Students at The Gatwick School in Crawley heard a first-hand account of the Second World War when veteran George Durrant returned to the school for its annual Remembrance service.

Mr Durrant joined the British Army at 18 and went on to serve in Burma. He described the intense heat and harsh conditions of the jungle, the booby traps laid by Japanese forces and the constant danger soldiers faced. Even in unbearable temperatures, troops could not cool off in nearby rivers because of the crocodiles in the water.

He also recalled Dame Vera Lynn travelling out to Burma to perform for the troops, and the courage she showed in putting herself at risk to lift the spirits of servicemen so far from home.

Mr Durrant attended with his family, Mrs Ann Russell and Mr Phil Russell. Guests from the Crawley Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club also joined the school community for the service on Tuesday, November 10.

Burma veteran George Durrant shared his memories of jungle warfare and a visit from Dame Vera Lynn with students at the Gatwick School. Pictures courtesy of Aurora Academies Trust

placeholder image — Burma veteran George Durrant shared his memories of jungle warfare and a visit from Dame Vera Lynn with students at the Gatwick School. Pictures courtesy of Aurora Academies Trust

Students played a central part in the occasion. Suma (Year 10) and Kinsley (Year 6) gave readings, and Darcey sang Amazing Grace. Some students were also able to join a Q&A session where they were able to ask George questions about the time he served.

The service included the traditional Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths.

David Marillat, headteacher of The Gatwick School, said: “Hearing Mr Durrant speak about his time in Burma was something our students will remember for a long time.

“History lessons can tell you what happened, but listening to someone who was there brings home the courage and sacrifice of a whole generation in a way nothing else can.

Mr Durrant attended with his family, Mrs Ann Russell and Mr Phil Russell. Guests from the Crawley Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club also joined the school community for the service

“We are very grateful to him and his family for coming back to share his story with us again, and to our guests from the Crawley Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.

“I am also proud of Suma, Kinsley and Darcey, who represented the school with real maturity and care.”

James Freeston, chief executive officer of Aurora Academies Trust, said: “Remembrance matters because it connects young people with the people and the sacrifices that shaped the country they are growing up in.

“The chance for students at The Gatwick School to hear directly from a Second World War veteran is increasingly rare and very precious.

“I want to thank Mr Durrant for his generosity in sharing his experiences, and the school for creating such a thoughtful and moving service.”