The 3^rd Form Battlefields Trip provided a valuable experience for all pupils and staff.

Spending four days visiting the sites of the First World War conveyed incredibly clearly the sheer enormity of the conflict. This is emphasised by the monumental scale of the Thiepval Memorial or our visit to Notre Dame de Lortette to see the new L’Anneau de la Mémoire memorial where 580,000 names of those who died fighting for both sides at Nord-Pas-de-Calais are recorded.

Alongside this, the trip provided a special occasion for many pupils to find the names and graves of relatives who fought and died in the Great War. Visiting sites such as Tyne Cot and Newfoundland Park enabled this year’s 3^rd Form to understand the scale of the conflict, whilst hearing about individuals and many Old Brutonians. Perhaps the most emotional moment was the Memorial Service at Thiepval Monument where Laura and Llewellyn laid a wreath during the contemplative ceremony.  The trip also provided a wonderful opportunity for the 3^rd Form to sharpen their English, RS and History skills, alongside forging many more friendships. An album of photos from the trip can be viewed below.

George Beverly - Chaplaincy Assistant & History Teacher