Faith under fire - Western Front Religious Studies Field Trip
A Religious Studies field trip to the battlefields of the Western Front offers an unrivalled opportunity to provoke thought and to generate student debate on some of the core topics in the RS syllabus. Our purpose designed itinerary includes a framework of sites that will give any debate a historical context, but we never lose sight of the main RS focus. Using case studies from the Chaplains Department, the Medical Services and some of key commanders we will trigger debate on a range of topics. Starting with the concept of a Just War we can progress through a previously agreed series of visits highlighting topics such as Conscientious Objectors, Laws of Armed Conflict, Medical Personnel in War, Religion (Multi) on the Battlefield, Non-Combatants in War, Remembrance and Commemoration. The content and sequence of the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your learning outcomes and will be delivered by an expert Galloway Historian.
Curriculum Links:
Linked to KS2-5 History and Religious Studies
PLACES TO VISIT
Hooge Crater Museum and Trenches
Hooge, a key WWI site near Ypres, is home to the Hooge Museum, showcasing artefacts, weapons and uniforms in its old chapel, along with a short film about the area’s battles. Groups can book the cafeteria for packed lunches. The site also features reconstructed trenches built in their original positions, offering valuable insight into frontline life (additional fees apply).
Talbot House, Poperinge
Poperinge remained one of the few unoccupied towns in Flanders and, in 1915, Talbot House was opened as an ‘Everyman’s Club’, where all soldiers were welcomed, regardless of rank.
The Menin Gate
The famous British War Memorial, with engraved names of over 54,000 missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives on the Ypres Salient.
Itinerary Example
2-Day WWI History Focus: Faith Under Fire & The Ypres Salient
Discover the human, spiritual, and moral side of the Great War. Designed for History, RS (Religious Studies), and Ethics travellers, this 2-day tour explores how faith, compassion, and moral resilience survived amidst battlefield destruction focusing on chaplains, frontline sanctuary, military execution, and enduring remembrance.
Day 1: Journey to Flanders, Ypres & Menin Gate Ceremony (Remembrance & Spiritual Resilience)
Day 1
Morning: Depart your pickup location by executive coach for a morning ferry or Eurotunnel crossing to Calais.
Afternoon: Drive into Belgium to explore historic Ypres. Visits can include St George's Memorial Church or Essex Farm Cemetery, focusing on the role of faith, duty, and medical care under fire.
Evening: Transfer to your accommodation centre to check-in and enjoy dinner, before returning to central Ypres to attend the poignant Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (20:00).
Day 2: Talbot House, The Firing Post & Homeward Journey (Humanitarian & Moral History)
Day 2
Morning: Check out after breakfast and travel to Poperinge. Tour Talbot House (Toc H)—the famous 'Everyman's Club' opened by Rev. Philip 'Tubby' Clayton, where soldiers of all ranks found refuge, brotherhood, and spiritual support behind the lines.
Afternoon: Visit the Poperinge Town Hall Cells and Firing Post to examine the somber history of military execution and court-martials ('shot at dawn').
Late Afternoon/Evening: Travel to the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais for your crossing back to Folkestone, arriving back at your organisation with profound ethical and historical reflections.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Depending on your your organisation's location, learning objectives, and travel schedule, popular add-on stops for this route include:
Brandhoek Military Cemetery: Pay respects at the grave of Captain Noel Chavasse VC & Bar, a devout Christian and medical officer who gave his life rescuing wounded men from No Man's Land.
Lijssenthoek CWGC Cemetery: Examine the huge casualty evacuation station where army chaplains provided spiritual comfort and end-of-life care to soldiers of all faiths.
Passchendaele Church: Study the impact of war on local religious heritage and community restoration in Flanders.
Note on En-Route Timings: Available visit time on Day 1 and Day 2 depends on your your organisation's departure location and travel distance to the channel ports.