Spotlight 25-26

WEEK B

WEEK BEGINNING 10/11/25

WWI at St Edward’s School

St Edwards School Archives holds a collection of letters written to John Millington Sing, Warden from 1904 – 1913, and his sister Edith Sing, known as Miss Sing. Throughout the War they kept correspondence with staff and OSE on the front lines, in POW camps, on ships, in overseas postings, in hospitals and within the UK. The letters are an insight into the brutality of WW1, but also show the deep connection the men had to St Edwards School, their teachers, and friends. On the next pages you’ll find information about a former SES pupil who also went on to be a teacher here at school. John Garratt Bussell was a well-loved member of the community as evidenced by articles found in the school Chronicle at the time of his death, as well as in letters from other men who knew him. Bussell was one of 121 members of the community (former pupils and staff) who lost their lives fighting in WWI. He was only 33 when he died.

J. G. Bussell – Folkestone, Kent – 22 Jan 1915

Dear Sing, Your letter was very welcome – I am glad you and Miss Sing continue to enjoy Winchester; one deserves credit for enjoying anything these days – that is to try if one does it, and at the same time does not forget. These rather bitter reflections are perhaps this result of the fact that I am in bed with water on the knee and my hands bandaged up. My horse took it into its head to fall down in the road yesterday and squashed my leg – not serious. I shall be [fit] for duty again on Monday I expect. I have quite a lot to do now. For four months I was second in command of a Company, and had little to do, and felt I had made rather a useless sacrifice of other things, but now I am in command it seems so much more worth while and I am happier. I got 3 days (part of my Xmas leave) at Marlborough and saw my sister, and very pleasant she was to see. Dorothea is coming down tomorrow to stay here a week or so. Your letter is on the chimney piece, and I cannot get out of bed to get it! So, excuse please if I fail to respond to anything therein. My regards to both. Yours affect [affectionately] J. G. B.

@TEDDIESLIBRARY