Wreaths laid by OP Society in memory of OPs who gave their lives for their country
Remembrance Sunday 2009 was a notable occasion. A packed congregation in the Falklands chapel took part in the service which was coloured in many minds by the ongoing war in Afghanistan. At least three OPs were known to be serving there at the time. A wreath was laid in honour of all Old Pangbournians who have given their lives for their country, including 177 in World War 11, by the President of the OP Society.
The sermon was preached by William Bowles (70-73) who took part in the Falklands campaign as a Royal Navy bomb clearance diver. William is now Second Master at Swanbourne House prep school in Milton Keynes. He recalled that 19 former pupils of that school lost their lives in World War 11 including two brothers who later went to the Nautical College – DP Lascelles (24-26) and JRH Lascelles (34-37) both of whom were killed in action within weeks of each other in 1940-41 while serving in the RAF. The salute and inspection at the parade were taken by Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CVO, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel).
At the same time some 137 UK organisations with a seafaring heritage were represented at the Wreathlaying Order conducted by the Honourable Company of Master Mariners on November 8th, 2009. The OP Society was represented by Captain Miles Eden-Smith (54-57). The Service of Remembrance is held at Tower Hill, London EC3, each year to commemorate seafarers of both the Merchant and Royal Navies who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts. It took place in the Sunken Garden of the1939-45 Memorial Extension.
Photos of the two events may be viewed by going into the Gallery section.