WATCH: Springs Boys’ High School honours fallen heroes in annual Remembrance Day Ceremony
Springs Boys’ High School honoured fallen former learners, staff and those who lost their lives in service of the country on its Remembrance Day on Monday afternoon.
The Springs Boys’ High School (SBHS) held its annual Remembrance Day on Monday to honour and remember past learners and staff and those who lost their lives in service of the country.
Weather conditions were perfect, allowing families and friends to lay wreaths at the Remembrance Wall for those who will always be remembered at the school.
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of the First World War to remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.
Thabo August from SBHS said the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, effectively ending World War I.
“Hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” said August.
In his Remembrance Day address, former SBHS principal Andre French said the ceremony has always been one of his favourite events which reminds him of his late father who died during the Second World War.
“It also reminds me of my comrades in arms that gave up their tomorrow so we could have a better today,” said French.
The school paid tribute to two former pupils who died while serving in the SA Defence Force. Lieutenant Leslie Gullian died in 1961 and Captain Jonathan Inggs in 1985.
Learners who lost their lives in active service during World War II, the war in Korea and the Border War are:
• Malcolm Dick (19), who died during a night flight on March 13, 1944. He matriculated in 1942.
• Lieutenant William Alan Gale (20) was declared missing in action after flying over Normandy on August 24, 1944. He was presumed dead on January 26, 1945. He matriculated from the school in 1941.
• Lieutenant Jack Norman Lellyet (23), who matriculated in 1946, was killed in Korea in March 1952.
• Candidate Officer (pilot) Gerard Genis (19) was killed on December 13, 1977, in his Impala Mk II Jet. He left SBHS in 1976.
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The school also paid tribute to former learners and staff who died:
• John Sancroft Ahrens
• Maria Skhurtis Verster
• Dylan Connor Green
• Louis Murray
• Sakhiwo Ncokazi
• Alec Mothibe
Representatives from the Moths and Memorable Order of Tin Hats Women’s Auxiliary (MOTHWA), South African Legion, South African Airforce Association, Sea Cadets and Gunners Association and the family and friends of those who have died came together to pay their respects.
The school band and choir enhanced the order of service with significant musical items that added depth and emotion to the ceremony.
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