Wellington College and the

First World War

Introduction

Wellington College First XV

Wellington College First XV 1909

.V. Stars 23-3

.V. St. James 14-3

.V. Polehill 28-9

.V. Petone 18-8

.V. Karori 6-3

.V. St.Patrick’s College 22-0

.V. Christ’s College 23-5

.V. Wanganui College 21-9

W. H ‘Jimmy’ Stainton Captain and First Five-Eight

Harry Childs –Halfback

Alex ‘Mac’ McColl

Wilfred ‘Frisky’ Fitchett

Chunuk Bair August 6-10

1915Frisky Jimmy

Battle of the Somme September -October 1916

Battle of the Messines June 1917

Passchendele October 1917

Medals

Jimmy Stainton MC

Charlie Capper MM

Victor Gallie, MC, DSO, Croix de Guerre

Wounded in Action

Frisky

Fitchett

Messines

1917

Gas

Victor GallieWestern Front1917Serious Head wound

Norman BartholomewThe Somme1916Shrapnel wound

MalcolmStewartGallipoli1915Wounded

Wellington College and World War I

• The War inflicted its heaviest toll upon those old boys who attended the college between 1907-1912 i.e. those who were between 22-26 years of age in 1914.

• College population 1900-14 ; about 400 ( 90-100 per year)

• The class of 1909 suffered most. • 25 killed • 32 wounded• Average age 24

The Glorious Dead

Killed in action 19 May 1915

Norman Cameron

Enteric 27 July 1915

Harry Childs

Killed in action 16 September 1916

Reggie Manoy

Alex McColl, Armentieres, July 1916

London Gazette 30 July 1916

Mentioned in Dispatches

Capt . A B McColl Killed in action 2 July

1916

Alex McColl’s LetterFrance July 1 1916

My Dearest Mother , just a small note today in case I should be incapacitated for a few days or so. Today is a red letter day in my history as I am taking out a raiding party against the Huns. I have been down here with my party for a few days and everything is working beautifully. If we don’t give the Boche the biggest hiding he has ever received it will not be our fault. I suppose you think it rather strange that I as adjutant should be selected for this job. I am really the luckiest of men to have got the chance. In the first place all subalterns were selected for the job, but through a most unfortunate bombing accident two of these were killed. Capt Narbey was next thought of but soon after he went back to England with appendicitis.

As we are awfully short of officers at present there was no one left with the necessary experience and stamina to take the party. I know that the Colonel did not like me going but his hands are tied and personally I consider myself the luckiest of men to have the opportunity of leading such a splendid body of men that I have under me. They are all trained like fighting cocks . I have been at football etc for the last few weeks. I have most of the old football team here including some very well known reps, just the boys for this game. Am feeling absolutely confident, so please, dear mother, do not worry about me.

I am quite sure you would not have me do otherwise, especially if you saw how pleased the men were when they found I was coming down. I have received several of your lovely letters lately, written as only you know how to write them. I am quite excited about the improvements to the house and would dearly like to see them. I would love to fit into my old place at home once more. Best love to all the girls and many thanks for their letters. Tell Dad I am ever trying to keep his good name untarnished. Received a lovely birthday parcel a few days ago.

All my love and good wishes. Ever your loving son

Alex.