Remembrance Assembly
12/11/2024
"A beautiful and poignant tribute"
On Thursday 7th November, the Latymer School held its annual Remembrance Day Assembly to honour the sacrifices, made by serving those in the armed forces to protect our rights and freedom. This is an important moment to come together, reflect on the impact of conflicts, and recognise the bravery of service men and women, especially those from the Latymer community.
The assembly began with a welcoming speech from Ms Cobbett, reminding us of the importance of remembrance. Sixth Form student Oliver then read passages from Micah 4:2-3 and John 15:13, spreading the message of harmony and the nobleness in sacrifice.
Ms Cobbett then read out the following list of names to honour those from the Latymer Community who gave their lives during the two World Wars:
- Edmund Lurton (1912-15), Army - Died as a result of wounds received in WW1, 1920.
- John McAlonan (1929-32), RAF - Killed in action over Germany,1941.
- Leonard McKenna (1913-15), Merchant Navy - Presumed drowned in the wreck of the SS Calliope, 1917.
- Walter Mansell (1929-34), RAF - Killed in action, 1944.
- Hector Meeson (1933-38), RAF - Killed in action, 1941.
- William Mitchell (Student at the Old Latymer on Church Street), Army - Died 1917, buried in Edmonton Cemetery.
- Ernest Moore (1925-29), RAF - Killed in action over Holland, 1943.
- Frank Moore (1925-30), RAF - Killed in a flying accident, 1945.
- Laurence Morgan (1937-42), RAF - Killed in action, 1945.
- Frederick Newport (1931-36), Army - Killed in an accident while serving in Hamburg, 1945.
- Gerald Obott (1931-37), RAF - Killed in action in the Middle East, 1942.
- William Pateman (1930-35), RAF - Killed in action over Berlin, 1944.
- Mr George Pead (Assistant School keeper in 1938) Royal Navy - Killed in action, 1944.
- Douglas Peart (1922-27), RAF - Killed in action over the English Channel, 1942.
- Bertie Pickess (1929-34) RAF. Killed in action over the North Sea, 1939.
- Frederick Ralls (Student at the Old Latymer on Church St), Army - Killed in action in France, 1918. Recipient of the Military Medal.
- Edward Rhodes (1929-33), Army - Killed in action in North Africa, 1941.
- James Risley (1926-30), Army - Killed in action in North West Europe, 1944.
- Charles Robinson (1913-14), Army - Killed in action in France, 1918.
- Robert Rodie (1934-39), RAF - Killed in action in the Far East, 1945.
- George Rodway (1932-35), RAF - Killed in action over Holland, 1945.
- Ruby Roth (1923 – 30), Air Raid victim - Killed by enemy action, 1940. Buried in Edmonton Cemetery.
- Clarence Sampson (1932-34), Royal Navy - Killed in action onboard HMS Fidelity, 1943.
Following this, Priyasuhi and Danisiya, current Sixth Form students, read out two moving poems, “In Flanders Field” and a poem from Derek Jewel. Those students later described the service as “a beautiful and poignant tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans past and present”. They also reflected on the fact that this assembly reminds us of “our shared responsibility to honour those who have given so much for peace and freedom.” Mr Phillips, longest-standing member of staff, recited the poem “For the Fallen” reminding us of the impact of war and paying respects to those fallen.
Afterwards, Joshua, Year 13 student, performed a touching rendition of The Last Poet, ushering in a moment of silence, giving us time to reflect and pay homage to those fallen.
Joshua then played “reveille” a more uplifting song to highlight the better times.
Mother Roxanne, from the All Saints Church in Edmonton, delivered a memorable message reflecting on the act of remembrance. She introduced the South African thought of “Ubuntu” which can be translated to “I am because we are” reminding us of the significance of community. She also went over the impacts of war, including conflicts occurring now, and that regardless of ethnicity, sexuality and gender, we must come together as a community to prevent things like this occurring again.
To conclude, the Chamber Choir, conducted by Miss Greally, performed “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Tennyson, a fitting way to end a day of reflection.
Stephen Way (Chair of Governors); Senior Pupils, Dick Hibberd (Vice Chair of the Latymer Foundation), Ms Cobbett, Mother Roxanne