In memory of former pupil, Eric Fernandez Yarrow
(5 January 1895 – 8 May 1915)
’No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’
On Friday 8th May, a service of commemoration was held at Oundle School for one of its former pupils, Old Oundelian, Eric Fernandez Yarrow (1895-1915), to mark the 100th anniversary of his death near Ypres, in WW1.
The service, conducted by Reverend Brian Cunningham, took place on the lawns of the School Chapel, where a sculpture of Eric Yarrow stands, crafted by a former pupil of the School, Alex Johnsen. Poignantly, the Chapel itself was built in 1921 to commemorate all those who fell in the war.
Several members of the Yarrow family attended the service, including The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of London, Alan Yarrow and the Lady Mayoress as well as Major Jason French from Eric’s former Regiment, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Charles Bush, Headmaster of Oundle School said, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor of London to Oundle and be part of this very special family event.”
The Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor said, “A simple, sensitive commemoration of a very brave young man whose School was never far from his thoughts.”
After the service guests proceeded to the Yarrow Gallery where they were able to see a display of memorabilia from Eric’s days at Oundle and even letters written to his father when he was at the front. Also on show at the Gallery was an exhibition of world-renowned photographer, David Yarrow’s photographs. Oundle’s Yarrow Gallery will be hosting this exhibition from Saturday 9 May to Saturday 23 May 2015.