SICKENED students from Cirencester have condemned the actions of three schoolgirls who performed Nazi salutes during a two minute silence to remember the war dead.
Fellow Deer Park School pupils were outraged by the behaviour of the 15-year-old pupils as the class paused to observe the two minute silence for Armistice Day on Friday.
The girls, who have since apologised for their actions, were put in isolation for the day as punishment but many students have called for tougher action with one suggesting they be forced to meet the families of fallen soldiers and visit war graves.
Army veteran Allen Howe, who is also chairman of the Cirencester branch of the British Legion, was appalled by the incident.
The 62-year-old, who led the Armistice Day remembrance service at Cirencester Parish Church on Friday, said he had been told about the incident by his granddaughter, a pupil at the school.
"It's absolutely disgusting and totally wrong. I thought it was very good that the other pupils have refused to tolerate this behaviour," he said.
It is understood that the girls have been off school since the incident because of the angry backlash, with police called in to investigate some allegations of cyber-bullying.
Headteacher Chiquita Henson said each year the school raised awareness of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and pupils and staff observed a two minutes' silence on November 11 at 11am.
"This year it was a very moving occasion as a bugler played The Last Post while the Union Flag was lowered," she said. "I was therefore very disappointed to learn of the actions of the three girls in a classroom away from the main ceremony, but I was encouraged by the strength of feeling initially expressed by their peers in response.
"The pupils involved have expressed their regret for the upset that has been caused and now wish to move on in their learning. We recognise that all young people occasionally make mistakes and are committed to supporting the girls' return to school."
Pupils have previously enjoyed links with the Army such as when they visited 29 Regiment RLC at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, in South Cerney, earlier this year as part of a community engagement event.
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