STUDENTS have been given a glimpse of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers barely older than themselves.
Fourteen Level 3 uniformed and protective services students and three staff from Darlington College spent five days in Normandy on a poignant trip which left them emotional but inspired.
They visited the battlefields of Normandy, the expansive Bayeux Cemetery with its countless war graves, laid a wreath in honour of the fallen and walked on Omaha Beach, one of five landing areas in the Normandy Invasion, in World War II, which resulted in the eventual fall of the Nazi regime.
“I did a reading in the cemetery in honour of all the people who lost their lives for us,” said Megan Gilbey-Lunn, 18, of Darlington, who hopes to join the military police one day.
“It was so eye-opening seeing just how many people our age had died. The graves stretched for miles and I got a bit choked as it was so emotional. Some of the graves didn’t even have names on them which was the worst part for me.
“I’d love to join the military police so I can see the world. This course has been amazing and the tutors are so good that they have really made it. I struggled with school but am really excited as I now know what I want to do with my life.”
Josh Kearton, 17, of Darlington, who wants to work in crime scene investigation, added: “It’s hard to imagine but most of the fallen seemed to be just 18 or 19. It was so interesting learning about the war.”
Lecturer Stephen Urwin, who served for 23 years in the RAF before turning to teaching, said: “Our course has been exploring the core principles of teamwork and leadership, while also examining the enduring values upheld by the Forces – resilience, courage, and sacrifice. This trip brought those lessons to life, leaving a powerful impact on the students as they stood where the ultimate sacrifices were made, deepening their understanding of the true cost of service.
“The students were outstanding and were moved by the whole experience. Even when they went to Disneyland Paris afterwards, they realised that they could only do this today because of the sacrifices these soldiers made.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.