OD’s who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War – Remembered
Richard Pye, Leamington 1955 -58, when visiting friends in Leper (Ypres) visited St George’s memorial Chapel several times.
Richard was always disappointed that there was no plaque commemorating those Old Dovorians who died during the First World War.
As a result, Richard enquired about placing a plaque in the chapel, but was advised that space was the problem, and that they were considering where further plaques could be accommodated.
Two years later, Richard was delighted to get permission to place a plaque in front of one of the pews on the right as you enter the chapel.
Richard correctly felt it right that the College should be involved and was delighted that the then headmaster was enthusiastic about the project.
Some students attended the church service of dedication and also attended the short service at the Menin Gate at 8.00 p.m. on Monday 26th June, 2017.
It gave Richard particular pleasure that the plaque was in place before the centenary commemorations in 2018.
Leper is about an hour and a half’s drive from Calais and he highly recommend a visit if you are in the area, or even on a day trip from Dover.
As well as the chapel, the Flanders Field Museum is also well worth a visit. It is situated in the Cloth Hall, in the main square.
Rod Suddaby, now sadly deceased, was Keeper of Documents at the Imperial War Museum and he rated the museum very highly.
Information supplied by Richard Pye. L 55 -58
