Stuart Cornwall Monks was killed in action on this day in 1916

Stuart Cornwall Monks was born on 11 March 1888 in Mussoorie, India. His father was John Henry Monks, the District Magistrate; his mother was Ella Catherine (née Lemaistre).

He had 2 brothers and 4 sisters. His early education was at Martinière College in Lucknow in India.

In 1903, Stuart's father died. At some point, Stuart moved to London whilst his mother and siblings all remained in India, living at Park View, in Cawnpore (Kanpur).

In London, Stuart studied at King's College where he spent 4 years in the O.T.C. (1909-12), obtaining his certificates and becoming Cadet Colour-Sergeant. In 1911, he was awarded his Colours for Rugby. At this time, age 24, he was lodging at 90 Beauval Road, East Dulwich.

In 1912, still living in London, he passed his A.M.I.C.E. Exams (Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers) and became a qualified Civil Engineer. By 1914, he was Assistant Engineer on the Burmese Railway.

On 15 February 1915,  enlisted into the 16th (Service) Battalion (Public Schools), The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). His Papers tell us that he was 5' 11" tall and still at the same address in East Dulwich.

On 22 September 1915, at St Giles in Edinburgh, Stuart married Katherine Ferguson Sime from 'Dalgowan', Newburgh in Scotland. 

On 17 November 1915, his Battalion went to France.

In December 1915, he was promoted Corporal. On 5 January 1916, Stuart was killed in action near La Bassée.

His Company officer wrote:

"Corporal Monks was killed yesterday morning whilst on duty. He was examining the back of our trenches, endeavouring by his survey to better the position of the company. He was shot by a sniper beside his Company Commander, death being almost instantaneous. I, personally, and his platoon and company, mourn his loss, as we all realised his worth and ability. He was undoubtedly my best man; in fact, he was more a friend than an N.C.O., and I could always rely on him, no matter what the occasion might be. Owing to the state of the communication trench, which was knee-deep in mud, it was impossible to give him a burial out of the trenches. He is buried beside the drainage trench, and his grave is well marked."

He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial

1589 Corporal Stuart Cornwall Monks, 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment