Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

SHANGHAI RACE CLUB WORLD WAR 1 - CHINA

World War 1
Compiled & Copyright © Martin Edwards 2024

The Shanghai Race Club was a horse racing club located in Shanghai, China. The club was based at the Shanghai Racecourse. Within Shanghai History Museum is housed the Shanghai Race Club World War memorial that orignally was to be found in the former Shanghai Race Club building. There are 28 names listed. Shanghai History Museum is the former Shanghai Race Club building and so the memorial is probably located in its original location.

Notes on the Club: Originally the Race Committee of the International Recreation Club, the Race Club was first established in 1850, with the building of Shanghai's first racecourse. In 1862, it detached itself from the Shanghai Recreation Club to become an independent body. The Club's activities were affected by the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. After the Communist takeover of Shanghai in 1949, the Club was placed under military administration in 1951 and its properties taken over by the government in 1954.

Photograph Copyright © Martin Scott 2024

SHANGHAI RACE CLUB
MCMXIV - MCMXVIII
ROLL OF HONOUR

BARRETT Knox Gordon

Lieutenant, Z20th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 20 September 1917. Aged 28. Son of James Hunter Barrett, J.P., and Eleanor Barrett, of "Leysfield," Regent's Park Rd., Church End, Finchley, London, formerly of Bangor, Co. Down, Ireland. Buried in CANADA FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row C. Grave 7.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

BARRETT Knox Gordon of Seaview Bangor Down lieutenant R.F.A. died 20 September 1917 in France while on active service Administration Belfast to James Hunter Barrett clerk petty sessions. Effects £83 12S. in England.
Sealed London 22 December.

Extract from Northern Whig - Thursday 1 June 1916, page 8:

THE ROLL OF HONOUR.
Bangor Flying Officer Killed.
TWO D.S.O. AWARDS.
GALLANT CAVAN AIRMAN DECORATED.

Yesterday morning Mr. Jamese H. Barrett, petty sessional clerk, Bangor, received the following wire from the Secretary, War Office:—“Deeply regret inform you that Captain E. W. Barrett, R.F.C., was killed in action on 29 May. Lord Kitchener expressed his sympathy.” Deceased is the same officer whose promotion to the rank captain was announced no later than last week. Educated at Campbell College, Armagh School, and Queen's University, emigrated to Australia some years ago. and later sailed for Singapore, where he was engaged in the rubber-growing industry, being assistant manager of a large plantation. When the war broke outhe returned to this country, where he joined the Royal Flying Corps, in which he received rapid promotion. Deceased was of a brave, daring disposition, and was very popular amongst a wide circle of friends. When at school at Armagh he was prominent on both the Rugby and cricket fields, and later became a member of the Bangor Golf Club. He was also an esteemed member of Harmony Masonic Lodge 286, Bangor, of which his father is the popular secretary. Deceased was the youngest of three soldier brothers. His elder brother, Mr. Knox Barrett, was in the service of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. and also returned home to serve the Empire, and is at present in the Royal Field Artillery Cadet Corps at Exeter; while his younger brother, St. Clair Barrett, is in the Cadet Corps of the 10th (R.) Battalion Irish Fusiliers at Newtownards.

Extract from North Down Herald and County Down Independent - Friday 22 September 1916, page 1:

PROMOTION FOR BANGOR CADET

We are pleased to learn that Mr. Knox G. Barrett, son of our esteemed townsman, Mr. James H. Barrett, has received his commision in the Royal Field Artillery, which he joined as a cadet after returning home from the far East, where he surrendered a most lucrative position in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in order to serve his King and country. Lieutenant Barrett is at present home on leave.

Extract from Northern Whig - Saturday 29 September 1917, page 5:

THE LATE LIEUTENANT KNOX BARRETT
How He was Killed

The following details of the death of his son, Lieutenant Knox Barrett, has been received by Mr. James H. Barrett from Captain A. M. Glen, R.F.A.:— Dear Sir,—You will doubtless before the receipt of this letter, have received official intimation of the death in action of your son. Lieutenant K. G. Barrett, R.F.A. It happened on the 20th—three days ago. He was standing just outside the dugout he had been living in for the previous two days, watching a battery some distance away being shelled, when shell landed almost beside him. He never recovered consciousness, and died ten minutes later. Considering how close to him the shell landed he was marvellously slightly disfigured. He was hit in the head, shoulder, and leg, none of them large wounds, but the first of these was fatal one. Besides our personal loss of a friend, the unit has lost one of ite best officers, for he was a fine soldier, and one the bravest men I have ever met. We brought his body back the same night to a cemetery well behind the line, and he was buried next morning by our divisional artillery padre. A corporal who was killed by the same shell was buried with him. The men got a wreath for his grave, and are fixing jup a cross.

BIRCHAL Wilfrid Arthur
[Spelt BIRCHALL on SDGW] Lieutenant, Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers). Killed in action 28 November 1917. Nephew of Mr. Charles E. Birchal, of "Churchfield", Edge Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. In the 1901 census he was aged 16, born at sea, a Merchant's Clerk, newphew of Charles E. Birchal, resident 46, Alexandra Road South, Withington, Chorlton, Lancashire. Buried in JERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Section Y. Grave 56.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1918:

BIRCHAL Wilfred Arthur of Church Field Edge-lane Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester a lieutenant Nottinghamshire (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry died 28 November 1917 in Palestine Administration (limited) Manchester 19 July to Charles Emmanuel Birchal director of a limited company. Effects £287 15s. 4d.

BOURGEAT L A
Lieutenant. In 1905 he was a barrister-at-law working for M. Tillot, Shanghai. On the Board of Directors of International Savings Society, Shanghai, as legal advisor 1917.
BRAND James Andrew

Private TF/241479, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 23 March 1918. Born Shanghai, China, enlisted Brighton. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 46 and 47.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1923:

BRAND James Andrew of Woodcote End Epsom Surrey and of Shanghai China died 21 March 1918 in France Administration(with Will) (limited) London 4 May to Villiers Frederick Caesar Hawkins solicitor the attorney of Ann Bigland Smith.
Effects £248 17s. 2d.
BRUCE Bethune Duncan
Captain, 13th Battalion, Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action 27 September 1915. Aged 41. Born 23 November 1874. Baptised 3 January 1875 in Calcutta, Bengal, son of Alexander Andrew Bruce and Ada Campbell Bruce. Son of Maj. Gen. Alexander Andrew Bruce (Indian Staff Corps) and Ada Semple Bruce. In the 1891 census he was aged 16, a scholar, son of Ada Campbell Bruce, resident Polwarth Terrace, 1, St Cuthbert, Edinburgh, Newington, Midlothian, Scotland. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 to 13.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

BRUCE Bethune Duncan of 2 Polworth-terrace Edinburgh captain 13th battalion The Royal Scots died 26 September 1915 at Hill 70 near Loos in France Confirmation of Ada Campbell Bruce widow. Sealed London 12 February.
CUNNINGHAM Charles Clement Francis
Captain, 2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders). Died of wounds 19 August 1916. Aged 33. Son of Margaret Cunningham, of Muirhouselaw, St. Boswells, Newtown St. Boswells, Roxburghshire, and the late Charles John Cunningham, J.P., D.L. His brother Kenneth Edward also fell. Buried in DERNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme, France. Row I. Grave 1.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

CUNNINGHAM Charles Clement Francis of Muirhouselaw Roxburgh captain 3rd battalion attached 2nd battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders died 19 August 1916 at No. 13 Field Ambulance in France Confirmation of Kenneth Edward Cunningham fames Crossley Cunningham captain Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and James Stormonth Darling writer.
Sealed London 16 April.
DAVIDSON W
Lance Corporal
DEFRIES, MiD Frederick
Captain, 5th Battalion attached 3rd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 6 April 1918. Aged 33. Son of Martha Defries, of 4, Woodlands Avenue, Finchley, Middlesex, and the late Albert Defries. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). No known grave. Commemorated on DOIRAN MEMORIAL, Greece.
DENT Wilfrid Harry
Middlesex, Harrow School,
Wilfrid Harry Dent
Major, 10th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action 27 September 1915. Aged 48. Born at Hunsingore, Yorkshire. Son of the Rev. Canon J. J. D. Dent and Laura M. Dent, of Red House, Hursley, Winchester. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVIII. Row E. Grave 1.

Extract from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 9 October 1915, page 4:

DENT.—On the 27th ult,, in action in France. Major Wilfrid H, Dent, 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, second son the late Canon J. D. Dent, and Mrs. Dent, of the Red House, Mureley, aged 48.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

DENT Wilfred Harry of the China Mutual Life insurance Company limited China Shanghai China late major H.M. Army died 27 September 1915 at Loos in France Probate Shanghai to John Kirkpatrick Tweed.
Effects £294 14s. in the United Kingdom.
Sealed London 14 June
.

DOUGLAS John Charles Edward
Major, 10th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Died of wounds 18 December 1915. Aged 39. Baptised 8 October 1876 in Stokeham, Devon, son of Archibald Lucius aqnd Constance Ellen Douglas. Son of Admiral Sir Archibald Douglas, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., LL.D.; J.P., and of Lady Douglas. Barrister, Gray's Inn. In the 1891 census he was aged 14, born Chillington, Devon. a scholar, newphew of Philip Ruffle and Margaret G Sharp, resident Monachus House, Hartley Row Street, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, NORD, Nord, France. Plot II. Row B. Grave 64.

Extract from The Mail - Monday 28 October 1901, page 6:

FOREIGN OFFICE, AUG. 31.

The King has been graciously pleased to appoint John Charles Edward Douglas, Esq., to be Registrar of His Majesty's Supreme Counrt for China aqnd Corea.

Extract from The Evening News - Wednesday 22 December 1915, page 5 (note rank incorrect):

Death of Capt. J. C. E. Douglas

Much regret is felt in Society circles in Portsmouth at the news that Capt. John Charles edward Douglas, 10th Batt., the Yorkshire Regt., second son of the late Admiral Sir Archibald L. Douglas, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., formerly Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, died of wounds on Saturday last at the age of 39. Captain Douglas was quite a favourite in local Service circles, and the greatest sympathy is expressed with the family in their great loss.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

DOUGLAS John Charles Edward of Shanghai China major His Majesty's Army died 18 December 1915 in Flanders of wounds received in action Probate London 2 May to Alexander Nelson Radcliffe solicitor.Effects £1979 1s. 3d.
GRESSON John Edward

Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Killed in action 24 May 1915. In the 1901 census he was aged 19, born Ireland, a Clerk, lodging at 25, Eldon Street, Glasgow, Kelvin, Lanarkshire, Scotland. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 19.

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice 1914-1918, Volume 2, page 189:

2nd LIEUTENANT JOHN EDWARD GRESSON, 3rd (RESERVE) attd. 2nd, BATTN. THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT was the seventh and youngest son of the late Major W. H. Gresson, 27th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and 65th York and Lancaster Regiment, and of Mrs. Gresson, of Fernleigh, Cheltenham. Four of his brothers are in the service of their country, namely, Lieutenant-Colonel T. T. Gresson, D.S.O., 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment; Captain R. H. A. Gresson, Advanced Remount Depot, M.E.F.; Commander A. L. Gresson, R.N., in command of H.M.S. "Impregnable," Devonport; and Gunner George Gresson, Canadian Field Artillery.

2nd Lieutenant Gresson was born on the 3rd June, 1881, at Woodville, Birr, King's County, and was educated at Cheltenham College and at Rossall. When his education was completed he went out to China, where he was engaged in business in the firm of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co. He was a very keen horseman, and was known in China for the active interest he took in polo, steeplechasing, and coursing. He was also associated with the Shanghai Light Horse and the Hong Kong Light Horse. When the war with Germany broke out Mr. Gresson was at home on leave, and he immediately volunteered for active service. In September, 1914, he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, with which he served in Birkenhead and on coast defence in Scotland. In March, 1915, he sailed for France, and was attached to the 2nd Battalion for active service.

He was killed on the 25th May, 1915, in the general attack on the German trenches at Ypres, and was buried in or near Hooge Wood, Ypres, Flanders.

JACKSON Bertram Rolfe

Captain, 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Killed in action 15 September 1916. Aged 31. Son of James and Grace Jackson (nee Blaine), of The Homemead, Heacham, Norfolk. Commemorated in GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS, Somme, France. Special Memorial 47.

Extract from East Anglian Daily Times and The Evening Star and Daily Herald - Tuesday, 26 September 1916, page 8:

CAPT. B. R. JACKSON.

Captain Bertram Rolfe Jackson, Coldstream Guards, killed, was the third son of Mr. James and Mrs. Grace Jackson, Heacham, Norfolk. He joined the Special Reserve of the Coldstream Guards, and was gazetted in August, 1915, being promoted Captain in April of the present year.

Extract from The Lynn News & County Press - Saturday, 7 October 1916, page 7:

A GALLANT HEACHAM OFFICER.

Captain Bertram Rolfe Jackson, Coldstream Guards, recently reported as killed in action, was the third son of Mr. James Jackson, The Homemead, Heacham, and was educated at Fonthill, Fast Grinstead and Eton. At the time of the outbreak of the war he held a post in the Asiatic Petroleum Company, which was kept open for his return had be survived the war. He came home early in 1915, joined the Reserve of Officers, was appointed second-lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, and proceeded to France in April, 1915, from which time he saw continuous service at the front. He was promoted lieutenant in January, and captain in April last. He was killed leading his company under heavy shell fire in the great attack of September 15.
JONES Loftus Edward Perceval

Captain, 7th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action 3 August 1915. Aged 39. Born at Ararat, Victoria, Australia. Son of Peyton Jones, M.I.C.E. and Letetia Caroline Peyton Jones, of "Edenbrook", Blackwater, Hampshire. Passed law examinations in Melbourne gaining Supreme Court Prize. A Barrister at Supreme Court, Shanghai. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 3. Row C. Grave 1.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

JONES Loftus Edward Percival of Shanghai China died 3 August 1915 at Voormezeele Belgium Administration (with Will limited) London 2 February to Frederick William Brown solicitor one of the attorneys of Geoffrey Herbert Wright.
Effects £557 6s. 5d.

Extract from The London and China Telegraph - 17 August 1915, page 710, and Overland China Mail - 7 October 1915, page 18:

Captain Lofton Edward Perceval Jones, 7th Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in action on Aug. 3 in France, was the elder son of the late Mr Peyton Jones, M. Inst. C.E., Melbourne, Australia. Educated at Cumloden, St. Kilda, he gained the Supreme Court Prize at the Melbourne University, practised as a barrister, went to China, and was a partner in the firm of Hanson, McNeill, Jones and Wright, Shanghai. A keen sportsman, he was a well known writer and amateur jockey, and was chairman of the Shanghai Club. On the call for officers in the East at the end of last year he at once responded, and was given a commission as captain. Leaving Shanghai on Christmas Day, he was gazetted to the 7th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment on Feb. 23, and left for the front in July.
LAMBE Percy
Lieutenant, 9th Battalion attached 6th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 7 November 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 15 to 19.
LAURENCE Bertie Standish
Second Lieutenant, 1st/2nd Battalion, 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons). Killed in action 9 September 1915. Aged 32. Buried in GREEN HILL CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot II. Row F. Grave 15.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

LAURENCE Bertie Standish a 2nd lieutenant of the Westminster Dragoons died 9 September 1915 in Gallipoli on active service Administration (with Will) London 8 November to George Charles Bellew publisher.
Effects £214. 13s. 11d.

Extract from The Graphic - 13 November 1915, page 634:
Many brothers have fallen in the war, but not often under such pathetic circumstances as those which attended the deaths of the brothers Laurence. Ralph Neville Laurence, shortly after the war broke out, gave up a good appointment and enlisted in the 1st Dorsetshire Regiment. His younger brother, Bertie Standish Laurence, who was a partner in a well-known commercial firm in Shanghai, came back to England, and on December 11 was gazetted 2nd Lieut. in the 2nd County of London (Westminster) Dragoons, proceeding to Gallipoli.
On August 11, 1915, Ralph Neville Laurence (aged thirty-five) was shot dead whilst fighting in France. On September 9, the day after receiving the news of his brother's death, Lieut, Laurence (aged thirty-two) was shot by a sniper when endeavouring to recover some equipment lying outside his trench. He died almost at once. He was temporarily in charge of a machine-gun section, and was a great favourite with his men, as well as an excellent officer who could ill be spared.
LEYSHON William Howell Norman
Private 22224, 32nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 15 September 1916. Aged 26. Born Forest Gate, resident Wanstead, enlisted Finsbury. Son of William and Annie Leyshon, of 31, Park Rd., Manor Park, Essex. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

LEYSHON William Howell Norman of 31 Park-road Wanstead Park Manor Park Essex private died on or since 15 September 1916 in France Administration (with Will) London 7 July to Frank Howard Leyshon rifleman.
Effects £622 10s.

MacQUEEN Thomas Malcolm
Lieutenant, 8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action 15 July 1916. Aged 29. Son of the late Thomas and Edith Mary MacQueen, of Bolton House, Eastbourne. In the 1901 census he was aged 14, born Eastbourne, Sussex, son of Thomas and Edith M MacQueen, resident 10, Bolton Road, Eastbourne, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 C. See also Eastbourne Memorial

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

MACQUEEN Thomas Malcolm of Bolton House 10 Bolton-road Eastbourne died 15 July 1916 in France Administration (with Will) Lewes 19 December to Ronald Chesney MacQueen captain in H. M. Army. Effects £248 3s. 9d.

Extract from The London and China Telegraph - 24 July 1916, page 568:
Lieutenant THOMAS MALCOLM MACQUEEN, East Lancashire Regiment, who fell on July 15, aged 29, was the second son of Dr. and Mrs. T. MacQueen, of Bolton House, Eastbourne. He was educated at Eastbonrne College. He went to China in the service of the Yangtze Insurance Association early in 1912, and left Shanghai to enter the army in December, 1914. He obtained his commission in February, 1915, on the recommendation of the British Representative in China, and had been at the front since last July.
McBAIN, DSC George Brown Servewright

Captain, 27th Squadron, Royal Air Force (R.N.A.S.). Missing, last seen over Peronne in combat, believed killed while flying a De Havilland D.H.4, serial number A7514, 10 May 1918. Aged 28. Son of the late George and Cecile Marie McBain, of Shanghai; husband of Elva Alysh McBain, of Duchess Street, Portland Place, London W. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) - awarded while he was a Lieutenant, Flying Officer, London Gazette 7 June 1918. Commemorated in ASSEVILLERS NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Hyencourt-le-Grand German Cemetery Memorial 10.

Extract from Yorkshire Telegraph and Star - Saturday Evening 8 June 1918, page 4:
Flight-Sub-Lieut. GEORGE B. S. McBAIN, R.N.A.S.
For conspicnons bravery and devotion to duty in carrying out bombing raids on enemy troops, aerodromes, and lines of communication. On March 18, 1918, while returning from bombing an enemy aerodrome,he was attacked by five enemy scouts. After a short combat one of the scouts was seen to nose-dive, and its tail plane fell off. The four other enemy aircraft retired.
McGHEE Harry
Captain, 11th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Killed in action 8 May 1917. Aged 35. Son of Mrs. Mary McGhee, of 200, Magdala Terrace, Galashiels, Selkirkshire. No known grave. Commemorated on DOIRAN MEMORIAL, Greece.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1918:

MCGHEE Harry of Galashiels North Britain captain Scottish Rifles died 8 May 1917 on active service Confirmation of Augustus Robert Bowden lieutenant H.M. Army.
Sealed London 26 June.

OPPÉ Henry Sigismund

Lieutenant, 11th Battalion attahced 6th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action by a sniper 6 November 1915. Aged 35. Born 1880 in London. Son of the late Mr. A. S. Oppe and of Pauline Oppe, of Pamber Heath, Basingstoke. Buried in HILL 10 CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot II. Row G. Grave 12. Also commemorated on Solicitors And Articled Clerks WW1 Memorial, Holborn, Greater London and also on New College WW1 Memorial, Oxford, Oxfordshire and also Charter House School WW1 Memorial

Extract from Lives of the First World War 1914-1918:

Henry Sigismund Oppe was born in London in 1880. His parents had six sons, two of whom died in WW1, and two daughters. His father was an import/export commission agent and merchant. He was also a Subject of The German Empire, as was his wife, with eight children residing with them, were granted Naturlisation on the 14th May 1886. His father died in 1889. Henry joined The Yorkshire Regiment as a Lieutenant and died on the 6th November 1915 and lies in The Hill 10 Cemetery, Turkey. His grave inscription reads ‘Honor To Whom Honor Is Due’. He was killed by a Sniper, his twin brother Thomas died a year and a half later in May 1917.

THACKERAY PRIZE

A fund was raised in 1865 to perpetuate within the walls of Charterhouse the memory of William Makepeace Thackeray and John Leech, educated in the School Part of this fund was devoted to the establishment of two Prizes, one for English Literature, the other for Drawing, each of the value of £5 16s. He was awarded this prize in 1898.

ELWYN PRIZE

A Prize for the encouragement of Modern History was founded in 1898 to perpetuate the memory of Richard Elwyn, Head Master from 1858 to 1863, and from 1885 to 1897 Master of Charterhouse. Its value is £5 annually. He was awarded this prize in 1899.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

OPPÉ Henry Sigismund formerly of Shanghai China lieutenant 11th (2nd reserve) battalion Yorkshire regiment was killed 6 November 1915 in the Gallipoli Penninsula on active service Probate London 2 March to Adolf Paul Oppé civil servant. Effects £1620 19s.

Extract from Truth - Wednesday 24 November 1915, page 6:

Lieutenant H. S. Oppé, who was killed in action at the Dardanelles on November 6, was educated at Charterhouse and New College, Oxford, where he obtained a first-class in modern history. After leaving Oxford he studied law, and eventually joined a legal firm in Shanghai. At the beginning of this year he threw up his work in China to join the New Army, and in February last was given a commission as lieutenant in the 11th (Service) Battalion of the Yorkshire Light Infantry, with which he was serving when he met his fate.
RALPHS Walter Joel

Captain, Shanghai Light Horse Regiment, attached to the 12th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds 15 July 1916. Aged 32. Born Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire. Baptised 24 February 1884 in Great Budworth, Cheshire, son of Joel and Ellen Ralphs. Son of Joel and Helen Ralphs. Late O.C., Shanghai Light Horse. Buried in QUARRY CEMETERY, MONTAUBAN, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 13.

Extract from The Reporter - Saturday 22 July 1916, page 6:

CAPT. W. J. RALPHS
KILLED.
A Gallant Dukinfield Officer.
PROMOTED FOR CONSPICUOUS
SERVICE

Deep regret has been oocasioned in Dukinfield by the news that Captain Walter Joel Ralphs, Royal Field Artillery, has been killed in action in France on the 15th July.
Captain Ralphs was the younger son of Mr. Joel Ralphs, of Blenheim Place, King-street, headmaster of St. Mark's Day School. and brother of Dr. F. G. Ralphs. He was a native of Dukinfield, where be was born 25 years ago. After comopleting his education he became a clerk in the Manchester and County Bank. Ashton, afterwards filling a similar position in London, and from there he was nominated by Lord George Hamilton for a post on the staff of the Chartered Bank, Shanghai.
Captain Walter Joel Ralphs
He was a fine athlete and all round sportsman, and became famous in the East as a rider and polo player. He became a ilieutenant in the Shanghai Light Horse, commanding a squadron in the Chinese Revolution of 1912.
On the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, Capt. Ralphs came home to take his part in the defence of his, country. He was gazetted second lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, promoted lieutenant on March 25th, 1915, and a few days before being killed in action was promoted captain for conspicuous service in the field. Captain Ralphs had seen a year of active service in France as forward observing officer to a battery. The family have for a long period been associated with St. Mark's Church, and when the news of Captain Ralph's' death became known the flag was hoisted half-mast on the tower.

Extract from The London and China Telegraph - 24 July 1916, page 568:

Captain WALTER JOEL RALPHS, R.F.A., killed on July 15, came home on the outbreak of hostilities from the Far East, where he had been for several years on the staff of the Chartered Bank, and stationed mainly in Shanghai. A fine athlete and all round sportsman he became famous in the East when a lieutenant in the Imperial Light Horse as a rider and polo player, and commanded a squadron of Light Horse in the second Chinese revolution. Captain Ralphs had seen a year's active service in France as forward observing officer to a battery. He was gazetted second lieutenant to the Royal Field Artillery on Dec. 30, 1914, promoted lieutenant on March 25, 1915, and a few days before being killed was promoted captain for service in the field. He was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ralphs, of Blenheim Place, Dukinfield.
REISS Willoughby Emil
Captain Willoughby Emil Reiss - photograph from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 20 August 1915, page 5
Captain, 1st/6th Battalion (Territorial), Manchester Regiment. Died of wounds 8 August 1915. Aged 25. Baptised 24 June 1890 at Church Hulme, Cheshire, son of Henry Jaques and Emilie Constance Reiss. Son of Henry J. and E. Constance Reiss, of "The Hermitage," Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, a school boarder at Walter Earle School, Bilton Grange, Rugby, Warwickshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Holmes Chapel, assisting his father in his Shipping Merchant business, resident The Hermitage, Cranage, Holmes Chapel, Cranage Leese, Cheshire. Buried in LANCASHIRE LANDING CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Section A. Grave 63.
Also commemorated on St Lukes War Memorial, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire and also Reiss Brothers War Memorial, Manchester and also Charterhouse School War memorial

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

REISS Willoughby Emil of the Hermitage Holmes Chapel Cheshire died 8 August 1915 at the Dardanelles Administration London 24 November to Henry Jacques Reiss merchant. Effects £360 0s. 7d.

Extract from The London and China Telegraph - 17 August 1915, page 710:

Lieutenant Willoughby E. Reiss, 6th Battalion Manchester Regiment, eldest son of Mr. Henry J. Reiss, Holmes Chapel, Manchester, died on Aug. 8 of wounds received in Gallipoli. He was educated at Charterhouse and was gazetted Second Lieutenant to the 6th (Territorial) Battalion Manchester Regiment on Feb. 14, 1910, and promoted lieutenant July, 1912. At the outbreak of war Lieutenant Reiss, who was an assistant in Messrs. Reiss and Co., Shanghai, was in China, but returned immediately to rejoin his regiment, reaching Liverpool the day after it had sailed for Egypt. He joined another battalion, to which he acted as adjutant for a short period, and left with a draft on July 4.

Extract from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 13 August 1915, page 5:

HOLMES CHAPEL OFFICER KILLED
CAME FROM CHINA TO JOIN THE ARMY.

Official news was received Fridav night to the effect that Captain Willoughby Reiss, son Mr. H. J. Reiss. The Hermitage, Holmes Chapel, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles.

Captain Reiss, the outbreak of war, was at Shanghai, China, representing his father's shipping firm of Reiss Brothers. Immediately he left for England, intent upon joining the Manchester Regiment of Territorials, of which he was formerly a member, and arrived the day after that regiment had left for Egypt. He was appointed adjutant to the 6th Manchesters, and was in training at Southport until about a month ago, when he went with his regiment to the Dardanelles.

He was an extremely capable officer, and every man under his command held him in the highest respect. He was at home on leave when his regiment was ordered out, and had to return at a moment's notice.

Extract from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 20 August 1915, page 2:

Memorial Service. —At St. Luke’s Church, Holmes Chapel, Saturday, where the flag was at half-mast in memory of the late Captain Reiss, a memorial service was held for those who had fallen in the field of battle. The proceedings were very impressive, and large crowds of people attended. The pews were also occupied by the members of the Holmes Chapel detachment of the Cheshire Volunteer Regiment and the local Cadet Corps, who had paraded the main thoroughfares of the village. The service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. J. H. Armitatead) and the Rev. E. M. Ellis, vicar of Mosley. The hymns sung were "Soldiers who are Christ’s below," and "They whose course on earfh is o’er." Mr. Arthur Ford was at the organ.

Extract from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 20 August 1915, page 5:

THE LATE CAPTAIN REISS.
REFERENCE AT HOLMES CHAPEL CHURCH.

In last week’s "Guardian” we announced the death of Captain Willoughby Reiss, son of Mr. H. J. Reiss. The Hermitage, Holmes Chapel. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles while serving with the 6th Manchesters.

Referring to the death of Captain Reiss, the Vicar of Holmes Chapel, the Rev. J. H. Armitstead, in his sermon Sunday morning, said: "The hearts of all go out in sympathy to those near and dear to him. When we think of their loss, and the loss of others, does not the question occur to us,'Why are our own left off?' When we think of him we think of one who threw all his energies into his work. Our local cricket club found him a keen and energetic worker, but it was not only into this he threw his energies. When at school he joined the Territorial Force, and was quite as keen in his work as in amusement. This is a time for action and for National Service. The outbreak of the war found him at work in China. He hurried home to join his regiment, and thus he gave his life for his country; his death was the death of a hero and not a shirker."

RIACH Gordon Pennington
Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action 24 September 1918. Son of Jane Riach and the late John Riach. In the 1911 census he was aged 21, born London, an Insurance Clerk, son of Jane Riach (a widow), resident 53, Bassett Road Notting Hill W, Kensington, London & Middlesex. As a Second Lieutenant, aged 27, he was admitted to Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital at Millbank, 13 December 1916, suffering from 'Supp: Ferml Gland', he was discharged 15 December 1916. Religious denomination Church of England. Attended Clifton Collge 1903 to April 1907, Smith House (3c-4a). Buried in VADENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, MAISSEMY, Aisne, France. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 11.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1919:

RIACH Gordon Pennington of 53 Bassett-road North Kensington Middlesex died 24 September 1918 in France Administration London 10 May to Emily Constance Keelan (wife of Lionel Bernard Keelan). Effects £324 7s. 2d.

Extract from London and China Telegraph - Monday 7 October 1918, page 4:

KILLED IN ACTION.

Riach.—Killed in action, on Sept. 24, Lieut. Gordon P. Riach, Cameron Highlanders, dearly loved youngest son of Mrs. Riach, 53, Bassett-rd., W., and the late John Riach, of Shanghai.

ROBINS George Upton

Captain, 3rd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment attached to 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Died of wounds 7 May 1915 (5 May CWGC). Aged 36. Born 2 December 1878. Son of George U. Robins, J.P., and Flora Upton Robins, of Delaport, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire; husband of Beryl Robins, of The Cottage, Old Windsor, Berkshire. Educated Haileybury School, Hertford, Hertfordshire, Edmonstone Form 1892-1897, left to go to Magdalen College, Oxford. Grave lost, commemorated in RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND (TRANSPORT FARM), West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Transport Farm Annexe Memorial Row A. Entry 1.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

ROBINS George Upton of 7 Union-court Old Broad-street London died 7 May 1915 in the 14th Field Ambulance France Probate London 6 September to Flora Olivia Upton Robins spinster Clement Selby Moore merchant and Frank Hay solicitor. Effects £6015 8s. 7d.

Extract from The Somerset Standard - Friday 11 June 1915, page 5:

VICTIM OF GERMAN GAS.
CAPTAIN GEORGE UPTON ROBINS.

Captain George Upton Robins is reported dead from the effects of gas poisoning. He was the only son of Mrs. Upton Robins, of Delaport, Wheathampstead (Herts.), and grandson of the late Mr. George Wood Sheppard, of Fromefleld House. In 1900 he received a commission in the 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment. He served in the 5th Mounted Infantry in South Africa, and received a medal and clasp. In February last he rejoined the 3rd Batt. of his old regiment at Hull as captain, and on April 22nd he was ordered to the Front. On May 5th he was in a trench only 50 yards from the enemy, and in the evening of that day was asphyxiated by poisonous gas from the German lines. He died on May 7th.

Extract from The Uttoxeter Advertiser and Ashbourn Times - Wednesday 15 September 1915, page 3:

STRANGE CLAUSE IN OFFICER'S
WILL.

Captain George Upton Robins, 3rd East Yorks Regiment, killed by gas at the front, who left unsettled property valued at £6,015 gross, directed in his will that if he died childless £5,000 should be held in the event of his wife marrying again, "which it is my wish and desire she should do," upon trust for "her children by any after-taken husband, as she may appoint."

Extract from London and China Telegraph - Monday 28 June 1915, page 541-542:

It was with feelings of very deep regret that residents of Shanghai learned that Mr. george Upton Robins, until recently head of the branch in Shanghai of Brand Bros. and Co., had been killed in action in Flanders. The clubs of which Mr. Robins was a member half-masted their flags as a mark of respect.
SEBASTIAN, MC, MiD Skinner Raymond

Lieutent-Colonel, 3rd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment commanding 5th Battalion, Oxfordfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds 27 March 1918. Aged 31. Son of Lewis Boyd Sebastian and Harriet Maria Sebastian, of 12, Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London. B.A. of University College, Oxford, Barrister of Lincoln's Inn. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.), Twice Mentioned in Despatches (MiD0also awarded Meritorious Service Medals and Territorial Force Efficiency Medals. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Norwood, London, son of Lewis Boyd and Harriet Maria Sebastian, resident 222 Kensington Court Kensington W, Kensington, London & Middlesex. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Officers Section, Plot B. Row 4. Grave 20.

Grave inscription contains: ROTTINGDEAN, WINCHESTER OXFORD, LINCOLN'S INN SHANGHAI, FRANCE

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, page 180:

SEBASTIAN, SKINNER RAYMOND, M.C., Lieut.-Col., 5th (Service) Battn. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, s. of Lewis Boyd Sebastian, of 12, Lexham Gardens, Kensington, W., Barrister-at-Law, by his wife, Harriet Maria, dau. of Bengt Reinhold Lennartson, of Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden; b. Tulse Hill, London, S.W., 30 Oct. 1886; educ. Rottingdean School; Winchester, and University College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree in 1908; was called to the Bar in 1910; went to Shanghai in 1912, and practised there as a Barrister; returned to England, and volunteered for active service early in 1915; gazetted 2nd Lieut., 3rd Battn. The Hampshire Regt. in March, 1915; attached to the 5th Battn. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in Sept. 1915; promoted Lieut. about June, 1916; Capt. in Jan. and Lieut.-Col. in Aug. 1917; was Adjutant of the Battn. from Nov. 1915, to Aug. 1917; served witn the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Sept. 1915, and died at Rouen 27 March, 1918, of wounds received in action on the 23rd. Buried there. He was twice mentioned in Despatches [London Gazettes, 18 May and 18 Dec. 1917], by F.M. Sir Douglas Haig, and was awarded the M.C. for gallant and distinguished service in the field in Jan. 1917; unm.
SHORTO Martin Hubert

Lieutenant, Royal Engineers (West Lancashire - Territorial). Killed in action 27 July 1917. Aged 28. Born July 1889. Baptised 19 July 1889 in Exeter, All Hallows on the Walls, Devon. Son of George Roberts Shorto (Town Clerk) and Jessy Shorto, of Exeter. A.M.I.C.E., Assistant Surveyor, Public Works Department, Shanghai. Admitted to Exeter, Hele's School, September 1900, son of G. R. Shorto (Town Clerk), left 11 July 1905. In the 1911 census he was aged 21, born Exeter, Devon, a Civil Engineer, boarding at 24 Church Terrace, Heavitree, Devon. Buried in COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row I. Grave 59.

Extracts from The Western Times - Friday 3 August 1917, page 4 & 7:

SHORTO.—Killed in action, on July 27th, Martin Hubert Shorto, 2nd-Lieutenant West Lancs. Royal Engineers, youngest son of the late G. R. Shorto, Town Clerk of Exeter.

Miss Amy Shorto, of Hill's Court School. Pennsylvania, received information on Sunday that her brother, Lieut Martin H. Shorto. the West Lancashire U.E., was killed in action jin Prance July 27.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

SHORTO Martin Hubert of 70 Pennsylvania-road Exeter second-lieutenant Royal Engineers died 27 July 1917 in France Administration (with Will) Exeter 22 December to Amy Mary Shorto spinster. Effects £367 19s. 8d.
SYMES Henry
Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in action 30 September 1916. Aged 31. Son of Henry and Lydia H. Symes, of 1, Barmby Rd., Bradford. In the 1901 census he was aged 16, born Bradford, Yorkshire, a Warehouseman Staff, son of Henry and Lidia Hannah Symes, resident 47, Hustler Street, Bradford, Yorkshire & Yorkshire (West Riding). No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 14 A and 14 B.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

SYMES Henry of 1 Barmby-road Bradford a second-lieutenant in the York and Lancaster regiment died 30 September 1916 in France Administration (with Will) Wakefield 19 November to Jennie. Elizabeth Symes spinster. Effects £487 10s. 6d.
VERNON Theophilus Chater
[Memorial states Wing Commander] Squadron Commander (Pilot), 9 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service. Died 15 September 1917 of injuries sustained 14 September 1917 while flying in a Camel B3933. Aged 30. Born 5 September 1887 in Hong Kong. Son of John Yardley Vernon (a stockbroker) and Mary (nee O'Neill) Vernon. Native of London. Resident Hotel Syrlenodide, Marseiiles, France. Employed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Buried in MALO-LES-BAINS COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 15.

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