World War I, also known as the Great War or the War to end all Wars, was a global war fought in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. More than 9 million combatants and 7 million civilians died as a result of the war. 86 DHS boys perished. 12 died in the Battle of Delville Wood.
World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world’s nations – including all of the great powers. It was the most widespread war in history, and directly involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. It resulted in an estimated 50 million to 85 million fatalities. This made World War II the deadliest conflict in human history. DHS lost 166 Old Boys.
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day) is a memorial day which has been observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”.
We are not here to celebrate anything, we are here today to remember and honour all the DHS boys who lost their lives during the two world wars as well as the Korean War and other conflicts in South Africa. These young men sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Leon Erasmus
14th Head Master
