Published Date:
Dunoon Grammar School pupils are celebrating after a short film they made has been selected as a finalist for Poppy Scotland's Moving Stories competition.
The film tells the story of former Dunoon Grammar pupil Walter Sinclair Smith, who was killed during the Christmas Day Truce of 1914 bringing the truce to an end in that section of the Western Front. It is one of four films going to a public vote to decide the overall winner of the competition being run to mark the 90th anniversary of Poppy Scotland.
Sean McMahon (16), who is an S5 pupil, plays the part of Walter in the school production and said "Walter was one of five brothers, four of whom were involved in the Great War. We have tried to get across that Walter and other ex-pupils like him are more than just names engraved on a brass plaque, but were real people who found themselves in the most terrible of events. It was amazing that Walter took part in the Christmas truce of 1914, but heart-breaking that he was shot on Christmas Day."
Cleland Sneddon, Executive Director of Community Services added, "We are delighted that this work has been short listed for such a prestigious and worthy award. To receive recognition from Poppy Scotland is fantastic and we would encourage everyone to get behind the pupils and vote for the film on the Poppy Scotland website. I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the making of the film and wish them every success".
Voting opens at noon on Thursday, 19 April and closes on Thursday, 17 May 2012.