The Royal Artillery (RA) visited Twickenham’s St Mary’s University ahead of Remembrance Sunday for a rugby match which both sides hope signalled the start of a long-running tradition.
Last Wednesday’s event celebrated the university’s 175th anniversary and also honoured those lost while serving in the armed forces.
It featured men’s and women’s matches as well as a Remembrance service, with members of the public were in attendance.
St Mary’s vice-chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran said: “It’s a huge honour to welcome the Royal Artillery.
“Rugby is very important to this university and to the Royal Artillery, and it’s been marvellous that we’ve been able to combine it with a celebration of our 175th anniversary and a Remembrance service.”
The day started with a series of readings, the laying of poppy wreaths, and a moment’s silence in front of the university’s chapel.
Colonel Martin Wells, chair of the RA Rugby Club, said: “The occasion of the 175th anniversary of the university on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, as an opportunity to bring military and civil people together in such a wonderful location, is brilliant.
“It brings to life the purpose of remembrance, the remembrance of those that have fallen before, the unity, the friendship, the comradeship, hard fought games of rugby.
“Those are all synonymous with remembrance.”
St Mary’s holds a long-standing connection to the British military, with many students taking up positions in the forces.
Sunday’s Remembrance service paid tribute to the 136 people from the university who lost their lives fighting in the two World Wars, and whose names are listed on plaques inside the chapel.
The RA’s Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory said: “Many members of this college died protecting our freedoms and ensuring in this country we have democracy and freedom of speech, and nothing is more important than those.
“St Mary’s absolutely played its part in that and everyone who is part of the institution today should be very proud.”
Founded in 1850, the university is celebrating its 175th year and other commemorative events include next month’s Christmas carol concert.
St Mary’s head of sport Andrew Reid-Smith said: “It’s absolutely significant and crucial that sport, one of St Mary’s several strengths, is part of our 175th anniversary.
“When we first put this idea together, it was always about playing this fixture on this date and involving the Remembrance ceremony.
“That’s a very special experience anyway, and with the Royal Artillery here today it had even more pertinence.
“It made a really special 175th anniversary day even more special.”
The RA, which is responsible for providing surveillance and firepower as a regiment, won both matches despite a spirited St Mary’s display.
But by interacting on the rugby field and with the wider civilian community, Lt Gen Gregory hopes to combat an even greater challenge.
He said: “As we get smaller, many fewer households have had direct contact with the British military and they perhaps have a slightly distorted view about what we offer.
“I would say for many young people it is a great opportunity to travel, to create friendships, to be paid to play sport.
“When you watch the activities going on on the pitch behind me, you see all the things that are good about young people, about the army’s values (courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment) and St Mary’s values (inclusiveness, generosity of spirit, respect and excellence).
“Having members of the public here to see that is fantastic.”
Featured image credit: Sarah McKenna-Ayres, Your St Mary’s
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