We began at Essex Farm, a British cemetery near Ypres. Our guide Tom talked engagingly about some of the soldiers buried there:
Rifleman Strudwick was 15 when he died in action- only 1 year older than most of the students on our trip. A short distance away was the grave of a soldier whose heroism had led to the awarding of a Victoria Cross. The soldier concerned, Private T. Barrett of the South Staffs Regiment, fought a single-handed rearguard action against overwhelming odds, allowing his comrades to escape before fighting his own way back to his lines.
Essex Farm was where Canadian Doctor John McCrae composed the famous poem 'In Flanders Field'. Guide Tom pointed out the exact spot where the poem was written. This led seamlessly onto the second stop of the day, which was the 'In Flanders Field' museum in the amazing Cloth Hall in the centre of Ypres. The centre of the city was reconstructed exactly as it had been prior to its complete destruction in the war. It is now a beautiful reproduction of a prosperous medieval town, and the Cloth Hall is the jewel in its crown. The museum was a well laid out multimedia display of many aspects of the war fought to try to claim control of this strategic city.
Lighter moments were provided shortly after by a visit to a Belgian chocolate shop that did a staggering amount of business from youngsters with money burning a hole in their pockets. Let's hope that some of this produce makes it home to grateful relatives!
The afternoon began with a visit to Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood where vestiges of the trench system still remain. The wellies came into their own in the smelly, muddy water that was deeper than anyone expected. The trenches and tunnel systems were very popular with the students. It was a day of beautiful autumn sunshine.
We moved onto the largest British war cemetery. Tyne Cot has over 11,000 graves with British soldiers joined by many men from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, men who were far from home. Many visitors from these countries were amongst the substantial number who were paying their respects in this immaculately kept cemetery where the dead from the brutal conflict at Passchendaele were laid to rest.
All students picked up on the different, sombre atmosphere in Langemark German cemetery. A staggering 25,000 soldiers were buried in a mass grave which was the size of a large garden. The cemetery visits were emotional for all of us.
We then called in at the Yorkshire Trench which was only recently excavated and is largely intact. It is a very steep and narrow trench and movement around it must have been exceptionally difficult.
A meal in Ypres was followed by getting a good place from which to view the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Several students laid a wreath on our behalf during a service attended by over 500 students.
Students wrote diary entries of the day and some of these follow below:
Alex C wrote:
'The war museum was my favourite today. There were loads of interesting artefacts and informative book extracts. Afterwards we went to the chocolate shop which had extraordinary deals - that's my parents' Christmas presents sorted!'
Dominic C wrote:
'Today we went to lots of thought-provoking places. They made me stop and think about how all of these brave soldiers went off to war to save their family and friends. We learned about life in the trenches - it was messy and fascinating at the same time'.
Jack K wrote:
'Today I've enjoyed visiting the trenches wher you could move through them and witness first-hand something of what the soldiers felt in World War One.'
Anya R wrote:
'It was a very educational and emotional day for everyone and I have realised how many men actually died fighting for our country. Thanks to them we live the life we live today'.
Jake V wrote:
'My favourite part of the day was going to Sanctuary Wood trenches It was good fun walking through the deep sludge. It was really interesting to be on the other side of pictures I have seen on PowerPoints and slides.'
Jess W wrote:
'I didn't like the trenches so I can't imagine what it must have been like to actually live there for years. The trenches weren't as deep as I had thought, making it easier to get shot.
Phoebe O wrote:
'It was odd to think about the fact that so many men had once used, lived in and even died in these trenches. The Tyne Cot cemetery was emotional because we are probably all related to someone buried there.'
Jessica P rounded it all off by writing:
'Today I loved going to the Essex Farm cemetery. I found it overwhelming and very moving. I have the greatest of respect for these people even though none of them is known to me. I looked for the most lonely grave and paid my respects. My understanding of the trenches has grown. I have learnt that life was hard and that many people were tougher than us. My respect for the soldiers has grown so much- it was all so moving.'
Jessica- we all agree. Thanks to everyone for contributions to the blog. Tomorrow- The Somme.
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