On Our Way to France
After a very early start and travelling through the night, our students arrived in Dover, ready to cross the Channel for their Battlefields Trip.
They carried with them a beautiful floral tribute, which they will lay at one of the cemeteries — a simple but powerful act of remembrance from Carmel to those who never returned home.
Over the coming days, they will visit locations cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, including Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Thiepval Memorial — sacred places honouring the fallen.
“This trip is more than history. It is learning, reflection, prayer, gratitude and understanding the true cost of peace.”
Hill 62 – Sanctuary Wood
Our students visited Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) near Ypres, where preserved trenches and shell craters from 1915–16 still remain. Walking through the narrow trench lines offered a striking insight into the harsh realities of life on the Western Front.
The on‑site museum, filled with authentic artefacts, gave students a deeper understanding of the conflict and those who served.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Next, students visited Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, where nearly 12,000 servicemen are buried and over 34,000 names are remembered on the Memorial to the Missing.
Among the rows of white headstones, our students gathered to lead a prayer of remembrance, honouring the fallen with quiet dignity and respect.
Wellington Quarry, Arras
This morning, students stood deep beneath Arras in the Wellington Quarry tunnels carved by New Zealand soldiers before the Battle of Arras in 1917.
Walking through the underground chambers gave a profound sense of the courage, fear and anticipation experienced by the men who waited there before going “over the top.”
Menin Gate Memorial
Our next stop has been the powerful and deeply moving Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.
Standing beneath the names of more than 54,000 soldiers with no known grave, students paused in silence, reading the inscriptions and reflecting on the immeasurable scale of sacrifice.
Each name represents a life, a family, a future interrupted by war.
We will remember them.
A Day of Reflection and Remembrance
Students began the day back underground at the Wellington Quarry, before travelling to Vimy Ridge to understand the strategic importance of the site and the bravery of the troops involved.
In the afternoon, they visited Langemark German War Cemetery, where darker stone crosses and a mass grave presented a stark, moving contrast.
The visit prompted thoughtful reflection on the shared grief of a generation lost on all sides.
In the evening, students attended the deeply moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.
We are incredibly proud of Angel, Oliver and Olivia, who laid a wreath on behalf of Carmel College — a moment of great dignity and solemn remembrance.
The evening ended with time to explore Ypres, including a visit to a traditional Belgian chocolate shop and the beautiful town square.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Miss Stollery, Mrs Julian and Mr Tighe for giving up their half‑term break to lead this extraordinary experience for our students.