September 1916 was a difficult month for the School and George Corner in many ways. The Battle of the Somme raged on and news of casualties and wounded soldiers was received frequently. For Wellington School, September 1916 would mark the passing of three of its Old Boys.

Lieutenant Arthur James Bowerman was only 20 years old when his plane was shot down by German aircraft. Though hit on the German side, he was able to glide back into the British lines where his plane crashed near Contalmaison. He was killed instantly. He was only 20 years of age.

2nd Lieutenant Philip Henry Rowe  joined up in 1914 and went to France in March 1915. Wounded in July, he was sent back to England in December 1915 to recover. He went back to France in July 1916 having been given a commission with the Middlesex Regiment. He was involved in very heavy fighting. There is a little confusion as to the date of his death but it is believed he fell on 16th September near Combles. He was 23 years old.

Major Ernest John Brooks was a member of the Canadian Infantry. He was respected by his men and proved to be a very good leader. He quickly moved through the officer ranks as the Battle of the Somme progressed. Brooks was involved in the fighting at Courcelette and was killed when a shell landed near him as he was reading a map. He was 38 years old. His widow struggled to deal with his loss.