The
VisitLiving History
For Schools
Having worked closely with schools for many years I am well aware of the problems associated with running outside visits. I can bring the museum to you, thus obviating the need for lengthy and time-consuming risk-assessments and organising expensive coaches. I bring into school examples of Great War and WW2 uniforms, weaponry and other period artefacts to help bring history alive for your students. I will discuss your requirements beforehand to ensure that the presentation is targeted to fulfil your individual teaching requirement.
The
Visit
I appear, dressed in the guise of a regular army Colour Sergeant of the period 1914 in uniform and talk to the students about recruitment and what is what like to be a soldier in the army of the day, with particular reference to the dramatic events of 1914. I firmly believe in getting the students involved in the process and I often get them to perform basic drill movements such as standing to attention and at ease, how to form fours and salute, etc. – a bit of fun which breaks the ice and induces a more informal and friendly atmosphere. Once we have established a rapport we move on to the background to the Great War and talk about the intricate web of alliances and treaties and how they inveigled the whole of Europe, and eventually the world into that cataclysmic conflict.
I discuss the evolution of the soldier, from Wellington’s day up to the Great War, with reference to the uniforms and equipment carried and how and why it developed into what was used during the Great War/second world war. This is supported by the use of period items that the students can see and feel for themselves.
After a short break, during which the students are invited to have a look at and handle the exhibits, including a Vickers Heavy Machine-Gun ( under supervision, of course ) I re-introduce myself, now suitably dressed, as a soldier back from the Front on leave and I talk about life in the trenches. I usually do about 25-30 mins. of what I like to call a “Talking Head” presentation, a monologue in character, after which I get a couple of willing volunteers to dress up in period British & German uniforms and equipment so that they can tell the rest what it feels like. My living models can explain the problems they think they would face having to live for days wearing this equipment and I find this tends to make more of an impression on the rest. There is of course ample opportunity for photo-calls for the school magazine or website!
During
the presentation, one of the topics which is examined is the impact
the War had on society and in particular what became known as the
“Home Front”. This encompasses the contribution made to
the war effort by women and how this accelerated the process of
female emancipation, and it also covers the sensitive topic of
conscientious objection. Linked to this is the subject of those men
who were “Shot at Dawn”, executed by the British Army for
offences of cowardice.
Duration of presentation - As a guide, the entire process usually takes about 2 hours, end-to-end, and is best suited to an audience of no more than 75. I can of course do both mornings and afternoons, thus enabling a total of 150 students to obtain the experience in a day. During the better weather it is possible to do this outside on a suitable playing field or other grassed area. Should you wish, more than one re-enactor can be engaged at additional cost.
One of the re-enactors having a “brew”during the Xmas Truce 2004
Hopefully my visit will fire up the imagination and interest in any WW1 or WW2 battlefield tour you may be planning, or will perhaps act as a catalyst to you deciding to make such a trip. A Living History visit should be used to complement a battlefield tour, not replace it. Whatever you decide, my unique blend of hands-on and living history will make it an unforgettable educational experience, brought directly into your classroom.
This initiative is run under the auspices of Anglia Battlefield Tours. A “Living History” visit costs from £395 plus VAT depending on distance and can be arranged by contacting Anglia Battlefield Tours on 01245 231991. Ask about their large range of educational tours, including the ground-breaking “Christmas Truce and No-Man’s Land Experience” tours.
I am happy to do talks and presentations, including slide shows or Powerpoint presentations, to historical groups and societies. I can bring my vast collection of period equipment and other ephemera and put on a display as a backdrop to a talk or other function. As a re-enactor I am available for hire to provide period colour for any function you may be arranging, such as a fund-raiser for Remembrance Day. I am also available for film extra work, and am able to provide all my own kit. Please contact me on 01371 876455, or via the website link.
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