Glenalmond Remembers: VE Day 80

This week, Glenalmond College has joined the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day; a moment of profound historical significance and a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served during the Second World War.

At Glenalmond, remembrance is woven into the life of the school, and this anniversary has offered an opportunity to honour not only the collective contribution of all who served but also the individual stories of former pupils who gave their lives in the conflict.

Each day in Chapel this week, staff and pupils reflected on the legacy of VE Day. On Monday, two pupils shared moving thoughts on the importance of living with gratitude. On Tuesday, Miss Wilson from Craigclowan spoke about the value of facing life’s challenges and learning from adversity. On Wednesday, our Chaplain, Padre Duncan, considered the original VE Day celebrations and the complex emotions they must have evoked — joy tempered by grief — and spoke of an Old Glenalmond who did not live to witness that day. On Thursday, 8th May, our School Sacristan led a short service, offering prayers for peace in our world.

We pay special tribute to five alumni whose service and sacrifice in the Second World War remain a lasting part of our school’s history:

Lieutenant-Colonel Leigh Arbuthnot Alexander (b. 1898)
A Prefect and Captain of both the XI and XV during his time at Glenalmond, Lt Col Alexander served with the 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles in both World Wars. He died of wounds in Burma in 1943 while leading a Chindit expedition.

Pilot Officer William Henry Thomson Andrews (b. 1909)
After studying at Peterhouse, Cambridge, William Andrews joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He was presumed killed in action in March 1942, aged 32.

Flight Lieutenant Robert Clifford Vacy Ash (b. 1909)
A former House Prefect and RAF gunnery instructor, Robert Ash was killed in action in 1940. He was described in The Times as one of the finest leaders in the Royal Air Force’s gunnery division.

Colonel Neil Alexander Buchanan Baillie-Hamilton (b. 1880)
A veteran of multiple campaigns, including the South African War and First World War, Colonel Baillie-Hamilton returned from retirement to serve in the South African Forces during WWII. He died on active service in 1943.

Lieutenant Robert Nigel Kenneth Barge (b. 1916)
A School Prefect and outstanding athlete, Robert Barge served with the Royal Engineers and was killed in action during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

As we commemorate this significant anniversary, Glenalmond stands in remembrance and gratitude, inspired by the legacy of those who served and those who gave their lives for peace.

Lest We Forget.