MS 598

Reference code

MS 598

Title

G. W. Headlam archive

Level

Sub-fonds

Administrative / Biographical history

Headlam, G. W.

Geoffrey Wycliffe (Tuppy) Headlam was educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford, returning to Eton as a master in 1905. He briefly served in the Coldstream Guards during WWI, but was discharged on medical grounds. He remained at Eton until 1935 and seems to have been a keen correspondent.

Date

1914?-1932?

Extent & medium

2 boxes

Content description

These papers relate to Eton and Old Etonians during WWI. The bulk of the material is made up of letters from Old Etonians [OEs] and masters at the front, most not being more than single or half a dozen letters but some are more significant in volume, notably John Christie (1882-1962, Eton master and founder of Glyndebourne Opera), Richard (Dick) Durnford (1886-1915, master), and Geoffrey Gunther (d. 1918, OE), including what is probably his last letter. He also wrote letters of sympathy to parents of OEs who had lost their lives and the replies to these are also present. G. W. Headlam's own personal war papers are included, his service book, enrolment and discharge certificates, along with some official war notices and maps. Another significant part is made up from Eton correspondents about school business, including notes from C. A. Alington, plus papers relating to commemoration and memorial services.