King’s ‘Old Boy’ WWI Medals Presented to School in Special Remembrance Day Service

On Tuesday 11th November, The King’s School was gifted a special memorial at its Remembrance Service, receiving the military medals of a former pupil and World War I soldier, Lieutenant Bernard Gibbs, who died in battle 110 years ago.

Presented by Alan Batchelor and David Hill, former King’s teachers and authors of ‘For King’s and Country’ which tells the story of former pupils and staff who gave their lives in the Great War, the medals will become a permanent memorial at King’s School to remember Lieutenant Bernard Gibbs, described as the “Best of Companions, Staunchest of Friends, and bravest of Officers.”

Bernard Gibbs was the first King’s old boy to be decorated, being awarded the Military Cross for his defence of a Canadian dressing station in May 1915, as well as the 1914-15 Star, and the British War and Victory Medals.

Killed during an attack on German trenches on Tuesday 6th July 1915, Lieutenant Bernard Gibbs was just 22 years old.

Recognised for his sense of humour, but also his quiet commitment, loyalty and strength, King’s current school captains, Phoebe Harrison and Will Gandy, paid tribute to Bernard Gibbs’ attributes at the Remembrance Service: “Companionship, friendship, and bravery – these are not confined to the battlefield. They are lived out here, at King’s, in the way individuals stand by one another, offer support in times of difficulty, and lead with integrity and purpose, not for recognition but for the good of others.”

The medal presentation was held at King’s during a Remembrance Day Service for staff, pupils, ex-military guests and residents from Upton Grange care Home, with school governor, Mike Strutt, leading the prayers.

David Hill, concluded:

“Remembrance Day was the ideal opportunity to present Bernard Gibbs’ medals to the school. The memorials form an important part of the legacy King’s continues to build, consolidating the history and impact of the school, its pupils and staff on the local community. It’s wonderful to have found the medals of a significant former pupil, and to recognise his individual story and attributes that play so closely to the school’s values.”

‘For King’s and Country’ is now on sale, available on Amazon and in the following retail outlets:

The Quiet Cat Bookshop, Grosvenor Centre, Macclesfield

Alan at The Book Exchange, indoor market, Grosvenor Centre, Macclesfield

Pictured - Head of Foundation, Jason Slack with former teachers, Alan Batchelor and David Hill, authors of 'For Kings and Country'.