Performing at the centenary celebration of the Battle of Le Quesnoy was a truly special moment for this St Paul’s family trio.
Geoffrey Smith (Year 9), Campbell Smith (Year 12) and teacher Mr Duncan Smith, travelled to northern France as part of the Cambridge Brass Band.
The official commemoration to mark the centenary of the liberation of Le Quesnoy by the New Zealand Division was held in the township on November 4.
“We were extremely privileged to be part of this special event,” says Mr Smith.
Le Quesnoy was the New Zealand Division’s final action of World War 1. On 4 November 1918, just a week before the Armistice was signed, New Zealand troops stormed the walled French town of Le Quesnoy.
The brass band’s performances ranged from the official opening of the New Zealand War Memorial Museum to rest homes and schools. It culminated in the grand concert at Théâtre des 3 Chênes (Three Oaks Theatre). This included the premier performance of Dwayne Bloomfield’s Liberation of Le Quesnoy.
“We all found the heartfelt welcome humbling. It was exciting exploring the fortifications and tunnels and it was an honour being part of the official New Zealand celebrations,” says Mr Smith.
