St Bede’s College in South Manchester paid homage to a former flight commander and Old Bedian at its annual Armistice Day Service on Wednesday November 11 at 11am in the College Memorial Chapel.
As has become the custom at the annual Service, the story of a Bedian named on the College Roll of Honour was read to better understand the human cost of war. This year it was the turn of Flight Commander Henry Oswald William Hill MC , “Harry” to his friends, who was a student at the College from 1897 to 1904. He joined the Royal Flying Corps and was sent to Belgium as an artillery pilot attacking German fortifications. Harry wrote regular reports for the College journal, Baeda, telling of his exploits.
“Flying itself is a most delightful sport, especially when you are in a frisky mood and have a good natured observer who doesn’t mind holding on tight.” Harry’s favourite activity was to nose-dive a thousand feet and only pull up moments from the ground.
The talented student, who was also the Secretary of the Old Boys Association, had studied architecture at Manchester University, graduating at the top of his class. He built several churches and schools in Manchester, including English Martyrs in Urmston, before he joined up in 1915. He died on 21st October 1917 on a night flight, crashing behind enemy lines. In a letter to Harry’s widow, his Commanding Officer said of Harry: “He was exceedingly brave and good, liked and respected by all.”
Harry is remembered with honour at the Arras Flying Services Memorial and in the Chapel of St. Bede’s College. The service saw the Chapel filled with pupils of all year groups who joined Old Bedians who had served in the Second World War. The former soldiers had made a special visit to College to remember their friends and comrades who had died for their country. The service was conducted by Fr Tony Dearman who led prayers for all those who had died and suffered through war with special remembrance of those whose names are listed on the plaques in the Memorial Chapel.
St Bede’s Headmaster, Michael Barber, said: “The College has always held an annual service to mark Armistice Day and pay homage to those Old Bedians who have died in past and present conflicts and I am keen to continue the tradition. We have a special Memorial Chapel which details those killed in the First and Second World Wars.” Seventeen year old Sixth Form student, Benedict Sharrock, who played The Last Post on the trumpet, said: “I have played at the service for the last seven years. My great-great Uncle – Second Lieutenant Cyril Unsworth – died in the Somme and I feel it is very important we remember those who lost their lives.” Former Bedian solider, Captain Tom Webster from Didsbury who served in the Royal Corps Signal Squad in France during the Second World War, attended the moving service. He commented that it was lovely to see so many pupils packed into the chapel at the annual service.