Public service students from King’s Lynn’s College of West Anglia reflect on WWI history during Belgium battlefield trip

Public service students recently travelled to Belgium for a powerful and educational visit to several key First World War sites.

The trip for College of West Anglia students, which took place earlier this spring, included visits to the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world – and the Passchendaele Museum in Zonnebeke, as part of their ongoing studies into military history and international conflict.

This gave youngsters the chance to explore recreated dugouts and trenches, gaining a visceral understanding of soldiers’ conditions during the Great War.

As part of their tour, the students laid memorials to the VC winners at Hill 60, April 20-22, 1915, paying tribute to fallen soldiers in a moving and respectful moment of remembrance.

They also visited Langemark German Cemetery to view the stark contrast between German and Commonwealth war memorials, deepening their insight into the human cost on both sides of the conflict.

This trip forms an important part of the students’ curriculum, helping to contextualise their classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Rob Cooke, course director of public and protective services, said: “Another excellent tour for our students. Great enthusiasm and engagement throughout with positive feedback daily.

“It has inspired us to venture into a second trip next year. We will be visiting Normandy for the D-Day landings, followed by the First World War in Ypres, all during the 2026 Easter break.”