Children from the Never Such Innocence Military Kids Choir had a Royal welcome when they sang during the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate as part of a series of events to mark the centenary of the death of Field Marshal Sir John French.
The first Earl of Ypres, he is the great grandfather of NSI’s founder Lady Lucy French OBE. He commanded the British Army on the Western Front between August 1914 and December 1915.
As part of their visit to Belgium the children were taken on a tour of Tyne Cot Cemetery, where they learned about the soldiers laid to rest there.
One member, Sophia, nine, said: “Seeing the graves really helped me to understand the big numbers of casualties in the war.”
Later, at the ceremony, where they were greeted by Princess Astrid of Belgium, they sang I Vow to Thee My Country and an original song, The 11th of November.
Lliana, 13, was moved by the experience. She said: “It felt powerful to sing at the Gate, like those who had fallen were there with us, giving us the courage to sing.”
The youngsters were also invited to perform in St George’s Memorial Church in a programme that mirrored the original order of service for Sir John’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Plans are being made for another visit in 2027 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Menin Gate and the choir has already written a special song.