Last week, the Class 1s (Year 9) went on the Battlefields trip to Yprés, Belgium, where we participated in a range of activities that truly brought home the reality of the First World War. In addition to exploring two outstanding and moving museums — the Flanders Fields Museum in Yprés and Talbot House in Poperinge, we also had the opportunity to visit several cemeteries, from Essex Farm, where fifteen-year-old Valentine “Joe” Strudwick is buried, to the sombre German cemetery at Langemark and Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world.
At Tyne Cot, we held a special service of our own, with students reading poems about the war by the memorial to Albert Florey, Mrs Dowling’s great-uncle, who was killed in the Yprés area but has no known grave. We also had the privilege of attending the Last Post Ceremony, where students from Queen’s laid a wreath in memory of the soldiers who died in this area. It was an incredibly moving experience, and we all feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on this trip. We also paid a visit to a traditional chocolate shop, which was a highlight.
A huge thank you to Mr. Willows and the History department for organizing this incredible opportunity to learn more about the First World War. (Florence and Daisy, CI)
