The first Old Tonbridgian Society battlefield tour to the Western Front took place this month. 45 intrepid travellers set off from the School at 7.00am on 9 April and spent three days and two nights visiting the battlefields of Ypres and the Somme and focusing on the role of OTs in the First World War, in which 415 of them died. They were led by OTS President Sir Anthony Seldon and by David Walsh, former Second Master, who together in 2013 wrote a well received book, Public Schools and the Great War. James Priory accompanied the trip and, with Sir Anthony, laid a wreath on behalf of the School and the Old Tonbridgian Society at the Menin Gate in Ypres during the Last Post Ceremony. Other highlights included a visit to the tiny Devonshire Cemetery at Mametz, where memorial crosses were placed on the graves of Harold Rayner and Robert Davidson; St George's Church in Ypres, where there is a memorial plaque to OTs unveiled by Anthony Hudson in 2009; and placing a cross on the grave of Eric Dougall VC near Ypres. Some convivial meals were enjoyed together and many old memories re-kindled, while exploring history and paying respects to OTs who sacrificed so much.

Tonbridge plaque in St George's Ypres

Anthony Seldon addresses the group at the 'Pool of Peace' near Ypres

David Walsh at Eric Dougall's grave near Ypres

Eric Dougall VC

Anthony Seldon at Ramparts Cemetery, Ypres

Some of the group in the Devonshire Cemetery, Mametz

With grateful thanks to Richard Sankey (PS 83-87 and OTS Committee) for his photographs