In the Morning, We Remembered Them

By Richard Harvey | Posted: Friday April 24, 2026

Today, the entire school community gathered for the annual ANZAC service, a solemn and significant occasion in the Otago Boys’ High School calendar, as we came together to honour those who served and those who never returned.

The Rector welcomed students and invited guests, setting the tone for a reflective and respectful ceremony. Our 2026 Deputy Head Boy, Alexis Owen, read The Spirit of ANZAC, reminding us all of the values of courage, perseverance, and mateship that continue to resonate with our boys today.

We were privileged to hear from our guest speakers, Mr John Blaikie, Foundation Chair, and Emeritus Professor John Broughton. Professor Broughton delivered an ANZAC Address, a highlight of which was his reading of a moving poem about the Christmas Truce.

The ceremony continued with Year 9 student Suhyun Lee reading the Binyon extract. This was followed by the reading of the names of the OBHS old boys who died at Gallipoli, as recorded in the Book of Remembrance, by Finlay Williamson (Deputy Head of School House) and Ben Couling (Prefect).

To conclude the service, students formed a Line of Honour along the path leading to the archway for the Laying of Wreaths. 36 crosses were placed by Year 10 students to represent the lives of those former students who fell at Gallipoli. The school bell tolled 36 times, echoing through the silence, a powerful symbol of remembrance for our fallen old boys.

We extend our sincere thanks to our honoured guests and the musical contributors who made the service so moving: our school choir, violinist Mathew Campbell (Year 12), piper Gus Carr, pianists Sunny Jiang (Year 13) and Sharon McLennan, Choir Director Mr John Buchanan and Mr Konrad Hanson. A stirring rendition of the Last Post was performed by Oban Voice (Year 13).

Lest we forget.