Col Ed Hall (E 95-00) OBE: Remembrance Sunday 175

It is a huge honour to be back at Bradfield today and to represent the Armed Forces at this Remembrance Sunday service on the 175^th anniversary of the College’s founding.

Twenty-five years ago, on the 150^th anniversary, my brother and I sat where you do now, no doubt hoping whoever was speaking that day would keep it short and interesting! Well, at your invitation, I would like to say only a few words about the enduring importance of remembering those that have sacrificed their lives in war and conflict.

I will also offer a few thoughts on our obligations now, our shared responsibility to uphold the freedoms and values that our forebears fought and died for.

Since the Great War, 479 Bradfieldians have died in war and conflict. We have heard their names read this morning and they are recorded on the War Memorial in the Quad. Today, the loss of 279 Bradfieldians in WW1, and a further 198 in WW2, seems almost unimaginable. All from a single school, and hundreds more would have been physically and mentally injured. The impact of these terrible conflicts would be felt by generations of Masters and pupils.

Sitting in the sanctuary of Chapel, 80 years since end of World War 2, it can be hard to comprehend the scale of this sacrifice and, at this time of year, I find myself focusing on friends who have died in more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, including fellow Bradfieldian John Sanderson (D 94-99).

John was the year above me and a fellow Royal Marines Cadet and I remember him as a kind, cheerful and natural leader at Bradfield, especially when the going got tough on the Pringle Trophy. Like me, he was inspired by the leadership of David Moss-Gibbons, Second Master and Head of the CCF, to join the Royal Marines and he started Young Officers training in 2002, the year ahead of me. Unfortunately, John broke his ankle and was forced to withdraw from the course, but such was his determination to serve his country, he recovered and joined the Army in 2008 commissioning into the Mercian Regiment. I overlapped briefly with John as he left the Marines and then saw him again at Sandhurst shortly before I deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Delighted to be joining the infantry, he was looking forward to the leadership challenge and the opportunity to serve his country on operations. Today, it frustrates me that I only remember snippets from this conversation. I was on my post operational leave when, on 13 July 2010, I heard the tragic and incredibly sad news that John had been fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province.

After his death, John’s Company Commander said

‘his men would follow him anywhere and for anything. He was a leader who inspired his men by always being at the front, he was courageous, loyal and determined…he cared passionately for the men of his platoon, and they loved and respected him for it’.

It is with John in mind, and the example of all those on the memorial outside, that we must also take time this morning to acknowledge and take responsibility for the free democratic society that generations of Bradfieldians have fought, suffered and died for.

Following their example, we must strive, in all we do, to have the courage, determination, and selflessness to stand up for what is right and all that we cherish most. Although I am here in uniform today, upholding and protecting our society is the responsibility of us all, and here at Bradfield there are so many opportunities to serve the community, our friends, and our families. The example of selfless service is one we can all aspire to in our everyday lives. As School Prefect, Head of House, and the senior Royal Marines Cadet, it was certainly John Sanderson’s approach to life at Bradfield. An approach we should all seek to emulate.

Remembrance is certainly not a time to glorify war. No matter the cause, it remains violent, cruel, unfair, and divisive – a catastrophe for all with no winners.

This is particularly important now. The era of relative peace that has followed WW2 is being tested and, with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we have a period of uncertainty ahead, but we should take confidence and inspiration from the example of generations of Bradfieldians before us and have the courage to serve our nation and stand up for what we believe in.

GK Chesteron wrote

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.

I would like to conclude by thanking you again for inviting me to speak today. It has been a privilege to remember Old Bradfieldian Lt John Sanderson with you and those who have given their lives in defence of our nation and our freedom.

Col Ed Hall (E 95-00) OBE: Remembrance Sunday 175

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