Lancelot Borrell

Lancelot, born in 1893 at Ilton, Yorkshire was the son of Arthur Borrell, a school master, of South Charlton, Northumberland. He was educated at Duke’s School, Alnwick, entered Manchester University in 1912 and gained his BSc. in 1915. At school and university he was a keen cricketer and footballer obtaining a Bronze medal in 1913 at the University sports. He was a member of the Christian Union and active at St. Luke’s, Lightbowne, where his energetic participation in their cricket team helped to elevate their position in the Manchester League.

From 1913 to 1915 Lancelot was a member of the University Officer Training Corps. He obtained a commission in February 1915 and went to the western front in October that year spending most of the winter near Armentieres in Belgium. On 3rd July 1916 he was serving as a signaller when an urgent call came through for support in the front line. Although not part of his role, he volunteered to lead a bombing party against the enemy and it was during this action that he was wounded by machine gun fire. Evacuated home he died on 10th July 1916 in a military hospital at Oxford. He was buried near his home with full military honours at a funeral which included a firing party, buglers, pipers and drummers. His coffin was covered with the Union Jack and his cap, sword and gloves placed on top.

At the time of his death Lancelot had two brothers serving abroad in the Durham Light Infantry and Machine Gun Corps. Both were involved in the Battle of the Somme and one was wounded. His father was a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Lancelot left effects worth£151 14s 1d to his father.