Honouring the Forres Boys: A Lasting Tribute in Swanage
Commemorating 70 Years — 13 May 2025
At Forres Sandle Manor, we are proud to carry forward the combined legacy of Forres School and Sandle Manor — two schools with rich traditions and shared values. Among the most significant and solemn chapters in our history is the tragic loss of five Forres boys in Swanage in 1955.
Today (13th May) marks 70 years since that devastating event — a moment that shook the Forres school and community to its core and left a lasting impact across generations.
On 13 May 1955, what began as a carefree afternoon on Swanage beach ended in unthinkable tragedy. Five Forres pupils, while digging in the sand, uncovered what they believed to be buried treasure. In reality, it was a Second World War land mine, dislodged from the cliffs above by recent rain and a small landslip. The resulting explosion took the lives of five boys: Robin Ardagh, Richard Birch, David North-Lewis, Jeremy Dennis, and Jason Oliver.
The shock of the incident rippled far beyond Swanage. Families, classmates, teachers, and local residents were left reeling, and the event quickly became one of national significance. For those who lived through it — and for many who came after — the memory has never faded.
For years, the boys were quietly honoured with a plaque at the original Forres School site. But as the physical school site changed and its future became uncertain, the call for a more permanent, public tribute grew stronger.
That vision was realised thanks to the extraordinary leadership of Seb Warner, Old Forresian (1988–1993). Through determined crowdfunding efforts and careful planning, Seb spearheaded a project to create a new memorial overlooking Swanage Bay.
On Saturday, 10 May 2025, just days before the anniversary, over 50 Old Forresians, relatives, and friends gathered in Swanage for the unveiling of the new memorial. Placed alongside the town’s official war memorials, the tribute offers a beautiful and moving place of remembrance — one that will endure for generations to come.
As Seb movedly said at the service:
“It was incredibly moving to welcome over 50 Old Forresians, relatives, and friends to Swanage on the 10th of May for the memorial service and unveiling. To come together, almost 70 years on, and honour Robin Ardagh, Richard Birch, David North-Lewis, Jeremy Dennis, and Jason Oliver was truly special. The new memorial overlooking the bay is a lasting tribute to five boys whose lives were cut tragically short — and a reminder that they are never forgotten.”
Though Forres School in Swanage is no longer open, its legacy lives on — in the memories of those who knew it, and in the spirit of Forres Sandle Manor. As we remember this tragic anniversary on 13 May 2025, we do so with reverence, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to never forget.
Photos from the Forres Boys’ Memorial Unveiling
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