Student Tour Blog

Written by Mike Jones

A powerful hands-on learning day. This morning we awake early and we’re asked to prepare our own plan in place of the British Lancashire Fusiliers and their attack on 1 July 1916. We were then taken to the spot where their assault began at the Sunken Lane. Professor Pearson then blew an era authentic whistle and we moved forward stopping as we were told what was happening to the unit as it was cut down. Making it only a few yards before withdrawing. The experience hit me very hard realizing just how little ground they took that day and how chaotic the situation must have been. We then visited Beaumont-Hamel which was a quick drive away with the context that the situation at the Sunken Lane was. but a fraction of the disaster on that day. We explored the trenches where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment fought and were virtually wiped out with the added experience this morning allow it to resonate more with all of us. The day wrapped up with a stop at a ww1 themed cafe where we had coffee before returning to our wonderful accommodations. It’s only been three days but each day had been a new and eye opening experience with the professors adding a wonderful mix of fun and educational activities which allow us to feel the weight of the historical events we are learning about. Amazing day.