Pupils told of local link to Somme song

Members of Carrickfergus branch of the Royal British Legion joined staff and pupils for the act of remembrance on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Following an introduction by principal Jacqueline Stewart, Mr Middleton, head of History, gave an overview of the sacrifice of war and the symbolism of the poppy.

Alan Hamilton, chairman of Carrickfergus RBL, addressed the assembly, telling the story of eight men from the town who served in the 12th Central Antrim Volunteers in WW1 and who wrote a song in the trenches of the Somme entitled ‘A Carrick Song from France’.

The assembly also heard about the work of The Royal British Legion in identifying war graves and providing a gravestone for a Canadian soldier buried in St Nicholas’ Church of Ireland graveyard in the town centre.

Mr Hamilton then led an act of remembrance with students Nathan Tate, David Black and Joel Magee, who are members of the Army Cadets, presenting standards and laying a wreath.

There was added poignancy with pupil Leah McReynolds playing ‘The Last Post’ and sounding ‘Reveille’.

In a statement, the school noted: “The service was very poignant and the Act of Remembrance was observed with the utmost respect by staff, pupils and visitors.

“The students and staff of Downshire School are extremely grateful to the members of The Royal British Legion who attended and assisted with our act of remembrance.”