HIDDEN in a small leather suitcase in the family attic is where former Marlborough College student Harry Fox stored all his war memoirs but he never spoke of it nor was it discovered until after his death.

Now archivists Terry Rogers, Clare Russell and Gráinne Lenehan from Marlborough College have spent six months bringing the collection of his fascinating writings together to share Harry’s wartime experiences with the public.

With the help of his son Richard Fox, 77, who found the suitcase after his father died in 1983 aged 85, they have published and transcribed online the letters Harry wrote home, his book of war memoirs he wrote in 1920, as well as war memorabilia such as his maps, newspaper cuttings and photographs.

Harry, originally from Wellington in Somerset, went to Marlborough College from 1911-1916 and was head of Cotton House before being sent to fight in France in 1917 aged 19.

He describes his time as a gunner with the Royal Field Artillery in great detail, as well events such as gun exercises at Larkhill near Salisbury, playing rugby and sharing rooms with fellow Marlburians.

Mrs Lenehan, who has worked as an archive assistant at the college for nearly a year, said: “For me the memoirs and letters of Harry Fox are very compelling because Harry’s personality is so engaging – he is warm, witty, loyal and courageous.

“He is also an exuberant youth who enjoys sport and being a little silly, just like any 19-year-old, then or now. From it we can learn a great deal about him, his day-to-day experiences at war, and his relationship with his family.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to edit this important collection for publication on the Marlborough College website.”

In one letter Harry writes: ‘Today has been absolutely top-hole. I have done absolutely nil all day, except sit in front of a blazing wood fire, in a flat open hearth, and do nothing. This is the first day of rest I have had since I came out...We had another very fine sing-song round the fire last night. I do wish we could scrounge a piano from somewhere.'

To see more go to: archive.marlboroughcollege.org