Former pupils from a historic North East school who died in the First and Second World Wars are to be honoured with a memorial service that dates back to 1922.
The service was held each year in Sir William Turner’s School in Redcar and has now become part of the traditions of Redcar & Cleveland College, involving both current students and Old Boys of the School. This year it will take place on Friday November 6, 10.30am at the college’s higher education centre – and members of the public are invited to attend.
Some 350 Old Boys from Sir William Turner’s School fought in World War One, with 48 of them killed in service. During World War Two, there were 650 Old Boys who fought, and 55 of them lost their lives. They are commemorated on two war memorials at the college.
In 2014 two leather-bound memorial books dedicated to those who lost their lives were presented for public display. Each of the fallen heroes has a page dedicated to them, giving details of their home life before they left for war, their military record and how and when they died.
The books were the result of three years’ of ongoing research carried out by the college’s public services students alongside local historian Peter Chester and Brigadier His Honour Philip Norris, who are both Old Boys of Sir William Turner’s School.
John Chance, acting principal at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “It’s only right to remember our fallen heroes and our public service students have carried out extensive research to commemorate the lives of each of the men who died. It’s a fitting tribute to hundreds of people who lost their lives while serving their country.”
People who want to attend the service on November 6 are asked to assemble at 10.00am. Current students of the college, and former pupils and staff of Sir William Turner’s, will contribute to the ceremony. Reverend Paul Peverell from Great Ayton, himself on Old Boy of the School, will lead the prayers.
At about 11.15am, an Honour Guard by the Royal British Legion will lead the congregation to the college’s Celtic Cross War Memorial on the corner of Corporation Road and Locke Road.
The Last Post will sound before two minutes’ silence is observed and wreaths are laid. Members of the congregation will also place small wooden crosses at the school’s memorials, each bearing the name of one of the Old Boys who lost their lives.
Following the service, refreshments will be served in the college. Members of the public are welcome to attend the service.
For further information, please contact please call 01642 473 132 or visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk.