Armistice Service on Remembrance Day

The day started with a lesson and homily by Reverend Michael Fourie of St Thomas’ Anglican Church and an interesting address on Delville Wood by Mr Hardy Wilson, Chairman of the SA National Society, who also paid tribute to each of the 12 DHS men that were lost by acknowledging an especially made cross-shaped wreath made of willow twigs and adorned with 12 poppies, one for every man – a significant symbol of remembrance.
Head Master, Leon Erasmus, then presented the Roll of Honour before seven wreaths were laid at the memorial wall by Mr Erasmus, Mr Fennell and Mvumeleni Mathenjwa on behalf of Durban High School, Lt Col Greg de Ricquebourg on behalf of Durban Light Infantry, Legionnaire Bryan Dore’ on behalf of SA Legion of Military Veterans, Lance Corporal Sergio Campos on behalf of Natal Mounted Rifles, Moth Norman Edwards on behalf of Moths (Memorable Order of Tin Hats), Moth Guillaume Nel on behalf of the Long Distance Snipers Moths and Gunner Ken Gillings on behalf of the Durban Branch of the South African Gunners’ Association.
The Last Post was followed by two minutes of silence and the Reveille, played by bugler, Sergeant Major Joseph. A prayer and benediction concluded the emotional and significant ceremony.