Second Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Esmond was born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the elder child and only son of Sir Hallewell Rogers, and Lady Lydia Watton Rogers of Greville Lodge, Edgbaston. His father was a company chairman, deputy lieutenant and hon. colonel of the 68th Brigade (Territorial) RFA.

He was educated at West House School, Edgbaston then Shrewsbury School (1905 to 1910). He was a member of the school cricket XI in 1909 and 1910 and head of the science side.

From there he went to Caius College, Cambridge, where he captained his College XI in 1913. On several occasions he played in the Warwickshire second XI.

He was travelling in Canada when war broke out but returned home to enlist, he received his commission on 11th January 1915 and went to France on 18th July.

Esmond Rogers died on 3rd July 1916, aged 25, during the fighting at La Boisselle.

His platoon sergeant wrote,

'…I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and devotion of Lieut. Rogers to his men. It was my luck to get hit in the right hand during the battle. It was your son that dressed my wound, and then gave me a drink from his own flask as he ordered me to get to the rear at once, much against my will. Shortly afterwards I am told he got hit. Almost his last words were: "Are we going to have this village, lads?" “Yes," we cried. "Then come along 13, follow me." The lads would have followed him anywhere; he was more than an officer, he was a friend to each and every one of us. It is a great blow that you have suffered in losing such a son, and we all feel for you in your great trouble, but you have the satisfaction of knowing he died a very gallant gentleman for the honour and the cause we all have so very much at heart'

'…My writing is rather shaky as my fingers are in splints. I trust, however, you will be able to read the few lines I have written…'