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The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionhe Old Ratclifan 2014 | News from the College T The Old R The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionatclifan 2014 | News from the College The History Department’s Trip to the Battlefields the School, heritage, to which we owe our respect Brian Leung, and undying fervour in keeping the Anna Reviakina memory of sacrifice alive. The Ode of and Luke Gysei- Remembrance, read out during the Appiah laid ceremony, reminded everyone present a wreath in of the fundamental reason why the honour of the trip took place: Old Ratcliffians who had fallen They shall grow not old, as we that in the Great War. are left grow old: Their reverence Age shall not weary them, nor the in performing years condemn. an important At the going down of the sun and in tradition helped the morning, the pupils to We will remember them. connect with Pupils also had the opportunity to the sheer scale endure an authentic trench experience of loss, but also at the Sanctuary Wood Museum at remember their Hill 62. While gunfire and shelling The Class of 2014 at the Leavers’ Mass own connections were not included, pupils waded with the Great through the sections of trenches The Class of 2014 War. Brittany filled with water and edged carefully Smith (Year through concrete-lined communication The Association would like to take 9) located her trenches in pitch black darkness. this opportunity to wish the Class of Great Uncle, The site has been well preserved, 2014 every success in their future Private Arthur with bullet holes still discernible in careers. They achieved excellent A Fielder Prior, of shattered tree stumps and piles of Level results. Of the 63 candidates, the Australian shells littering the entrance to the a most impressive 37% of the results Infantry, AIF trenches. It was here that pupils really were awarded at A*/A grades (12% (24th Battalion), got a clear idea of the conditions were A* grades, with eight candidates Newfoundland Park who died on and the danger of the trenches, gaining straight As). October 9th with British and Commonwealth 1917 at the soldiers downhill from the entrenched Hattie Philpott (14) and Alice Gilbert Pupils and staff gathered outside age of 20, Germans in the vastly superior (14), with the help of Hattie Wheeler Ratcliffe on Sunday 29th July to most probably at the Battle of positions. The sense of vulnerability (14), were the Ratcliffian Association begin the journey to Ypres. With a Passchendaele. It is this synthesis reinforced the danger posed to soldiers Prefects representing their year. They pillow wedged between the seat and of the past and the present which and the remarkable heroism required were enthusiastic supporters of the window, the only task to accomplish brings history alive by making us in those involved in attacking the Ratcliffian Association and were was to gain as much sleep as aware of how we are a product of our enemy. frequent visitors to the office of Jackie Barbara Philpott with her Jane Hoare with Alex Hazell (14), possible. The coach arrived on the Bennett, the Association Secretary. daughter, Hattie (14) William Hoare (14) & Emir Patel (14) continent to be greeted by a torrential Alice Gilbert and Robert Bourne downpour, which scuppered an initial (14), Head Girl and Head Boy, both visit to Brandhoek New Military attended the London Dinner as guests Cemetery. Pupils had the opportunity of the Association. Also, a group of to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum ten students from the Class of 2014 in the Cloth Hall, Ypres. This was attended the annual Reunion Dinner an excellent introduction to the First held in a marquee at the College in World War, which not only provided July. shelter from the rain, but a wealth of information and historical artefacts, On their last official day at School, including uniforms, weapons and Jackie Bennett accompanied a diaries. From here, students made large group of students down to Enjoying a pint at the Woodies the short walk to the Menin Gate, in the Woodman’s Stroke, as is the courtesy of the Ratcliffan which they took in the sight of nearly custom, and the Association treated Association on the last day! L to 55,000 names commemorating everyone to their first free drink as Old R: Jacob Coleman, Chris Clowes, those who died, but whose graves are Ratcliffians! Joseph Dickinson, The girls enjoying a glass of wine on unknown, on the Ypres Salient. It was Oliver Blount, Ben Trudgill, Ernie their last day! Jackie Bennett Tung & Harry Baum (all from the here that we returned in the evening to Class of 2014) take part in the ‘Last Post’ ceremony, Editor which has taken place every day since July 2nd 1928. On behalf of Tynecot 8 8 Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 9 9 Register o