ONLY the shrill, demented chorus of wailing shells could be heard as the monstrous anger of the guns pounded at Twyford School.
School children spent the day with a range of activities to learn more about life during World War One assessing everything from the types of uniforms to the differences between life on the home front and life in the trenches.
Members of the Ubique Right of the Line re-enactment group, based at the Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson in Fareham, gave various demonstrations of the different forms of weaponry and there was a restored First World War ambulance on site.
The highlight for the youngsters was the firing of the genuine 18 pounder field gun, provided by the Royal Armouries, which was fired twice – at the start and end of the day – to mark when the commemorations had begun and finished.
Headmaster Steve Bailey said: “The events of the past week have delighted and inspired everyone. The children have been charmed into a richer appreciation of the context of the First World War. Through the forward planning and attention to detail of Andrew Keeling we have all had a great week.
“Having no timetabled lessons has led to more learning rather than less - exactly the focus on creativity and independent thinking that has been our emphasis for the past couple of years. We are already looking at the calendar at the next project.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here