Armistice Day

The beginning of the end: The Western Front, France 1918

The watery sun peered out of the cold grey morning, there was silence – real silence – no bird sounds, for there were no birds, the thunder of the guns had gone, the rattle of small arms fire had stopped. All was quiet. The 11 November 1918, 11 o’clock exactly, marked a new beginning: the ceasefire was holding and the ‘Great War’ – the war to end all wars - was ending. The Allied Forces and the Germans had found a way, but at a cost. All was well. But was it?

Back in Blighty: Great Britain 1918/19

At last homeward-bound, our troops returned to total chaos: an economic crisis, massive unemployment and their families torn apart. Those picking up the mantle striving for normality were the ‘lucky’ ones: over 1.1 million soldiers from all over the globe had lost their lives. Passendale, the Somme and Ypres are still synonymous with the killing fields of the ‘Flanders Fields’ of France and Belgium. Was this a land fit for our heroes?

Peace Day Celebrations: London, July 1919

In July 1919, a temporary wood-and-plaster structure, designed by Edwin Lutyens, was erected in Whitehall as a memorial to all the soldiers lost in war and buried in unknown graves. This Cenotopah – or empty tomb – immediately captured the public’s imagination and was spontaneously covered in wreaths by the million people who had made the pilgrimage to pay their respects. Due to popular demand, this memorial became a permanent and lasting tribute made from Portland stone. This National War Memorial sparked a nationwide interest and similar style structures sprang up in every town, city and village, across the country.

Gate of Honour: The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London 1920

Our very own Gate of Honour was erected in 1920, and is a fitting tribute to the past pupils and staff who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It was first ‘used’ in 1920 by the school and was formally opened by General Horne, 1st Baron Horne to commemorate the deaths of 125 Old Millhillians who fell in active service during the conflict. The Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey and the National War Graves scattered over Europe are a real beacon, but our very own Gate of Honour has its history etched in the annals of Mill Hill School.

The Ridgeway was also chosen by the London Borough of Barnet as the site for a local tribute. This was later joined by the memorial from Inglis Barracks (once situated near Mill Hill East underground station) on behalf of the Middlesex Regiment. So The Ridgeway with its three memorials within a stretch of 300m holds a great deal of significance.

Mill Hill School CCF Remembrance Day Parades

There is always great competition to take part in the Remembrance Day parade. It is an honour and privilege only open to the Upper 6th members of the CCF. The Parade is led by the Banner Party – headed up by the senior cadets of the three services – who are followed by the rest of the volunteers. The Contingent Commander and the Senior Cadet bring up the rear and lay the wreaths on behalf of the Contingent.

In my guise as the school’s Regimental Sergeant Major, I have always taken pride in participating in various Call to Remembrance services in many corners of the world, having completed 50 years’ service to the Ministry of Defence, be it Regular, Reservist or Cadet. When I arrived at MHS I like to think I’d seen it all, but the passion and professionalism of the MHS cadets is always a pleasure to watch. Of course it is not an easy ride, training every lunchtime must start as soon as we come back to school in September. As we approach the final week, we take every chance we can to practice and rehearse. At any given time we can be found fervently checking the weather forecast, our uniforms, footwear, poppies, headdresses, timings, and belts.

The list is endless, but when the morning arrives, there’s a real feeling of satisfaction. Final checks will be completed by 10.30am and then we are ready to go. A final few quiet words and we will be doing our bit to ensure that the tribute from 1918 is still alive today at Mill Hill School. Once completed, we will march around to the school’s Chapel for another remarkable, electric service where we are the guests of honour. In my humble opinion, the service of 2018 was really outstanding, the occasion (the 100-year anniversary), the poppies, made by the pupils, the service before and after the parade, the school did them proud.

Anthony Albrecht Warrant Officer, Class 1