Remembering the Somme
50 students visit the war graves 

An early 4:30am start on Wednesday 29th June, set Year 8 off on their journey to Belgium. We were privileged to be visiting the Battlefields of World War One during the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Our first visit of the trip took us to Newfoundland Park, which was being visited by the Queen later that day. Our first experience of the trenches came when we visited Thiepval Woods, and as we gazed down into them it made us realize just how harsh the conditions were for the soldiers.

At Lochnagar we witnessed first-hand just how destructive war can be, when we saw the huge crater left behind by an explosion of underground bombs. It was when we visited Tyne Cot British Cemetery that it fully dawned on us the huge sacrifice that had been made by the brave soldiers of World War One. As we stood there in silence, looking out over a sea of white gravestones we could not help but feel moved, saddened and proud of all the men who fought and died for our country.

Overall the trip was an amazing experience and I’m sure everyone else felt the same way. “It made me realise the hell that the soldiers must have gone through. A really moving experience that I will never forget,” Maisie. I would recommend this trip to everyone, whether you are interested in the war or not, as it has made me truly appreciate everything I have today, and has given me some memories that will stay with me for as long as I live.  

By Billy Ragg- 8D