LOWER 5 PUPILS VISIT FRANCE AND BELGIUM TO SEE THE FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELDS
June 9, 2024
A group of Norwich pupils in Lower 5 visited the historic battlefields of France and Belgium. Setting off at 5am, they travelled to Dover and crossed the Channel to Calais, heading towards Ypres, to explore reconstructions of trench networks, visit cemeteries and memorials associated with key battles including the Somme and Passchendaele.
The trip began with a visit to Lijssenthoek cemetery, a casualty clearing station, where pupils reflected on the number of people buried, the different nationalities and the work of Chinese labourers who helped forces behind the front line. The day concluded with the Last Post ceremony at New Irish Farm cemetery where pupils marked the contribution of ON Nigel Bavin and laid a wreath on his grave. This was a poignant way to end after hearing stories by the guide, staff and pupils of ancestors who fought and contributed to the war effort.
Over the course of the weekend the group visited the Passchendaele Museum, where they immersed themselves in the artefacts and a reconstructed trench. The pupils were stunned at the size of Tyne Cot and the number of missing soldiers named at the Thiepval memorial. The pupils’ exemplary and respectful behaviour was evident throughout the weekend but was particularly noted at the Sheffield cemetery where pupils followed the footsteps of the Pals Battalion on the first day of the Somme.
Providing a tangible connection to their classroom lessons, the battlefields trip highlighted the sacrifice given during the First World War. A massive thank you to Miss Stone, Miss How, Miss Tilbrooke, Mr Pearce, and Miss Kelly for accompanying the trip.




