Throughout the Great War hundreds of King Edward’s School’s old boys and masters fought and died in the many campaigns on sea, land, and in the air. Discover their extraordinary stories below that honour their memory and service.
KES Roll of Honour
We remember the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice through our virtual Roll of Honour. Our virtual Roll of Honour provides biographies for each of the Old Edwardians listed on the bronze memorial plaques in the School Chapel.
The Roll of Honour is best viewed on desktop and tablet screens.
Great War Films
Delve into the lives of remarkable Old Edwardians through captivating documentary films. “Walford’s War” uncovers the tale of Captain John Osborn Walford’s bravery, while “Robert Gilson: Memoirs of an Infantry Officer” provides an intimate look at the life and letters of Robert Quilter Gilson, a close friend of JRR Tolkien. Lastly, “Tolkien’s Great War” offers unique perspectives on the experiences of the renowned author and his comrades during the First World War. And an additional film looks into the history of the Somme.
These films were produced by two former pupils of King Edward’s School, Zander and Elliot Weaver, and we are very grateful to all who contributed to the making of it.
Walford’s War
This documentary film tells the story of one of the forgotten casualties of the Great War. Captain John Osborn Walford’s (Old Edwardian) story was only uncovered when his medals, including a Military Cross and Bar, were found by his granddaughter less than a decade ago.
Tolkien’s Great War
This documentary film about the experiences of JRR Tolkien and his closest friends in the First World War.
Robert Gilson: Memoirs of an Infantry Officer
This documentary film on the life and letters of Robert Quilter Gilson (Old Edwardian), who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Robert Quilter Gilson was the son of the Headmaster, Robert Cary Gilson, and the closest friend of JRR Tolkien, who also fought in the war.
