SCHOOLCHILDREN paid tribute to a Victor in Japan (VJ) survivor.
Ronald Gumbley was honoured in a service lead by year six pupils and the leadership team at St Alphege Church of England Schools.
The service brought together the school community, the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, veterans and guests to honour Mr Gumbley, a British Second World War veteran who served with the Royal Air Force in the Far East and is a surviving witness to VJ Day.
Gumbley has been recognised for his service and continues to represent the generation whose sacrifice helped secure peace at the war’s conclusion.
The service was devised, planned and delivered by the head girl, head boy, deputy head boy and deputy head girl, who also took responsibility for writing invitation letters and coordinating the running order.
Across the morning, three choirs performed, 32 pupils shared reflections and bible reading.
Artwork created by the children was presented to both Mr Gumbley and the Mayor.
Mr Gumbley attended the full service, listening as pupils shared what they had learned about his experience and the wider history of VJ Day.
Following the service, the Mayor and Mr Gumbley were welcomed back to the Infant School by the pupil podcast team to record a special edition of the school’s Power for Good podcast.
Sam Smith, headteacher, said: “Our pupils showed genuine leadership, empathy and respect. They created a service that honoured Mr Grumbley with dignity, and they did so with real independence.
“For pupils of this age to take ownership of something so significant is extraordinary. We could not be prouder of what they achieved.”
