Toby Rawlinson

Although he spent less than two years at Eton, Alfred Rawlinson can claim the distinction of being the first of a remarkable thirty two Old Etonians who have won an Olympic gold medal. After playing on the winning Foxhunters team at the 1900 Olympics he led an interesting and varied life.

Rawlinson was the son of Major General Sir Henry Rawlinson., Bt., and he served with the 17th Lancers but resigned when still a lieutenant. He rejoined the forces at the outbreak of World War I, serving initially as a dispatch rider but later receiving a commission in the RNVR, and in 1915 he was appointed second-in-command of London’s aerial defenses with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1916 he was awarded the CMG and the following year he left his post at aeriel defenses to rejoin the Army as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1916 he was awarded the CMG and the following year he left his post at aeriel defenses to rejoin the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Royal Garrison Artillery. In 1919 Rawlinson was awarded the DSO for his role as the leader of a special mission to Ezerum. He was also appointed a CBE that year. In 1920 he was taken prisoner by the Turks, and after his release in 1921, was much feted on his return to London.

Before the war, “Toby” Rawlinson had been a prominent figure in the pioneering days of motoring and aviation. He invented an internal combustion engine from which he made a great deal of money, most of which was spent on experiments in aviation. Flying was one of his great passions and he held International Pilots Certificate No. 3. Rawlinson succeeded to the Baronetcy on the death of brother in 1925.