Edward Nash

Edward Nash was educated at a Westgate-on-Sea preparatory school before going to Eton in 1902 and then, in 1905, the Sandhurst Miltary College. He was gazetted a second lieutenant with the 16th Lancers in 1906 before eventually becoming a captain in 1914 when he went to France with the Expeditionary Force. Nash was involved in the retreat from Mons, the Battles of the Marne and Aisne and the first Battle of Ypres and was killed in action in 1915 when the 16th Lancers suffered severe losses after the enemy blew up a trench.

An outstanding all-round sportsman, Nash established himself as a fine cross-country runner and excellent rower during his time at Eton, and at the age 16, won the school’s junior sculling title. He continued as a successful runner whilst at Sandhurst and often beat men older than himself. In 1906 he won the Royal Military College mile title and, after joining the Lancers, twice competed in the mile at the Army championships, finishing second on each occasion. It was as a horseman, however, that he established himself as one of the finest in the Army. In addition taking part in the jumping and three-day event competitions at the 1912 Olympics, Nash also competed in point-to-point and steeplechase races. With his equestrian background, he had the right credentials to become a Cavalry Officer and had a prominent career ahead of him until he lost his life. His younger brother Llewellyn was also killed in action seven months after him.