Veterans return for Remembrance

The 'Memorial Hall' where all our School services and assemblies take place was built as a memorial to staff and former pupils who gave their lives in the Great War, and now serves as a memorial to those members of the Merchiston Community who lost their lives in the two World Wars.  The plaques at the entrance to the hall have the names of 177 who lost their lives in the First World War, and 81 in the Second (photo left). During this year's Remembrance service weaths were laid at these plaques, after Hamish played The Lament 'Flowers of the Forest', and we observed the silence after Mr Lucas played the Last Post.  Father Denis Mulliner MA BDQ, of Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, and former Chaplain of Bradfield College gave the address.

We were privileged to have with us some Merchistonians who served with the Armed Forces in various campaigns.  WA Craw (at Merchiston from 1930-35), JT Hutcheson (50-54), JW Donaldson (40-49), JR Allan (31-33), MSSB Green (40-44), J McMyn (49-53) and JB Nicol (38-42).

Pictured below is WA Craw, TD, who served in throughout the Second World War with the Cameronians, who as well as being a member of the BEF in 1940, saw action in India, Persia, Sicily, Italy, Germany.