TRIPS, TRAVEL & VISITS 97


Year 9 Battlefields Tour to the Western Front


The moment that most clearly demonstrated the futility and irrationality of the First World War for me was standing in Neuville St. Vast German cemetery and looking out to the horizon, seeing not poppies but the perfectly symmetrical headstones of the fallen, played over by dappled light shining down from the oak trees which dotted the cemetery.


That was Day Four of the annual Year 9 Battlefield Study Tour of the Western Front and that kind of poignant experience dominated the trip. I’m sure all 41 boys who toured will agree that what the expedition did superbly well was to reinforce, through personal experience, all the learning acquired from our history lessons prior to the trip.


One place that added a significant physical element to our historical knowledge of the First World War was the Menin Gate, where we were lucky enough to witness one of the daily Last Post ceremonies. Mr Holliday conducted a short service for QEH Old Boy WRR Palmer, whose name is inscribed on the Gate.


It is quite chilling to think that this man would once have done exactly the same things that we do now. I could imagine him playing in the yard or queuing for lunch in the Dining Hall. This really reinforced that The Great War took place not so very long ago and that the young men who fought and died in it were neither much older than us nor very different.


The trip, however, was not all sombre reflection and there were some other enjoyable and light hearted parts too, whether listening to the incredible sales pitch in the Belgian chocolate shop and subsequently buying far more chocolate than was necessary, or taking part in the very tense and competitive quiz on the third night. Mr Murray’s team, for example, almost lost points on several occasions for ‘noise pollution’, as quiz master Mr. Bateson so aptly put it.


I’m sure all who took part in the trip would agree that it was a resounding success due mainly to the excellent management and organisation by all the staff who came but especially by Mr Murray, who orchestrated the whole affair. Also, I think our coach driver Ivan is due high praise for his sterling dependability throughout the trip and also for displaying some impressive feats, skilfully manoeuvring the coach through the narrow streets of Belgian towns!


The trip was both incredibly moving and also highly enjoyable and I am sure that all involved will remember it for many years to come.


Eddy Aplin


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