Today we travelled across the border to France, stopping first at the Lochnagar crater. The crater is about 300ft in diameter and 70ft in depth; although these measurements do not really do justice to the overwhelming size of the crater when you are standing next to it. The mine was filled with ammo by the British, and it was exploded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. We gathered at the edge of the crater, and the presentation group gave us some further information. Miss Maclean and Johnny piped ‘the Battle of the Somme’, and we then took some time to walk around the edge and appreciate the enormity of the crater.

It was then on to Contalmaison, where Matt, Owen, Danny, Jake, Lewis and Finlay informed us about the pals Battalions who fought at the Somme. These were units comprising men who enlisted together as friends/neighbours/colleagues etc. The memorial cairn at Contalmaison commemorates players, staff, and supporters of Hearts of Midlothian football club, who along with players and supporters from Hibs enlisted together and fought at the Somme.

Next visit of the day was to Thiepval. This memorial commemorates over 72,000 men missing in the Somme. Tom, Ross, Jack, Sam M and Joe gave an excellent presentation, and we took some time to observe the huge number of names inscribed on the walls. Amy and Ellie were able to locate relatives and lay a cross in remembrance.

We then paid a visit to Canada, and Newfoundland Park. Kathleen gave us some information on the preserved Canadian trench lines and the Caribou memorial which overlooks the grounds, and then Gemma and Jaimie sang a beautiful Gaelic song. Sticking with the Candian focus, we then moved on to Vimy Ridge where we were given a tour around the trenches and underground tunnels. This site is a an important nationalistic symbol of Candian achievement, as it was the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought together.

It had been another very busy day, and the last teaching day of the trip. We checked into our Paris hotel, and enjoyed another ‘all you can eat’ buffet. Despite the excitement in anticipation of Disneyland, we managed to get Mr Edwards off to bed for an early night.
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