Tributes to an historic Redcar school’s fallen ex-servicemen took on a new shape this year.

While former students of the Sir William Turner’s School were unable to gather for the Annual Service of Remembrance, the event was brought home to them instead.

Historian and former head of history at Sir William Turner’s Sixth Form College, Peter Chester, said: “The service dates back to 1922, when the War Memorial was consecrated, and it has taken place every year since.”

The memorial event remembers pupils and staff, killed in action, during the First and Second World Wars.

Determined not to break with tradition, each element of the service was captured on camera for the school’s alumni and their families to watch from the safety of their own homes.

Some 350 Old Boys from the former Redcar school fought in the First World War, 48 dying in active service. During the Second World War, there were 650 who served in the armed forces, and 55 of them lost their lives. 

Peter said: “It is so important to recognise public service and these people put their lives on the line for others, a public service of the highest order.”

Chair of the Sir William Turner Foundation, Peter Sotheran MBE, said: “Well over 100 staff and students of the Sir William Turner School gave their lives in two World Wars. Those students came from families who had long established links with the town, which are significant to this day.”

The Remembrance Service at the college usually attracts an audience of more than 200 friends and family. 

Peter said: “We felt sure the ceremony should go ahead this year, all be it in a very different form.”

For Eric Howden BEM the ceremony is a key date on his calendar. Filmed paying his respects at the monument on Corporation Road, the chairman of the Redcar branch of The Royal British Legion said: “It is important that we continue to remember those who have gone before us and given us the freedom that we enjoy today.”

Giving readings for the filmed ceremony were Redcar and Cleveland College Public Services students Adam, Jack and Jim.

Jim, 18, said: “A lot has changed this year, this would usually be a live event but instead our readings have been pre-recorded.”

Adam, 17, said: “It is so important to remember the 103 Old Boys who were part of the Redcar community.”

Jack, 18,  added: “This is such a big event, as public service students we were glad to still be able to play our part.”