On Sunday, the school community came together for its Remembrance Sunday service to commemorate all victims of armed conflict including past King’s pupils and staff. Cadets from the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) constructed a drumhead altar on Memorial Court, while the school choir and orchestra provided musical support.

Originating in the 18th Century, drumhead altars have provided soldiers with somewhere to pray and worship together while on campaign. The Regiment’s drums would be stacked and the Colours laid on top. The service opened with a lone drummer playing the drummer’s call, and pupil trumpeters sounded the Last Post to mark the two-minute silence. The names of one-hundred and thirty-one former pupils and staff who died on service during the Second World War were read by Shell pupils.

In a moving school tradition, each pupil removed their poppy before walking in silent reflection around Green Court. Wreaths were laid on the war memorial on behalf of the School, CCF, OKS and staff.