Year 6 had an amazing day learning all about the First World War with a visit from ‘That History Bloke’, Richard. Richard told the children all about a local lad, Thomas Young who fought for his country.
Here are some of the thoughts from the day:
We learned all about the Census and how it works. We answered 13 questions and figured out how old Thomas Young would have been when he went to war. He was 19 when the war started and about 22 when it ended. We looked at photos of Thomas Young when he was young and of the street he grew up in.
We also did drills and it was so much fun! We saw replicas and real items from the war such as bullets from WWI (completely safe!). We were able to hold a lot of the items. Richard bought a stretcher that was used during the war and it was so funny to see people using it today! We also looked at photos of soldiers during the war and we saw examples of handwritten postcards which was amazing to see! In the end, Thomas Young earned his medal by going back and forth to save people. - Ethel
Today was really fun! That History Bloke is so funny and makes learning History more fun for everybody.It was really interesting and it’s great that people can get involved by holding items and reenacting things. Overall this was a fun, amazing experience! - Ellie
Victoria Cross Citation for 203590 Private Thomas Young, 9th Battalion DLI, London Gazette, 4 June 1918:
For most conspicuous bravery in face of the enemy when acting as a stretcher bearer. Young worked unceasingly, evacuating wounded from seemingly impossible places. Private Young was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace in the Quadrangle on the afternoon of the 29th June 1918.
