This summer, the world will commemorate the outbreak of the First World War. Originally expected to be over by Christmas of 1914, the war actually dragged on for four long years, eventually claiming the lives of over 16 million people. The devastating effects were felt right across the globe, influencing many of the events of the twentieth century, and are still felt to this day.
What marked this war out as the ‘Great War’ is the fact that it was the first to truly be all-encompassing, starting in Europe but eventually involving forces from almost every continent. Modern technology meant that bloody battles could be fought on land, sea and air.
Fittingly, events have been planned across the globe to mark 100 years since the declaration of war. Events in Britain will culminate with a national candlelit vigil, led by Westminster Abbey, to symbolise the resilient spirit and unending hope of the people which saw the country survive.
There is no better time than this historic year to take one of our school battlefield tours, which are designed to give students a greater understanding of the events that led to the outbreak of war. Students will also experience what life was like for people living through this, one of the most terrifying periods of history. We offer tours to the tragic battlefields of Ypres and the Somme, which saw some of the bloodiest fighting.
Tours can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your group, but typical activities include: visits to the In Flanders’ Fields Museum; visits to the British Dugout Experience; and attending a Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate. For further information on the activities your students can participate in, visit our WW1 battlefields tour page.