Young poet is selected for memorial trip
AYOUNG poet from Runcorn has represented not just her school but home town and country also at an event to commemorate the troops killed on the battlefields of the First World War.
Elizabeth Cordell, 13, who attends The Grange, stood alongside serving soldiers, veterans and dignitaries at the Last Post Ceremony at The Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
More than 100 visitors and residents lined the streets as Elizabeth and teacher Chris Atkinson laid a wreath at the gate, which is also among the monuments that are each sometimes known as the ‘Memorial To The Missing’.
The Year 9 poet was picked to travel to France and Belgium in an initiative to mark the centenary of the end of the war.
Elizabeth had written a poem to illustrate the sacrifice made to repel the Germans from invaded countries.
The Menin Gate is a memorial to the many thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who are buried at the spot and those who remain unidentified.
Ypres was strategically important during the First World War because it was at the centre of Germany’s Schlieffen plan to sweep across Europe.
It was the scene of many major battles, including the Battle Of Passchendaele.
The Menin Gate is a memorial to the many thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who are buried at the spot and those who remain unidentified.
While on their trip, Elizabeth and teacher Mr Atkinson visited the military cemeteries of Lijessenthoek and Tyne Cot, the scene of the Battle Of The Somme.
They also saw the resting place of John McCrae who wrote the poem In Flanders Fields.
The pair were accompanied by serving soldiers and battlefield guides during their tour.
Elizabeth said: “I was really pleased when I found out we had been chosen from the whole school to take part in the tours.
“It is something that not many people have the opportunity to do.
“It was also a chance to appreciate the scale of the conflict and how it affected people.”
“The effects of the war are still visible on the landscape today,” said Elizabeth.
“We had the chance to walk through the trenches and to see some of the horrendous conditions the soldiers must have had to experience.
“We also heard about the soldiers going over the top and how many were cut down by machine gun fire after just a few steps.”
She added: “We visited The Danger Tree on the battlefield which was a place were you weren’t expected to survive for very long if you reached it.
“We also heard about the civilian loss of life and the sacrifices made by those who served as doctors and nurses in field hospitals.”
Discussing her reading, Elizabeth said: “It was a very emotional and special experience.
“It was an honour for me to take part in this tribute to so many.
“The conditions and loss of life were terrible and the tour made me appreciate the sacrifice many made so that we can live free today.”
Janette Vincent, headteacher at The Grange, praised the young battlefield explorer.
She said: “We are really proud of Elizabeth for being chosen to take part in this special trip.
“They showed extremely mature attitudes and they have done our school and town proud.
“At The Grange we believe in providing our learners with opportunities to take part in educational experiences that can be truly life changing.
“We believe it makes them well-rounded members of society with a good knowledge of global issues.
“Clearly Elizabeth has learnt from the lessons of history and have brought back their memories to share with us all.” ● ● m