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William McCulloch, 1906 (Cricket).
William Burnett McCulloch, College benefactor, was born at Warbreccan, Deniliquin, the son of Colin Christison McCulloch, a grazier and former Scotch College student, and Aimee Rebecca nee Box, William McCulloch entered the College in 1906 completing his studies in 1908. For the rest of his life he maintained an enthusiastic and generous interest in the school. He was a fine sportsman, representing the College in cricket (1906-07), rowing (1906 and 1908), athletics (1908) and football (1906-1908). His last year at school, 1908, was especially important to the College, as that was the year it was admitted to the Associated Public Schools. William McCulloch rowed at sixth position in the first APS competition crew and was captain of the 1st Football Team, leading the team to third place. Teddy Rankin, a famous Geelong footballer and head groundsman at the College for many years, who was regarded as an expert judge of footballers, considered William McCulloch a first-class player.
At the outbreak of World War I, William went to England to enlist (No 1047) in 1st King Edward's Horse as Private W B McCulloch, and was promoted rapidly. McCulloch was awarded the Military Cross, the citation for which read: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Maulde on 9th November 1918. He covered the advance with his troop with good judgment, sending back useful information, and charging a party of twenty infantry with his twelve men, he killed three and routed the remainder, shooting the leading man with his revolver. He served with King Edward's Horse until the signing of the Armistice.
After the war, he took up a property near Balranald and spent most of his long life there. On his death he bequeathed a generous legacy of $100,000 to the School.
Sources: Ad Astra October 1970; James Affleck (Comp). Geelong Collegians’ at the Great War p 249 citing Lieutenant Colonel Lionel James, DSO, The History of King Edward's Horse (The King's Overseas Dominions Regiment); Pegasus.