Student responses the the visit to the Somme battlefields.

This section contains contributions from: Jake V, Mia W,  Jack J, Jessica P, Liam W, Abi H-S, Phoebe O, Reece J, Cameron P, Thomas B, Billy R, Charlotte O, Emma J, Josh G, Aileen C and George M.

Jake V wrote:
'The most interesting part of the day was the visit to the Newfoundland Park. I liked this because you could see the real battlefield from WW1. The good thing was that our guide Tom was able to show us as well as tell us.
A good example of this was when Tom said the Germans had an easy shot at the Newfoundlanders. When we got to the German frontline, we could see what an easy shot this was.'

Mia W wrote:
'The Thiepval memorial was very impressive. I couldn't believe how many people had gone missing in action. I tried to find my surname but gladly I couldn't find it.'

Jack J wrote:
'We visited the Newfoundland Memorial Park and saw all of the trench systems. I liked the clever idea of using heavy guns to create a trench quickly, which helped get the soldiers across no-man's-land.'

Jessica P wrote:
'I found the story of the Lochnagar mine crater very upsetting, to think that so many people had lost their lives in an instant, and for what? I was happy to learn that soldiers are still being found, properly buried and recognised for their bravery even after all this time.'

Liam W wrote:
'I enjoyed the visit to the Newfoundland Park and enjoyed listening to Tom's explanations about what it was all really like. At Thiepval I thought there might be a family name but I couldn't find it.'

Abi H-S wrote:
'All in all this day has made me realise just how horrible it must have been to be in this war. The soldiers were incredibly brave. I couldn't have coped and I don't know how they managed to.'

Phoebe O wrote:
'The amount of names on the Thiepval Monument shocked me because it had never occurred to me just how many people weren't found, or were no longer recognisable, or may be simply in an unnamed grave.'

Reece J wrote:
'One of the saddest places we visited was the Devonshire Cemetery. The Captain Tom told us about had done his research and he knew that the German machine guns would probably kill the men very quickly as they ran down the slope. But he had bravery and courage, and when the whistle blew, he followed his orders and moved with his men towards the guns.'

Cameron P wrote:
'We went to the Newfoundland Park. These men were from a small region and when we saw the names on the memorial, it seemed like whole families had been wiped out. You could imagine how these men ran down the hill and were killed. They didn't die for nothing as we will always remember them. It was horrible to me because it seemed like a whole community had been killed.'

Thomas B wrote:
'Today we had an educational and dramatic visit to the Newfoundland Park. We saw the view from the German trenches and saw how the gunners would have annihilated all of these poor people. We got a good idea of how the battle would have happened, how scary it would have been, and how brave these men were.'

Billy R wrote:
'Today we visited a huge bomb crater that was made at the start of the battle of the Somme. Tom told us that one British soldier was found in 1988, over 70 years after he died. He was then properly buried, which I was glad about.'

Charlotte O wrote:
'We went to the Devonshire Cemetery and we could see how the men would have to walk downhill towards machine guns. Their officer had worked out that there was no escape from the guns and they would almost certainly die. They were very brave. I don't know how I would have reacted in this situation.'

Ellen J wrote:
'The trip to the Newfoundland Park was interesting and shocking. Walking round the trenches there gave a good idea of how the battle was fought. When they came to the Killing Tree the Newfoundlanders were all hit by gunfire. I was a bit surprised that these were men who were not really trained in military work. At home they probably fished for fish and seals.'

Josh G wrote:
'At the Newfoundland Park it was intriguing to see what a WW1 battlefield looked like at it is preserved just as it was at the end of the war. Tom told us about the Newfoundlanders who were taken from their tiny country and told to come and fight. When they got to go into battle, the trenches were so packed with dead soldiers that the Newfoundland soldiers decided to get out of the trench and walk along the surface next to the trenches. It's all very well being told that the Germans had an easy shot but can really picture it when you see it for yourself.'

Aileen C wrote:
'All day I was horrified by the numbers who died or were casualties. I was surprised just how many gravestones there were in the tiny Devonshire Cemetery. It's terrifying to realise that so many men died so quickly on the morning of the battle only to be buried later that day.'

George M wrote:
'Early this morning we arrived at a huge crater that was created by a mine at the very start of the battle of the Somme. Watching the opposition being vapourised would not make me want to charge towards the scene of the incident like the soldiers did. How all of these men could leave their ordinary lives and families to join up is beyond me. Surely nowadays there would be dramatically fewer people who would want to risk their lives for their country? What made people want to fight in the first place? Was it patriotism, was it pressure from others, or propaganda? Probably the propaganda almost brainwashed people by creating a false reality of what the war was like.'

 

CLICK on the 'COMMENTS' section below to see the full range of student reactions to the visit to the Somme

Day 4- Poperinge, Dunkirk, Home.

An early morning of breakfast and packing the coach saw us swiftly on the way to Poperinge. This is a small town in Flanders that was a place of relaxation for troops given a brief rest from front-line duty. It was also a place where many soldiers were shot at dawn by firing squad. We had a chance to look at the graffiti scrawled on cell walls by these ill-fated men. Tom told us how the executions were run and what caused the men to be shot at dawn: usually, this was simply the inability to deal with the sheer terror of the horrors of war. Like so many of Tom's stories, it was very moving.

It was then a short walk across town to the Talbot House Museum which was known in WW1 as 'Any man's club'. Here it is estimated that over half a million soldiers of all ranks called in to do things as mundane as read a newspaper, write a letter, or sleep in a bed. The map on the wall shows dark smudges where the soldiers had pointed to Poperinge, Ypres, and the front line.

There was one last visit with a battlefields connection and this was to Lijssthenthoek Military Cemetery. Tom showed us the grave of staff nurse Nellie Spindler who was killed by a German shell. Nellie was one of only two female WW1 casualties to be buried in Belgium. One of our party found time for a poignant moment remembering a soldier who died of wounds received at Passchendaele.

And so our thoughts turned away from the horrors of WW1 to the exciting prospect of a visit to a massive French hypermarket where purchases as diverse as teddies, keyboards, games, make up, and a lot of food and drink were made.

A flat North Sea was a bonus and we then began the long coach ride home.

Thus the long-awaited battlefields trip was almost over. It is certain that all of the students and staff that went on this trip gained something from it: new respect, new knowledge, new experience, new friends. The thing that is unknowable is just what the fallen soldiers of World War 1  would have thought about a group of youngsters from Chester visiting their graves almost 100 years after they were laid to rest. They might be surprised that a modern generation has made the effort to come and discover their fate. However, I think it is likely that they would be immensely touched by the respectful way that these young people of Upton-by-Chester acknowledged the sacrifice that the soldiers had made for their country.

On the face of it these two groups of young people had very little in common. Soldiers from the age of empire lived in times where people were expected to know their place in society and to act accordingly, whereas we live in a time where independent thought is encouraged in a society of great technological advances.

However, the young people of both eras shared the same hopes and dreams for the future. In our case, we get to live and dream on, and however tiring the journey home was, we were glad to be able to make it.

'We will remember them'

Day 3- The Somme

Another early start saw us on the road to France and the battlefields of the Somme. We discovered peaceful countryside made up of strands of trees in rolling fields. The fog and dampness was a stark contrast to the weather on Saturday 1st July 1916. Then the sun was shining and the larks were singing. It was against this backdrop that the largest British military loss on one day took place. Nearly 20,000 men were killed and 40.000 wounded, many of whom died of their wounds on the very next day. Our visits enabled us to think about some of the events of that fateful Saturday almost one hundred years ago.

 

[Lancashire Fusiliers wait to go into battle]

We started at the Lochnagar Crater, a giant hole in the ground left when the British miners planted tons of explosives under German positions. The German gunners were literally vapourised by the huge explosion that left a massive crater that has to be seen to be believed. Photographs will struggle to do justice to this sight.

Then it was on to a small cemetery where the Devonshire Regiment met a predictable fate on the morning of the battle. Captain Martin was one of their officers and on a home visit he used the contours from maps to assess the likely route his men would have to take. He realized that he would be likely to die and expressed this in a letter to his parents. He died along with his men on in an assault on German trenches. After making the Germans retreat, the Devonshires buried their pals on the afternoon of 1st July in the trench that had been their refuge and is now the small well-tended cemetery we visited.

 

 

The Thiepval Monument was next on our itinerary. This is a monument to the men whose bodies could not be found as they could not be found or identified. Over 70,000 names were on this huge structure. Many students found their own family names on the walls. This colossal loss of life was just on the Somme and was one of several emotional parts of the day.

The Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel was bought by the Canadian government and is untouched by development, making it a unique historical resource as well as a superbly maintained monument. The Newfoundlanders were decimated on the first morning of the Somme and the names of their memorial had many same surnames from this small community that was very far from home. This visit made a big impression on our students.

Lastly we visited the Ulster Tower to recognise the important contribution of our Irish friends. There were many Irish visitors to the venues described above and many praised the respectful ways in which our students listened. They thought that what we were doing was really important and that everyone of school age should do this

Day 2 - Ypres, Passchendaele, Menin Gate

The day started with an early breakfast at 7.30 and unfolded into a truly great experience for the students and staff.

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.

Day 1- Journey to Ypres

We were up bright and early to begin the long coach journey. After some traffic hold-ups we arrived in Dover for a calm and easy crossing to Calais. No bluebirds could be found on a grey, drab day.

However, spirits were high:

 

 

 

A smooth onward journey saw us arrive on time in Ypres and after settling in, evening meal and unpacking, the study part of this study visit began with an interesting talk from battlefields guide Tom Morgan, followed by a short reflection on the day and their hopes for the visit:

 

Phoebe O wrote:

'I hope to find out what the conditions were like for the soldiers. I also want to know what it was like, as in touch, smell, feel, and so on.'

 

Jessica P wrote:

'I want to know when, where and why WW1 happened. I want to experience what life in the trenches was like.'

 

Josh G wrote:

'By seeing some of the battlefields I am expecting to learn more than I would from reading information in a textbook.'

 

Jack J wrote:

'I would like to have a good clear vision of what went on in trench life in Ypres and the Somme.

 

Sam A wrote:

'I want to see some WW1 artefacts and to see some views of the battlefields.'

 

Will R wrote:

 'From this trip I expect to gain a greater understanding  of the causes and effects of the First World War.'

 

Jess W wrote:

'You get to feel the atmosphere of the trenches and the battlefields instead of looking in a book at pictures or a poem. You get to feel the weather and a more realistic idea of what it would have been like'.

 

Jack K wrote:

'I came to find my Great Great Grandad as none of my relatives have had the chance to visit his grave'. 

 

Alex C wrote:

'I expect to find out why battles took place where they did. I would like to learn and understand the feelings in the war zones and the conditions that the soldiers lived in'.

 

 

Tomorrow we will visit the town of Ieper (Ypres). Don't forget to check on the blog tomorrow night.....

 



A local landmark

Probably the majority of our group will have walked past this memorial cross at some point....

The poppy wreaths still on the memorial show that many members of our community still actively honour and respect those who died serving our country.

The stone cross was originally erected in 1921 when the whole area looked very different....

As you can see, the surrounding land was used largely for farming and gives you some indication of the scale of housing development in this area.

The plinth at the base of the cross lists the names of the soldiers that died in World War 1.

This excellent resource by the local history group tells the story of the local men that were killed in World War 1:

http://www.historyofuptonbychester.org.uk/ww1names.pdf

As you have seen, these men of Upton were buried in numerous cemeteries. However, one soldier is commemorated in a place that we will be visiting...

Private Anderton is one of the 54.000 names on the Menin Gate of the soldiers whose final resting place is unknown. We will try to find his name to pay our respects.

TOP BRASS- THE SENIOR OFFICERS

During a chance visit to the National Portrait Gallery yesterday I saw this painting. It is massive and has a whole wall to itself.

It is by John Singer Sargent and shows 22 senior officers in dress uniform with spurs on their boots. In reality, these officers were never all in one place and Sargent worked from photographs to compose the painting.

The NPG has some notes to accompany the painting.

'These are the men known to the troops as the 'Brass Hats', on whom history has turned a cold eye. They were mocked at the same time in the soldiers' version of the hymn:

Onward Christian soldiers

Onward without fear

With our great commanders

Safely in the rear

 

A war in which the horse became obsolete, and tanks and aeroplanes were used for the first time, the Great War mobilised 5.7 million British and Dominion soldiers, cost 700.000 lives, and left 1.6 million wounded.' 

 

These figures for dead and wounded apply to British soldiers only. The total loss of life on both sides [including civilians] was over 15 million, with over 20 million wounded.

 

Sources: National Portrait Gallery, Wikipedia,