The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk commemorated Remembrance Sunday on 10^th November 2024, with a moving parade and chapel services. 

RHS' Remembrance Sunday Services were highlighted by heartfelt sermons from the Reverend Laura Mumford, Chaplain of the Royal Hospital School, whose words resonated deeply with all present, fostering a spirit of reflection and gratitude.

The services provided a meaningful opportunity for remembrance, reminding all in attendance of the enduring sacrifices made by service members past and present.

The day's Remembrance Divisions Parade, that also took place on Sunday, set against the backdrop of the school's historic grounds, paid tribute to the values of service, courage, and remembrance integral to the RHS community.

RHS pupils proudly raised the Queen's banner while wearing poppies to show unity and respect for those who gave their lives for peace.

The event saw pupils having distinguished roles from the piping party to the guard, with each role contributing to the solemnity and precision of the day. RHS alumni also participated in the parade, with many others attending as spectators.

The parade unfolded in four distinct phases, beginning with the whole school marching into their designated positions.

The piping party set a reverent tone, and at precisely 11am, a cannon marked the beginning of the two-minute silence.

A pupil bugler, Ed Reade, Head of Band, then sounded the "Last Post," resonating across the silent parade ground, while the gathered staff, pupils, and the Inspecting Officer observed a moment of reflection.

The Inspecting Officer, Rear Admiral James Parkin CBE, Director Develop and Controller of the Navy, joined by the Headmaster, Irfan Latif, reviewed the school's divisions, expressing gratitude for the pupils' dedication and their commitment to uphold the legacy of past generations. Following this inspection, the school executed a ceremonial March Past with each division.

The parade closed with the school's Head of Ceremonial, Mr Andrew Key, formally dismissing the Guard and Band, bringing the event to its respectful conclusion. 

The Armistice commemoration continued on Monday, 11^th November, as RHS pupils and staff gathered for a moving act of remembrance at 11am, with cannon fire punctuating the two-minute silence observed by the school. 

In a poignant addition to this year's Remembrance Day services, year 11 History pupils embarked on an educational and commemorative journey to the battlefields of Ypres, the Somme, and Arras during October half term.

From thoughtful participation in discussions to insightful questions about pivotal historical events, the pupils engaged meaningfully with the material.

pupils Jess, Joel and Kathryn laid a wreath.

Their dedication culminated in a solemn and moving remembrance ceremony at Tyne Cot Cemetery, where pupils Jess, Joel and Kathryn laid a wreath.

This visit provided a powerful opportunity for RHS pupils to connect with the legacy of the past, deepening their appreciation for the sacrifices commemorated on Remembrance Day.