Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Bengaluru School's Valor: Alumni Battles in World Wars
Imagine a school in Bengaluru called Bishop Cotton Boys' School.
Many students from this school bravely fought in World War I, including a hero named William Leefe Robinson who shot down a German airship.
Sadly, many of the school's alumni died in the war.
Years later, in World War II, another student named General K S Thimayya became a successful leader in the war.
These former students of the school showed great courage and became examples for others.
Bishop Cotton Boys' School alumni fought in both World Wars, including William Leefe Robinson, who shot down a Zeppelin.
Over 175 Cottonians volunteered for World War I, with 23 killed in action.
Notable alumni included those who died in battle, such as Noel Saunders and Cyril Walter Wallace.
General K S Thimayya, a Bishop Cotton alumnus, commanded a major battlefield in World War II.
Brigadier Mirza 'Hesky' Beg, also a former student, became a renowned polo player in Pakistan.
- Who
- Alumni and staff of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, including William Leefe Robinson and General K S Thimayya.
- What
- Alumni of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School in Bengaluru fought in both World Wars.
- When
- World War I and World War II.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India, and various battlefields in Europe and Asia.
- Why
- To serve in the military during the World Wars.
- School
- Bishop Cotton Boys’ School
- Location
- Bengaluru, India
- World War I Volunteers
- Over 175
- WWI Casualties
- 23
- Notable Alumni
- William Leefe Robinson, General K S Thimayya, Mirza ‘Hesky’ Beg