ARMISTICE Day was particularly poignant at Chulmleigh Community College this year, particularly for pupils from the college who went to the site of the Battle of Ypres in May.

This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Third Battle of Ypres.

Mrs Newman (Head of Chulmleigh Primary School) had lent the college pupils the uniform and documents of Charles Thomas, her great grandfather, who was killed at The First Battle of Ypres in 1914.

The whole school stood outside to mark two minutes’ silence at 11am on Friday, November 10.

Brieya Pottinger read “In Flanders Fields”, a poem written quickly, by John McCrae, immediately after the death of his friend and comrade Alexis Heimer, who was killed at The Second Battle of Ypres in 1915.

Brieya said: “It was important to read this poem, and I felt quite emotional about it. We need to remember the sacrifice of these people; they gave their lives to protect freedoms that we often forget, so I was very pleased to do this small thing.”

Tori Higglesden and Nathaniel Scarbrough (Head Boy and Head Girl) then presented a wreath on behalf of the schools on Remembrance Sunday.

Mrs Chapman, college art teacher, was overwhelmed by the number of home-made poppies created by pupils for her to use to create a large display in the library, along with two beautiful wreaths.

Mr Johnson, Executive Headteacher said: “I was struck by the thoughtfulness and dignity shown by our pupils towards remembrance, and at the understanding our young people have of the importance of freedom and peace.”

Alan Quick