History of Warfare

Normandy & the Somme

If you choose to visit France, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Normandy and the Somme. Here, your students will discover the development in technology and tactics between WW1 and WW2.

In the Somme, you’ll learn about trench warfare and the introduction of tanks. Your students will see how quickly technology developed during that war alone. And your students will experience the conditions that soldiers lived in while fighting in the trenches. They’ll develop their understanding of why trench warfare was so destructive and will see the huge scale of human life lost with visits to WW1 cemeteries.

They’ll then be able to compare directly with what they learn about WW2 in Normandy. They’ll discover how technology advanced even further, as they explore the Mulberry Harbours used during the Normandy landings and the infamous Atlantic Wall built by the Germans along the French coast.

Waterloo, Ypres & Dunkirk

If you’d like your students to take in a broader time period, you may like to consider a history of warfare school trip to France and Belgium, taking in Waterloo, Ypres and Dunkirk.

In Waterloo, your students will explore how wars were fought in the early 19th century when the Napoleonic Wars dominated Europe. They’ll learn about cavalries and infantries, and the development of small arms weapons, such as rifles which required minimal training, allowing for conscription.

In Ypres, they’ll explore how by WW1, warfare tended to rely on the use of field artillery to support trench-based troops, who were at constant risk of machine gun fire, gas attacks and, increasingly, the threat of aeroplanes.

In Dunkirk, they’ll discover how WW2 marked a real shift to total war, with whole nations mobilised to support the war effort, such as during Operation Dynamo when small boats were sent to help evacuate Allied troops. They'll discover how aerial bombing became an important component, bringing the battlefield to civilians.

Why focus on the history of warfare?

Let them experience the history

Students studying the history of warfare will love the opportunity to visit the scenes of battles that they’ve been studying, to learn more about the experience of the soldiers who fought in these wars and how their experiences changed as technology and strategies developed.

This practical experience of history will help them to consolidate what they’ve been learning in the classroom and will really help them to recall the important information in exams.

It will also allow them to take their learning further by giving them time to contemplate why people have put so much energy into the development of warfare and whether any innovations or developments were for the good.

Encourage a passion for history

History is endlessly fascinating, but by getting out of the classroom and bringing history to life, you’ll be giving your students the chance to see for themselves how exciting it can be.

On your trip, your students will have the opportunity to learn about real people’s experiences of war, reminding themselves that the events that they’re studying happened to real, ordinary people just like them.

They’ll be able to make connections between the historical events you’re studying and the wars that are happening in the world today. How has the development of warfare continued? What do these historical wars teach us about our present?

Enjoy the trip as much as your students

Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of history school trips and how to make them successful.

Your trip will be completely tailor made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.

In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. And, with this comprehensive level of support while you’re away, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy immersing yourself in history as much as your students.