First World War Roll of Honour

Kenneth David Rees was born on 25th August 1896 at Caerwys, Flintshire, the son of clergyman John Francis Rees and his wife Ethel. In 1910, Kenneth went to Rossall School in Fleetwood, Lancashire, by which time the family were living in the Rectory at Halkyn. Kenneth attended Rossall School from 1910 to 1915, boarding in Crescent House (pictured here in his House photograph, 1911, third from the left, back row). He was a school monitor and played in the school rugby team. In 1915, he gained a Classical Scholarship to Downing College and completed his previous examination, but entered the Army instead of coming into residence, gaining his commission in the 4th Bn, Cheshire Regiment on 27 August 1915.

2nd Lt Rees went to France attached to the 5th Battalion and was wounded at Menin Road, Ypres, on 13 August 1917. He died of septicaemia in Calais General Hospital on 29 August 1917, aged 21. He is buried in Calais Southern Cemetary and commemorated on memorials in Halkyn, Rossall School and Downing College.

Sources:

The Griffin magazine obituary, Michaelmas 1917

http://www.flintshirewarmemorials.com/memorials/halkyn-memorial/halkyn-…

Image credit:

Crescent House, 1911, courtesy of Rossall School Archives.