Report on attending Neil Flowerdew funeral

Norman Porter (K50-57) and Richard Sayer (S56-61) representing the College, the Society and President Kim Dickel, attended the funeral of Neil Flowerdew (Hon OF) in Hastings on 20^th March 2026.

Wing Commander Neil Flowerdew was a direct descendant of Gordon Flowerdew VC (1894-99), one of nine Norfolk-born brothers who attended the College at the end of the 19^th century. Lieutenant Gordon Flowerdew lost his life leading his cavalry squadron of Lord Strathcona’s Horse in a charge against German machine guns at Moreuil Wood in the spring of 1918. Although more than half of the squadron were killed, the action stopped the enemy, whose advance was later turned into a retreat. The distinguished war artist Sir Alfred Munnings, also an OF, commemorated the scene in his celebrated oil painting Charge of Flowerdew’s Squadron.

Neil was for many years the unofficial Flowerdew link with the College, quietly attending a number of events including College dedications, a BBC East television recording of the 2018 Norfolk centenary of the VC action and the Three Heroes OF visit to Moreuil Wood in 2014. He also generously donated a medal to the College’s CCF, to be awarded annually. His work in maintaining the family link was recognised with the award of honorary membership of the SOF. Neil’s relative, Will Herschel-Shorland, has kindly taken on the link role. Indeed, as a consequence of Neil’s ill health, it was Will who represented the family at the handing over of the Flowerdew Victoria Cross and Death Penny on loan to Strathcona Horse at a ceremony held in the Canadian High Commission in London in 2025. While greatly lamenting Neil’s passing, and thanking him for all that he did for and with the SOF, we very much look forward to maintaining that link through Will.

The picture shows SOF President at the time, Richard Sayer (S56-61), presenting Neil with his Hon OF tie.