Battlefields brought to life as kids learn about WWI

The battlefields of WWI were brought to the children of Low Port Primary School last week.

One hundred years after the Battle of the Somme started, P6s and P7s at the Linlithgow school were given an exhibition showcasing uniforms, weapons and soldiers’ stories.

It’s all part of Ancre Somme Association Scotland’s drive to deliver WWI remebrance education to schoolkids in West Lothian.

ASA members teamedup with the Royal Scots Museum and the Armadale and District War Memorial Museum to host the exhibition last week.

George Wilson Chairman of ASA Scotland said “It just shows once again the value our work adds to children’s education, it is vital to learn the lessons of our past, so that we never repeat it.

“We are proud to offer all West Lothian Schools our WW1 exhibition free of charge.”

The ASA spoke to the children about the 19,240 men who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

By the end of the battle, approximately 70,000 people were reported dead or missing.

Tom Gordon, the archivist at the Royal Scots Museum added: “We are delighted to show the kids our exhibition, they don’t get taught WWI at primary school, so this gives them an opportunity to see, listen and understand what actually happened 100 years ago.”

Children at the school also had their say on the exhibition.

P7 pupil Anna said: “Tom Gordon told us lots of facts about WWI. We learned how to put on a real gas mask and what different army outfits looked like.”

Her classmate Eileen said: “Tom showed us the different types of uniform the soldiers wore and let us try copies of them on.

“Some of us had the confidence to stand up in the uniforms while Tom explained about them. It was very informative.”

And Molly added: “It was a lot of fun trying the uniforms on and holding the guns. I also liked looking at the medals and other artefacts.”

The ASA have asked any schools interested in their exhibitions to email them via: ancresommeassociation@ gmail.com.

Meanwhile the ASA and West Lothian Council will hold a civic reception and service of remembrance on Saturday, October 22 in Linlithgow Burgh Halls.

The names of West Lothian’s soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme will be read out during the event.

Provost Tom Kerr is to host the reception with guests including the Lord Lieutenant Isobel Bridie, council leader John McGinty, MPs, MSPs, schoolchildren, military personel and church members.

The Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and Regimental Colours are supporting the event, which begins at 2pm.

And the ASA will make donations to St Michaels, Poppy Scotland and Armadale and District War Memorial Association.