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Medals of World War I soldier and former pupil gifted to Macclesfield school

Local News by Matthew Hancock-Bruce 11th Nov 2025  
Alan Batchelor and David Hill present the medals to head of foundation, Jason Slack (Credit: King's School)
Alan Batchelor and David Hill present the medals to head of foundation, Jason Slack (Credit: King's School)
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Medals of a World War I soldier have been gifted to a Macclesfield school.

The King's School was presented with a special memorial as part of its Remembrance Service earlier today (November 11).

Alan Batchelor and David Hill, ex-teachers and authors of 'For King's and Country', gave the school the military medals of former pupil Lieutenant Bernard Gibbs, who died in battle 110 years ago.

These medals will become a permanent memorial to remember Lieutenant Gibbs, described as the 'best of companions, staunchest of friends, and bravest of officers'.

Mr Hill said: "Remembrance Day was the ideal opportunity to present Bernard Gibbs' medals to the school.

"The memorials form an important part of the legacy King's continues to build, consolidating the history and impact of the school, its pupils and staff on the local community.

"It's wonderful to have found the medals of a significant former pupil, and to recognise his individual story and attributes that play so closely to the school's values."

Lieutenant Gibbs was the first King's old boy to be decorated, being awarded the Military Cross for his defence of a Canadian dressing station in May 1915, as well as the 1914-15 Star, and the British War and Victory Medals.

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Killed during an attack on German trenches on Tuesday, July 6, 1915, Lieutenant Gibbs was just 22 years old.

The medal presentation was held at King's during a Remembrance Day Service for staff, pupils, ex-military guests and residents from Upton Grange care Home, with school governor, Mike Strutt, leading the prayers.

Current school captains, Phoebe Harrison and Will Gandy, paid tribute to Bernard Gibbs' attributes at the Remembrance Service: "Companionship, friendship, and bravery – these are not confined to the battlefield. They are lived out here, at King's, in the way individuals stand by one another, offer support in times of difficulty, and lead with integrity and purpose, not for recognition but for the good of others."

School captains Phoebe Harrison and Lottie Baxter, former pupil Sub-Lieutenant Nick Reynolds, former King's teacher Alan Batchelor, head of foundation Jason Slack, former King's teacher David Hill, governor Mike Strutt, school captains Will Gandy and Frank Shanahan and Brigadier General Kim Ross OBE (Credit: King's School)

'For King's and Country', written by Mr Batchelor and Mr Hill, tells the story of former King's pupils and staff who gave their lives in the Great War.

It is available to purchase from The Quiet Cat Bookshop and The Book Exchange, both located inside the Grosvenor Centre in Macclesfield.

     

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