Year 8 pupils returned to the First World War Battlefields of Ypres on Friday resuming a tradition that began nearly 25 years ago.
Beginning with a service of remembrance at Toc H in Poperinge located behind the frontline, the party toured the salient which saw some of the fiercest fighting on the Western Front.
Visiting the graves of two of the 69 Old Roffensians to give of their lives, the group also made stops at Lijssenthoek and Tyne Cot Cemeteries, as well as exploring authentic trenches at Bayernwald and the darkly sombre German Friedhof at Langemark.
Gusty winds made for a memorable return Channel crossing but these thoughts were subsumed by the sound of the Last Post signalled at the Menin Gate and the words of Sassoon’s verse read by torchlight at the grave of fifteen year-old Private Valentine Strudwick.
Related Posts
Senior School News, Whole School News
Our talented pupil organists, Alex M and Alex S, welcomed the congregation into the magnificent Rochester Cathedral, opening what was to be a spellbinding occasion. The annual Carol Service was a magical celebration of music, tradition and community, as the Cathedral’s stunning architecture was lit by candlelight and filled with the intricate harmonies of [...]
Nursery & Pre-Preparatory School News
There was a bit of a snowy surprise on the Pre-Prep playground on the last day of term. Children arrived to be greeted by staff in their best Christmas knitwear to a playground full of snow! Christmas music was playing and even Father Christmas turned up to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! What a [...]
Preparatory School News
Friends and family of Prep School pupils were treated to an evening of singing, dancing and music-making with lots of festive treats. Choirs from Years 4, 5 and 6 sang songs that they have been learning in their music lessons, whilst the Choristers and Prep School Choir shared two of the songs they have been [...]
