Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Ipswich, commemorated Remembrance Day this year in various ways. As a school with a rich naval heritage, RHS marked Remembrance Sunday with pupils and many alumni proudly taking part in a Divisions Parade. General Sir Jim Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen attended as their inspecting officer, who is currently Commander of Strategic Command. Strategic Command develops and coordinates joint capabilities for UK Defence such as medical services, intelligence, support and logistics, digital and communication systems, cyber, special forces, training and education, and our overseas bases.
General Hockenhull, a former pupil, was commissioned into the Intelligence Corps in 1986 after reading Politics at the University of York on a University Cadetship. His subsequent education includes an MA from Cranfield University and a Visiting Fellowship at Pembroke College, Oxford.
The school also welcomed visiting preacher, the Reverend James Francis, RN Staff Chaplain, to RHS’ Service of Remembrance, whose sermon was about the importance of loving our neighbour. The School Chapel hosted two services on Remembrance Sunday, welcoming back many alumni to worship alongside the current pupils and family members. Mathilda and Oliver, Heads of School, laid the school wreath; during the second service Leighla in Year 7 laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. The service also offered the school community the chance to make an act of commitment to work towards peace in all aspects of their lives.
Earlier in the week RHS’ school band were also privileged to participate in the Felixstowe Festival of Remembrance. Alongside cadets from the local area, pupils performed several marches, including their very own ‘Holbrook’ – and the Corps of Drums performed their full display.
Issey in Year 11 was also invited to play her bugle at the war memorial in nearby Stutton, as the community laid their remembrance wreaths, and was featured that evening on BBC Look East!
Categories: Royal Hospital School School News
