A short report on the Belgium trip so far, thanks to Mrs Dunkey for keeping us updated.
Day one:
Students visited Ypres Flanders Field exhibition, then on to Menin Gate where they focused in particular on the Northamptonshire regiment.
Then followed an intersting talk about WW1 artefacts.
Day two:
This was a very moving day, firstly students visited Essex Farm Dressing station where it is believed that John Mcrae wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields' after burying his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer in May 1915. There is a 15 year old buried there and 9 soldiers who died on Christmas day.
Then on to Langemark German Cemetery. Students were shocked to see how different the graves were, including the mass grave of 40,000 soldiers.
At Hill 62 / Sanctuary Wood, students were able to experience the genuine trenches from World War One.
Then to Tyne Cot Cemetery where students and staff laid crosses either at a grave or their choosing or family member.
Then back to Ypres for traditional Belgium waffle and a visit to a chocolate shop. The Evening meal was followed by The Last Post ceremony in remembrance of our fallen heroes.
The student have been outstanding, two students laid wreaths, and we were commended by a member of the public for their impeccable behaviour.