Primary schools in Scotland have until December 1, 2013 to sign up to a national competition that will see pupils turn detective to uncover the real life stories of ex servicemen and women.

The Scottish Primary School War Memorial competition, run by the Royal British Legion Scotland, will see hundreds of pupils investigating stories of soldiers – whose names are on local memorials – and their families from World War One and conflicts since.

Pupils will bring history to life as they work with local veterans from RBLS branches as part of the project. And they will get a chance to trace living relatives of war heroes as part of their research, which starts with a visit to the local war memorial.

Newburgh Primary School in Fife won the first competition in 2007. Head Teacher, Susan Mitchell said: “As a result of their research they spoke to living relatives of local boys and former pupils of the school, killed in action at 19. They also won a community award and Friends of the Forces.

She added: “The competition opens up so many opportunities. Pupils develop skills across the curriculum from literacy to IT. And ultimately it helps pupils learn the real value of history, as young citizens of their local community.”

To enter, pupils need to research a local war memorial within the school’s area and find out as much information as they can about the servicemen and women, the battles they were in and the stories of their service.

A great prize is up for grabs too – the winning school will win a trip for ten pupils to London to tour and sleep on board World War Two warship HMS Belfast moored on the Thames. Pupils will also present their winning entry to veterans from across Scotland.

To enter, teachers need to visit www.rblscotland.com/schools and fill in the entry form.