Armistice Day has been observed every year since 1919 with a two-minute silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

This event coincides with the time in 1918 at which the First World War came to an end and is observed at war memorials and in public places throughout the world.

Bishops held its Remembrance Service starting at 10.45am today to observe the 11th hour (explained above).

As the service began, the party consisting of the sacristans, the Principal and the School Chaplain processed into the chapel, to the playing of the Organ Voluntary.

The Fifteenth Principal Mr Tony Reeler began the service by extending a warm welcome to the congregation, followed by the order of service which is outlined in the Bishops Book for Chapel services.   

Bishops holds this annual commemorative service "to remember those who lost their lives, in times of war, or, fighting for or defending a cause" (Bishops Blue Book, page 65). This is inscribed on the plaque to the right of the main door of the Chapel.

The Act of Remembrance includes remembering "the names of old boys of our school who lost their lives in the two World Wars ... recorded in history and on two buildings, the Memorial Chapel for those who died in World War One and the Memorial Theatre for those who died in World War Two".  Each white cross planted on the lawn outside the Chapel is in remembrance of every OD who died in WWI & WWII.

112 Old Diocesans died in World War I (inscribed on bronze tablets at the entrance to the Chapel) and 160 wounded; and in the Second World War, 146 who died and 120 wounded (the names of the ODs who died are inscribed on the brass tablet on the wall of the Old Gym, known as The War Memorial Hall).

 We also remember at this time those ODs who died in other wars and on/in service, commemorated at various places on the campus, including the Brooke Chapel.

The congregation read the poem of Laurence Binyon together:

"They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them."

[From "Ode of Remembrance" by Laurence Binyon].

After this, the hymn "O Valiant Hearts" was sung:

1. O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

2. Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

3. Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.

4. Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.

5. Still stands His cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.

6. These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.

7. O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #5480

Downloaded from the Internet site https://hymnary.org/text/o_valiant_hearts_who_to_your_glory_came#google_vignette  on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

A scripture reading from the Book of Job was read by Michael Mafunda the Head of School of 2026 followed by the Homily delivered by the College Chaplain The Reverend Monwabisi Peter.

Then followed the chiming of the bell "Hope"; the Last Post by trumpeter Jasper Macgrath (Grade 09); a Minute's Silence: the Reveille; and the Piper's Lament by Charles Canning (1989O).  

At the time of the Piper's Lament there was the laying of wreathes and flags, by the Head of School Michael Mafunda and the Deputy Heads, Alex Vintcent and Harry Morgan.

The National Anthem was sung, followed by the Blessing:

Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the afflicted.
Show love to everyone.
Love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Source: Book of Common Prayer,  1892, 1928, modified

Downloaded from the Internet site https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/08/01/go-forth-into-the-world/ on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

Photo above: The Sacristans process in.

                                                                     Photo above: Mr Tony Reeler welcomes the congregation.

        Photo above: The 2026 Head of School Michael Mafunda returns to his stall after reading the lesson from Job Chapter 20. 

                                                              Photo above:  The Last Post by trumpeter Jasper Macgrath (Grade 09).

                                                              Photo below: Charles Canning sounding the Piper's Lament.

Photo above: Michael Mafunda after laying the commemorative wreath at the Memorial Stone of the War Memorial Chapel built in 1926 to honour the Fallen ODs of WWI (1914 - 1918).

 Photo above: Alex Vintcent, the Deputy Head of School, stands at the plaque commemorating South Africans who fell fighting for a cause.

       Photo above: The wreath laid at the site of the brass tablet at The War Memorial Hall (today, the Memorial Theatre).