DURBAN High School welcomed Old Boys, parents, friends of DHS and the Grade 8 learners to their 150th anniversary Armistice Day Service in memory of the fallen on Friday, 11 November.
This year, particular homage was paid to the devastating battle of Delville Wood, marking its 100th year anniversary, and the 12 men of DHS who were lost in the battle. The Battle of Delville Wood was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme in the First World War, between the armies of the German Empire and the British Empire.
The day started with a lesson and homily by Reverend Michael Fourie of St Thomas’ Anglican Church and an interesting address on Delville Wood by Hardy Wilson, Chairman of the SA National Society, who also paid tribute to each of the 12 DHS men that were lost by acknowledging an especially made cross shaped wreath made of willow twigs and adorned with 12 poppies, one for every man – a significant symbol of remembrance.
Head master, Leon Erasmus then presented the roll of honour before seven wreaths were laid at the memorial wall by Mr Erasmus, Mr Fennell, and Mvumeleni Mathenjwa on behalf of Durban High School, Lt Col Greg de Ricquebourg on behalf of Durban Light Infantry, Legionnaire Bryan Dore’ on behalf of SA Legion of Military Veterans, Lance Corporal Sergio Campos on behalf of Natal Mounted Rifles, Moth Norman Edwards on behalf of Moths (Memorable Order of Tin Hats), Moth Guillaume Nel on behalf of the Long Distance Snipers Moths and Gunner Ken Gillings on behalf of the Durban Branch of the South African Gunners’ Association.
The last post followed by a minute of silence, prayer and benediction concluded the emotional and significant ceremony.
