School rededicates War Memorial after uncovering 84 new names

24 men killed in action and 14 women among those added to the High School of Dundee’s WW1 Roll of Honour

The High School of Dundee has rededicated its War Memorial (photo by Dougie Nicolson; courtesy of The Courier)
Photo by Dougie Nicolson; courtesy of The Courier

The High School of Dundee has rededicated its WW1 War Memorial to mark the addition to the monument of 84 new names.

In recent years, the School became aware of a number of staff and former pupils who served during the conflict, but who were missing from the original War Memorial Roll of Honour, which was initially dedicated in April 1921.

Following further research by the School, a total of 84 such names have been uncovered, including 24 men who died in combat during the Great War.

In addition, a central aim of the research was to address the fact that women who had been involved in the war effort had not been recognised on the Memorial. As a result, to date the school has identified 14 female FPs who served their country during WW1, in roles ranging from Ambulance Drivers and Hospital Doctors in the Scottish Women’s Hospitals to administrators in key war-time ministries.

After six new panels, designed and produced by the School’s Technology and Art Departments to accommodate the new names, were added to the oak monument, it was rededicated by the Very Revd Jeremy Auld, the Revd Caroline Taylor and the Very Revd Kevin Golden at a special ceremony on Friday.

The new panels

Rector of the High School of Dundee, Dr John Halliday, said, “After the centenary of the outbreak of war in 2014, we quickly realised that there were a number of names missing. Further research soon established that the number was far greater than we had expected.

“We also realised that a decision had been taken after the War to omit the names of the many women FPs who served, often with enormous bravery and fortitude. We wished to redress that clear injustice. But we have only scratched the surface and I fully expect further names of women who served to emerge in due course.

“For now though it is wonderful to rededicate the memorial in this special way. The skills of our own staff have produced the panels we are unveiling and, in addition, pupils and staff worked together to put together the fabulous poppy wreaths which are currently on the front of the school Pillars to mark Remembrance.

“Our only wish is to do those who fell and those who served due credit and respect in a way they and their families would appreciate.”

The ceremony preceded the School’s annual Armistice Parade, in which the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) contingent and Pipe Band completed a parade in front of the Main Building, watched by pupils, staff, a number of guests and members of the public.  

In the run up to Remembrance, the School Pillars had been decorated with two, 3-metre wide wreaths which had been made out of handmade poppies.

The wreaths – which were designed by Head of Art, Adam Kerr, and made by pupils – honoured not only those who have given their lives in conflict, but also the 84 individuals whose names have now been added to the War Memorial.