Page 18 - Oundle Life March 2024

and memorialised in the beautiful chapel (also known as Oundle School Memorial Chapel and the War Memorial Chapel) on Milton Road.
The trenches of WWI were no respecters of authority, rank, or position, and the school’s headmaster, FW Sanderson – who had transformed the school, and the town, after being appointed headmaster in 1892 – had the devastating task of announcing to his pupils that his own son, Roy, had lost his life on the Front Lines in 1918. His ashes are interred in the chapel. FW Sanderson died in 1922, just before the foundation stone of the chapel was laid.
The chapel includes five plaques with
the names of all 221 of the fallen Old Boys. Tragically, a further 252 names had to be added on further plaques following World War II.
The chapel remains the centre of Oundle School, both physically and spiritually, providing communal space for both sacred and secular events throughout the year.
Those who gave their lives in both world wars are also commemorated by the war memorial which stands at the junction of Market Place. Both the memorial obelisk and the chapel itself stand as proud reminders of the heroism shown by so many that we might live in peace.
* Tours of the chapel can be arranged by calling 01832-277143 or by visiting enterprised@ oundleschool.org.uk
The Roll of Honour
3 Victoria Crosses
115 Military Crosses
6 Bars to the Military Cross
1 Military Medal
29 Distinguished Service Orders
(with 3 Bars)
2 Air Force Crosses
4 Distinguished Flying Crosses 1 Distinguished Flying Medal 1 Chevalier De L’ Ordre
De La Couronne
1 Chevalier Ordre De Leopold 1 Croix De Guerre (Belgium) 26 Further Decorations
Stuart Barker is a professional writer and author. He has a keen interest in local history and likes nothing better than riding round Northants visiting historical sites on his motorcycle.
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