Left to right: Major White, Lily R, John Walker, Chris Walker, Mother Alycia, Mr Roffe, Tony Martin, Feargus C, Sgt. Davidson.
The Haberdashers’ Monmouth School community gathered to honour the fallen at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, Armistice Day. A hush fell as pupils, staff, alumni and distinguished guests stepped into the historic Chapel, seeking refuge from the grey skies and soft rain.
This year’s Act of Remembrance held particular resonance, as the school welcomed Mrs Aldyth Davies, second cousin of Captain Angus Buchanan VC, one of the school’s most distinguished former pupils and namesake of Buchanan House, the Sixth Form boys’ boarding house.
Honouring a Remarkable Legacy
Mrs Aldyth Davies with nephew Martyn Poynor standing next to bronze bust of Angus Buchanan – kindly gifted by Chris Richey.
Captain Buchanan, who attended the school and became Head Boy before serving with exceptional bravery in the First World War, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courage. He later lost his sight in combat, yet went on to study Law at Oxford University, Jesus College, supported throughout by Aldyth’s father, David Howell Hopkin, who served as his personal reader and companion during those formative years.
“My father was a private in the Army,” Mrs Davies shared, “and he saw a government notice requesting a reader for Captain Buchanan. For two years he became Angus’ eyes – attending lectures with him, taking notes, and discussing them late into the night often with fellow peer, Thomas Edward Lawrence, better know as ‘Laurence of Arabia’. Their bond shaped both of their lives.”
Mrs Davies recalled first meeting Buchanan as a child. Now 92, she reflected fondly on seeing the recently gifted bronze bust of him displayed at the school. “It looks remarkably like him,” she smiled, moved by the likeness. Speaking of her visit, she added: “It is a great honour to be here today and to see the high esteem in which Angus is held. To witness first hand how his legacy lives on in this community is truly wonderful.”
A Ceremony Steeped in Respect
The service, led with grace and gravity by Mother Alycia, School Chaplain, was supported by the Royal Naval Association Monmouth Branch and attended by pupils from Years 6, 7 and 8, who stood in reverent silence alongside the wider school community.
“Today is a sacred pause,” Mother Alycia reflected. “A moment to give thanks for those who laid down their lives, and to pray that peace, hard-earned and deeply cherished, continues to guide our world.”
The readings formed a moving thread through the ceremony. The Word of God was delivered with poise by Sean M, the Year 11 Chapel Warden, setting a tone of contemplation. This was followed by Head Girl Lily R, who gave a poignant recital of They Shall Grow Not Old, her voice carrying the solemn weight of remembrance through the Chapel. Headmaster Mr Melvyn Roffe then read When You Go Home, a timeless tribute that reminded all present of the enduring duty to remember those who fell.
Wreath-Laying
The laying of wreaths, always a deeply symbolic moment, was carried out with dignity by representatives from across the school and wider service community. Head Boy Feargus C led the tributes on behalf of the Senior pupils, joined by Prep Deputy Head Boy and Girl, Mayson and Delilah who laid a wreath on behalf of the Prep School, marking the welcome return of Year 6 to the ceremony for the first time since before the pandemic.
Among the honoured guests was Maggie Douglas, an ex-Wren and former medic, who placed her wreath with pride. She was joined by Mrs Chris Walker, National Standard Bearer for the Royal Naval Association, and Mary Shipton, Chairman of the RNA Monmouth Branch, who reflected warmly, “It is an honour. I come most years and the school always holds such a beautiful service.”
Left: Steve Cornell – Royal British Legion wreath layer.
The Act of Remembrance also welcomed members of the Royal British Legion and Royal Naval Association who have long supported the school’s annual ceremony. Steve Cornell, representing the Royal British Legion and formerly of the Royal Logistic Corps with 25 years of service, took part in the tribute by laying a wreath, having recently made Monmouth his home. Josephine Coates, a proud member of the Royal Naval Association since 1993, followed, remarking with sincere admiration, “The bugler did an excellent job!”
Completing the procession were Tony Martin, Standard Bearer for the Monmouth RNA for an impressive 27 years, and John Walker, RAF Standard Bearer from Cheltenham. Mr Walker was visibly moved by the sense of history and respect on display, noting, “It is deeply impressive to see how strongly the school holds its history. The pride and respect shown here today is powerful and so important in the world we live in.”
Pupil Reflections
Head Girl Lily and Head Boy Feargus captured the spirit of the day: “Today was a deeply moving service, a moment where our school community stood together in gratitude. It made us reflect on those who gave their tomorrow so we might have our today.”
A Living Commitment to Remembrance
Headmaster Mr Melvyn Roffe spoke of the duty the school bears in honouring its past:
“It is essential that we mark this day with the utmost dignity and respect, remembering the pupils who gave their lives for our freedoms. Their sacrifice is woven into our history and our identity, and the presence of Mrs Davies today reminds us that this legacy is living, personal and deeply rooted in our school community.”
He continued:
“Remembrance binds all elements of our town together and the Monmouth Service of Remembrance exemplifies that. Every year we take our place alongside others who serve, lead and represent our community in gratitude to those who have given so much for the values we share. It is little enough, but so important, not least because it is our way of fulfilling our duty to pass on to future generations an understanding of the true price of freedom and the real cost of conflict”
A Community United in Silence
As the Last Post, played beautifully by student Robert B, faded and silence swept through the Chapel, the sense of shared remembrance on Armistice Day, of honour, gratitude and quiet pride, was palpable. In a world often marked by noise and division, this moment of unity stood as a reminder of why we remember: not only to reflect on lives lost, but to hold fast to peace, service and hope.
