Did You Know… Remembrance Day

School Archivist – Mrs Debbie Turner

Remembrance Day, Lest We Forget

102 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, after 4 years long years of fighting on the Western Front, the guns finally fell silent.

Below is an excerpt from the December 1918 Southportonian written by Headmaster Horace Dixon.

Peace

The news that the armistice had been signed arrived about 8pm whilst evening prep was in progress. There was an instant outburst of cheering,
stamping and all varieties of noise.

The boys then assembled in the school room where the Doxology was sung and the National Anthem. Then there was more cheering and enthusiasm and it was fairly late before everyone went to sleep. The next day was observed as a holiday and we also have the National
holiday to look forward to. It is hard to realise that fighting has ceased and that peace is at hand. There is not the feeling of extravagant elation one might expect, no gloating over the fallen foe. In our hearts, however, the glow of deep thankfulness, the thought that this coming Christmas may bring back the ideals that Christmas should naturally suggest to our minds.

Amen