Pictured above: School Chaplain Revd David Gilchrist, Headmaster Mr Ian Davies and Revd. Mike Reith, the Vicar of Dagenham 

On Armistice Day, Wednesday 11^th November 2009, Brentwood School held a Service of Remembrance at the Brentwood Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Helen. The service began with the choir singing Introit: "A Gaelic Blessing".  The Chaplain welcomed the school pupils, teachers, Old Brentwoods and dignitaries to the Cathedral, including The Reverend Mike Reith, Vicar of Dagenham.

The sermon was preached by the Vicar of Dagenham.  The act of Remembrance was then introduced by the Brentwood School Chaplain, Father David Gilchrist; this was followed by the laying of the wreath by Head of School Alex Quigley. Pupils took part in the two minute silence at 11:00 a.m. joining many others across the country. One of the highlights of the Service was the Choir anthem following the Silence, in which 12 year old Oliver Valentini sang the solo to "O for the wings of a dove."  For a boy so young to sing before the older pupils with such expertise was quite amazing. It was a very great joy to hear him.

Following the service, CCF cadets attended a book re-launch in Old Big School of Mr Godfrey Thomas' updated publication "Everyone a Hero".  Mr Thomas presented copies of the updated book to all the CCF cadets attended the memorial service in Ypres, to commemorate all the members of Brentwood School who gave their lives for their country.  Mr Thomas originally wrote the book about former pupils of Brentwood School and named their rank, age, decorations, date of death and, where available, place of burial or commemoration.  Since the book launched one year ago, Mr Thomas had received more names of Old Brentwoods who died in conflict which were not included in the book.  The new version of the book includes these names as well as photos of the Ypres trip.

To view a photo gallery from the Remembrance Day Service and parade please click here