Students Get a Taste of WWI Battle Conditions
Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:35AM Re-enacting the assault on Vimy Ridge
Re-enacting the assault on Vimy RidgeEach spring and fall, hundreds of Ontario Grade 10 History students participate in a WWI Education Day Program hosted by Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, Ontario. Programming and manpower for the event is provided by The Canadian Military Heritage Society with assistance from members of The King’s Company of Historical Re-enactors. Since its inception in 2009 nearly 2000 students and teachers have participated in this unique program.
Students are welcomed as recruits into the ranks of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Throughout the day they rotate through a number of WWI themed stations which provide plenty of hands-on opportunities for learning. This year the available stations included: Sniper, WWI Trench Life, Military Chaplain, Gas Warfare, The Role of Women in WWI, Miniature Battlefield Diorama, The Art of the Trench Raid, Weapons of WWI, Military Drill, The War in the Air, Battle School and more. Another special feature to the programming is an Assault on Vimy Ridge in which all students participate.
More than two dozen historical re-enactors are involved in bringing this program to life. Their clothing, uniforms, and equipment are period correct to WWI standards. This program leaves an indelible reminder with the students about Canadian history and the importance of remembrance.
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Click here to view the Canadian Military Heritage Society website.