On Monday 28 April we held a heartfelt Anzac Service at school.
It was a sombre and emotional ceremony as we remembered the 235 old boys of the school who lost their lives in conflict.
We were honoured to be joined by the descendants of the Christophers family, who sent four of five sons to war, with all four lost in battle. The fifth was excused from military service and allowed to remain home with his mother on compassionate grounds. Their details are listed below.
Thank you to the Christophers family for sharing their history and memories with us: Paul and Maya Christophers, Josh Christophers and Alana, and daughter Millie, and Hamish and Nicole Christophers, and sons Dusty and Jagger.
Paul Christophers paid tribute to his grandfather, whose brothers paid the ultimate sacrifice, and read a poignant letter from the battle front. On behalf of the family, Paul donated a silver vase to the school in their memory.
On Anzac Day, Head Boy Tom Smith and Deputy Josh Cairns placed a wreath on behalf of the school at the memorial service at the cenotaph, alongside Mr Laurenson, with deputy Josh Reynolds performing the duty of Cenotaph Guard Commander in his role of Air Cadet Warrant Officer.
Our Archivist Mrs Sales also represented the school at the Lorneville RSA/Makarewa Anzac Service.
Christophers, Herbert Henry
Captain of the Railway section Army 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force serving in Samoa, France and Egypt. At school 1902 through 1904, 1st XV 1903 through 1904 and 1st XI 1904. Killed in Action in France on the 2nd of June 1916. Aged 27 years. Brother of:
Christophers, Julian Anthony
At school 1898 through 1901. Southland Representative Rugby Team 1902-1903, Captain of the Blues team and accomplished rower. Employed by Wright Stephenson & Co Invercargill and Wellington 1901 through to 1910. Manager Dalgety & Co Hawkes Bay. Died of wounds at Passchendaele 5th of December 1917 with 13,000 other ANZAC soldiers. Aged 33 years. Brother of:
Christophers, Reginald Gillon 2nd Lieutenant
At school 1897 through to 1899, member of the 1st XV and Sergeant in the Cadets. Old Boys Association Committee 1903 through 1905. In California 1906-1911 for Civil Engineering experience on the construction of the Western Pacific and other railways. Died 13thof October 1918 in France (1 month before the end of the war). Aged 36 years. Brother of:
Christophers, Victor James
At school 1900-1902 member of the 1st XV 1902 and 1st XI 1900. Senior athletics champion 1902. Killed in Action at Gallipoli 31 May 1915. Aged 29 years.
Quinton Gillon Christophers
As a result of the families supreme sacrifice, Quinton Gillon Christophers was excused military duty as he was the sole survivor.
