One century ago, in 1920, the Unknown Warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey, London, 11 November. The fallen serviceman with an unknown identity was chosen at random and returned from the Fields of France to represent the other people who have lost their lives in the war. Back in 1920, the coffin containing the body was placed to rest amongst Kings and Queens with a ceremony that saw King George V unveiling the Cenotaph. To mark the centenary of this moment, Westminster City Council and TMW UNLIMITED worked with the Military Wives Choirs to re-record a hymn sung at the funeral service.

“Abide with Me” was created and recorded during the lockdown and even the recording itself was a real experience and a journey. With this track, the team shows how powerful music is and how it can bring people together, even in difficult times. In the hymn, one can hear the 70 Military Wives Choirs members from 30 choirs across the UK, conducted by Artistic Director Davan Wetton.

In the pre-COVID-19 era, the choirs are usually recorded in groups of over 100 in a live, concert hall setting. But, given the current crisis, the members rehearsed solo and then recorded individually. Then, the recordings were merged to produce the final version of the track, which preserves the charity’s authentic spirit. Alongside Wetton, there was the renowned musician, composer, and producer, Sean Hargreaves.

Julia Hudson, Music & Performance Manager, Military Wives Choirs, said: “Our choir members have come from all over the country during challenging times, to produce something that fittingly commemorates the centenary of an event that brought people together during some of the most difficult times this country has ever faced.”

The campaign includes the track and a documentary video, telling the story of the Unknown Warrior. The hymns sung at the ceremony were recorded by two sound engineers. Sadly, the quality was poor so only two songs were considered good to be released. They became the first electrical recordings ever sold to the public, one of which is “Abide with Me.” Both the musical piece and the docu-style video end with the message: “Dedicated to all who have fallen in war and conflict. All who have come back, and all who have not.”

Phil Rhodes, Creative Director at TMW UNLIMITED, explained: “The campaign commemorates one of the most poignant centenaries of World War One: the burial of the Unknown Warrior. Over one million British and Commonwealth servicemen and women were killed in the war, and many were left in unmarked graves on the battlefields where they fell. Themes that were relevant in 1920 — of strength through adversity, and togetherness in the face of great loss — are still relevant to us today, and we wanted these to underpin this tribute.”

Mark Shearer, Member for St James’s Ward and Armed Forces Champion, Westminster City Council, added: “To be re-recording this single with the Military Wives Choirs during the current situation, and to be reminding people of this incredible event that brought the country together 100 years ago, makes this such a special collaboration.”

11 November also marks Armistice Day, which commemorates the day World War One ended. Yet, this year, the commemoration ceremonies will not be the same because of the pandemic. To pay tribute to the 1.7 million Commonwealth war dead, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has created the #ShineOn campaign, a virtual experience that invites people to pay their respects to the men and women who have lost their lives during the Wars. The CWGC website hosts the event, encouraging people to name starts after one of those who died during the war. Aside from this, the audience is invited to take a moment at 7 pm on 11 November and step outside their homes and look at the sky to remember the fallen.

“Whilst we can’t come together in person, we can still make sure their names burn bright. Not just for one day, but for all the days (and nights) to come. So, this year, on Remembrance Day, we’ll look up to the stars in our night sky to remember those who fell. All 1.7 million of them,” said CWGC’s Director General, Mr. Barry Murphy.

Credits:

Campaign: The 100 Year Journey of the Unknown Warrior

Client: Westminster City Council

Agency: TMW UNLIMITED

Music Credits: Military Wives Choirs

Campaign: #ShineOn

Client: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Agency: M&C Saatchi