WW II veteran visits Stoneyhurst St Mary's Hall

Nov 11th, 2010

Ex-Royal Marine Thomas Edmondson with children

Armistice Day was particularly special for children at Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall in Lancashire this year. A World War II veteran, ex-Royal Marine Thomas Edmondson, attended their Remembrance Day ceremony and talked to pupils about his experience.

Mr Edmondson, who is 86, was a front-line gunner and fought throughout the Second World War, from 1939 to 1945. He was awarded medals for his service at home and abroad, including France, North Africa, Holland, Belgium and Egypt. His two brothers also fought in the war; one was taken prisoner and the other was shot.

"When we arrived in France soon after D Day, the bombing made the ground shake and Caen was flattened", he told wide-eyed children in Year 4. "Being a gunner affected my hearing." The children were bursting with questions and gained an important insight into the bravery and sacrifices of the conflict.

For more information about the school see: www.saintmaryshall.com/

Source: Stonyhurst School

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