Remembering Bletchley’s World War fallen with Knowles Primary School

Earlier in 2024, Commonwealth War Graves volunteer Mike Chapman worked with Knowles Primary School to bring remembrance to the next generation.

Remembrance and Knowles Primary School

Image: Memorial stones painted by the pupils of Knowles Primary School, Bletchley (Photo courtesy of Knowles School)

Throughout the year, Mike has been working with the staff and children and Knowles Primary School, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, to help share the importance of remembering those lost in the World Wars.

Mike is an Eyes On, Hands On volunteer and a volunteer Commonwealth War Graves tour guide, working in and around Milton Keynes. Bletchley Cemetery, known locally as Manor Road Cemetery, is part of Mike’s patch and lies a short distance from Knowles Primary School.

A series of talks and workshops were organised with the help of Commonwealth War Graves Public Engagement Coordinator Will Reid with the goal of sharing local casualty stories and improving the children’s knowledge of the World Wars.

“Over the summer I spotted a Facebook post on a local history group from a teacher at Knowles Primary School in Bletchley,” Mike explained. “She was asking if anyone had any photos of the casualties named on the town war memorial which is on the school grounds, immediately in front of their buildings. 

“Will provided guidance prior to a meeting that I had at the school in early September when the new term started.  I took Deputy Head Sophie Simpson around Bletchley Cemetery which has fourteen graves from the First World War and eight from the Second, which is at the back of the school and only about five minutes’ walk from their main door.”

The first phase of the education plan was a workshop for each of Knowles’ two Year 5 classes. We adapted content from the Commonwealth War Graves’ schools presentation to include the stories of four local men and women from the area who died in the two World Wars. 

The next step of the plan called for an idea that met the school’s wish to do something practical in the cemetery. 

Image: One of the pupils laying a memorial stone on one of the war graves in Bletchley Cemetery (Photo courtesy of Knowles School)

“We obviously couldn’t let them do any headstone cleaning or weeding but we came up with the idea of memorial stones for each of the 22 casualties commemorated in Bletchley Cemetery,” Mike said. “From what I’ve gathered, the school has what they refer to as an Enrichment session each week and one group of pupils are part of what is called ‘Big Hearts Leaders’.  That group painted the memorial stones, each bearing the symbol of a poppy and the name of the casualty.” 

“On Friday 18 October, I returned to the school and led 11 pupils, the deputy head and another teacher to the cemetery.  We went to each grave and the stones were carefully laid and I shared the story of each man and woman commemorated.  

“At the end, one of the children stepped forward and said how important it is that we remember those who died in the two World Wars - I hadn’t prompted this and am not sure that the school did either.  It was very impressive!”

Sophie Simpson, Knowles Primary School Deputy Headmaster, said: “Our children’s involvement in painting memorial stones and engaging in workshops to commemorate and learn about the fallen soldiers of the First and Second World Wars was both a creative and meaningful experience. 

"Through this activity, they not only learned about the sacrifices made by those who served but also developed a sense of gratitude and respect for the values of peace and freedom.  It’s vital to teach young people about the history of conflicts and the lives behind the names on memorials.

“Learning about the soldiers from our local community really helped put this into perspective for us all. 

“By engaging in this important learning, we ensure that the stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience are never forgotten, and we inspire the next generation to carry forward the message of remembrance and hope. 

“We are very thankful for the ongoing support from Mike Chapman and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.”

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Commonwealth War Graves Foundation projects encourage participation from a wide range of individuals, communities, and partners. We actively involve young people through our work with schools, colleges, universities, and a variety of youth groups.

We aim to inspire everyone we connect with to learn more about the Commonwealth War Graves’ work and increase their understanding and appreciation of the relevance of its role - both today and in the future.

Our staff and volunteers are passionate about sharing the narratives of the men and women who are commemorated in cemeteries and on memorials worldwide and, by ‘keeping their stories alive’, we ensure their legacy is not forgotten.