Although this thread relates to teachers in the Manchester Pals, I would mention that the "University & Public Schools Brigade" was composed of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. Three relatives of mine served in the Brigade. Two enlisted in Manchester and served in the 19th battalion. One was a lowly paid hand, working in a Bleach works in Whitefield, Manchester. The second recruit had a managerial status post in the Manchester hatting trade. The third to join the Regiment was a Law Student at Manchester University and he enlisted in the 20th battalion and won the MM on the La Bassee front, only to fall later in the battle for High Wood in 1916 - a battle well known to the Manchesters.
The Brigade left for France in November 1915. In respect of the 18th, 19th and 21st battalions, these units were disbanded on the 24th April 1916 having, it would seem, being denuded of men deemed suitable for commissioned rank.
In the case of the 20th battalion however, it would appear, that their CO - Colonel C.H.Bennett DSO - was reluctant to recommend any of his men for commissions, resulting in the battalion being pretty well as intact as it was when it was first formed.
On the 20th July 1916, Robert Graves' "chocolate soldiers" attacked High Wood and in the resulting battle incurred casualties totalling 397 men. The style and make-up of the 20th battalion was never to be the same again, but it carried on with new personnel and was disbanded in February 1918.
The publication of Graves' book in 1929, revealed a controversial statement concerning that battle in respect of the military behaviour of two Scottish Regiments and the 20th Royal Fusiliers. Not surprisingly, this brought forward some anger from the regiments involved and in due time Graves made a form of retraction.
To conclude. The Law Student is buried in a cemetery in France, the hatting trade manager was discharged on medical grounds and survived the war, albeit in poor health. As regards the lowly factory worker. On the disbandment of the 19th Royal Fusiliers in April 1916, he was transferred to the 22nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers serving in "B" Coy. On the 23rd May, the battalion was in the Talus des Zouaves and ordered to attack. The attack was cancelled, but "B" Coy. never received the cancellation message. In going forward their casualties in All Ranks numbered 87. Our Fusilier has no known grave, although we feel we know the field in which he must now lie. Finally, it may be felt that this post is an example of how the social classes in Manchester went to war in 1914 and could also apply to the Manchester Pals battalions. PhilipG.