Heathcote Valley Online

[Local lad Timothy Mostert, and his school friends, recently made a memorable visit to Europe. Highlights were visits to areas with famous ANZAC connections. In the first of a three part series, they write about their impressions of the First World War battlefield of Ypres, an area that claimed the lives of 1000s of New Zealanders.]

Upon getting to Ypres we wandered down to the Menin Gate. This is a memorial to all the dead soldiers who lie somewhere on the battlefields of Ypres, but without a designated grave. Every night since 1928 (but not during 1940-1945) they hold a last post ceremony to honour the brave lads who perished on the battlefields there. It was a really moving ceremony with over 1000 people in attendance (yes, over 1000!) and they hold this ceremony every night, 365 days a year.

It was humbling experience to see where young men, not a lot older than ourselves perished during the various battles for Ypres. To see names on memorial boards and on gravestones that had either a Christchurch, or even a Christchurch Boys High School connection really blew everyone away.

What was particularly noticeable was the great reverence the Belgians showed to those who had fallen. The immaculate Commonwealth War Graves are a real credit to the most polite, friendly and helpful people you could ever hope to meet.

During the afternoon Ricky's name was drawn out to read the "exhortation" at the last post ceremony, a job that he did with real pride. He was a wonderful representative for the school and widely complimented for his efforts. Then Dom, Callum and Elliott Scott also got to play their part as they laid a wreath on behalf of our school.