Year 8 4.10.24

Humanities Trip: Battlefield Tour

29 pupils from a mixture of Year 7 and 8 rose early on the Saturday morning of exeat to be at school for a 5am departure for the Battlefields trip. Heading down to the Channel Tunnel by coach, it was not long before we were in Northern France. Our first stop was at Vimy Ridge, where between 1915 and 1917 dozens of tunnels were dug by French, British, Canadian and German forces.  The pupils had the chance to explore the trenches as well as the most interesting and informative visitor centre. More than ten kilometres of tunnels were dug to support the Canadian Corps’ assault at Vimy Ridge. The trip included a visit to the impressive Memorial and it was beautifully maintained by Canadians, who acted as guides at the site. From there we headed on to Beaumont Hamel, which recognises Newfoundlanders who served in the First World War. We saw the great Bronze caribou – the emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.  It watches over the rolling fields where many fell and have no known final resting place. It was very poignant and moving. From there, we ventured on to the magnificent British Memorial at Thiepval, which was again so moving to see the children looking for their family surname amongst the Memorials.  Our final stop was at the enormous mine crater at La Boiselle. The tour provided first-hand experience of the battlefield and provided a valuable educational and personal insight into one of the most heavily fought over sectors of the Great War. It was certainly a fascinating day and one, I am sure the pupils will never forget. The journey home gave the pupils time to reflect on their experience Paul Morgan-Jones