Isador David Marks, born on 21st March 1896, was admitted to King Edward’s School as a Foundation Scholar in January 1910, having previously attended Miss Lea’s Preparatory School in Edgbaston. He lived with his parents, Jeanette and David, a commercial traveller, and his three siblings at 8, Rotton Park Road, Edgbaston. His brother, Cecil, also an Old Edwardian, served with the Royal Marine Artillery and survived the war.
At School, Isador was a sportsman. As well as playing rugby, he competed in school athletics, coming 3rd in the half-mile open and 2nd in the mile open in 1912. In the same year, he was 4th in the life-saving competition, 2nd in the two lengths swimming open to WA Foley (killed on the Somme). A year later, he was promoted to Lance Corporal in the School Officer Training Corps. Academically, Isador was a hard worker, placing 2nd in his class for Latin and English, and 8th for French and Science.
In 1915, Isador gained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 11th Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, and served in France. He was killed on 10th July 1916 on the Somme. He is buried in Gordon Dump Cemetery, France.