VERNON RAINS HOLMES
2 April 1893 - 14 October 1916
At School 1907 - 1910
Lieut 6th Cheshire Regt
Vernon was born in Young, New South Wales, Australia but by 1901 the family had returned to England and Vernon, aged 7, was living at Westfields, Middlewich, Sandbach, Cheshire with father Arthur, a clothing manufacturer, mother Hannah, elder sisters Caroline and Hazel, elder brothers Arthur and Henry, younger brothers Frank and John, younger sisters Dorothy and Evelyn and two domestic servants. John was also a Hulmeian and unfortunately also killed during the war. By 1911 the family had moved to 29 Manley Road, Whalley Range and Vernon, was working as a clerk in his father's firm.



THE HULMEIAN - December 1916
Lieutenant VERNON R HOLMES, M C, Cheshire Regiment was killed in action on October 14th. He came to the School in April 1907 and left three years later. He acted till recently as battalion intelligence officer, and was awarded the M C early in October; at the same time he was given a company, of which he was in command at the time of his death. His colonel writes “I cannot speak too highly of him during my position as his commanding officer. His conduct has always been of the highest order, and nothing ever gave me greater pleasure than to recommend him for his last award. He will be greatly missed by all ranks of the battalion, amongst whom he has gained the greatest respect.” The Military Cross was awarded to him for “conspicuous gallantry during operations. He led a patrol through the enemy’s wire and brought back valuable information. Two nights later, having marked down some wounded, he took out a party and brought in 13.” Four of his brothers (two Old Hulmeians) are serving in the war.