Armistice 2018

The High School of Dundee has marked the centenary of the Armistice which brought the First World War to an end with its Remembrance Parade and Service.

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In memory of the fallen, the School’s Combined Cadet Force completed a parade in front of the striking backdrop of the School’s Pillars, which have been decorated with more than 2,000 jute poppies in honour of the special anniversary, to a design by the school’s Head of Art, Adam Kerr.

The ceremony was watched by pupils, staff, parents, former pupils, members of the public and guests, including military and civilian service personnel and members of the Dundee civic, academic and commercial community, including the Deputy Lord Provost.   

In a continuation of a poignant custom which the School began in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of World War 1, Head Boy Sid Sripada and Head Girl Katie Anderson read out the names of the 37 former pupils who lost their lives between November 1917 and 1920 as a result of the conflict.

A wreath was placed in front of the school's war memorial by the Head Boy and Head Girl, assisted by Junior School pupils Charlie Lilley and Moya Craig, before, in a moving addition to the School’s traditional annual ceremony, The Last Post was played by trumpeter Catriona Taylor (F4). Flowers o’ the Forest was also played, by Pupil Pipe Major Robbie Coupar (F6).

A prayer was delivered by the Bishop of Brechin, the Very Rev Andrew Swift.

Rector Dr John Halliday said, "We gather as a whole school each year at this time to remember the dead of all conflicts.

“But this year we remember in particular those who served, were wounded or who suffered, and of course those who died in the First World War. Nearly 40,000 Dundonians served in the First World War. Over 4,000 lost their lives. Of those were 785 Former Pupils of the High School, who served, including a number of intrepid women, and 136 who died.

“We therefore wish to remember the suffering and sacrifice that this lost generation endured in the hope that generations of today and tomorrow will learn the lessons of yesterday. The dilemmas they faced are as relevant to us today as they ever were and so it is appropriate to have this whole school event to ensure the flame of knowledge and remembrance remains alive.”

Following the end of the Parade, guests gathered in Trinity Hall to view an exhibition on the history of the School’s CCF and watch current pupils bring First World War poems and readings to life through thought-provoking drama performances.

You can view more images from the event here.

The Armistice Parade was just one part of a special programme which the School has organised to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. You can find out more here.