For evermore – a visit to the Battlefields
Senior School, History
Visiting the Belgian city of Ypres is a fascinating portal through which to view an important chapter of world history. The thoughtful restorations and exhibitions which detail events are strewn across this region of Belgium and France – once known as the Western Front. Ypres and the surrounding farmlands were the epicentre of the battlefields of the First World War, and the town itself was almost totally destroyed in 1914. History tells of the loss of over 1.7 million lives in this small part of Belgium alone.
Accompanied by an expert guide, students learned about construction of trenches and heard about the life of the soldiers who lived in them, as well as their daily routines. The girls learned about different types of weapons and warfare, including the use of gas, and visited the scene of many battles. They also travelled to the Somme, walking in the footsteps of the men who went over the top in July 1916 through Sunken Lane, and then travelled on to the site of battles involving the Newfoundland Regiment and the 36th Ulster Division.
At each stage of the trip, students were reminded of the work of great and lesser known poets who were inspired to write of their experiences of the war and its impact – an anthology of these poems was produced to support the trip.
There were many opportunities to reflect; especially during the last post ceremony at The Menin Gate – held daily since 1928 – and during visits to some of the great cemeteries at Lijssenthoek, the immense Thiepval Memorial and the German cemetery at Langemarck. The group held a private ceremony of remembrance at Tyne Cot, laying a wreath by the name of one of the missing, Tom Pearson, the great great uncle of one of the students on the trip.
Whilst the subject being studied was sobering, the humour of the students was positive and Mrs Pagnamenta, Head of History and Trip Leader said of the girls: “It was a really lovely trip with great students who threw themselves into visualising this challenging chapter of our history – we all came away feeling richer for the experience. Afterall, the ‘Great War’ is essential for understanding the history of the rest of the 20th century.”
Many thanks to all the staff who supported students on this trip and we look forward to hearing more about it when we gather for our own Remembrance assembly after half term.
“ Ypres and the surrounding farmlands were the epicentre of the battlefields of the First World War, and the town itself was almost totally destroyed in 1914. History tells of the loss of over 1.7 million lives in this small part of Belgium alone.”