The Merton College War Memorial

It is easy to walk past the College War Memorial, situated under the Fitzjames Arch between Front and Fellows' Quads, without taking a second glance at the names listed. To mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 2014, we found out more about the men who lost their lives in 'The War to End All Wars'. Our research then continued to cover those who had fallen during the Second World War.

There are 109 names listed on the memorial under the dates '1914-1918', among them six College servants, a Fellow's son, an Olympic athlete - and two German Rhodes Scholars, whose names were added in 1994, after a campaign by Tom Braun, then Tutor in Ancient History, who had himself come to Britain as a refugee from Germany in 1938. To reflect the equality of sacrifice, no military ranks are listed on the memorial.

Ranks were likewise not included against the 43 names that were added to the memorial in 1947 following World War II.

Here are some of the faces and stories connected to these names.

Can you help?

Do you have additional information or a picture of anyone listed here? We are always interested to find out more about those who gave their lives in the World Wars; if you would like to share what you have, please contact Rebecca Wilson, Web & Media Officer or Julian Reid, Archivist (01865 286315).