REDDITCH and Studley students had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of First World War soldiers during their trip to Belgium and France.
Pupils from Pitcheroak School and Studley High School took part in the First World war Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme, which is funded by the Government’s £5m scheme and is committed to commemorating the victims of the conflict 100 years on.
The project is also design to help teenagers understand the war and the scale of lives lost during the time.
Five youngsters from each school traveled hundreds of miles over four days and visited the most famous battlefields and graves while also investigating personal stories from the trenches.
Of his experience Abdul Butt said, “When I laid the wreath it was really amazing as there were so many people, and to be a part of a wonderful day of remembrance was spectacular.
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget this opportunity I have had the privilege to be a part of.”
Thomas Mewis found the name of an ancestor on the trip, who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
The 15-year-old said: “I feel very proud. I said ‘hi’ to him and told him it had taken a long time for me to find him.”
“This trip has been like a journey, I came on this trip to find him – that was the best part.”
