Year 2 pupils from Darrick Wood Infants School headed to Canadian Corner in the new All Saints graveyard in Orpington, where they laid a handmade wreath and listened to the poem, In Flanders Field.
The children raised £115 towards the Poppy Appeal.
In a letter to the News Shopper, school staff highlighted the school’s deep historical ties with Canada.
Orpington’s historical and military links with Canada, resulting from the location of the old Ontario Military Hospital, are often overlooked aspects of the area’s heritage.
The Ontario Military Hospital was established on February 19, 1916, on the site of what is now the current Orpington Hospital and was funded by the Canadian government, treating more than 30,000 servicemen during the First World War.
Both Canada’s and Orpington’s history have significant overlap due to these connections, with the hospital acting as a symbol of International connection and remembrance.
Year 1 children from the school were scheduled to visit the grass area near Orpington Hospital to lay a wreath in remembrance.
Meanwhile, Reception children were scheduled to focus on the Battle of Britain, exploring the RAF War Memorial on Mungo Park Way.
The Year 2 children paid their respects at Canadian Corner.
