World War profiles

In 2014, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Brunel University London Archives compiled detailed biographies of students and staff from Borough Road College who died in the conflict. Using archive material such as the roll of honour, student application forms, student magazines, photographs and information held externally, e.g. the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, we found a wealth of information about each individual, including tales of bravery and heroic action.

758 students and 21 members (and former members) of staff from Borough Road College went to war. 115 and 5 members of staff perished. During the war 47 individuals were awarded military honours, including five Distinguished Service Order (DSO) medals, 18 Military Cross (MC) medals and 12 Military Medal (MM) medals. Other medals include a Meritorious Service Medal, mention in dispatches, mention in corps orders, two 1914-Star medals, a Croix de Guerre and a Chevalier de la Couronne.

In 2018 the project was extended to include Shoreditch College, and also men who died from both colleges in World War Two.

Profiles of these men can also now be found below. 

Project

The 2014 project was the result of a year of research undertaken by Ginny Dawe-Woodings (student volunteer) helped by Sara Brimble (student volunteer) under the supervision of the Archivist, Phaedra Casey. The 2018 project was done by Sarah Trim-West, archives assistant, and Phaedra Casey. 

Acknowledgements

Brunel University London Archives would like to thank Mr Douglas Craik for his support for the 2014 project and the valuable extra  information he generously shared on Borough Road College alumni.

Profiles