Embarking with a total of 133 students, 15 teachers, 6 guides, 3 drivers, and 3 coaches, the organisation and logistics of this trip were by no means a small undertaking, involving considerate planning and preparation by our guides and the group leaders before departure.
Keep reading to hear more about their trip from Group Leader, George Marshall-James.
“I owe a huge debt of thanks not just to our guides and drivers, but also to my 14 colleagues who worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare of our students throughout the trip.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
The group had an early start, with a departure from their school at 5.30am to depart for the Eurotunnel. Upon their arrival in France, the coaches continued to the first visits of the tour at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery and the nearby Essex Farm Cemetery.
“I was guide on coach three, but had the opportunity to engage with all the students at various times throughout the tour. The students were very engaging, and many put themselves forward when asked for volunteers to assist the guides."
Richard Knight, Anglia Tours WWI Battlefields Guide
In the afternoon, groups visited Bayernwald and Langemark German War Cemetery. The first day was concluded with an act of remembrance in the Last Post Ceremony, where students took part in wreath-laying and moments of reflection, including an intimate music performance from teachers and students.
“The ‘Last Post’ ceremonies and two wreath-layings are always sombre and powerful highlights of the trip – huge thanks to Mr Walker and Charlotte, who performed beautifully under considerable pressure. The combination of the flute and violin this year really did bring a tear to your eye.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
Following an early start, a busy day of travel, and numerous visits, the students were ready to relax for their first evening at Messines Hostel. Many enjoyed giant chess, football games, and other fun activities in the evening, before heading off to rest.
“Whilst the main focus of the three days was the daytime activities, students also clearly enjoyed their time together and particularly the evenings in the hostel. The Messines Hostel is a superb venue with great facilities and plentiful food. Students were able to relax through playing a variety of card games and sports but also sitting around chatting about their experiences of the day.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
The next morning, groups headed to Sunken Lane, Serre, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and Ulster Tower Memorial, before ending the day at Thiepval Memorial, where some students found the names of their relatives on the walls of remembrance. Anglia guides had researched students’ relatives before the tour, so that their stories could be told on the ground where they trod, creating a powerful and poignant experience for students.
“We managed to include the majority of the hoped-for pilgrimages – a unique, moving and valuable experience for the students involved – which will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
On the final day of the trip, the group visited Vimy Monument Canadien, Arras Memorial, Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette, The Ring of Remembrance, La Touret Military Cemetery, and Tyne Cot, where musicians from the school played beautifully to support their reflection and thoughts for those who fell.
“Even when the weather was not so great, the guides were still able to engage students with personal accounts from soldiers who fought, to practical demonstrations of WW1 Warfare. Without the guides, our students would not take away half as much from this experience. They are the key to the experience allowing the Battlefield sites to come alive with their unlimited knowledge and enthusiasm.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
Following a moving remembrance ceremony at Tyne Cot, the group began their journey home. While tired from the jam-packed activities of the last three days, students were eager to share their memories from the trip, buzzing from the experiences and memories that they had brought home with them.
“We had an incredible three days for this trip. This was my first time leading the Calthorpe Park WW1 Experience, a trip since the start of my teaching career that I have always wanted to run. Though the students’ short-term memories of the trip may inevitably be of chocolate, laughs, and time with their mates, I hope the students will remember it for deeper reasons for many years to come.”
Mr George Marshall-James, Group Leader
Anglia Tours would like to thank all those involved from Calthorpe Park School for the organisation and support of this year’s trip.
It’s a great pleasure to be asked to guide this school alongside my fellow guides year after year.”
Richard Knight, Anglia Tours WWI Battlefields Guide
We would also like to thank the students from Calthorpe Park School for their enthusiastic, engaging, and respectful attitude displayed throughout the tour.
“Thank you to the whole team for such an amazing and memorable experience. We’ve had three children experience the trip now and it will certainly stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Parent of student
Get in touch
If you’re interested in booking a fully guided history tour with Anglia Tours, you can request a quote online here.
You can also contact us by telephone on 01376 574130, or email [email protected]
For more about our WWI Battlefield Tours, click here, or browse our range of fully guided history tours, click here.
