Year 9 students Sam Tutty and Hannah Carroll volunteered and broke down the stereotypical roles as they dressed respectively as a Medical Nurse and as a First World War soldier.

They readily took on their roles with gusto and immediately realised how uncomfortable it was to wear the respective uniforms. By the end of the presentation they found the uniforms very uncomfortable and very itchy.

They learned lots of interesting facts including: -

• They had to polish their brass buttons and their helmet badges which then made them very visible to the German enemy.

• ‘Soldiers' boots had metal studs on the soles and the noise they made when soldiers marched gave away their positions.

• Artillery shells filled with shrapnel made of lead pellets and would go easily through the body.

• The drinking bottle had to be always filled up but was very difficult to unfasten the top.

• All personal belongings including a cut throat razor, mess kit and cleaning equipment.

Further reflections from the Trenches to follow shortly.