Doesn’t the Celtic cross standing before you tell a silent yet powerful story? This is the Dragon School War Memorial. It stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice. It honors the old boys and masters of the Dragon School who gave their lives for their country.
This memorial is not just stone and inscription. It embodies the spirit of remembrance. It connects us to a time of profound loss and unwavering courage. The Dragon School War Memorial stands in Bardwell Road. You’ll find it next to the cricket pavilion. It’s a place for reflection.
Designed by Mr. Lynam, father of the headmaster, the Dragon School War Memorial was unveiled on November 12 1920. The Bishop of Oxford dedicated it. The memorial takes the form of a Celtic cross. It sits on a plinth with a two-stepped base. Look closely. The inscriptions and names are carved in black lettering. They are Roman capitals.
The Dragon School War Memorial lists 83 names from World War I. It also lists 134 from World War II. These names represent individual stories of bravery. They are stories of service and ultimate sacrifice.
The inscription reads In Loving Memory of Old Boys and Masters of the Dragon School Who Gave Their Lives For Their Country In The Great War. Another inscription in Latin says Nomen Eorum Vivit In Saecula Saeculorum. This translates to Their Name Lives Forever.
The Dragon School holds another memorial inside the school. This one is a brass plaque. It lists the same names as the Celtic cross. The school also has four framed photographs. These are Victoria Cross recipients from the school. Two are from World War I. Two are from World War II.
Among the names listed is Thomas Henry Liddon Addis. He was a Lieutenant in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He was killed in action in 1918 at the age of 20. Another name is Humphrey Warwick Arden. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died of wounds in 1917. He was 25. St. John Backhouse is also on the list. He was a Second Lieutenant in the East Lancashire Regiment and Royal Air Force. He was killed in action in 1918.
Consider David Westcott Brown. He was a Captain in the Leicestershire Regiment. He was killed in action in 1916 at 23. He was also one of the war poets. Geoffrey Sebastian Buck is also remembered here. He was a Captain in the Royal Air Force. He was killed in 1918. He was awarded the Military Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross.
These are just a few of the many heroes remembered here. Each name represents a life cut short. Each represents a family’s sacrifice. Each reminds us of the cost of war.
As you stand before the Dragon School War Memorial, take a moment. Reflect on the lives of these individuals. Remember their courage. Honor their memory. Let their stories inspire us to strive for peace.