This blog has now been viewed 3776 times.
We will edit a few more photos over the coming week and upload them to the Picasa Web album.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Friday, 2 March 2012
Home
We are back at school after a long but very rewarding trip. Thank you to all the boys for how well they behaved and thank you to all the staff for their hard work, particularly the History department.
FYI, at the last count, this Blog has already been viewed 2823 times. This includes people from Canada, Alaska, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany and of course the UK.
Thanks for your interest. More photos will go on the Picasa Web album over the weekend.
FYI, at the last count, this Blog has already been viewed 2823 times. This includes people from Canada, Alaska, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany and of course the UK.
Thanks for your interest. More photos will go on the Picasa Web album over the weekend.
Not Long Now
We have exited the M25 and will be passing by Chessington World of Adventures in the next few minutes.
Back in Blighty
We are off the Eurotunnel and heading back to school. Our best estimate is between 8.30pm and 8.45pm. That would be around half an hour earlier than originally planned.
Thiepval Memorial
Our last visit of the tour to the Thiepval Memorial to the missing. We were amongst history celebrity as we spotted Dan Snow (@thehistoryguy) in the visitor centre. Onwards to Blighty.
The Ulster Trench
A fascinating talk from Teddy at the Ulster tower and trenches. Thomas Zbucki dresses as a First World War Tommy while we all get a thorough insight into what fighting in the trenches was really like.
Lunch in Albert
Time for the boys to spend some money on lunch and have a quick look round a typical French town.
Newfoundland Memorial
Our second visit to a Canadian memorial. This site contains a beautiful bronze caribou statue as well as cratered battle ground and a fascinating visitor's centre.
Lochnagar Crater
Group 3/4 visit the enormous Lochnagar crater. This crater was formed by the detonation of a mine at 7.28am on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Breakfast on the last day
Finishing up breakfast on the final day. A little light rain this morning will not dampen our spirits.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
The Menin Gate Ceremony
Menin Gate.
After a lovely chicken dinner we assemble at the Menin Gate for the ceremony. The local fire brigade provide trumpeters to play the 'Last Post'. This ceremony takes place every day of the year and has done every year since the end of WWII. A moving end to a very special day.
Dinner in Ypres
Dinner at Vivaldi's.
Back in Ypres for dinner in a restaurant followed by the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Yorkshire Trench
Yorkshire Trench.
The last stop before dinner in Ypres. The Yorkshire trench is a recreation of the front line of the salient that was defended by the Yorkshire regiment. The trenches were rediscovered during the building of an industrial park.
Essex Farm
Essex Farm.
The Essex Farm site includes a series of concrete rooms that were used as a medical dressing station. The boys have an opportunity to look around inside the bunkers.
Hill 60
Hill 60.
Mr. Coomber explains the significance of this site to the boys. They then have a chance to explore the site.
Park of Peace
Island of Ireland.
Another new site for us to visit today. This park and tower which commemorates the 1st world war dead from all over Ireland was only opened recently.
Lunchtime in Ypres
Ypres Cathedral.
An hour free time in Ypres for lunch and a bit of shopping. Expect some 'Leonidas' chocolates for Mother's day!
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Tyne Cot.
Mr. Coll talks to the boys about the various battles in and around Ypres. The boys will complete some written work comparing the Langemarck and Tyne Cot cemeteries while they are here.
1917 Museum
The dugout experience.
A new addition to the trip this year. The 1917 Museum is a fascinating glimpse into the life of the troops on all sides.
Langemarck German Cemetery
Our first visit of the day is to the German first world war cemetery. Mr. Coomber talked to the boys about the design features and history of the cemetery. Slow Internet in this part of Belgium prevented us posting a picture. Check the Picasa Web album for more pictures this evening.
Morning Mass
Church of Sint Pieter in Lo.
On St. David's day the year group attend Mass in the nearby church.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Link to Picasa Web and many more pictures.
To view the Picasa Web album of pictures taken during the 2012 Battlefields trip, please paste the following link into your web browser:
https://picasaweb.google.com/117532175897555428057/RCBattlefields201202
More photos will be uploaded each day.
Enjoy!
https://picasaweb.google.com/117532175897555428057/RCBattlefields201202
More photos will be uploaded each day.
Enjoy!
Homework Time!
Homework Time.
After a wonderful dinner of soup followed by Gammon and Croquette potatoes the boys begrudgingly sat down to some homework. Some of them already seem ready for bed!
Onwards to Belgium
We have finished our visits for the day. We must leave France and head into Belgium to our hotel for dinner, homework then bed.
Having been on Canadian soil at the Vimy memorial, Belgium will be our fourth country of the day!
Having been on Canadian soil at the Vimy memorial, Belgium will be our fourth country of the day!
Vimy Ridge Memorial
Vimy Memorial
Mr Coll explains the importance of Vimy Ridge and describes how the Canadian Memorial came to be built here.
Vimy Ridge trench system
Vimy Ridge
Our second visit of the day. Mr Coomber explains the trench system to the boys.
Group 3/4 at Arras Cemetery
Arras Cemetery
Our first stop of the day at the very moving cemetery of Arras. Here we will learn the story of one young soldier commemorated here and carry out a cemetery survey.
Eurotunnel Terminal
Inside the terminal
We were teased with the possibility of an early train, which was eventually cancelled. We are therefore getting the original scheduled train. Oh well.
Preparing to leave!
Everyone arrived on time, with all their things. Fingers crossed for good weather while we are away.
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