Reginald Vincent Rose, born on 19th April 1897, was admitted to King Edward’s School in January 1911 as a Foundation Scholar, having transferred from King Edward’s Five Ways. The 1911 Census states that he lived with his mother, Louise, a boarding house keeper, and his two brothers, one of whom was also an Old Edwardian, at 58, Gillott Road, Edgbaston. It is unclear why his father, Ethelbert, was living in another boarding house in Birmingham at this time, rather than with his family.
Reginald was educated in the Modern School, which offered a curriculum that emphasised scientific rather than classical subjects. Although he did not excel academically, his clear strength was in German, placing third in his class. He does not feature in the School Chronicles, suggesting that he was not involved significantly with School sports teams or societies.
After leaving School, Reginald worked for Lloyds Bank on Colmore Row. He enlisted as a Private Soldier with the 1/6 Royal Warwickshire Regiment at the outbreak of war, obtaining his commission in April 1916 as Second Lieutenant. Reginald was killed leading his men into battle on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, aged nineteen. His body was never recovered, but he is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial. He left his estate of £234 to his father.