WW1 Medicine

Day 1 - Wellington Quarry & Arras

An early start, as you make your way from school to France, collecting your Battlefield guide before crossing to Calais (Eurotunnel or ferry crossing available). En-route your guide will give a full introduction to the First World War.

Arriving in Arras, take a guided tour underneath the city streets to Wellington Quarry, which was created by the New Zealand tunnellers. These tunnels were hiding place and home to thousands of soldiers and included accommodation, a chapel and a hospital - complete with operating theatres. Just a few metres from the front line, soldiers launched themselves from here in a surprise attack on German positions on the 9th April 1917.

From here, pay your respects at two of the Memorials in this area dedicated to the servicemen with no known grave. Firstly, the Arras Memorial, which commemorates over 35,000 commonwealth soldiers and then the Royal Flying Services Memorial, which commemorates 1,000 airmen. Lt Walter Tull and Maj "Mick" Mannock VC are just some of the names that you will investigate and learn more about.

Then it’s time to head to your hostel for check in and dinner.

Highlights

• Wellington Quarry underground tour
• Investigating the Royal Flying Services Memorial
• Lt Walter Tull – his story

Day 2 - Ypres

A full day exploring the battlefields and memorials around Ypres in Belgium. First, head to Lijssenthoek, where many soldiers started their journey to the front and a place which brings home the reality of war. As well as a rear area and training camp it was also the site of the largest evacuation hospital in the Ypres Salient. Begin in the visitors’ centre, before heading out to the cemetery, where you will find 10,785 burials including French, British, German, two Americans and one woman – Nurse Nellie Spindler.

The story of mining in the First World War is brought to life at the next stop, Hill 60, a small area of elevated land in an otherwise flat landscape, still showing the battle scars from over a hundred years ago, with craters and bunkers.

At Hooge Crater Museum, the war comes to life, with full scale reconstructions of war scenes, an extensive medical display, including an original Ford T Ambulance and reconstructed German and British trenches. Learn how the trenches were built and gain a greater understanding of trench diseases and their treatment. At the rear of the museum, follow the front line in the footsteps of the soldiers with a walk to Railway Wood.

Stopping at Vancouver Corner, site of the first ever large-scale gas attack during the second Battle of Ypres, learn more about this type of warfare, under the watchful eye of The Brooding Soldier, the memorial dedicated to the men of Canadian First Division.

Langemark German Cemetery, is one of only four German cemeteries in the Flanders region. Compare the stark contrasts to our own cemeteries, including a mass grave containing 25,000 soldiers and hear some of the stories associated with this cemetery, including Adolf Hitler’s visit during the Second World War. The cemetery is the final resting place of many unexperienced young students so also has the name of “Studentenfriedhof” (Student’s Cemetery).

The final visit today is Tyne Cot CWGC Cemetery to learn more about the third battle of Ypres and the misery of the mud at the largest Commonwealth War Cemetery in the world.

Then it’s back to the hostel for dinner, followed by free time and chocolate shopping.

Highlights

• Hooge Crater Museum – walking through the reconstructed trenches
• Langemark German Cemetery – the story of the students
• Walking the Front Line
• Chocolate Shopping

Day 3 - Ypres

Another packed day. First travel to Poperinghe, site of the death cells and execution pole. Shell shock was not recognised as it is today and the soldiers affected did not receive the understanding and care that they needed. From here move on to Brandhoek New Military Cemetery and hear the stories of many of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) burials, including Captain Noel Chavasse VC, one of only three men to have won the Victoria Cross twice.

Then visit Essex Farm, an advanced dressing station and now a CWGC Cemetery and the location where Canadian doctor John McCrae wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”. Amongst those buried here is Pte Strudwick, who died at only 15 years old and Pte Barratt VC.

Next make your way to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, an interactive exhibition giving a good overview of the Battles of Ypres, with emphasis on the horrific Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The Museum’s reconstructed dugouts and trenches bring the battlefield to life and allow students to experience first-hand the miserable conditions of underground warfare.

Heading back to Ypres, visit the Menin Gate, to hear the story of this “Memorial to the Missing” and the Last Post Association. Following dinner, attend and participate in the Last Post Ceremony, where a few selected students will lay a wreath on behalf of the school. Highlighting the theme of remembrance, it is a time for reflection, to show respect for others and recognise the sacrifices made by an entire generation on our behalf.

Highlights

• Passchendaele Memorial Museum - visual and hands on experience
• “In Flanders Fields”
• Participate in the Last Post Ceremony

Day 4 - The Somme and Vimy Ridge

This morning, head for the Somme. En-route your guide will tell you about the first day of the Battle of the Somme and show supporting videos. The first stop is Sheffield Memorial Park, where you will learn about the Pals Battalions and the New Model Army.

Then it is onto Newfoundland Park, which is on grounds over which the Newfoundland Regiment made their attack on the 1st July 1916, resulting in them being all but wiped out. The ground remains largely untouched and among the memorials and cemetery can also be found an excellent visitors’ centre.

The largest British Memorial in the world can be found at Thiepval, which is the next stop. Learn more about some of names found amongst over 72,000 inscribed on this Memorial.

Just a short drive on, stop at Lochnagar Crater, the result of a huge mine that was placed under the German lines and whose massive explosion signalled the start of the Battle of the Somme. Here, take time to discuss underground warfare and the reasons behind this type of warfare.

On the way back to Calais, make a final stop at Vimy Ridge, the Canadian National Memorial on the Western Front. The memorial, took eleven years to build and is visible for miles around, it makes for the perfect location to hear about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and to pay your final respects before departing for the coast and your journey home.

Highlights

• Lochnagar Crater – size and scale
• Standing under the main arch of Thiepval Memorial
• Magnificence of the Canadian National Memorial