Remembering the Forres Five: A Lasting Tribute in Swanage

Allhallows School shared a long and close connection with Forres School in Swanage. Over many decades, a number of boys made the natural transition from Forres to Allhallows, and the two schools developed strong links through shared values, friendships, and family traditions. Among those who made that journey were some of the boys tragically involved in one of the darkest moments in Forres history.

In 1955, five Forres pupils lost their lives in a devastating incident on the beach at Swanage. What began as a carefree afternoon turned to tragedy when the boys unearthed what they believed to be buried treasure—only to discover it was, in fact, a Second World War land mine. Recent heavy rain and a small landslip had dislodged the mine from the cliffs above, setting the stage for disaster.

The explosion sent shockwaves through the Forres and Swanage communities and far beyond. Five families were left heartbroken, and a generation of school friends, teachers, and local residents were left reeling. The incident became one of national significance and was remembered for decades afterwards.

For many years, the boys were honoured quietly at the Forres School site with a commemorative plaque. But with the original school building no longer in use and its future uncertain, the need for a more permanent and public memorial became clear.

Old Forresian and President of the Old Honitonians Club, Seb Warner (Forres 1988–1993), (Venning 1993-1998) led a remarkable community campaign to create a new tribute. Through dedicated crowdfunding and careful planning, Seb delivered a stunning new memorial overlooking Swanage Bay, now placed alongside the town’s official war memorials.

The project was completed just days before the 70th anniversary of the tragedy. Its timing, location, and significance were deeply moving—not just for those connected to Forres, but for all who value the preservation of memory and the honouring of lives cut short.

Though Forres School is no longer open, its legacy lives on through the lives of its former pupils, many of whom went on to Allhallows and became part of the wider Old Honitonians family. The new memorial is a powerful reminder of the shared history between our schools and of the deep human stories behind them.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and admiration to Seb Warner and all those who supported the project. Swanage needed this.  A truly humbling and lasting tribute.

OH Club President Seb Warner said:

“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.”