Rugbeians in the Great War

Few schools can claim to have had such a deep and diverse effect on British history as Rugby. Its influence on the sporting field is well-known, but this book examines the roles played by Rugbeians in many different spheres during the Great War. Politicians and academics, Olympians and artists all left their ordinary lives to fight for their country and it was their school which bound them together. Some such as Ernest Swinton, inventor of the tank, and Maurice Hankey, Cabinet Secretary, had direct influence on the shaping of the conflict, whereas others such as Duncan Mackinnon (Olympic gold medal-winning rower) and the Cawley brothers (both Members of Parliament) are remembered primarily for their pre-war achievements. Until now there has never been a volume which traces the extent of Rugby’s influence, but this book showcases the extraordinary range of individuals from the school who left their mark on the war and the world at large. AUTHOR: Daniel McLean was born in Kent and after school served as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy. At the age of 24 he left the armed forces and read Theology at Oriel College, Oxford, before beginning the teaching career which brought him to Rugby School in 2015. There he is employed as Head of Philosophy and Theology, Assistant Housemaster and Contingent Commander of the Combined Cadet Force.
50 b/w illustrations