61 members of Year 9 and six staff set off early on 7th March for the trip to the WW1 Battlefields.  The trip coincided with the French strike and the journey to the ferry involved avoiding Operation Stack!  Once there, we were told we were being put on the train - so back to Folkestone to wait two and a half hours for the next train (hurrah!).  Then there was a power cut in the tunnel and we were told it would be a further six hour wait (hurrah, hurrah!).

We finally arrived in Ypres in time for dinner and a brief tour of the chocolate shops.  At 8.00 pm we joined the crowds for the moving ceremony at the Menin Gate.

The allied cemetery at Tyne Cot

At the Menin Gate in Ypres

Unfortunately because of the travel chaos we decided to concentrate on the sights around Ypres.  The students felt the contrast between the upliftng Allied cemetery at Tyne Cot and the dark, forbidding experience at the Langemarck German cemetery.  There was a chance to run through the trenches at Sanctuary Wood and explore the German bunkers on Hill 60.  It was then back into Ypres to visit the excellent 'In Flanders Field' museum and buy more chocolate.

Memorial at the Langemarck German cemetery

Despite being diverted to the Tunnel by the French strikers, the return journey was uneventful.  The students' behaviour was excellent and even the drivers heaped praise on them.  I would like to thank Mrs Morgan, Mr Bingham, Mrs Bailey, Mr Cullen and Miss de Bondt for all their help.

Simon Davies

Head of History