King Edward’s School and the Great War

John Othic Holroyd, born on 15th April 1887, was admitted to King Edward’s School in September 1899. His father, Edward, was a woollen cloth merchant, and the family lived at 480, Gillott Road, Edgbaston. John was one of six brothers, one of whom died in childhood.

After School, John worked as a fire insurance assessor’s clerk and then as a surveyor at Thomas Howell and Company of Colmore Row, having passed the examination for Fellow of the Surveyors Institute as well as attending Birmingham University.

On 26th August 1914, John enlisted as a Sergeant in the 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He served in both France and Flanders from 31st May 1915. He died on 11th October 1915, as a result of wounds received in action on Hill 70 on the 4th of that month. His brother Wilfrid, a Bromsgrovian, was reported missing, presumed killed, only two days later at Hulluch, France. John is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery, France, and the inscription on his headstone reads: “Also in memory of Serjt Wilfrid Holroyd.” John left his estate of £468 to his father Edward.