Cheltenham College memorial honours war dead
A memorial honouring former pupils of Cheltenham College who served in the armed forces will be blessed at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA).
The memorial, the first to be placed at the NMA by a school, was officially unveiled during a visit to the college by Prince Edward.
It was dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester and Old Cheltonian, The Right Rev James Langstaff.
Some 6,000 former pupils from the school have served in the Armed Forces.
More than 1500 of them lost their lives in service, including 55 in the Boer war, 675 in World War I and 363 in World War II.
Former pupils have been awarded 14 Victoria Crosses, as well as many other gallantry medals, including a Military Cross for bravery.
The college is one of only two non-military schools to have the right to hold and parade Royal Colours. The other is Eton College.
The Princess Royal last presented Cheltenham College's Royal Colours in 2000.