Concordia Magazine 2025

Commemoration of George Drewry VC

On 27 November the School held a ceremony marking the return of George Drewry’s Victoria Cross medal, which has been on loan to the Imperial War Museum for the past 29 years. The date of the event was the anniversary of the day that George Drewry (1907–1909) visited Merchant Taylors’ School in 1916 following his investiture at Buckingham Palace just five days earlier. George Drewry’s nephew (pictured opposite), also named George, his cousin’s niece Heather Thorne and their families attended the ceremony alongside Marshal of the Royal Air Force the Lord Stirrup KG, GCB, AFC (1961–1967), Commodore Andy Cree (Chairman of the Governors), WO2 Johnson Beharry VC (MTS parent), Mr Duncan Eggar and Mr Christopher Hare, and representatives of the Gallipoli and Victoria Cross Associations, Brigadier James Stopford CBE and Mrs Didy Graham OBE. Cadets from all three services of the CCF performed an honour guard, and extracts from the citation and about the Gallipoli event were read by Ben P, Cadet Under Officer and Magnus C, Cadet Warrant Officer and Lord Stirrup. To help improve our understanding of what happened during the landings on V beach, Paul Collins (1953–1959) wrote a fresh interpretation of the SS River Clyde’s bell and Ralph Drewry’s painting of the landing at V beach from Gallipoli that are on display in the lobby outside the Great Hall, including the donations from the Drewry family.

World War I — an OMT perspective A total of 1820 OMTs served their country in one capacity or another during World War I. OMTs of all ages responded to the cause. A few served well into their 50s, while others were only 18 years old. Sadly, 311 lost their lives as well as five members of staff, the vast majority killed on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Many died in the UK from wounds suffered in the conflict or from other causes, but OMT graves can also be found in other countries round the world. The names of those who died are all inscribed on the wooden panels outside the entrance to the Great Hall. Individual acts of bravery abounded among the OMTs who died during the war. Midshipman (later Lieutenant) George Drewry received the Victoria Cross (VC) for his heroism; 18 others were awarded the Military Cross (MC) and five were given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Captain A.O. Pollard and Lieutenant J.C. Barrett were also awarded Victoria Crosses but survived the War.

A total of 1820 OMTs served their country in one capacity or another during World War I. OMTs of all ages responded to the cause. A few served well into their 50s, while others were only 18 years old.

Concordia Winter 2025 38