KERWOOD Lionel

Lionel Kerwood was born in 1886. He attended Malvern College in House 7 from September 1900 to 1902.

The following report appears in the Malvern Gazette, 4th November 1916:
News had been received that Major Lionel Kerwood, Worcestershire Regiment (T.F.) son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Kerwood, Watling House, Barnt Green, has been killed in action while in temporary command of a battalion of the Cheshire Regiment. Major Kerwood who was 30 years of age, was educated at the Lickey School and Malvern College. At the age of 15 he matriculated for the law, subsequently joining a firm of solicitors in London. While in the metropolis he passed his finals upon which he became partner with his father in the firm of Alfred Kerwood and Son, Redditch.

Major Kerwood had always taken a keen interest in military matters and whilst at Malvern was a member of the Cadet Corps. About 12 years ago he joined the Volunteers at Redditch. He became a captain, and was instrumental in raising a company of Territorials at King’s Norton, afterwards obtaining funds for building a drill hall, which was opened about four years ago.

He went to the front a year and eight months ago becoming senior Major, and was for several weeks in command of his Battalion during the absence from the front of his Colonel. In March 1913, Major Kerwood married Miss Edna Sheldon, third daughter of Mr and Mrs John Sheldon, Barnt Green. This is the second son of Mr Alfred Kerwood to fall. Lieutenant Malcolm Kerwood also of the Worcestershire Territorials having been killed in action about 12 months ago.

The following information has been researched and transcribed by Jeff Taylor:
Barnt Green Officer Killed
Second of Two Brothers To Fall
News has been received that Major Lionel Kerwood, Worcestershire Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Kerwood, “Watling House”, Barnt Green, has been killed in action while in temporary command of a battalion of the Cheshire Regiment. Major Kerwood, who was thirty years of age, was educated at the Lickey Hills School and at Malvern College (1899-1903).

Lionel Kerwood has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Thiepval Memorial.