Medics, Vets & Padres-Ypres & The Somme Battlefields School Trip
Battlefield and History Tours
Students should consider the "Medics, Vets & Padres ' Ypres & The Somme Battlefields" tour with Battlefield and History Tours for an immersive educational experience that brings World War I history to life. This unique tour delves into the crucial roles of medical personnel, veterinary services, and spiritual leaders during the Great War. By tracing the journey of wounded soldiers—from the Regimental Aid Post to Advanced Dressing Stations and beyond—students will understand the complexities of wartime medicine and the efforts to save lives amid chaos. The tour also explores the establishment of the Veterinary Corps, highlighting how thousands of horses and mules were cared for and returned to duty. Additionally, it examines the challenging role of padres and clerics who provided spiritual support in the face of overwhelming adversity. Visits to significant sites like preserved trenches, memorials, and museums—including the Essex Farm Advanced Dressing Station where Colonel John McCrae wrote "In Flanders Fields"—offer a profound connection to history. This comprehensive journey not only educates but also fosters deep reflection on the human aspects of war, making it an invaluable learning experience for students.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning ABTA Licence ATOL Licence School Travel Forum Assured British Activity Providers Association Adventure Mark Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventure Activity Associates Tailor your trip
Example Itineraries for our 2026 & 2027 trips
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Folkestone. Shorncliffe Military Cemetery and the Gotha Raids. Tunnel or ferry to Calais. Essex Farm ADS and Colonel John McCrae. Hostel Ypres (2 nights) Hill 60 preserved battlefield (time permitting).
Day 2: 0900 depart for Tubby Clayton and the Concert Party at TOC H. The flu epidemic, Nellie Spindler and the 1922 Pilgrimage at Lissenthoek. Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar at Brandhoek CCS. Sanctuary Wood Museum and trenches. (Lunch break) Tyne Cot CWGC cemetery. Private John Condon at Poelcapelle. Langemarck German cemetery. St Georges Memorial Church and Ypres. 'The Last Post' at the Menin Gate.
Day 3: 0845 drive south for the battle of the Somme 1916. The Horse memorial at Chipilly. Lochnagar Crater and Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. Auchonvillers Stretcher Bearers Post cellars and lunch. Newfoundland Memorial Park and visitor centre. The Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy VC at Rossignol Wood. This tour will finish at Lutyens Memorial to the missing on Thiepval Ridge. Return to Calais.
Day 1: Travel to Folkestone. Shorncliffe Military Cemetery and the Gotha Raids. Tunnel or ferry to Calais. Essex Farm ADS and Colonel John McCrae. Hostel Ypres (2 nights) Hill 60 preserved battlefield (time permitting).
Day 2: 0900 depart for Tubby Clayton and the Concert Party at TOC H. The flu epidemic, Nellie Spindler and the 1922 Pilgrimage at Lissenthoek. Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar at Brandhoek CCS. Sanctuary Wood Museum and trenches. (Lunch break) Tyne Cot CWGC cemetery. Private John Condon at Poelcapelle. Langemarck German cemetery. St Georges Memorial Church and Ypres. 'The Last Post' at the Menin Gate.
Day 3: 0845 drive south for the battle of the Somme 1916. The Horse memorial at Chipilly. Lochnagar Crater and Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. Auchonvillers Stretcher Bearers Post cellars and lunch. Newfoundland Memorial Park and visitor centre. The Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy VC at Rossignol Wood. This tour will finish at Lutyens Memorial to the missing on Thiepval Ridge. Return to Calais.
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
History
World War
What size groups do we cater for?
Our programs are designed to accommodate groups starting from a minimum of 10 participants, without a set maximum limit on group size. This ensures flexibility and inclusivity for various group sizes, catering to the specific needs of each party. Specifically for primary and middle schools, we offer a complimentary spot for a teacher for every 10 student participants. This policy is part of our commitment to supporting educational institutions by making our programs accessible and beneficial for both students and educators alike. Our goal is to foster a conducive learning environment where teachers can accompany their students, ensuring educational objectives are met while providing support and supervision.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
At Battlefield & History Tours, our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants on our group excursions is steadfast. We believe in the importance of tailoring our tours to meet the diverse needs of our guests. As such, we strongly advocate for transparent communication from the very beginning of your inquiry. This enables us to understand any specific requirements you may have, ensuring a more accommodating and enriching experience.
Although we must acknowledge that, unfortunately, some destinations may not be fully accessible at this time, our commitment does not wane. We are devoted to offering guidance on suitable alternatives or devising innovative solutions whenever possible. Our goal is to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to engage fully with our tours, regardless of accessibility challenges.
Although we must acknowledge that, unfortunately, some destinations may not be fully accessible at this time, our commitment does not wane. We are devoted to offering guidance on suitable alternatives or devising innovative solutions whenever possible. Our goal is to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to engage fully with our tours, regardless of accessibility challenges.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Battlefield & History Tours takes great pride in its established history of orchestrating successful and enriching tours for numerous groups with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our approach is deeply rooted in the principle of individualized attention, ensuring that the unique requirements of each participant are carefully considered and addressed. We are dedicated to creating experiences that are not only educational but also accessible, allowing every individual to engage fully and benefit from our tours. This commitment to inclusivity and personalized care is at the heart of our operations, as we strive to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for all our guests.
Anything else?
Every itinerary we design is the result of meticulous planning and customization, tailored specifically to align with your unique preferences and requirements. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each detail is thoughtfully considered, providing you with an experience that is not only seamless but also deeply resonant with your expectations. We take great care in ensuring that every aspect of your journey is curated to offer an enriching and personalized experience, reflecting our dedication to meeting and exceeding your needs.
Who are Battlefield and History Tours?
Battlefield and History Tours is a specialist provider of educational tours focused on bringing pivotal moments of history to life for students and educational groups. With a deep commitment to immersive learning experiences, we craft detailed itineraries that explore significant events of the Great War, particularly in regions like Ypres and The Somme Battlefields. Our expertise lies in highlighting the roles of medics, veterinary services, and spiritual leaders during World War I. We collaborate closely with dedicated accommodations designed for youth groups, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment. Our partnerships with museums, preserved battlefields, and historical sites allow us to offer a comprehensive and engaging exploration of history, fostering a profound understanding and reflection among our participants.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning ABTA Licence ATOL Licence School Travel Forum Assured British Activity Providers Association Adventure Mark Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventure Activity Associates Tailor your trip
Educational Battlefield & History Tours for Schools, Colleges, and Cadets
History, World War Feature
Discover the past with educational battlefield & history tours!
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