‘Tommy would smile knowing children are remembering them’

RUPERT House School in Henley marked Armistice Day with a service in its school grounds and the laying of handmade wreaths.

The service, held on Tuesday, was attended by Father Jeremy Tayler, rector of St Mary’s Church in Hart Street, and historical researcher Mike Willoughby as well as pupils and parents.

After a short speech by headteacher Nick Armitage, the school heard readings from pupils, including head girl Josephine Wason and head boy George Darvill.

Poems that were read included Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen and In Flanders Fields, written by John McCrae.

The Last Post was played on the trumpet by parent George Lamb before the school observed a two-minute silence. The Reveille was played by Noah Ramos.

Fr Tayler led the congregation in prayer before Mr Lamb’s daughter Ottilie Lamb, who is in Year 3, played Abide With Me on the trumpet.

The school’s choir performed the song Heroes by Alesso and Tove Lo. Speaking after the service, Mr Willoughby told the Henley Standard that there was no place he would rather be to mark Armistice Day. He said: “It means so much to these kids and they know exactly what it’s about.

“If Tommy, who died, knew that all these years later, those kids would be standing there knowing who they are and remembering them, they would have smiled for sure.”

Mr Armitage said: “It’s so important the children here grow up knowing not just about the sacrifice that others have made in the past for us but those that are currently serving and are doing so for our freedom, for our safety around the world.

“Whether they were laying wreaths, reading, or singing, all the children played their parts standing there in a very moving, sensible, quiet, and respectful way.”