GALLERY: Battlefields trip 2022

In October, a number of King’s School students took part in a trip to the WWI Battlefields of Belgium and France. 

Using Ypres as their base, the students visited poignant sites on the Ypres Salient and the Somme, including Vimy Ridge, Thiepval, Hooge Crater and Tyne Cot Cemetery. 

Students and staff paid their respects at the graves of a number of Old King’s Scholars and, thanks to information provided by students’ families and research done by our History staff, many students were able to visit the graves of their own relatives. 

A highlight of the trip for many was the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, where students laid wreaths on behalf of the school and Alumni Association.

Joe Buckley (5DUT), who took part in the trip said: “The World War One trip was one that I will never forget.

“Particular highlights for me were visiting the Menin Gate in Ypres and the Thiepval Memorial. There was lots of information to take in from the wonderfully knowledgeable Mr. S Neal as well as booklets containing numerous backstories that really gave insight into the touching stories of many of the graves we visited.

“The staff that came along made it such a special trip, it was very moving and created memories that I will talk about for years to come.”

Click through our gallery to view some key highlights of the trip, all of which were documented by Mr Downey.