On 11 November we remember those who died in conflict, particularly those from our college. Today we are highlighting just one of those people: Walter Selwyn Orpen, remembered by those who served with him as 'a charming and lovable character' who was 'always cheerful and brave'.

Walter Orpen was the youngest son of Rev Thomas Herbert Orpen, former tutor at Selwyn. He came up to Selwyn from Malvern College in 1912 and threw himself into college life, earning his colours in both hockey and tennis.

When war broke out in 1914, Walter was in his second year. He was already in the Officer Training Corps and received his commission to the North Staffordshire Regiment that September. After training, he was sent to France with the Lancashire Fusiliers, where he became Sniping and Intelligence Officer to his battalion.

On 6 July 1916, during the Somme Offensive, Walter was killed by a sniper's bullet as his regiment advanced through German trenches north of Fricourt. He was just 22 years old.

Those who served alongside him remembered a young man of exceptional character. His adjutant wrote: "During the time he has been with us I grew to like him more and more and to respect his many good qualities. He was always cheerful and brave." The battalion chaplain added simply: "He was indeed a charming and lovable character."

Walter's name is among those engraved on the war memorial in Selwyn Chapel, one of many Selwyn men who gave their lives in the Great War, and his story is preserved in our college archives. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Selwyn holds two minutes' silence in Old Court with the Last Post and Reveille on 11 November at 11am.

Sources: Steven John from West Wales War Memorial Project (Haverfordwest (St. Mary's Church) War Memorial - WW1.Wales), Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre (2nd Lieut Walter Selwyn Orpen. Abinger Soldier. WW1), and Selwyn College Archives.