Scouts and explorers enjoy a poignant & memorable trip to the fields of Flanders

After recently becoming affiliated to the Royal British Legion, Bexhill Branch, the aim of the trip was to raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice given by so many in the Great war of 1914-18.

The group of 40 visited the Flanders field museum in the Cloth Hall of Ypres, they climbed the great bell tower and took part in the Passendaele experience including the trenches tour. Back at base, the Katrol in Ypres, (Ypres Scout buildings) the scouts took part in a, ‘trenches’ evening, they cooked Bully beef and carrots, chicory coffee, drew and wrote postcards home as though they were writing from the trenches.

They polished their smart black shoes, made poppies and learnt about trench art and the work of the army chaplin in WW1, (Aptly played by Father Michael Brydon of St. Georges in Crowhurst).

The children wrote messages on Poppy crosses and laid them along with a wreath at the huge Tyne Cott cemetery near Passendaele.

On Thursday evening the group met Jean Pierre of the Last Post association, they provided the guard of honour at the World famous Menin gate, Last Post ceremony held every day at 8.00pm.

Mark Sargent, one of the group’s leaders read out the citation,

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

All Scouts looked immaculate in their uniforms, four youngsters were chosen to carry the Scout and Union Standards, three carried and laid a wreath at the gate.

The occasion was very moving, Danny boy was played on a solitary violin and the Fire Brigade of Ypres performed the Last post on Bugles.

A very moving occasion and one that will remain in the minds of the youngster for many years to come.