The Pity of War, the Pity War Distilled

“It is particularly appropriate that HALO should have a presence on this most significant of anniversaries. HALO’s mission is to clear the explosive debris of war, and in so doing, restore countries to peace.” James Cowan, CEO The HALO Trust

HALO was honoured to be the present at Guildford Choral Society’s very special performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem to commemorate 100 years since the end of the Great War.

The choral society were joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Bach Choir and choristers from Guildford Cathedral for a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the fallen. As darkness fell, a lone trumpeter played the last post and a beacon was lit outside the cathedral—a tribute to those killed or wounded in battle. Then, at 7.05pm the bells rang out, joining 1000 cathedrals and churches across the country, mirroring the celebrations 100 years ago on the day the guns of war finally fell silent.

Before the concert Dr. Jane Potter, renowned expert on Wilfred Owen and the literature of World War One, gave an introductory talk, reflecting on The Armistice, Wilfred Owen and the War Requiem.

James Cowan, HALO’s CEO, then addressed the audience, extending his thanks to Guildford Choral Society for choosing HALO as their charity partner for the event. In his speech he drew on the parallels between the spirit of peace and reconciliation in Britten’s War Requiem and the role of HALO.

“A century after the Great War ended, I believe HALO’s mission has particular resonance with Britten’s masterpiece and its message of reconciliation. HALO knows that the pity of war does not end until all the landmines and all the unexploded bombs are gone.” James Cowan

The work was commissioned for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral in May 1962, built to replace the medieval building destroyed during the 1941 blitz. This powerful image of rebuilding from the ruins can again be seen reflected in HALO’s work around the world.

“The rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral was also a celebration of humanity’s determination to overcome destruction and our capacity for regeneration and reconciliation. Rebuilding is at the heart of what The HALO Trust does, as I saw first-hand in Fallujah—where our local Iraqi staff are clearing improvised mines left behind by ISIS. Those IEDs were powerful enough to destroy a car but sensitive enough to be triggered by a child’s footsteps.” James Cowan

HALO would like to thank Guildford Choral Society and all those who contributed to the retiring collection in support of our work, allowing life and peace to return to communities once shattered by war.