As those who studied history at the School will know, the First World War formally ended in 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. As we prepare to mark that final WWI centenary, there have been two noteworthy events to report on. There is also an important date for your diary.
In June of this year, sixty-four Year 9 students from Borden spent two days in June visiting the Belgian and French Battlefields of Ypres and the Somme. The students visited many places including Tyne Cot cemetery, Hooge Crater Museum, Newfoundland Park and attended the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Before returning home, student Red Beswick laid a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial to remember the Old Bordenians who had lost their lives in World War 1. Red also had a chance to see the name of his Great, Great Uncle, Sydney George Moore at Thiepval, which lists him as one of over 72,000 men who have no known grave. Mr White, Head of History said “it was an invaluable experience for the students who were very well behaved and a credit to the school”.
Later in June, the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne organised a World War 1 peace parade through Sittingbourne. One of the banners carried by the organisers listed those from the School who had died in the War. The letter detailing the event can be viewed through the link below.
Letter_Historical_Research_Group_Sittingbourne.pdf
The HRG has presented the banner used for the School to the Association and we will retain this in our archive.
To close out this historic centenary, notice of our annual Service of Remembrance at the School. This remembers those 104 Old Bordenians who made the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflict for our country from World War I onwards. It will take place on Saturday 9th November at 11am. All Old Bordenians, friends and family are welcome and encouraged to take the time to attend this important and moving service.