This week, the Merchant Taylors’ community gathered across the School to honour those who gave their lives in conflict and to reflect on the enduring significance of Remembrance. Through assemblies, readings, music and prayer, pupils and staff paused from their routines to consider themes of sacrifice, neighbourliness and courage.
In his Remembrance address, the Chaplain James Fields drew on the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story in which convention is overturned and compassion is shown by the most unexpected figure. The Samaritan steps aside from his own path to help a stranger in need – an act of selfless courage that Jesus presents as the true definition of neighbourliness.
The Chaplain reminded pupils that this spirit continues to be seen today. Only last week, he noted, ordinary people risked their own safety on a train to protect those around them. These acts – like those of countless individuals throughout history – embody the values of sacrifice and courage that Remembrance invites us to consider.
He also reflected on the servicemen whose journeys ended far from home, “in Flanders fields and on the oceans and in the air.” Their futures were surrendered so that generations to come – including the pupils of Merchant Taylors’ – could inherit peace and opportunity.
Whilst they will never know our names, our futures are carved into their sacrifice
The Middle School held its own Remembrance Assembly on Monday 10th November in the Dining Hall, a moving occasion marked by readings, music and reflection.
Pupils sang two traditional hymns – Abide with Me and O God, Our Help in Ages Past – before hearing war poetry from two members of the Divisions, Krishaang D. and Ethan I. Their readings offered a poignant insight into the experiences of those who lived, fought and died during the two World Wars.
Music played an important part in the ceremony, with Rafi A. (Fifths) performing a contemplative Bach piece on the cello, filling the Dining Hall with a sense of stillness and dignity.
Mr Hale, Head of History, delivered the address, focusing on Lieutenant George Drewry VC, Old Merchant Taylor and recipient of the Victoria Cross for his heroism during the Gallipoli landings in 1915. Drewry’s medal – long held at the Imperial War Museum – is being returned to the School this month, and a special ceremony on 27th November will mark its homecoming.
The assembly concluded with a two-minute silence and a beautifully played Last Post and Reveille by Benedict K. (U6).
The Third Form also focussed upon the individual OMTs who served in the Great War. Mr Manley stood before a wreath and a moving map of the globe. As he told the story Taylors’ in wartime, individual Third Formers spoke as former OMTs, following them through the political stirrings of pre-war London, to sleeping with their enlisted cohort in the Great Hall before deployment, into the now famous battlefields of World War One – including Ypes, Gallipoli and the Somme. As a sign of respect at the end of the assembly, a wreath was laid in the rose garden, commemorating the sacrifice given by those who walked the halls before us.
