Despite coach delays and ferry issues (possibly due to it being Friday 13th!), the pupils were very patient and well-behaved, and the sunny weather and lollipops helped us to pass the time! The eventual ferry journey and calm sea made our journey a pleasant one.  

The following morning, we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the hostel in the centre of Ypres. It was an excellent location which allowed us easy access to the local monuments and shops. Pupils spent Saturday morning in Ypres at the wonderful market, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch. We then all visited Tyne Cot military cemetery and the grave of an old Oratorian, William Roche Brereton-Barry, and the graves of relatives of some of the pupils. Later, we visited Langemark cemetery where the German soldiers are buried. Our pupils behaved respectfully and learnt about the sacrifices made by the soldiers on both sides. Pupils worked on their booklets in the evening, and we had an early night to prepare for our big day out at the high ropes park in Lille and Bellewaerde theme park. The pupils really enjoyed both activities and we celebrated Guido’s birthday with a massive cake in the hostel, and one for Mr Sullivan too! Later that day we visited the Menin Gate to see and experience the Last Post ceremony. I was delighted with our pupils as they behaved respectfully and impeccably throughout.  

Our focus on the final day of the trip moved from World War One to World War Two as we visited Dunkirk beach and the Operation Dynamo Museum. We had lunch on the beach in the beautiful sunshine and then saw a wide range of impressive historical artefacts at the museum. We then travelled back from Dunkirk, arriving safe and sound at The Oratory one hour early on Monday evening. The pupils were a credit to the school and really enjoyed their experiences.