SCHOOL MEMORIALS

By 1916, many schools decided that those ex-pupils who were currently serving, or who had lost their lives in the war, deserved to be commemorated publicly. After the war, larger secondary schools created impressive public memorials to the many ex-pupils who had died in the war.

PAPANUI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Papanui Public School was one of the primary schools that decided to create a memorial board to ex-pupils who were serving or who had been died in the war. It was initially created in 1916, with those who had already died identified by a simple cross beside their names. Fortunately, this Honours Board survived a fire during the 1990s.

Initially thirty-eight names were inscribed on this board, of which eight had by that time lost their lives. A further twenty-six names were added, though the identification of those who subsequently died (another ten men) was not continued.

BELFAST SCHOOL

On Anzac Day 1917, a former pupil of Belfast School, Mr J. Tisch, donated an honours board commemorating the service of pupils from Belfast School who served in World War I. A report in The Press described the ceremony.

" The various places closed at 1.00 p.m. The event of the day was the unveiling of the Belfast School Roll of Honour. The board, which is of elaborate design and massive structure, was presented to the school by Mr. J. Tisch of Riccarton, an ex-pupil of Belfast School . The function was well attended by the public and relatives of those whose names appear on the roll. The roll contains 80 names of men on active service. The names of those in camp are yet to be added. Sixteen of those whose names appear have made the supreme sacrifice. The Hon. D Buddo M.P., who unveiled the board, said it was gratifying to see so many present who, though they had made many sacrifices, were willing to undergo further privations in order to bring the war to a successful issue. The Rev. Mr. Curnow, who addressed his remarks chiefly to the children, said the New Zealanders and Australians at Anzac Bay had kept up the best traditions of the British Army, and the children would do well, whether in times of peace or war, to remember that the Anzacs in the landing had accomplished the almost impossible task, and by copying their examples, the children would find it easier to surmount obstacles in life."

An additional sixteen names were added to the original eighty names. Of these ninety-six men, twenty-two died - a 23% fatality rate compared with the national rate of 18%. Unfortunately, this memorial has not survived, other than a photograph held in the Belfast Museum.

HAREWOOD SCHOOL

The community of Harewood, north of Papanui, decided to create its own separate memorial. As schools are often the centre of the community, a memorial obelsik was constructed and situated at the entrance gate to the school. Twenty -two World War I and five World War II servicemen who were killed in their respective wars are commemorated on this memorial. Recently, the school has revived Anzac Day ceremonies to honour these men. As part of their learning programme, Year 12 history students from Burnside High School, the local high school, conduct an investigation into the lives and wartime service of these men.

Wreaths and other personal tributes on the Harewood School memorial on Anzac Day 2005.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE

Christ's College is the oldest secondary school in Christchurch and arguably it most exclusive. Because few people could afford to pay the cost of secondary education prior to World War I, only two of the ninety-five men from the Papanui district attended Christ's College. Their names are inscribed on the large memorial on the wall of the College Chapel, which lists 153 names of ex-pupils who died in World War I..

Bertie Edridge and Vivian Hopkins are two of the men from Papanui whosae names are commemorated on this memorial.

CHRISTCHURCH BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL

Christchurch Boys' High School was one of two other secondary schools in Christchurch before 1914. When it shifted from its original site on what is now the Arts Centre to its new site on Straven Road in Riccarton, a purpose-built memorial was constructed alongside the playing fields. Three men who attended Christchurch Boys' High School - Harry Ffitch, Jack Leversedge and David Napier - are commemorated on this substanial memorial.