Cornish September 11 attacks hero Rescorla to be commemorated

Nic Stanlake, assistant headteacher of Penpol Primary, said its Year 6 pupils had been learning about Rescorla and his involvement in the attacks.

“Whether your successes are here or further afield you can’t deny his roots, he was a proud Cornishman and we’re very proud of him as well,” he said.

Penpol Primary’s forest school and wildlife garden have been dedicated to Rescorla.

“I’ve led plenty of assemblies in my time when the children aren’t particularly engaged,” Stanlake said.

“But when we talk about people like Rick, it’s very much living history.

“It’s something they can really relate to – a man who’s so inspirational, it’s hard not to be inspired by his story.”

Ten-year-old Niyah said: “He was a man who saved many lives… and during that it was a rush to get everyone out, but to calm people down he sang Cornish songs.”

Another student, Seth, 10, said: “I think he must have been very brave to be able to go back in there and save more people knowing that his life was at risk.”