The History Department organised a residential trip abroad to France and Belgium to visit key battle sites during World War I. Fifty Year 10 students left at 4am on Sunday 6th July to embark on a jam packed tour of key sites involved in the Battle of the Somme and the conflicts on the Ypres salient. This tour was led by Paul Iverson and Andy Wallace from Anglia Tours- both experts in the history of the Western Front. On the first day, students were able to actually experience the environment in the trenches at the Bayernwald Trench system; a restored German trench, and they got to walk between the frontlines at Hill 60. They learnt about the development of weapons such as Chlorine and Phosgene gas, and the way in which this actually pushed forward medical developments.  Students also took part in an evidence handling workshop which allowed them to use a replica World War I stretcher and handle the contents of a typical medical officer’s kit.  A highlight of this workshop was definitely seeing four Year 10 students transport Ms Philips on a stretcher along the chain of evacuation!

Students also got to spend some time at World War I cemeteries and reflect on the sacrifices of those involved. We visited Tyne Cot Cemetery- a Commonwealth cemetery with the remains of 11,961 servicemen from many different countries including Great Britain, Canada, India and Australia. Students also visited Fricourt- a German cemetery which gave them an opportunity to make comparisons about how countries choose to honour those lost in conflict. Our first day finished by attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres- a ceremony to remember those who lost their lives, but do not have graves. This ceremony has taken place everyday at 8pm since 2nd July 1928, with the only exception being during the Nazi occupation of World War II. On the second day the tour concluded with a very poignant visit to the Thiepval memorial to those lost at the Somme in 1916. We held our very own Last Post ceremony and a wreath was laid at the memorial by Livia Tracey, Harrison Goddard, Nesrin Mitchelson and Tyler Lidbetter. Alexander Vyse also read the exhortation from ‘For the Fallen’ by L.Binyon.  One of our students was able to locate a relative on this memorial, and with the help of our guides, he was also able to find the approximate location of his death during the Battle of the Somme. It was very touching and moving to see one of our students lay a poppy cross at this location in a moment of personal reflection and gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Despite the very changeable and, at times, very wet weather, the students’ behaviour was exemplary and the tour guides were very impressed with both the knowledge of our students and their engagement. The Year 10s should feel very proud about the way in which they represented the Collegiate. This was a trip which will leave a lasting impression on all those involved – teachers and students alike.