Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017

In February of 2017 a group of Year 9 students had the opportunity to visit Ypres, Belgium to learn more about the First World War and the effects it had on Belgium and surrounding countries. The trip was not only educational and relevant to the topics we were doing in lessons but also a short holiday enjoyed by all of us.

After a 6-hour coach trip, firstly we visited Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest commonwealth cemetery.  There were hundreds of gravestones, row after row, a clear representation of just how many people lost their lives during the war – and that’s not including those that were never found and didn’t receive a grave!

After walking around the site for a while, reading about each soldier, we went back to the coach and drove to a second graveyard for German soldiers. It was heart-breaking to see so many lives lost on both side, especially the fact that many bodies were piled upon each other in graves at this cemetery.

Tired and emotional, we all headed to our hotel, Poppies 2.  Being a returning school, we were welcomed warmly. The rooms were amazing, varying from accommodation for 2- 12 students, with amazing views overlooking the astonishing Belgian architecture.

All relaxed, we prepared for dinner.  We had nice stroll down the street to our restaurant, going past The Flanders Field Museum.  It’s probably the most spectacular building we’ve ever seen.

School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017

Dinner was lovely, the atmosphere, the laughter and friends, came together for an enjoyable evening.

After our meal, we took another brief walk to the Last Post memorial, The Menin Gate.  When we arrived, our breath was taken and everyone just stopped and awe silence swept over the group. The crowd began to grow and silence became apparent. The bugles sounded and the heart touching ceremony began. Once the short but unforgettable ceremony came to end, we headed back to Poppies 2 for the last time.  Once again covered in tears and with weary legs. We separated into our rooms for a long deserved sleep. By 10 o’clock the hotel was silent.

At 7 o’clock the next morning we were awoken by the teachers.  Dragging our feet, we made it down for breakfast in time to be briefed on our itinerary for the day.

Having finished our continental breakfast, we rushed upstairs to be ready for the short walk to the chocolate shop! Shortly after 9:30am we arrived and it was amazing!  It had everything from truffles to Pralines. Luckily, as we were students we got a bundle of chocolates discounted.  We were able to choose from boxes of chocolates, truffles, fudge, pralines, marshmallows and more. After what seemed like only 10 minutes we were pulled from the shop, despite some people’s efforts and headed for the Flanders Field Museum.

This was the museum that made us realise the seriousness of the war itself.  Causing millions of deaths from across the globe to innocent citizens trying to defend their country.  The Flanders Field Museum is in honour of those who fought for Ypres while it was invaded by the Germans and how they fought ruthlessly to defend Belgium.

Despite their efforts, they were captured and taken under control by the Germans. We soaked in the information given to us through insightful and interactive displays and left for the bus once again.

This time, we were heading to the last graveyard of the trip, called ‘Essex Farm Cemetery’.  Here was an insight of the living conditions for those soldiers suffering from injuries and the nurses who treated them.  With the bunkers still intact we were able to get an understanding of the horrors and how fearful the soldiers must have felt.  Also in this cemetery, is the grave of the youngest Soldier to die in WW1, V. J Strudwick aged just 15 years.

Leaving in shock, we got on the bus for the final time and headed back to England.

Overall, the Ypres visit was an educational and insightful trip, enjoyed by all the pupils.  Not only an informative trip, but it was also an enjoyable few days away with friends. If given the chance to go back, we all would!

Izzy, Aimee & Jenna Year 9

School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017
School Trip
Ypres, Belgium WW1 Tour Trip 2017