Students and staff across the whole of Northampton Academy fell silent for Armistice Day.
Whilst students fell silent in their classrooms, Sergeant Major Grimes and the Cadets from LNR ACF (Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force) Anzio Detachment, came to attention, for a two-minute silence in the courtyard to show their respects in Remembrance of our war heroes.
The silence followed reading on the tannoy from Mr Swallow:
"Today we pause to remember. We remember all the brave individuals who have fought and been injured or died in service to their country.
On October 31st 1914 a 26-year-old gunner and his machine gun crew managed to hold their position against a German onslaught.
When his entire crew had been killed in the German offensive the gunner continued to fire despite being wounded and was eventually left for dead. This stand at the Battle of Ypres allowed reinforcements to arrive and the German advance was slowed. He was later awarded the Victoria Cross for valour. The gunner’s name was Khudadad Khan and was born in the Punjab province in modern-day Pakistan. He was the first Muslim to be awarded the Victoria Cross.
During the Great War, hundreds of thousands of young men were sent to fight, leaving their homes behind. 1.3 million soldiers from India and 400.000 Muslims fought for Britain during World War 1 and died on foreign shores never having been to the nation they fought and died for.
Today we remember ALL who have given up so much for us all regardless of our differences. These differences unite us, not divide us.
Sargeant Major Grimes said:
“I am very proud of the Cadets, who once again have demonstrated the school values of Respect, Determination and Ambition, which are also part of the ACF core values and beliefs."
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
The Anzio Detachment Cadets meet at the Northampton Academy every Wednesday evening, inspiring young people to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge. Some activities have a military theme whilst others have more of a community focus. The Army Cadet Force is sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Defence.