A grammar school hosted a 100th anniversary service this week in memory of a war veteran who studied at the school.

A special service took place on Tuesday at Sir William Borlase’s, in West Street, to remember former pupil Lt Basil Arthur Horsfall VC – exactly 100 years to the day that he died.

Born in Ceylon in 1887, he died on March 27, 1918, and was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for gallantry in WWI.

He studied at Borlase’s from 1903 until 1905 and became the then-headmaster’s first school captain.

He was the youngest of four brothers who all studied at the school.

Organiser Ilona Cains, Borlase’s director of development, said the service was a chance for the school to honour Mr Horsfall and his life.

She said: “It really brings out the traditions [of the school] and shows how long the school has been a part of the community.

“I have found some real gems in our archives about him.

“It’s gold dust and really special.”

Following the service, the head boy and girl were presented with a replica Victoria Cross medal by Marlow’s deputy mayor Chris Funnell, president of the Old Borlasians Club.

After his time at Borlase’s, Mr Horsfall worked briefly at Barclays Bank before returning to Ceylon and working as a rubber planter, an accountant and a civil servant.

He joined the army when he was 28.