Airdrie pupils' visit to World War I battlefields

Oct 7 2009 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A GROUP of S5/6 students from Airdrie Academy gained an eye-opening insight into the horrors of World War I during a trip to Belgium.

Based in Ypres, they visited the battlefields and trenches of the war to get a better understanding of the horrible conditions endured by soldiers.

Vimy Ridge, the Canadian memorial in France, made a huge impact on the pupils and a trip up the Ijzer Peace Tower showed how important it is for everyone to work together for peace.

Students were able to pay their own respects at Tynecot Cemetery and Langemark German Cemetery where the human cost to a generation of young men was only too obvious.

A highlight of the trip was the honour of taking part in the daily Menin Gate service, where five pupils were able to lay a wreath on behalf of the school.

On a lighter note the students also spent the day at Six Flags theme park, went on a day’s shopping in Bruges then a trip into Holland to see the lovely village of Sluis.

Airdrie Academy staff were keen to emphasise that at all times during the event, the pupils were a credit to themselves, the school and their parents.