Memorable visit to the Battlefields of World War 1

(Written by David Wilkes OKS 1967)

From the 14th – 18th July, myself and my wife enjoyed a fascinating field trip to the Battlefields of the First World War, organised by the Alumni Team for former pupils, parents, staff and friends. In an intense three days we were taken to visit, learn about and understand some of the events that took place in key sectors of the Western front. We spent a day each in the area of the Ypres Salient, in the battlefields of the Somme, and finally in and around Arras, Loos and Vimy Ridge. 

The trip was framed around the exploits of the young King’s scholars who abandoned their education and their careers in order to fight for their country. The visit was led by Seb Neal, Head of Humanities at King’s and a qualified Battlefield Guide, who, as well as being fully versed in the history of the war, had thoroughly researched the backgrounds and wartime exploits of many of the OKS that died in the trenches and on the battlefields of the Western Front.