World War One: - Battlefields Tour 2007 – HCS returns to the Western Front

0500 hours, Monday 28th  May:  32 intrepid 3rd years accompanied by 4 members of staff set off by coach to Dover, armed with Wellingtons, and plenty of sandwiches.  The lashing rain eased off as we approached the ferry, signalling the start of blue skies and sunshine that would last throughout the 3 day trip.  We collected our guide Tony (trademark hat already in place) and set off across the channel for Calais.

By 2pm we were standing on the ridge outside the Notre Dame de Lorette cemetery, looking out across the valley and trying to comprehend the vast casualty figures for the battle to control this gentle slope.  The French cemetery and monuments were a fitting start to the tour as Tony reminded us about Britain’s role as ‘junior partner’ to the French on the Western Front. Next we explored the ‘Musee Vivant’ and the elephant iron and rusting artillery remains in the recreated trench systems. Our last visit of the day was to the German cemetery at Neuville St-Vaast: the plain markers and stark layout a dramatic contrast to the gleaming white gravestones and careful planting that we would see in British and French cemeteries.

Tuesday was a packed day on the Somme, getting an impression of the scale and tactics of this infamous battle.  The peace and reflection of the open countryside at Serre contrasted with the carefully maintained and organised Newfoundland Park, where we heard about the German’s piano and ladies underwear….

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing was an imposing sight - Matt Warne succeeded in locating the name of C.G.N.Morris, old Herefordian, amongst the 73 000 names engraved. Lochnagar Crater was incredible – impossible to take a photo which would incorporate the full size of the mine crater and even more difficult to imagine the explosion that actually caused this hole in 1916. We visited ‘Devil’s Wood’ and finally ended the day on a poignant note as James Nowosielski laid a wreath at the grave of his great grandfather’s brother at the cemetery at Les Beoufs.  This reminded us that all the names and headstones represent real individuals, all with relatives who mourned their loss.  It was also sad to think that most families at the time of WW1 would never have been able to visit the graves of their loved ones and see where they fell.

Wednesday was our last day and we headed for Ypres – first stop the New Irish Farm Cemetery.  The blue sky and beautiful flowers created a fitting backdrop to a brief ceremony where we laid a wreath on behalf of the school, remembering all the ‘old boys’ of HCS who served and the 67 who lost their lives in WW1.  From here we went to the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum, both of which gave a clear impression of the impact of the war on towns and civilians as well as the soldiers. A quick trip around the chocolate shops of Ypres and then off to Sanctuary Wood, an original museum from the 1920’s complete with it’s own muddy trench system where the very brave attempted the ‘dark tunnel’…. 

All in all a very intensive three days where we saw a lot, learned even more and stored up many thoughts and emotions which will remain for a long time to come.