Year 9 visit WW1 battlefields

The trip to the Battlefields of the First World War taken by 43 Removes was both educational and deeply moving. Experiencing the cold and wind must have given the students a small glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by soldiers during the war.

The visit to the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial, which commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers of the British Army who fell in battle and have no known grave, highlights the significant contributions and sacrifices made by the India Corps during the Great War.

Exploring Vimy Ridge and learning about trench and mine warfare, along with the guided tour of the underground tunnels, have been fascinating and provided a vivid understanding of the underground war.

There was a particularly touching personal story shared during the ceremony at the German cemetery. Victor Schmidt, one of the students, placed a cross on the grave of his great-great uncle who died fighting among German troops. This moment highlighted the personal connections and the human cost of the conflict, making it a very moving experience for everyone.

Finally, the visit to the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, with its vast arch and rolls of names, offered a powerful moment of reflection on the war's impact and the question of whether it was worth it. Julian Humphrey's closing words, "We can do what those men could not. Go home," serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the privilege of peace. Students were reminded that some Chigwell boys did not returned and their names are engraved there among thousands of others.

- Ms Kwiecinska, Teacher of History and Head of Penns