Third Years Explore Wartime History

The Third Years enjoyed a fantastic trip to Fort Nelson and the D-Day Story Museum in Portsmouth.

At Fort Nelson, the pupils were imaginatively transported back to the First World War era by a sergeant major and nurse in full costume and character. There were excellent workshops on the weapons of the First World War, where pupils handled grenades, rifles and the Vickers machine gun. The nurse led a dressing station workshop, explaining injuries such as trench foot and the effects of gas attacks.

At the D-Day Museum, pupils were immersed in the history of this key turning point of the Second World War. They explored a landing craft, completed a quiz on the incredible D-Day Overlord Embroidery, and toured the museum. In June 1944, men spent four days on landing craft crossing the Channel to the Normandy beaches. It was humbling to imagine what that experience might have been like for those involved.

The trip consolidated the World War topics which the Third Years have studied this year. Above all, it gave them valuable insight into the tragedy of war.