King Edward’s School and the Great War

Memorial Roll of Honour 1914 - 1918

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Clayton, Charles Cam Thackwell

Second Lieutenant ▪ 1st Gloucester Regiment

Charles Cam Thackwell Clayton, born on 31st March 1898, was admitted to King Edward’s School in January 1912, after being privately educated for six years at West House School. His father, John, was a surgeon, and the family, comprising Charles, his parents, three brothers and two sisters, lived at 16, Hagley Road, Edgbaston (and later at 58, Harborne Road). According to the 1911 Census, the family had four resident servants. Charles’ three brothers were all Old Edwardians and two of them served during the war.

At School, Charles played in the 1st XV in the 1915-16 season. The Chronicle describes him as: “A very heavy forward, who uses his weight well in the scrum. Should learn to hand-off, when he would be difficult to stop. Rather slow in following up, and a good kick. An effective, though unorthodox tackle.” He was also a Sergeant in the School Officer Training Corps.

In 1917, Charles went to Sandhurst as a Cadet in the Royal Marine Corps, obtaining his “Spurs” in his Riding Examination. He was later attached to the 1st Gloucester Regiment and sent to France. Charles died of wounds at Nieuport on 19th July 1917. He is buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery, De Panne, and is commemorated on the Edgbaston Old Church Memorial and the West House School Memorial.