Newcastle high school servicemen lead commemorations for Remembrance Day

​Students at St Cuthbert's Catholic High School paid tribute to the fallen today by holding services and marching in their cadet uniforms.

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Each class played a pre-recorded service which included a Gospel Reading, a reflection, the song 'The Green Fields of France’, bidding prayers and the playing of The Last Post.

Pupils who are army cadets, marine cadets, scouts, air cadets and explorers were also invited to wear their uniforms to school on the day.

The servicemen met on the yard and performed a marching drill to the Main Hall, where the Adam Wakenshaw Memorial is situated.

This is in honour of a 28-year-old private during the Second World War, who was awarded the highest and most prestigious recognition for gallantry in the face of the enemy for his actions in Egypt where he was killed in combat.

His great-grandson, Caden Wakenshaw, a Year 10 pupil at St Cuthbert’s led the servicemen group in a short prayer and reflection, before they went to the Chapel for a Eucharistic Service led by an assistant head.

Four pupils carried out readings and the group sang the hymn 'Abide with me'. Each pupil also had the opportunity to sign the Book of Remembrance.

Some of the servicemen at the school, which is part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, have also helped fundraise for the British Legion during the week by selling poppies, wristbands and keyrings around tutor groups.

During November, which is the Church’s month to remember the dead, pupils also have the opportunity through their Religious Education lessons to have a short liturgy in the Chapel, sign the book of remembrance and, for younger pupils, to make a prayer leaf for the remembrance tree.

Daniel Murray, headmaster of St Cuthbert's Catholic High School, said: “Marking Remembrance Day, particularly in the month of the Holy Souls, reminds us of some of the key themes of Jesus' teachings, such as sacrifice, service and helping those in need.

“On Remembrance Day our servicemen wear their uniforms with pride, for it is they, through their competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment, who live out the teachings of Christ and offer themselves as role models for the rest of the school community.”