Academy’s tribute to The Fallen

Two minutes’ silence was impeccably observed by more than 1500 students and staff to mark Remembrance Day.

They gathered as a whole school outside to pay their respects.

Matilda, a student in Year 13, welcomed everyone to the service.

“We have gathered here today at Waltham Toll Bar Academy to honour and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country,” she said.

“We reflect on their sacrifice, their courage and the legacy they left behind.”

The first verse of John McCrae’s poem  ‘In Flanders Fields’ was read by her fellow sixth former Lyla before Principal Joe Hermiston said they came together to remember all who lost their lives in battle. He made a special mention of those who died during the First World War.

“When Lord Kitchener first called for volunteers to join the war effort in 1914, the headmaster of a school in Grimsby raised a company of 250 former pupils, which was offered to the 5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment,” he told students.

“After more Grimsby men showed enthusiasm to join, an entire new battalion was formed, the 10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, which would affectionately become known as the 'Grimsby Chums', the only Pals regiment to be called 'chums'.”

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1, 1916, 502 chums were among the British Army’s 19,240 deaths.

Some of the Chums’ officers were awarded the Military Cross for their actions that day.

Brigadier General Gore wrote: “Will you please express to your Battalion my admiration of their fearless conduct in the battle on July 1st. No troops could have done better.”

Mr Hermiston said: “Please take a moment during our two minutes’ silence to consider the great loss of these soldiers, and the impact on their families, in order to protect our freedoms.

“We can often take for granted the sacrifice so many gave for us as we stand here today and we owe them our respect and remembrance.

“We will remember them.”

The Exhortation was followed by the sounding of The Last Post by Mrs Stothard before the two minutes’ silence.

Cadets, student ambassadors and the Chair of Governors Philip Bond laid wreaths at the front of the school and the service was concluded by Freddie, from Year 13, reading The Solider by Rupert Brook.