Winter Term Trench Brothers Schools | Page 2 | Trench Brothers Legacy Site

Berger Primary School Hackney, Summer 2016

1 July 2016

LETTER FROM JOGENDRA SEN BERGER PRIMARY SCHOOL

My dear Jotindra,

Uncle Max got knocked out.
The Pals couldn’t bury him
It was too risky in No Man’s Land.
Too risky in No Man’s Land.

Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.
Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.

Flying pigs, lemon bombs, cricket balls are flying everywhere.
And one’s created a hole in my heart.
It’s like living in a real life nightmare,
But the dream never ends.
It’s like living in a real life nightmare,
But the dream never ends.

Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.
Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.

I can’t be a Lance Corporal;
I’m not white.
Someday that might change.
But my Pals still respect me.

Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.
Another day, another life taken.
We don’t think war’s an adventure any more.

I miss you.

Your brother,
Jogendra Sen

In my opinion the best part was the weapons because it was fascinating to touch and it was nice that we were allowed to touch the objects. I like that Charlotte was very kind and watched out for us. She made sure that we were safe and careful. Samiyah (about the artefacts handling)

I learned that it was hard for the soldiers and they had limited resourses. Amber

I learned that war wasn’t a adventure or game and lots of people lost their lives it wasn’t fun and people fought for land. I hope that people learn to share land so that there wouldn’t be a 3rd world war. Azra

What I learnt about the activity is how to put rhythm into music. Onyema
(about the Composition session)

The best thing about this activity is everything because I enjoyed everything about it. Hornela (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

I enjoyed how at the end we could see what we have made and how all the steps fit together. Amber (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

I learned that you shoudn’t rush puppet making and it is good to try new things you haven’t done before. Zahra (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

Trench brothers was the best show that we have ever had. James

We learnt to put effort into our performance. Mobolaji

I enjoyed when we all sung the song ‘we’re striving together’ because it a beautiful song. War is not how you settle a problem between two countries. Joe

The best thing about the day was performing because it looked like the audience was enjoying what we were doing and I felt very proud because my parents were watching. I really enjoyed Trench Brothers because I learnt a lot about WW1 and I really hope we do something like this again. Linh

The best part was the performance and although I have stage fright it was very enjoyable and exciting and Winston was very brave and it actually tells a story and if I could I’d recommend it to any other school. I learnt to face my fears. Grace

The writing we got out of the children was phenomenal. Each child, at their own level, was able to excel and produce work of a very high standard. They were keen to know more and many did their own research at home. They brought every experience from this whole project into their writing and were able to write some amazing poems, diary entries and letters. Year 5 Teacher

Children have developed confidence and are a lot more aware of WW1 and its wider global context. This was a real insight into what we can achieve through topic based learning which engages and excites every child.Year 5 Teacher

Some of our Trench Brothers Artwork

in Summer 2016 by HMDTMusic 20 Jul 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Julians Primary School, Lambeth

30 November 2015

LETTER FROM JOSEPH HARNAM SINGH JULIANS PRIMARY SCHOOL

My dearest Nell, I hope that you and the children are safe and well.
My dearest Nell, I never thought I’d see the horrors I’ve seen.

The trench is damp and cold,
A maze that never ends.
Mud clings to my skin.
Dirt smells like a sewer.

My only hope and happiness
Are my friends and these letters to you,

I write to you, I write to you, I write to you.

You are always there in my heart.
You are always there in my heart.
I feel a thunderous fear,
Tomorrow I may not be here.
But you and the children are always there in my heart.

Bullets, bullets, bullets like screaming demons
Zoom from vicious barrels.
People fall like dominos.
Hopeless souls float in the air, air.

Hopeless souls float in the air, air.

From your loving husband

Joseph Harnam Singh.

The best part of this activity for me was when we got to act out a drill. – Yusra

The acting was the best thing because it was fun. – Caolan

I learnt the different commands that the soldiers would listen to. – Olivia

I really enjoyed acting out what might happen in the trenches and when the Indian soldiers arrived in France. I also liked coming up with lots of fun song tunes and working together to come up with a great song. – Millie

I loved finding out all the amazing facts about the artefacts. – Lola

I learnt that it is good to work in groups and share ideas. – Sophie

The thing that was the best was that it was like a production. – Alijah

I liked acting what it felt like being in the trenches. The contrast of the music was quite interesting. It felt like being there with all the sound effects and acting. Ben

It was a really fun experience and all the singing was fantastic. Overall it was a really really fun day and a great opportunity. The day was really memorable and at the end we put on a great show! – Harry

I liked how we go to show our parents, and I liked how we got to wear the trench brothers t-shirts. And then we got to take them home! – Yasir

It was quite astonishing to see all the different stages of the puppet and to see it transform! – Noa

I have a child who struggles for ideas in his writing and he was able to write the letter from the Indian soldier as he had lots of ideas after the Costumed Interpreter session. – Ruth, Teacher at Julians Primary School

The puppets were excellent and the day ran very well so that all children achieved. – Ruth, Teacher at Julians Primary School

The Education Zone is very useful. It has helped to plan a rich curriculum. – Ruth, Teacher at Julians Primary School

The children loved the project and have had great learning experiences. – Ruth, Teacher at Julians Primary School

HANDLING ARTEFACTS

MEETING AN INDIAN SOLDIER

MAKING PUPPETS

PERFORMANCE DAY

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 18 Feb 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Monteagle School Group 2, Barking and Dagenham

2 December 2015

Mother dearest, Mother dearest,

I’m writing from hottest Salonika.
We were sent to Greece to fight.
I hear the constant sound of shelling in my head, in my head, in my head.

I’m scared!
I’m scared of gunfire and always feeling frightened.
I’m petrified! I’m petrified!
Terrifying images flash through my mind, through my mind, through my mind.

My gun is my brother,
Ammunition is my sister,
The trench is my home.

Surrounded by the vast field of trenches,
Like an everlasting nightmare,
The smell is putrid!
The smell is putrid, putrid, putrid, putrid.
The floor full of dead bodies.

Group 1: And sleep never comes.
Group 2: Sleep never comes.
Group 1: Sleep never comes.
Group 2: Sleep never comes.
Group 1: Sleep never comes.
Group 2: Sleep never comes.

My gun is my brother,
Ammunition is my sister,
The trench is my home.
The trench is my home.

I’m awfully tired but must fight for my country.
I miss everybody, but must not give up hope.

My gun is my brother,
Ammunition is my sister,
The trench is my home.

Your loving son,

David Louis Clemetson

LETTER FROM David Louis Clemetson MONTEAGLE PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUP 2

You were able to handle the artefacts and we learned lots of facts about WW1. – Class 6C

We liked getting the opportunity to create our own song. It was good to explore how to sing the lines. We learned some good singing techniques from our composition session. – Class 6C

We enjoyed the role playing and marching and it was interesting seeing what the soldiers in the Indian Army wore. – 6K

We liked meeting the actors and puppeteers, and we liked the professional puppet – can we do something more similar to that? It was a long and wonderful journey! Thank you Trench Brothers! – Class 6C

Getting a chance to handle real artefacts was fantastic for the children. They are more engaged and responsive, and for one child, who never speaks about what he has done at home, his mother has said that he couldn’t stop talking about how much he has learned and who came in to work with them. – Staff at Monteagle Primary School

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 18 Feb 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Monteagle School Group 1, Barking and Dagenham

1 December 2015

LETTER FROM INDRA LAL ROY MONTEAGLE PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUP 1

Dear Ammi,

Muje aapka canna miss carraha
Muje aapka canna miss carraha
I miss your spicy cooking and delicious roti
I miss your spicy cooking and delicious roti
Muje aapka canna miss carraha

My heart is saddened by not seeing your faces.
By not seeing your faces.

I pray I’m going to shoot down planes
And defeat the enemy
In the last dogfight with Jerry, my best friend snuffed it
And my heart welled with sadness.

I’m worried I’m going to get shot down, shot down, shot down
My throat is sore and my heart is pounding, pounding.
I am bleeding inside and my body is numb.

War is dangerous, war is fierce.
It’s a journey, a destination but I am learning so much.
Being in the Squadron is a chance of a lifetime.
War is dangerous, war is fierce.
My promise and hope is to return home safely.

Namaste,
Your son Laddie

Namaste,
Lieutenant Indra Lal Roy

We loved seeing our letters transform into a song and working with a real composer. We learned how to make our song come to life using emotions and feelings. – Class 6A

We liked that we got to do drama activities and got to ask lots of questions. – Class 6H

Making the puppets was completely new for us! We loved adding details and seeing the final result. – Class 6H

We loved singing our song, and hearing the professionals sing, and that the parents came to watch the show. – Class 6H

Children got opportunities to work with a number of professionals in the art world to be a part of something very special. They enjoyed the process of putting the show together. – Staff at Monteagle Primary School

Getting a chance to handle real artefacts was fantastic for the children. One child never speaks about what he has done at home, but his mother said he couldn’t stop talking about how much he has learned and who came in to work with them. – Staff at Monteagle Primary School

Trench Brothers Display

Composing our Letter Song

Making our Force of Trench Brothers Puppets

Our Performance

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 18 Feb 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Gayhurst Community School, Hackney

25 November 2015

LETTER FROM SHER AFZAL KHAN GAYHURST COMMUNITY SCHOOL

My darling wife,

I wish I could be with you right now,
But I am fighting for my country.

I feel a deep sorrow:
Men I led across the River Tigris have unfortunately been killed.
You have no idea how distraught I am
That I put my troop’s lives at risk;
I’d do anything to bring them back.
I’d do anything to bring them back.

Turkish forces starting firing
We were targeted by bullets, bullets, bullets.
Many drowned from being struck.
And we lost five men.
But I managed to hold my position
Until a bridge could be built.
Be built.

I was overwhelmed with fear, then I remembered you.
You got me through this darkest of times.
I want to see your beautiful face.

Loving you eternally,

Sher Afzal Khan

We think that going around the tables and looking at interesting objects was fascinating. We also think that learning about World War One was exciting. – Charlie

We learnt lots from World War 1 like we got to know what kind of jobs they had. It was very interesting! – Zara

We learnt a lot from it – we look at WW1 in a different way. We got to handle things actual soldiers used. – Isabel

We liked how a soldier came into our class and explained what being in the war was like. He was very informative and his acting was amazing! – Tom

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 18 Feb 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Morningside Primary School, Hackney

26 November 2015

LETTER FROM CHARLES WILLIAMS MORNINGSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Mother,

I hope that all is well and you are not suffering as others are here.

We are tired and starving

Faces stiff from the cold,

In great pain and sadness

We get no rest night nor day.

Cannons blare loudly but there’s too much smoke to see.

Fire bombs dropping from the blue sky.

Rusted machine guns,

Never stop, never stop, never stop,

Firing into No-Man’s Land.

But the men in my unit never give up, never give up,

The men in my unit never give up,

As they slip in wet, muddy trenches.

They struggle through waist deep mud, but survival is not guaranteed.

Their bravery gives me great courage, that I’ll make it through this war.

I’m proud to fight for my country and nation.

Pray for me and the men, especially.

God is everywhere to help us.

Your loving son

Charles Williams

It was awesome touching the artefacts. – Ruzgar

I learned it is important to learn about the trenches. – YunJin

I liked that we were acting about the things that happened in WW1. We learned how to march. – Cody

Making the puppets – we learned how to thread something through a small hole, how to neaten up the different parts and how to use the material and fold it to create different shapes like the turban. – Class 4M

It (the performance) was really fun. So excited about professional actors and singers helping us get ready for our show. Very proud we were the youngest cast and it was such a great show. – Class 4M

Staff cannot believe what the year group did, and the children now believe they can do anything. – Staff at Morningside Primary School

Wonderful experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. A very fulfilling and interesting project to be part of. – Staff at Morningside Primary School

Two of my boys had the biggest smile on their face when they were chosen to sing a part in front of the class because Tertia and the composer liked their idea. All the class said they were proud of their song and couldn’t wait to sing and share it with their parents. Ay, Isiah and Romeo sung in front of the class and told the headteacher straight away that she had to listen for their bit when she heard it on performance day. – Sam, Teacher at Morningside Primary School

The artefacts handling session was hands on and interesting. Children were desperate to share their facts with parents and other teachers. Ely dressed up as a soldier and used this in her writing. – Staff at Morningside Primary School

The Education zone was well resourced and easily accessible. I understand the importance of fully immersing the children so they really understand the importance of the play. I now use relevant and purpose based hooks in my maths lessons. – Sam, teacher at Morningside Primary School

Very well organised and good communication. On the whole, everyone has been fantastic with the children. – Staff at Morningside Primary School

Creating Poppies for Remembrance

Making our Trench Brothers Puppets

Working with Jenny to compose our Letter Song

Rehearsing for our Trench Brothers performance

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Jan 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

Holmleigh Primary School, Hackney

27 November 2015

LETTER FROM HORACE SEWELL HOLMLEIGH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Edith,

Thank you for your heart-warming letters.

They really cheer me up, cheer me up, cheer me up.

[Repeat]

The trenches are flooded, flooded, flooded

The trenches are smelly and cold! cold! cold! cold!

Flying pigs; German bombs are falling from the sky.

The other day a dud landed in our trench

But a sapper disabled it straight away.

I have a soldier’s heart, I have a soldier’s heart.

I feel dejected watching my men die.

We have pugnacious opponents but we intend to defeat them.

We’ll teach those rats a lesson and kill them all.

I have a soldier’s heart, I have a soldier’s heart.

The horses’ feet are rotting, rotting, rotting in the gluey mud.

You have to sacrifice souls to win the game,

And we need more reinforcements if we’re going to win, going to win, going to win.

I’m so proud to have won the Legion d’honneur

Now if I die, I will die with honour

Now if I die, I will die with honour…

Dear Edith, my beloved,

I can’t wait for our wedding.

It keeps me alive, me alive, me alive,

[Repeat]

Your loving fiancée,

Lieutenant-Colonel Horace Sewell

I learned an amazing lot about World War One. – Melike

I loved that everyone came to see us perform all our hard work. – Leah

The best thing about the composing was that it was made up from our letters and we made it all up. – Julia

The best thing about the activity was when we made the puppets uniform and the face. I learned how to make a puppet and patience. – Saima

A high quality mixed media performance leading to greatly enhanced expectations. A real sense of occasion and performance felt by performers and audience. – Kevin, Head of Holmleigh Primary School

A reminder that hands on, high expectations, diversity of approaches, and expert modelling lead to great learning! We all really enjoyed the project, and it was great to work with skilled professionals in a variety of fields. The project matched expectations very well, especially in the diversity of learning opportunities. – Kevin, Head of Holmleigh Primary School

in Autumn 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Jan 201611 Apr 2017 0 comments

New Rush Hall School, Redbridge

STUDENT LETTERS FROM VARIOUS SOLDIERS NEW RUSH HALL SCHOOL

5.05.1917 Pvt. Ishar Singh

Dear Nanny,

I miss you so much. I have noticed how difficult it is to be living here. Being a Sikh Solider fighting for a British make me feel very proud but it is not easy being here.

I dreamt that you were with me making my Sunday Dinner, but then wake up to eating the same old rotten Brown Stew day in day, day out, at least it is Food.

I’m terrified. I feel my heart beating so fast. Every time I see a dead body flying across behind me I get that frightened feeling that person is going to be me. I have to think and stay tough. No matter how scared I get.

I need to Fight to the End, but Nanny if you don’t see me after this War I just like to say that I love you and that I will be with you and remain in your Heart Forever.

From your dearest grandson

Ishar Singh

by Dontae

To Nan,

My colleague just passed away and now I am very sad. Even though I did not like him he was a good soldier. Many bombs have exploded on each side. It was very scary for both sides, a lot of people got killed from both sides. I believe I will not die in this war because I am a very good fighter but there is still a chance I could die.

I hope to see you soon.

From your grandson Kulbir Thapa

by Bradley

Sgt W.R Clarke

7 Squadron RFC

Dear Friend Benjamin,

It is William Robinson from the RFC, from my hospital bed , I wish to share my story with you. It was scary being the only black pilot in the RFC, the other pilots were wary of me, they tried to keep a distance. Our missions usually meant we had to fly over enemy territory and at any moment we could be shot down. One week we were doing a routine mission and a pilot was shot by a sniper to the chest. I looked over to see if he was alive but the bullet had punctured his heart. His blood sprayed all over the windshield and his plane began to fall, it then crashed into the forest and exploded.

After the pilot’s death the other pilots were paranoid they were going to die, I also became paranoid so I became a sapper again to calm my nerves. The food I received was a smaller portion than the rest of the pilots, this made me hungry more but it helped in a way because I had less diarrhea when I breathed in the plane fumes.

On my last mission my plane was shot. I was lucky enough to be able to do a controlled landing, As body snatchers carried me away I looked behind at my demolished bomber plane and then I blacked out. When I awoke I found myself in a hospital room I could barely move, I was relieved to be alive so I could returned home to Jamaica and my family.

Bill

by Kyle

18.6.1916 Pvt.I.Singh

To my lovely Mum

I miss you so, so much. I wish I could see you one more time. You are everything to me. I love the Family as well. Like the last words I said to you, I am always there like a ghost, I will never die.

The trenches are so dirty and muddy. Where is my life when I need it? I might not have a chance but I bet my life I am coming home. I have seen lots of dead bodies. I’ve been through lots of stress. I know you are at home hoping for the best. Please can you pray for me I love my mum my dad and all of the rest my family. Life’s so horrible its tragic I’ve seen lots of bodies disappear like magic I know its sad but please don’t panic I swear I wont die I just wont have it.

From your loving son

Ishar Singh

by Aqil

My Dearest Mother

I’m in good spirits and so far a German bullet has not touched me, thank God:

But Mother we battle in the muddy cold in the blood soaked trenches without gaining much ground.

There is a minor supply of food I am scared for survival. I have got abused for the colour of my skin but I have not let that hurt me so far.

My feet are freezing because the wood is sinking in the ground with Water up to my knees.

I see my brothers in arms killed and wounded all around me.

If I am killed please will you remember me with honor and dignity.

Mother I could not give in to the German onslaught.

Remember me to all my dear family and friends God bless you all.

I leave my soul in your heart.

I Remain In The Frontline Until This War Is At End.

Send To A.D Blackman

by Karion

Overall the students all enjoyed the project and have responded well to the cross curricular activities. Some pupils had to overcome fears and concerns to step outside of their comfort zone to take part in activities. I am sure that in the future this will enable them to have more confidence when approaching new things. A very worthwhile and enhancing experience for the pupils at NRHS. – Staff at New Rush Hall School

The pupils were able to create excellent puppets by following the clear and easy step by step instructions. They are very proud of the finished puppets. A year 7 pupil who usually finds it hard to remain in class managed to stay in the workshop for the whole morning. This was a great achievement for him and he felt proud to have managed to complete his puppet. – Staff at New Rush Hall School

A year 8 pupil wrote a very moving letter and was able to express emotions through the letter that he cannot easily do when expressing himself. – Staff at New Rush Hall School

We were very pleased with all aspects of the project and it gave us the opportunity to implement many more cross curricular activities throughout the school. This has given us the chance to work more as a whole school rather than just in working groups. – Staff at New Rush Hall School

I found HMDT Music very accommodating to the specific needs of our school. All of the artists that visited adapted well to the varying abilities and behaviours of the pupils at our school. – Staff at New Rush Hall School

The artefacts session was fun & educational. – Karim

I really enjoyed the music project. – Cameron

The puppet making was creative and fun. It was the best project in my school year. Brein

The best part was when we heard the stories from the world war. – Kyle

In the session I learned how heavy the arsenal was and what it was like to use them. – Justas

in Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 14 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

Thomas Fairchild Community School Year 5, Hackney

29 June 2015

LETTER FROM ISHAR SINGH THOMAS FAIRCHILD COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Dearest Mata,

I’m sorry for not writing for a long time.

How are you? I really miss the Punjab.

I miss the warm breeze, the bright, welcoming sun.

Here in France it’s freezing cold and wet.

The trenches are damp, soggy,

Mouldy and filthy,

Muddy like a pig’s home.

It smells like rotten vegetables,

When we march into the trenches

It is disgusting!

There are dead bodies

And a sea of blood on the floor.

Last week there was a major battle!

There was heavy bombing.

Heavy bombing, loud noises like a heard of

Elephants! (echo)

Shelling and machine guns caused

So much damage, so much damage,

So much damage!

Everyone was getting wounded,

Sharp pieces of shelling went deeply in my back.

I wish this war would end soon,

I wish I could be with you.

All I want is to make you proud,

I will be coming back I promise.

Tell everyone I love them.

The historical context section of the Education Zone was easy to follow, purposeful, with a good range and good links. – Year 5 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

Freya made the performance session really fun and was amazing with the children, the actors were great. Learning the songs beforehand was really enjoyable and children loved doing the show.Wwe had positive feedback from parents and the rest of the school. All of the children took great pride in their performance. – Year 5 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

Children took great pride in making their puppets. – Year 5 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

The project has helped us with understanding of using different elements of expression – art, drama – linking them all into one project. – Year 5 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

We learned that many people from around the world sacrificed their lives for us. – Jessica and Cheznay

The best thing about the composition activity was that everyone took part as a team. I learnt that you have to be confident in yourself and believe in yourself because we all have a different style. – Brandon, Rahman and Sureiya

The best thing about the composition was that we got to combine all of our ideas and diaries together to create one song. It was fun seeing some of our sentences from our diaries come to alive into a song that was created by us. – Hena, Genc and Helin

I had fun and now I know a lot more about World War One. – Sarah

I liked making the puppets because it was much different than what we usually do at school. We got to bring all of the World War 1 characters we looked at alive by making them. – Hena and Helin

I learned how shellshock can affect a persons life… and that soldiers risked their lives for yours. – Christal, Sagoe and Stephanie

I learned that I should never enter war. – Christal

in Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

Torriano Junior School, Camden

1 July 2015

LETTER FROM KULBIR THAPA TORRIANO JUNIOR SCHOOL

Dearest Mother,

These past few days have changed how I feel about the war.

All I hear, day and night, are sounds of bombs, shells and guns,

But worst of all – the screams of death will haunt me forever.

A few days ago, we went over the top to attack.

I was deafened by the sound of gunfire, gunfire, gunfire!

There I was

My life hanging on a thread.

My heart was racing.

I could barely see, barely see.

My heart was pounding.

My heart was thumping.

I peered into the murky distance:

Lying on the cold hard ground, was a soldier still alive!

I could not leave him there, all injured and alone.

I rested by his side, though they might hear him groan.

Groaning, groaning, groaning, groaning, groan…….

He was my brother, my fellow comrade.

I stayed with him all night hoping help would come.

As a new day dawned

I heaved him to a shell crater and returned to fight.

Instead I found two more injured men soldiers.

Now I knew what I had to do.

Without hesitation, I carried them with me,

Desp’rate, desp’rate to somehow reach safety.

Dearest Mother

Do you know what the Germans, our enemy did?

Instead of trying to shoot us, they applauded me on my way.

I knew I would never forget that moment.

Tell me all your news. Please write soon.

All my love,

Your son

Kulbir Thapa

After the artefacts workshop, I had a very clear impression of what WW1 was like. – Ines

I had a very good understanding of ethnic minority soldiers after the lesson, and I enjoyed learning how to salute! – Lea

I liked dressing up in the war clothes to see how it feels. – Caden

I loved the way we composed our own song. – Ines

He helped me understand what it was like to be a soldier. – Tuncay

It felt like we were in the trenches and we found out how hard it was. – Finn

The puppets were fun to make and I really enjoyed the day. – Shelby

An experience I will never forget. – Bella

We got to use acting to express ourselves. – Olive

Our Artefacts Session

Our Visit from the Costumed Interpreter

Making our Trench Brothers Puppets

in Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

Thomas Fairchild Community School Year 6, Hackney

30 June 2015

LETTER FROM MOHAN SINGH THOMAS FAIRCHILD COMMUNITY SCHOOL

My dearest Sita,

It’s been a long time since my last letter, but do not worry about me.

I miss you and mother.

Tell her I’ve moved into the support trenches. They are safer.

I’m still in Turkey – it’s hot here, like India sometimes.

It reminds me of home.

I’ve got lots of friends to share the experience.

You lose friends together, walk hand in hand with death together …

We are a family. We are a family.

Last night there was a big bombardment,

Lots of people are dying right now,

The trenches are muddy, infested with rats and lice.

The stench of death lingers in the air.

How long will this last for?

All I want to do it come home, into your arms.

Your loving

Mohan Singh

We got to act and pretend to be the soldiers who fought in World War 1. It was very emotional and gave us a good experience of what happened in the war and what they went through. And so I now respect the soldiers who risked their lives to save our country. Tyler

The best thing about the puppet-making was using the different materials and seeing what amazing things you can make from them. I thought it was an amazing experience. Estela

I love that we got to add our own rhythms to our song. – Haja

The Artefacts Handling was a great activity to immerse the children into the topic. It created a great sense of interest and excitement in the children and having real objects for them to handle really brought the trenches to life. With regards to the pupils’ social and emotional understanding of the topic, handling real objects from the trenches brought home to them the reality of World War One. – Year 6 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

It was great for the pupils to see that soldiers from across the British Empire fought during the war. As professionals, we ourselves have gained a greater understanding of the historical events. – Year 6 Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

Children felt a great sense of ownership of their own song and were very proud of themselves when performing the song in front of their friends and family. Seeing the whole performance come together was truly wonderful. Pupils really shone and parents were very proud. The impact has been valuable to the year groups involved. – Year Six staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

Very well organised in all respects. – Staff at Thomas Fairchild Community School

in Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

Stamford Hill Primary School, Haringey

2 July 2015

LETTER FROM WILLIAM ROBINSON CLARKE STAMFORD HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Rosalina,

How’s family?

Life here in France isn’t easy, but don’t fret

Even though the army might knock you down, they pick you up and make you stronger.

Guess what? I have become the first EVER black pilot to join the R.F.C!

One day I was taking photos over the Ypres front

Looking for a nice place to give Fritz a couple of pills.

We were so taken up looking for a target

We forgot to look out for enemy scouts.

Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, (Year 6)

Bang Here (clap) Bang There (clap) Bang ev’ry where. (Year 5)

Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat,

I was hit at the start of the scrap

Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat, Rat-a-tat-tat,

The machine was riddled but I survived!

The air is penetratingly cold, inexplicably cold, unbelievably cold!

It is below freezing and I can’t wait to come home to the crispy, warm fireplace.

My hands shiver, and I can see my breath.

The stench is objectional – vomit, diarrhoea, mud.

Thinking of you gets me through ev’ry single day.

It’s the only thing that makes me smile.

Yours,

William Robinson Clarke

Your Robbie.

I learned so much about World War 1 that I never knew happened. Normally finding information about the past would be boring but I was definitely wrong. I loved all the new facts I learnt and I was hungry for more. I love learning from the past now. – Zoe

I learned it is always good to share, and that history is amazing, not boring! – Dennita

The best thing about this activity that I found was that we got to experience what we would call a ”rare occasion” yet what a soldier would call ”every day life”. – Joseph

My favourite bit about the activity was acting as soldiers, because you can actually feel like you are in the army. – Ilham

The best thing about this activity was that we were able to make our own music and we were using our inner singing ability. – Ayja

My favourite bit about the activity was acting as soldiers, because you can actually feel like you are in the army. – Ilham

I lThe best thing about the day was that I could perform to the whole school about something that I have worked very hard on. – Oyinka

Fun, creative and unique! – Nayana

The children are more enthusiastic about history. – Staff at Stamford Hill Primary School

The children felt proud of what they had achieved. – Staff at Stamford Hill Primary School

The composer was very good at getting the children to participate and children felt like they had ownership of their song. The children were extremely keen to receive back their music. They felt emotionally involved with the song. – Staff at Stamford Hill Primary School

in Uncategorized by HMDTMusic 13 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

Berger Primary School, Hackney

3 July 2015

LETTER FROM LIONEL TURPIN BERGER PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Mother,

I do not know when I’ll write to you again, but tell father that I am terribly sorry for the upsets that I have caused.

The ground is shaking as I write this and I hope you accept my apology.

Let me tell you the reality of this dreadful war.

Where do I start?

Every time I try to lift this pen I feel the warmth of the gun in my hands.

Paralysed, paralysed with fear, paralysed with fear I sit here in pain.

Rivers of tears rush down my cheeks.

Rivers of, rivers of, rivers of, rivers of tears.

Last night I was gassed by mustard gas.

My lungs are badly burnt, but don’t worry, I’m fine.

I was moments away from heading over the top.

I lifted up my rifle and started taking lives.

A fellow British soldier was a loaf of bread after being hit with a hairbrush.

Another friend has gone West,

I can’t feel anger, only sadness.

As I was running across no mans land

I saw a red flower blossom across the field.

It became a distant memory. It was no more.

I’m so lucky, I made it out alive!

One is left with a horrible feeling that war settles nothing.

Please ask Father to forgive me.

Your beloved son

Lionel Turpin

Student letter

Dear Father,

When at first I enlisted, I felt like I was doing the right thing. I’m really thrilled and the second attack is going to start within a few hours. They provided us with badooks and uniforms. I went to France to fight there. I was terrified. Yesterday I went over the top and I saw hundreds of my friends being slaughtered.

The war is extremely loud, so we make little balls and put it in our ears. The Huns are our enemies. The sergeants are going to teach us how to use rifles and how to put on our uniforms. My captain told me that I am going to be working for the infantry regiment in France. Father I joined the army because I felt like I had to defend Britain, but I still don’t feel stupid about leaving Georgetown, Jamaica.

Love,

Lionel

Student letter 2

October 21, 1916

Dear Mother,

I am sorry for not writing as I could not bring my hands to write this letter. As every time I try to lift this pen I feel the warmness of the gun in my hands.

As I was running across no men land I saw a red type of flower as it blossomed across the field. It became a distant memory .It was no more.

Dear mother, I do not know when I will write to you again but tell father that I am terribly sorry for what I have caused in the family. Especially arguing with father I hope he finds it in his heart to forgive him as I am lucky to have him as a Father. Tell Roger to never join war as it is a horrifying as your soul will never rest in peace.

PRAY FOR ME AS IT MIGHT BE THE END.

From your beloved son,

Lionel

Student letter 3

Wednesday 10^th September 1918

Dear my loving mother,

Where do I start? Paralysed with fear I sit here in pain on the hospital bed as I write this for you to read. Landed here a few days ago after burning my lungs from a flying pig and a shell piece hitting my back. I know what you are thinking. My poor son in that hospital! But you know what? You might think it’s horrible in here but in the trenches it’s a complete living hell. After days away from this long war I am still in full agony from what I have seen as a soldier fighting for Britain. What’s killing me inside; is the amount of finished people I’ve seen. No matter enemy or brother. It still hurts! Just shocking! Every night images of me aiming at a human being’s heart flashes by. Nightmare from reality!

What have I become? An evil machinery programmed to kill. Help me mother. I remembered at the start… everything was sally sunshine until I learnt how to shoot a riffle into a wall but when it was time to go into the battlefield. My first knock out. Traumatizing! From that night the nightmares live on and on. Even now they’re running through my stressful mind.

I still think about that one time you told me regret nothing and I don’t regret joining the war or having that argument with father but do understand and tell dad I’m very sorry. From the bottom my heart and I need to defend for Britain no matter what. I must go now. The nurses are doing a check-up.

From your beloved son,

Lionel

Everyone was involved and everyone made their own puppets in their own way (which made each puppet special in their own way). – Lisa

This project could be descried by a thousand words – outstanding, amazing and so much more. – William

The performance turned out brilliantly! – Abida

I learned that teamwork can get you wherever you want. – Gorkem

The artefacts session was a brilliant introduction to the project, as it captured their interest. Children were more engaged throughout the project. – Staff, Berger School

The children were very proud of their puppets. The resources were well prepared and the staff from Little Angel were excellent. The lowest attaining pupils were able to make a puppet as good as the highest so this activity had a positive effect on a number of children and developed their confidence. Staff, Berger School

We felt we had more than enough lesson plans with good resources. The website is excellent and we constantly referred to it. Almost everything we needed was on there. – Staff, Berger Primary School

Students have a deeper understanding of how the war affected people on different levels. Seeing children so engaged from the artefacts session and the puppet making has made me determined to try more creative approaches. The project is a fine example of true cross curricular learning. – Staff at Berger Primary School

All artists and teachers were professional and enthusiastic. The project was well structured, I enjoyed it, and I would love to do it again. – Staff at Berger Primary School

War Poetry in the Classroom
Commonwealth Countries
Our Trench Brothers!
Parachute Investigation

Bomb Crater Investigation

Dressing up as Soldiers

in Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 13 Oct 201511 Apr 2017 0 comments

New School Summer 2015

4 December 2014

http://vimeo.com/user5645054/add link here

TITLE IN CAPS

SCHOOL NAME IN CAPS

Text style

Testimonial text – Name

<hr />

<strong>LETTER FROM WALTER TULL </strong>

<strong>FIRS FARM PRIMARY SCHOOL</strong>

Before I led men in to a football match, now I lead them in to a war.

The sky is now dark, the goals have changed, my aim is now to survive.

There are still two teams attack and defence,

But the cheer of the crowd is now the shrieks of dying men.

We’re not kicking balls, we’re firing guns,

And we’re not losing goals, we’re losing friends.

And this lush pitch of fresh, green grass is covered by mud, blood and fire; a battle field.

I see that life is not a game any more.

I know my life is not a game any more.

Life in the trenches is terrible especially the rats!

Twice the size of an over grown cat. <em> </em>

Not to mention the pesky lice, I spend all day scratching.

It’s dark, damp and cold, but never lonely.

The lads are always laughing, cheering us from being in the dumps.

Home now seems a million miles away

How I wish I could be somewhere else.

Edward, if I die or if I survive,

I’ll see you on the other side.

From your loving brother,

Walter Tull.

<hr />

Children really enjoyed the music making as it was from their own ideas “I liked it because we got to change the song and the speed of each song” – Staff at Firs Farm School

Puppetry: Excellent imaginative, art skills learnt. Visionary ideas alongside the practical D & T element. – Staff at Firs Farm School

It has added more of the creative, artistic side to our teaching and built our singing confidence. – Staff at Firs Farm School

Creative arts and the theatrical element were fantastic for the final performance. – Staff at Firs Farm School

I learnt how soldiers felt during the war. – David, student at Firs Farm School

The best things was when we got to hold the guns because if we go to a museum we see guns but don’t hold them. – Lucas, student at Firs Farm School

It would of been nice to of held more world war one equipment but I was drawn to the weapons station as I was intrigued with the stunning view of the guns. – Jake, student at Firs Farm School

I liked touching the objects and feeling the feelings that the soldiers had to face. – David, student at Firs Farm School

We got to show what we can do in design and technology. – Yasmin, student at Firs Farm School

I learnt that many, many people risked their lives to protect our country. – Yasmin, student at Firs Farm School

Writing the song was awesome, creative and cool. – Arda , student at Firs Farm School

The overall experience was awesome! – Yusuf, student at Firs Farm School

Trench Brothers is amazing! – Kostadina, student at Firs Farm School

I want to do it all over again! – Brooke, student at Firs Farm School

It was brilliant, fantastic, creative, artistic, interesting – the best! – Student at Firs Farm School

<hr />

in Schools / Summer 2015 by HMDTMusic 16 Sep 201516 Sep 2015 0 comments

Firs Farm Primary School, Enfield

4 December 2014

LETTER FROM WALTER TULL

FIRS FARM PRIMARY SCHOOL

Before I led men in to a football match, now I lead them in to a war.

The sky is now dark, the goals have changed, my aim is now to survive.

There are still two teams attack and defence,

But the cheer of the crowd is now the shrieks of dying men.

We’re not kicking balls, we’re firing guns,

And we’re not losing goals, we’re losing friends.

And this lush pitch of fresh, green grass is covered by mud, blood and fire; a battle field.

I see that life is not a game any more.

I know my life is not a game any more.

Life in the trenches is terrible especially the rats!

Twice the size of an over grown cat.

Not to mention the pesky lice, I spend all day scratching.

It’s dark, damp and cold, but never lonely.

The lads are always laughing, cheering us from being in the dumps.

Home now seems a million miles away

How I wish I could be somewhere else.

Edward, if I die or if I survive,

I’ll see you on the other side.

From your loving brother,

Walter Tull.

Children really enjoyed the music making as it was from their own ideas “I liked it because we got to change the song and the speed of each song” – Staff at Firs Farm School

Puppetry: Excellent imaginative, art skills learnt. Visionary ideas alongside the practical D & T element. – Staff at Firs Farm School

It has added more of the creative, artistic side to our teaching and built our singing confidence. – Staff at Firs Farm School

Creative arts and the theatrical element were fantastic for the final performance. – Staff at Firs Farm School

I learnt how soldiers felt during the war. – David, student at Firs Farm School

The best things was when we got to hold the guns because if we go to a museum we see guns but don’t hold them. – Lucas, student at Firs Farm School

It would of been nice to of held more world war one equipment but I was drawn to the weapons station as I was intrigued with the stunning view of the guns. – Jake, student at Firs Farm School

I liked touching the objects and feeling the feelings that the soldiers had to face. – David, student at Firs Farm School

We got to show what we can do in design and technology. – Yasmin, student at Firs Farm School

I learnt that many, many people risked their lives to protect our country. – Yasmin, student at Firs Farm School

Writing the song was awesome, creative and cool. – Arda , student at Firs Farm School

The overall experience was awesome! – Yusuf, student at Firs Farm School

Trench Brothers is amazing! – Kostadina, student at Firs Farm School

I want to do it all over again! – Brooke, student at Firs Farm School

It was brilliant, fantastic, creative, artistic, interesting – the best! – Student at Firs Farm School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201410 Feb 2015 0 comments

Colvestone Primary School, Hackney

3 December 2014

Letter from Eugent Clark

Dear Aunty,

I’m missing everyone

I can’t wait to come back home.

It’s freezing like an ice cube

I can’t wait to come back home.

We ran into a blizzard

It was the first time we’d ever seen snow.

The conditions have been terrible.

It was the first time we’d ever seen snow.

The food is cold and wet

Almost as cold and wet as I am

But I don’t regret my decision.

All I do is rebuild the trenches,

Stock ammunitions, fill up the sandbags

Clean the latrines.

Kill the rats, collect the bodies

Bury the dead. Risk my life!

Dear Aunty,

I’m proud to know that I’m making a difference

And the Empire is in need of my support.

I rebuild trenches without complaining but it’s back-breaking work.

The horrible weather and the sound of gunfire keep me awake.

I can’t help but think of Jamaica

Homesick for the sun on my bones.

I miss jerk chicken, playing ball in my yard

Salty sea water, sizzling sun.

Tropical trees, smooth sand,

Joy, my sweetheart.

I miss my family.

You were right, we’re just German bait.

We’re just German bait.

I only pray that I see you soon.

You’ll put a smile on my face.

Your ever loving nephew,

Eugent Clarke

The Costume Interpreter enabled students to use a personal viewpoint in their writing. The project met and exceeded expectations – the work produced over the project was of a fantastic quality. – Staff at Colvestone School

I learned a lot about how life was back then which really intrigued me and I thought was very interesting. – Beatrice, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

Artfects Workshop: It was brilliant – we got to hold old medals and put on funny clothes. – Layla, Year 5 student at Colvestone School

Artfects Workshop: We got to hold the artefacts and wear the soldier uniforms! We got to hold the guns! Maksymillian & Columba, Year 5 students at Colvestone School

Artfects Workshop: I learned how well preserved things from the war were and what the conditions were like for the majority of soldiers. Max, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: It was easier to understand because the soldier was acting like it was 1918. Max, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: The best thing was when he showed us the games they used to play in WW1. – Melvin, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: I enjoyed making our puppets and seeing them come to life in the end. Beatrice, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: Trench brothers was one of the best projects ever. – Lily, student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: Friendship is how you win. – Lana, Year 5 student at Colvestone School

Costumed Interpreter: It is a very good idea to get children in Primary Schools to learn about the war and how was fought. This was an interesting way of teaching it. – Freddie, Year 6 student at Colvestone School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201419 Feb 2015 0 comments

Walker Primary School, Enfield

2 December 2014

LETTER FROM SHER SINGH RANA WALKER PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dearest Mother and Father,

Rain is thrashing down here in France.

The trenches are cold and damp, but we survive them

But we survive them.

How is everyone doing in our sweet home in Nepal?

How are the crops?

Good weather?

The weather is atrocious, it is raining every day.

I have to twist my clothes to drain the water out.

I’m infected with vile body lice

And had the chats seven times.

I have seen unspeakable things.

Yesterday a flying pig hit our trench

And many of our men were blown apart .

My best friend was buzzed. It was a terrible battle.

I lost a dear friend

There are none left.

I am a changed man

Seeing all these terrible things.

I cannot thank you enough for the extra clothes,

The lovely family pictures have kept my spirits up.

I’m counting the days till I see you.

Your loving son,

Sher Singh Rana

The Costumed Interpreter session improved their empathy and sense of time. It helped when writing about life in the trenches. – Staff at Walker School

The artefacts session was excellent it taught the importance of artefacts with the children wearing gloves. They felt the real equipment and got a sense of what it was like to have these things. – Staff at Walker School

The children performed and sang really well – it gave them an understanding and grasp of the impact of war. – Staff at Walker School

The project gave a huge feeling of pride at being able to tell a story respectfully and giving the soldiers the recognition they deserve. – Staff at Walker School

It gave a better appreciation of the sacrifices that were made, and a vastly improved knowledge of the participation of soldiers from the Commonweatlth countries and their roles. – Staff at Walker School

It was very well organised. – Staff at Walker School

You got to wear the clothes and hold the guns and bullets. – Ananya, student at Walker School

You can tell a story just from a picture. – Priyanka, student at Walker School

The weapons were amazing because they were actually real. – Rupainya, student at Walker School

I learned how to make a puppet and actually started to make one at home. – student at Walker School

Composition: It was nice that people listened to your opinion. – Rana , student at Walker School

Composition: I learnt how to fit lines into musical tunes and choosing the tune. – Guy, student at Walker School

Composition: It was great having a chance to speak up on what you want to sing – the joy when we finished writing it. – Hannah, student at Walker School

Composition: I really enjoyed writing the songs. – Yasemin, student at Walker School

Composition: We spent a long time practising for the performance and it paid off. I learnt how horrible the First World War was and how emotional it was when someone died. It was amazing. – Manolo, student at Walker School

I absolutely loved it! – Guy, student at Walker School

Composition: The puppets were really cool and I enjoyed singing. – Yasemin, student at Walker School

Composition: I think another school should do this project. – Ananya, student at Walker School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201410 Feb 2015 0 comments

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Enfield

1 December 2014

LETTER FROM HUKUM SINGH OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL

Dear Sister,

I’m writing from a smelly, broken stable.

My duties are to manage all the animals and deliver all the rations.

I’m using horses and carts to transport food and supplies

But unfortunately last night, one of our horses died.

Many horses have been killed; a real tragedy, and very sad to see.

We are running out of supplies.

The war is dreadful.

Dead bodies in the trenches

Burnt bodies buried in buckets of blood.

Ev’ry night, shrill screams of dying soldiers.

Burnt bodies buried in buckets of blood.

Worn by intensity of battle.

With God’s grace, I’ve been spared.

I miss you dearly, and hope you are proud of me.

Your loving brother,

Major Hukum Singh

Commanding Officer of the Jaipur Imperial Service Transport Corps

It gave first hand experience of artefacts and brought the past to life. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

Literacy and history were used mainly – the Education Zone gave good detail and background information. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

Children saw a song grow and develop giving an understanding of how music can be put together. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

They learned history almost from first hand experience. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

The Costumed Interpreter gave insight into the life of a soldier for them to write their letters and develop their understanding. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

The project brought the whole school and parents together for the performance which received excellent feedback. – Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201423 Jul 2015 0 comments

Gayhurst Community School, Hackney

27-28 November 2014

LETTER FROM HARDIT SINGH MALIK

GAYHURST COMMUNITY SCHOOL YEAR 5

Dear Mother,

Here is something amazing: I learnt to fly in only one month!

Everyone calls me ‘The Flying Hobgoblin’.

I prefer it in the air,

The wind rushing past,

A great view below,

And you see much less suffering from up here.

I fought with the ‘Red Baron’,

Who everybody fears.

My plane was riddled with bullets,

I feel proud about that, proud about that.

Every time I shoot down a pilot,

I feel an air of guilt and pride.

The bullets will stay,
To remind me of my pain.

This war has ruined men’s lives.

I let down a tear of sadness.

The bags under my eyes are like paper torn to shreds.

I have never forgotten my faith, never forgotten my faith, despite all I’ve seen.

When the war ends,

And I hope it does soon,

I will rush home to India.

I hope to be back soon.

Your loving son,

Hardit Singh Malik

LETTER FROM HERBERT MORRIS

GAYHURST COMMUNITY SCHOOL YEAR 6

Dear Ma and Pa,

I’ve been here a while now,

And to be honest,

I don’t think I can stand it much longer.

I hear the sound of gunfire, bombs exploding all around me.

Bullets whistling thorough the air, soldiers screaming, begging for their lives.

I miss you all back home: Pa’s stories, Polly’s lies,

Your home cooked meals, and most of all, my comfy bed.

My comfy bed.

I feel like I’m losing my mind

But I’m afraid to admit it.

Am I a coward?
Coward?

Coward?

Exploding bombs shatter the peaceful night.

Shooting bullets zoom overhead,

Zoom overhead like lightning.

I enter the world of foggy gas, swirling around the air.

Sharp shrapnel scrapes past my dry, dark skin,

At night here, the sky lights up like a firework display.

A bomb brings us back to reality, to reality.

Will I ever hear the sound of birds

Gracefully singing as calm as the sea?

Will I ever feel the sparkling sun

Caress my face, caress my face?

Pray for me as I do for you.

Your loving son

Herbert Morris

Letter Excerpts from 6W

Dear Ma and Pa,

As you know I’ve been here for a while now, and to be honest I don’t think I can stand it much longer. As I write to you now I can hear the sound of gunfire and bombs exploding around me. Bullets whistling thorough the air, soldiers screaming nearly begging for their lives.

How’s Polly doing? Is she still missing me? Please let her know that I’m missing her badly and I think of her all the time. As a matter of fact I miss all of you lot back home. Pa’s stories, Polly’s lies, your home cooked meals and my most of all my comfy bed. I’d pay anything to have that all back. We’re woken up at 05:00, given bread and water around about 07:00 hours all the while prone to attack.

I’m not doing very well here. I’m stressed in these trenches; they’re cramped and make me feel claustrophobic. I feel like I’m losing my mind but I’m just too afraid to admit to it for fear of my squad calling me a coward. The doctors haven’t been very helpful either they’ve just told me that I need to get use to the war it will be over soon

The smell is just as bad, it’s unbearable; it’s a mixture of blood, fear, sweat, tears and the rotting dead. There are no words that I can use to describe it.

On a more cheerful note, thanks for the parcel the socks are giving me great pleasure. Some of the items you sent were taken by the officers, apparently they’re not allowed (but I know the truth). I’ve placed the picture in my pocket note book next to my heart and it goes everywhere with me.

I must end now, pray for me as I always for you.

Your loving son

Herbie

Letter Home 1

Dearest Mum and Dad,

I am well, as always, physically anyway. I hope all is well with you and the family. The conditions within my regiment are terrible. We have to sleep wherever we can, even standing up! The food is also atrocious, it tastes like cardboard. My pangs of hunger are sometimes as sharp as the bullets that whizz past.

I often hear the screams of men, allies and Germans. I had to go to the hospital today as a stray piece of shrapnel broke my thumb. The pain is like nothing I have ever experienced! I have never seen anything like what I am witnessing. Friends I have made have been shot before my eyes. Barbarically twisted webs of barbed wire have pierced skin and maimed limbs. Sometimes I want to curl up and wait for it to be over. Bombs scream overhead, shattering bodies.

I feel terrible about shooting the Bosche, even though it’s for my country. However, there is one disgusting thing, the rats… They are everywhere! They nibble feet and take chunks out of hands; I once saw a rat the size of a cat, scuttling around the trench.

The propaganda is false. There is nothing patriotic about living in this filth.

I wish all the best to you back in Blighty. I will come back, I promise.

All my Love,

Will

Letter Home

Dear Mother and Father,

I am as well as I can be under the circumstances. I hope all is well with the family. No matter what happens, I am going to be alright, so, I hope, are you.

I have just been moved back from the front line. All is solemn. Even the light-hearted are serious, although at times we enjoy a quiet song.

Shells rip through the air and bullets scream overhead. Like flies, the men around me fall.

The daily bombardment does not worry us in the least, and we have not suffered an attack yet, so the men are keen to go over the parapet and push back the merciless Germans.

Yesterday I received your parcel. Lots of men are getting trench foot. One man had to be sent on home leave because of a terrible case. His foot was eventually amputated. Luckily the socks prevent that from happening to me. Please make a pair for Walter; he is tragically wounded and has been placed in the infirmary.

At night here, the sky lights up like a firework display. We all gaze until a bomb jerks us back to reality.

I pray for your well-being every night and day. By any chance, I will see you again soon. Give my love to everyone.

May God be with us all,

From Your Loving Son,

Ralph

A Poem

The War

Exploding bombs shatter the peaceful night.

Shooting bullets zoom over my head as quick as lightning.

Who could want a life so bad, so sad,

so dreadful, so painful.

A life that lures you to death.

Heart beating uncontrollable, solemnity seizes my soul.

I enter the world of foggy gas, swirling around the air.

The sharp shrapnel brushes against my dry, dark skin,

Cuts all over me.

A cold river of blood flowing through the rocky trenches.

Where will my life lead me to next?

Will I ever hear the sound of birds gracefully singing

as calm as the sea?

Will I ever feel the sparkling sun caressing my face?

I wonder…

This is war!

The costumed interpreter gave a greater understanding of an Indian soldier’s life. – Staff at Gayhurst School

All of the children really enjoyed making puppets and all abilities could achieve. Children who were shy could take part confidently in the production with their puppets. – Staff at Gayhurst School

The children enjoyed singing their song and were really proud and enthusiastic. – Staff at Gayhurst School

The singing was great and the puppets looked brilliant on the day. – Staff at Gayhurst School

You got to learn new facts about the soldier. – Tiargo, student at Gayhurst School

It felt so amazing to be able to touch such special objects. – Cydney, student at Gayhurst School

Getting to make and move the puppets and make the face –being able to personalise your puppet. – Molly, student at Gayhurst School

We think that this experience was really fun and amazing and we would love to do it all over again. – Pau. student at Gayhurst School

I liked holding the gun, learning about the war and seeing the different medals people had won. George, student at Gayhurst School

You got to make your own puppet and take one home. It was well organised. They had all the bits ready and it was really easy to follow. It felt really confident about what I could do. – Tolga, student at Gayhurst School

Getting to preform and express ourselves and learning about that side of history. Demorio, student at Gayhurst School

We think that this experience was really fun and amazing and we would love to do it all over again. Leah , student at Gayhurst School

We loved this and want more of this to come to our school. We want more great performances! – Micah and Evie, students at Gayhurst School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201410 Feb 2015 0 comments

Starks Field Primary School, Enfield

26 November 2014

LETTER FROM KHUDADAD KHAN STARKS FIELD SCHOOL

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this letter from my post in Hollebeke.

Tomorrow we are moving to the front line.

I’m writing this now just in case…

Writing to you makes my days light up.

Tell me, have you harvested the crops yet?

Oh, and were there very many of them,

After the birds started eating them in spring?

I sleep in a hole and hear raindrops diving.

Instead of birds singing, I hear guns shooting.

Around me I hear thousands of bullets

Flying through the air with exhilarating speed.

I miss you and my family.

I’m determined to survive.

I don’t want to be here anymore.

The sounds;

The squelching of footsteps,

The noise of the crickets,

The galloping horses, closer to me and my brothers.

The cries of the innocent

The pain and the agony.

Explosions from bombs

Screaming from the blameless ones.

I miss you and my family.

I’m determined to survive.

I don’t want to be here anymore.

Dear Mother,

Every time I take a breath,

All I taste is blood.

Forever yours,

Khudadad Khan.

Student letter

Dear Family,

Please only read this letter when the rest of the family are there. I hope your doing fine at home without me. War is not a nice thing, and I have trench hand so it’s very hard to write.

My fingers are corrupting and it’s very painful. I’m trying to stay hopeful and in my free time I try and write to you. I write my friends letters as well because they can’t write, so I just have enough time to write to you before I go out to the front line in France.

My pencil is about 5cm long and I sharpen it with my knife. I hope to see you all again someday. Can you send me a picture of you and the family to keep me going? I wish I could see you right now and give you a big hub. Remember keep your head up (except if you are in the war.)

Yours sincerely,

Subedar-Khudadad Khan

By Aneesa

Student letter 2

Subedar Khudadad Khan

129th Baluchis

Hollebeke Ypres

France

8th August 1914

Dear Mother and Father,

Writing to you makes my miserable days light up in this dark grey place. I am writing this letter from my new base in Hollebeke, France. I needed to write this letter to you just in case … I do not make it back home. Anyways tomorrow is a very important day for our regiment as we are moving to the front line.

How is everyone? What have my dear sisters been doing? I wish I could come home but I have to do this for my king and country. This war is not glorious and has to be done with discipline. Maybe one day I will be able to come home and lead a normal life much like I used to do.

Life in the trenches is very different to life at home. To start with the food it treacherous and the living conditions are very much the same. We live in long, narrow holes called trenches and I think you will be proud to hear that we dug them ourselves. The trenches are water-logged and very muddy indeed. We spend two weeks at the front line, two weeks at the reserve line and one week where we have time to rest and do not have to do any work. We were told that this alternates throughout the year. Rats crawl all over us but we are used to that now. Although we have to live through these poor conditions I am happy to serve alongside my brothers.

The sounds of gunshots and grenades (large explosives) have become like the sound of leaves rustling in the trees. You are always hearing footsteps stopping and starting in an unbearable way. Tell me, have you harvested the crops yet? Oh and were there very many of them, after them pesky birds started eating them in spring? These past few weeks many of our men have fallen and screams of soldiers have also become like it is no different to a laugh.

Every time I take a breath all I taste is blood. There have been so many deaths so the stench of blood is everywhere. I estimate that there have been over 12,000 deaths. What can I say about the fires well, the smell of smoke hangs in the misty air?

Bullets fly through the air with such speed it is exhilarating

A couple of days ago I faced a severe injury while my regiment and I were using the machine guns to keep back the Germans. Everyone in my regiment had been run down. Seemingly I was the only one left. Whilst I was making my way back to the trenches I was unexpectedly shot in the leg. The Germans started to make their way forwards so I had to think of something quickly. I decided that I would pretend to be dead. I had to act dead until night fall. I stayed there until the battle had finished and the bullets stopped whizzing. I am alright now though.

Did you know that there are rats here as big as your fore-arm? And that we sometimes have to eat them. The weather is the opposite to India; cold, rainy and unfortunately the sun doesn’t shine in the same blistering way.

As you may already know war is violent and harsh. There are many corpses (dead bodies) but at least they do not have to be part of atrocious warfare.

As I say again I wish I could come back home to where I belong, in India.

I send all my love to the family

Lots of love Khudadad

-x-

Student letter 3

Sabedar Khudadad

129th Buluchis

Hollebeke

Ypres

France

8th August 1914

Dear mum:

I am writing this letter from Ypres. Mum I want you to know how I am doing.

Mum I can hear grenades booming everywhere and machine gun fire as loud and continuous as a hurricane. I sleep in a hole and I can hear rain drops diving onto the ground. When I wake up instead of hearing birds singing I hear guns shooting rapidly.

Every time in the trench you taste dirt in your mouth, the food is bitter and I just miss all your home made food. The smell is strong and you can smell horse poo and you can smell other strong smells.

Mum I can see wounded men crying in pain, every time I look around me and I just run for my life sometimes I try to help people but I can’t sometimes people drown in the mud but I can’t do anything.

I feel pain and I miss you and I just want to come back home, wear clean clothes and eat nice food. It did not look like this on the propaganda posters they sent us, the men the posters were happy but I’m certainly not happy.

Mum I want to ask you something, how are the children? Love and kisses mum, tell the young ones I love them, write back soon mum.

Your son Khudadad khan. Sabirin

Student letter 3

Subedar Khudadad Khan

129^th Baluchis

Holebeke

Ypres

France

8^th August 1914

Dear Mother,

I am writing this letter from my post in Hollebeke. The officers say that tomorrow will be an important day for our regiment. I am writing this now because I might not get to write again any time soon.

All around me I can hear thousands of bullets being shot. Grenades booming across the battlefield. The sound was almost deafening. The squelching of footsteps in the mud, the noise of the crickets chirping in between gun fire, the galloping footsteps of horses coming closer and closer to me and my brothers, the cries of the innocent and wounded soldiers lying in pain and agony in the mud, loud explosions from the bombs, rapid machine gun fire, screaming from the blameless ones. The badly wounded ones slowly dying, slowly saying their last words.

I can smell the smoke from the bombs. I can smell the gun powder and taste the gun powder and dirt from the trenches. I can taste the bitter taste from the food.

I can see the dead bodies from the soldiers as young as 16. Bullets flying past me, killing my brothers, the smoke and fire from the hand grenades, people hiding from the Germans because they are scared. They don’t want to die and neither do I. People are being carried away in stretchers, tears rolling down their faces. There is blood everywhere.

Mother I feel scared of moving in to the front line. I’m petrified. It wasn’t what I expected it to be. They said the war would be over by Christmas. I feel like I’m going to get blown to pieces. I want to be with my family. I want to go home. I miss you and my family. I’m determined to survive. I don’t want to be here anymore.

I hope to speak to you soon

Love from Khudadad Shae

A great presentation from the Army museum – the children were all engaged. – Staff at Starks Field School

The learning zone has improved my subject knowledge greatly. It has enabled me to teach lessons in a fun and creative way, yet still meeting all the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. – Staff at Starks Field School

The puppetry session was so interactive. The final puppets are amazing! The whole school has been commenting on them! – Staff at Starks Field School

The song was owned by the children. They led the direction that the song would take and have been singing the song ever since. It has given them pride! – Staff at Starks Field School

The project went beyond my expectations. I didn’t expect the children to get as much out of it as they ended up getting. It has made the students very respectful of all that happened in WW1 and it has opened them up to the history of the British Empire and their involvement within the war. – Staff at Starks Field School

I learnt how different cultures adapted to the war e.g. Sikhs and their beliefs. – Kaya, student at Starks Field School

I learnt how to hold a rifle correctly. – Bartek, student at Starks Field School

I learnt about the different commands given in the army. – Khadijah, student at Starks Field School

We learnt how to walk like a soldier. – Oyku, student at Starks Field School

I gathered lots of information about Khudadad Khan and realised just how hard it was in the war. – Ellisia, student at Starks Field School

We really enjoyed it. Thank you Trench Brothers! – Student at Starks Field School

in Schools / Winter Term 2014 by HMDTMusic 27 Nov 201410 Feb 2015 0 comments

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