Churchill's Hall reflect on World War One heroes ahead of Remembrance Day service

In the days surrounding Sunday’s Remembrance Service, Churchill’s Hall have reflected on the stories of the 42 boys listed on the recently refurbished World War One plaque. 

On the 14^th of September, as part of Old Salopian Day, pupils and staff of Churchill’s Hall – current and former – gathered to unveil the World War One plaque that has been restored to its former glory. The plaque lists the names of the 42 Churchill’s Hall boys who fell fighting in the Great War, presenting a constant reminder of their tremendous bravery and sacrifice. The plaque has been restored with the help of the SSPA, Old Salopians and parents and was a fitting way to celebrate our 150th anniversary as a house. Churchill’s Hall has been recently refurbished, with the plaque placed in the new accommodation block of the house, as a poignant way to treasure memories of those boys who walked the same place before us.

Ingrained in the plaque are the words: “So they passed over and all the trumpets sounded for them on the other side.” These words are solemn reminder of the struggles of our former Churchillians and indeed the world went through in the Great War. Yet, the unveiling event also acted as a moment of respite, the presence of people from across the years being a memorable way of bringing the Churchill’s community together and remembering those who went before us. A total of five housemasters of Churchill’s were present at the event, who were such a big part of Churchillian life since 1983, showcasing how far we have come as a house.

What’s really touching is that the people who fell in the war can be likened to the pupils today. For example, the last name featured on the plaque is Second Lieutenant William Thornley Stoker Woods, who served in the Royal Field Artillery. Woods was Head of House, Praeposter, choregus, Captain of the Boats, and cadet 2^nd Lieut. Leaving Shrewsbury in 1915, he went on to join a battery in France after a very short training in England. After a shell hit his dig-out in the Somme, he died of wounds on the 27^th of October 1916. Being aged only 19 at the time of passing, he was buried at Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs, France. This is just one story among many Churchillian’s who bravely gave their lives for their country. They will always be remembered.

Will H

Upper Sixth, Churchill's Hall