St Mary's Calne
On Thursday 13th of October, UIV pupils undertook a day of historical investigation and discovery, with a focus on the First World War.
They spent the day with two specialists on the conflict, Kate Vigurs, a published historian and expert on the role of women in both of the World Wars, and Richard Knight, historical advisor to many First World War films, who brought his immense knowledge of the combat experience of the men in the trenches along with his equally immense collection of genuine artefacts.
The students undertook a range of activities with Kate, including a detailed look at the impact of the First World War on women and the way in which the conflict changed social attitudes. They got to handle a variety of artefacts and volunteers dressed up in the uniforms of munitions factory workers, the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry Corps and a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. They considered the reasons for female support for a war that caused so much hardship and grief and looked at the political consequences of this support. Kate also got them to look at a range of significant individuals from the war, attempting to personalise a conflict that turned millions of people into statistics.
With Richard, the girls were taken through the experience of wounded soldiers on the Western Front. They considered the types of injuries men suffered from and how these were treated. The revolution in medical care during the war was explored through hands-on activities that included carrying a casualty on a stretcher and testing gas masks. Later in the day, they considered the life experience of men in the trenches and saw what types of equipment and clothing were designed to make this more tolerable. Again, the girls got to wear uniform and hold weapons, bringing a century-old conflict to life.
We also considered remembrance and all of the girls made their own poppy broach, while discovering the story behind the selection of this flower as a symbol of commemoration.
The First World War was a tragic event in our history yet played a crucial role in shaping the UK and our collective identity. Thanks to the expertise and enthusiasm of Kate and Richard, the importance of this time was made clear to UIV, through fun and thought-provoking activities.
Mr Adrian Stoten, Teacher of History and Politics