Remembering the Dilworth old boys and staff who defended our nation
Eric Ancell was Dilworth’s first Head Prefect and an outstanding scholar and sportsman who was training to be a solicitor when he enlisted. He was killed by a sniper’s bullet at Armentières in France, shortly after arriving to join the conflict. Dunwoody was the first Irish boy to join the school.
1st Lieutenant Eric Ancell
Unfortunately, the World War 1 memorial tablet has been missing since the school renovations in 1960 which saw it removed whilst demolition and construction work was being carried out.
One name that is also likely to have been included on the memorial list is that of the first Headmaster, Colonel Arthur Plugge. After six years in charge, he left Dilworth in 1914 to command the Auckland Regiment, serving with distinction in Egypt and at Gallipoli.
Just 20 years after the conclusion of the war, the world was again plunged into global conflict. By this time, the school had grown and now had a total of 600 old boys. Around 80% of those who were eligible joined up and served in various capacities overseas. More than half of them held leadership roles in navy, army and air force units. Many won high honours for distinguished gallantry and courage. Twenty-six made the final sacrifice, on land, sea and in the air. Typical among those who did not return is Brian Gilmour (No. 368, 1928-1936). At school he was a brilliant scholar and sportsman and displayed a special talent for art. Just three years into his studies to become an architect after leaving Dilworth, he found himself training as a pilot for the RAF in Canada. His abilities and leadership skills soon saw him promoted to squadron leader in command of a Lancaster bomber and his gallantry saw him awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
Fourth from left Squadron Leader Gilmour with his Lancaster crew
One of “The Few” who defended Britain and led its raids on Germany, Gilmour was commander of a sortie over Germany in April 1944 when his flight was reported missing. His Lancaster was hit by enemy fire as it completed a bombing raid over Munich and crashed a few kilometres outside the city with the loss of all on board. A man of great potential who was lost to the world, to his family and to Dilworth.
Every year the school continues to honour its war dead as well as those who served their country. In a solemn service of remembrance on ANZAC Day, or a day close to it, the names of the fallen are read out by the Headmaster and the words of the remembrance ode are recited. Today as we face a less obvious enemy, and stay within our bubbles, may we pause on ANZAC Day to remember especially those from Dilworth who served and died for the freedom we enjoy. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. We will remember them.
Thanks to Murray Wilton for his assistance with putting this story together and sharing the historical images from The Dilworth Legacy