Every year since 1918, at the 11th Hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month the UK and countries from the Commonwealth pause for Armistice day to honour those who have died in conflicts around the world and to reflect on the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.

The Chapel of St Christopher and the Infant Jesus at Royal Russell School was built as a World War I memorial, with details by Eric Gill. The foundation stone was laid in 1924 by Edward, Prince of Wales.

On Remembrance Sunday (10th November), Cadets gathered at Royal Russell school for the annual Remembrance Day service. The Guard of Honour stood tall in the memorial garden proudly wearing their dress uniforms after weeks of rehearsing rifle drill and bulling parade shoes.

Just after 1000hrs the chapel was absolutely packed, with over 100 cadets, the Senior School Choir and members of the school community including parents, Old Russellians and guests. After the chapel service, which included Hymns, a reading and the National Anthem, the Banner party followed by the Wreath Bearers left the chapel and made their way to the memorial garden ahead of the 2 minutes silence at 1100hrs.

At exactly 1100hrs, with the chapel bells tolling in the background, the entire congregation observed the 2 minutes silence. The Guard of Honour, which was led by Company Sergeant Major Harrison, conducted a General Salute which was them immediately followed by Sergeant Gardiner playing the Last Post on her trumpet. During this period of silence, poppies fell from the bell tower of the chapel which is a truly moving spectacle for all to see. This year, the poppies were thrown by Mr and Mrs Smith, the Parents of Lieutenant N Smith (CCF) who has sadly passed away from cancer.

The Guard of Honour held the salute until Reveille was played, to mark the end of the silence. The wreaths of the CCF, Senior School and Old Russellians were then laid up on the sun dial in the centre of the garden for all to see and reflect upon throughout the year.

On Monday 11th November, the whole school gathered for the service on chapel quad as the headmaster gave his speech. Once again at 1100hrs the whole school fell quiet in respect for those who had fought and died for their country honouring their sacrifice in order for us to live the way we do today. After the silence concluded, the Junior School laid their wreath on the sun dial also.

Sergeant Skinner