found himself going to war against his own relations.
(Source:  Michelle Burrowes, Ancestry.com)

Notes taken from 'The Erasmian', June 1918 p49 
'Captain C. S. Burrows (1895-1903), M.C., of the 14th Northumberland Fusiliers (Pioneers), was killed in France on May 28th. He was 33 years of age, and was the son of the late Mr. A. C. Burrows. On leaving school he entered Trinity College, where he passed through the Engineering School and took his degree in 1907. He had been engaged in engineering in S. America for four years on the outbreak of the war, when he at once came home and got a Commission in the Northumberlands in January, 1915, and went to France in the following September. 
He won the Military Cross last November in the fighting north of Ypres. He was killed instantaneously by a shell during an attack on a trench his company were holding in the afternoon, having been in action since the 26th. His colonel wrote of him as "always cool and collected and absolutely fearless;" "the fine work and gallant leadership he displayed were simply splendid." His battalion formed part of the famous 21st Division, greatly praised by Sir Douglas Haig for their part in all the great battles since the March offensive, and one of the four who withstood the onslaught of the Germans near Rheims.'


Military Cross Record Card
He 'was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the battalion on 26 January 1915 and entered France with the battalion on 8/9/1915.
He was promoted Captain was awarded the Military Cross and killed in Action on 28/5/1918, has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Soissons Memorial to the Missing in France.'  

* Lieutenant George Victor Butler


The Erasmian June 1918
WAR NEWS.

'WE very much regret to announce the death of two more Old Boys who have fallen in France.
Lieut. George Victor Butler (1895-1905), 2/5 Lincolnshire Regiment, was killed on March 23rd at Ervilliers, on the ArrasBapaume Road, in France. He was 30 years of age. When war broke out he joined the 7th (Pals) Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and in less than six months obtained his Commission. He had seen nearly three years' service in Flanders and France. His colonel spoke of him as a most promising officer, and the adjutant wrote that on the day of his death he had rendered splendid service to the battalion, and several times got the artillery to the help of his men when they were sorely in need of it. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Butler, of Sutton, and all his three brothers are in the army.'

George Victor Butler Lieutenant Lincolnshire Regiment 2nd/5th Battalion. 23/03/1918 29 Rathgar, Dublin Dublin Killed in action Son of Joseph Marshall MacDermott Butler and Margaret Mary Butler, of 3, Rhoda Villas, Sutton, County Dublin. 

Irish Times. Butler-March 26, killed in action, George Victor Butler, Lieutenant Lincoln regiment, son of J Marshall and Metu(?) Butler, Suncroft, Sutton, County Dublin.

Irish Independent; Lieutenant G V Butler, son of Mr J M Butler, Suncroft, Sutton, County Dublin (on March 26). Special Memorial Douchy-Les-Ayette British Cemetery in France. in France.

Source: Tom Burnell, war historian

Lieutenant George Victor Butler, Lincolnshire Regiment, who was killed in action in March last, was the second son Mr. J. Marshall Butler, Suncroft, Sutton, Co, Dublin, he joined the Pals’ Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on its formation, and subsequently obtained his commission in the Army Service Corps, being afterwards transferred to the Lincolnshire Regiment, In which he was serving when he fell.He was educated in the High School, Harcourt Street, Dublin. Three of his brothers are at present on active service,

Irish Life magazine, 26 April 1918 (David Power)

* Lieutenant Desmond Patrick Webb Carter

By kind permission of the Carter-Webb Family
Lieutenant Desmond Patrick Webb Carter was born in 1897 and was a pupil in The High School from 1908 to 1910.  At 19 years of age, he was one of the youngest past pupils of the school to die in the Great War.

He came from generations of senior army officers; it seemed that military life was in his blood.
He was an exceptionally clever young man, who loved mathematics and science with a keen passion.  He played the flute and was enjoyed sport, especially cricket and football and in July 1914, before he was seventeen years old, he passed 1st into the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, (the precursor of Sandhurst today) scoring over 12,500 marks, - a total which is probably a record for a candidate of his age.
Source:  An obituary in the St Paul’s school magazine, Pauline


  ~  His grandfather, Edward Carter, was an army officer in his youth, who spent some time in India, and was later Governor of Athy Prison, Kildare.

~  His father was Brigadier-General Sir John Carter KCMG, of Malahide, County Dublin.

~  His brother was Brigadier Brian Wolsey Webb-Carter DSO and Bar, OBE (1901–1981)

~  More recently, his nephew, the late  Major General Sir Evelyn John Webb-Carter KCV, OBE,  DL, was the last 'Colonel of The Regiment' of The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) (1999–2006), and, amongst other things, the Chairman of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebrations in 2000.

We know that Desmond P.W. Carter was born in Bedford, England, but some of his siblings were born in India and Hong Kong, showing the nomadic existence of military life that his family was accustomed to.
However, we know very little of  Desmond Webb Carter's military life, but that he was a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers 1st Field Signal Company, and that he died 12th December, 1916.  He is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension in France, (grave no. IV. E. 29).
Source: Michelle Burrowes
His commission appears in the London Gazette 9th February, 1915 
Source:  Terry Reeves

* Captain Isaac Murray Craig

"He was through the Gallipoli campaign and afterwards in the Balkans. His sad death occurred while out on night work in the hills of Judea".
Isaac Murray Craig, according to the 1911 census, lived with his mother, two brothers and young sister, very close to the present location of The High School, on Zion Road, Rathgar.  Ironically, he was one of the High School soldiers who died furthest away from home - in Palestine.  His medal record card reveals that he entered the theatre of war (Egypt) on 11th October 1915, but also saw action in the Balkans and Gallipoli.  He received the Victory, British and Star (15) medals posthumously.
Source: Michelle Burrowes.

'The Erasmian' October 1918 p68
'I. M. Craig (Ray) (1910), Captain Royal Engineers, was killed in action in Palestine. He came to us for a short time in 1910 from Campbell College before entering Trinity College, and joined the Engineers after completing his course in the Engineering School in August, 1914. He went out in the famous 10th Division to Gallipoli and the Balkans. His brother, M. T. Craig (High School 1909-12) is also in the Engineers.'

The woman in the picture is Isaac's niece,
Elaine Ann Craig daughter of Eric William, standing at the
Trinity College, Dublin, WWI Memorial.  She died in 2011.
Thanks to the Craig family for supplying this photo.  
CRAIG, ISAAC MURRAY. Rank: Acting Captain. Regiment or Service: Corps of Royal Engineers.
Unit; 66th Field Company. Date of Death:22/08/1918. Age at death, 27. Born in County Tipperary (1911 Census).

Limerick Chronicle, August, 1918.
Craig—August 22, 1918, killed in action, Captain Ray Craig, Royal Engineers, second son of Isaac Craig, Senior Inspector of Schools, Cork, aged 27.






The Campbellian, Vol.IV, p.131.
Isaac Murray Craig, commemorated on the Trinity
College Great War Memorial, Dublin.
'Date entered (Campbell College): Sept 1905. Date left: Dec 1909. Date of birth: 4 January 1891. Father: Isaac Craig. Parent's address: Auburn House, Athlone. Had fought in Gallipoli and the Balkans. 2nd Lieut (Oct 1914); Lieut (1915); Captain. Profession: Engineering. "Killed instantaneously in action in Palestine". Commissioned Oct 1914, having taken an engineering degree in Sept 1914. "He was through the Gallipoli campaign and afterwards in the Balkans. His sad death occurred while out on night work in the hills of Judaea".'
Supplementary information; Son of Isaac Craig (Senior Inspector of Schools) and Henrietta Craig, of "Redclyffe," Western Rd., Cork.

Grave or Memorial Reference: T. 29. Cemetery: Ramleh War Cemetery in Israel.

* Captain George Robert Cross

George Robert Cross died just 6 weeks before the end of the war.  He was just 25 years of age. 

Captain Cross was in the Army Service Corps attached to the 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.  He died on the 30th September 1918.  Born in Scotland, but living in Rathmines, Dublin, he was killed in action.  He was the son of Mr. W. H. and Mrs. E. Cross, of 1, Effra Road, Rathmines, Dublin.

The Irish Times, September 30, 1924. Roll of Honour. In Memoriam. Cross-In loving memory of my dear son, G H Cross, Captain, R.A.S.C., attached Royal Irish Fusiliers, killed in action in France, September 30th, 1918. IV. F. 27. Dadizeele New British Cemetery in Belgium.
Source: Tom Burnell


From the book Pals of Sulva Bay: Born at Edinburgh. Son of the late Wm. H. Cross. Educated at Cork Grammar School and High School, Dublin. He was gazetted to the Army Service Corps, November 1914, and now holds the rank of Captain.
Capt George Herbert Cross. North Irish Horse and Royal Army Service Corps. Killed in action 30th Sept 1918. Son of Mr WH and Mrs E Cross, of 1 Effra Rd, Rathmines, Dublin. Buried in Dadizele New British Cemetry, Belgium. Grave No I
Source: High School Archive

* Brothers Gerard and Herbert Crozier

Captain Herbert Charles Crozier

Bertie (Herbert) Crozier was a career soldier.  According to his niece, his father was the cavalry vet for the British Army at what is now Collin's Barracks and his two sons, Bertie and Gerard both joined the army before WWI.   Bertie was in the 1st Battalion of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers, which means that he was on-board the SS Clyde when they landed at Gallipoli on 25th April, 1915.  The following day he won a Military Cross the action at Sedd el Bahr.


He had already received a medal for bravery when he tried to save a downing soldier in Khartoum.

Source: http://www.london-irish.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3325



* Lieutenant Gerard Crozier


Bertie was injured during the war but survived it. His brother Gerard did not.  He was badly wounded and went to Cyprus to recuperate.  He never recovered, but died there after the war had ended.  His name was not included on the High School War Memorial, as he died after it was erected, but steps are under-way to have this error rectified.

Michelle Burrowes, HSD War Stories Co-Ordinator.


Details:
Gerard Irvine Crozier
6th Bn., Leinster Regiment who died on 28 June 1920 Age 34
Son of James and Sarah L. Crozier, of 26, Montpelier Hill, Dublin.
Remembered with Honour
Famagusta Military Cemetery


From The boards:
"On that same page (no date was shown) is a mention of a Mr. Crozier giving a lecture and telling of his experiences on Gallipoli (Dardanelles).   I believe that that Mr. Crozier may be our Herbert C. Crozier.  In 1922 Captain Crozier was Major H.C. Crozier of the Kings Regiment (Liverpool) at the disbandment.    I have not had time to look up if Capt H.C. Crozier left any personal papers.  If papers do exist they may give us a better aspect of the 1Bn and its "W" Coy men."

"having done a quick google on Major Crozier, I found a little information, but it is not really of much help to your research:
London Gazette 2 July 1915: awarded the Military Cross for the action at Sedd el Bahr on 26 April 1915.
London Gazette 15 January 1916 he was a Temporary Major RDF
Post war he appears to have gone to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, presumably as an instructor. In May 1919 Major HC Crazier RDF was in G Coy, in the Officers Intercompany 330 yard relay race, in May 1920 he scored 12 runs playing in the Gentlemen Cadets v Officers match.

He died on 29 January 1961 at Portobello House, Dublin. His Dublin address was 26 Montpelier Hill, Dublin. He is buried in the family grave in Mount Jerome Cemetery, on the headstone he is described as Major Royal Dublin Fusiliers. 
His probate record indicates that he left £29,809 15s 2d to John Richard Molony carpet salesman.
Several "Public" family trees on the Ancestry web site indicate that he was known as "Bertie".
The National Archives only seem to have his Medal Index Card."








* Lieutenant Thomas Alexander Deane

Lieutenant Thomas Alexander Deane Killed in action at Gaba Tepe, Anzac, 3rd may 1915, age 22.

Thomas Alexander David Deane Lieutenant Royal Marine Light Infantry Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Naval Division 03/05/1915 Age 22 . Address: Bray, County Wicklow. Only son of Sir Thomas Manly Deane, B.A., and Lady Deane (nee Wright), of Erw-Lydan, Penmaenmawr, Carnarvonshire. Formerly of Dublin.  Sir Thomas was a prominent architect who designed three buildings of note in Dublin, Ireland. These are the National Museum and National Library on Kildare Street and also in the 1937 Reading Room in Trinity College Dublin.


Irish Independent; Second Lieutenant T. A. D. Deans, RMLI, who is reported from the Dardanelles as missing, is the only son of Sir Thomas M Deane, B.A., RHA. Ailesbury Park, Dublin. He received his commission in February. Previously he had been a member of the Dublin University Officers Training Corps.

Irish Times. Bray Memorial Service. The name of Lieutenant T M Deane, son of Sir Thomas Deane, was by accident omitted from the list of Old Ardvonians who have fallen. Lieutenant Deane, a most promising young officer, was killed in action in the Dardanelles early in May last.

The Weekly Irish Times. Ireland’s Roll of Honour. May 29, 1915. Second Lieutenant T A D Deane. On May 14, we reported that second Lieutenant Thomas A D Deane, R.M.L.I., Portsmouth Battalion Royal Naval Division, was reported under date 10th May, as missing in operations at the Dardanelles, and it is now reported that he is killed. He was the only son of Sir Thomas M Deane, B.A., R.H.A., of Ailesbury Park, Dublin. Panel 2 to 7 Helles Memorial in Turkey.

Source: Tom Burnell, war historian.