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History Club Member Zara Reflects on Her Study Trip to the Anzac Battlefields

25 October 2019

History Club Member Zara Reflects on Her Study Trip to the Anzac Battlefields

During the September holidays I was privileged to be one of 20 students selected as a recipient of the Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship from the Office of Veterans Affairs, of the NSW Government.

This trip was an amazing experience to learn about the views and experiences of the countries involved in the war, and to take on board the views of the younger generations who are living in the world created as a result of the first and second world wars.  I made so many new friends and learnt so much from the other students and teachers who went as a part of the group to Europe, especially from Brad Manera, the tour historian. 

Throughout the two weeks, we visited many sites from the first and second world wars, including Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, the art bunkers in Nuremberg, the beaches where the Normandy landings occurred on D Day, as well as more well known sites like the battlefields of Passchendaele, the Somme and Polygon Wood.  In addition to this, we also visited the Nazi rally grounds in Nuremberg and spent time reflecting amongst the thousands of headstones at various Commonwealth Cemeteries, throughout France, Belgium and Germany, including Tyne Cot Cemetary. 

One of the highlights of the tour was being able to participate in a ceremony at the Menin Gate as a guard of honour. As well as all the memorial sites, there was still a lot of time for connection and fun - waffles and chocolate were a must in Belgium.  I will never forget this experience and am so grateful for the opportunity and the life-long friends I have made.

By Zara H - Year 11 Student

An article about Zara was also featured in the Macarthur Advertiser https://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/6418829/camden-student-following-diggers-footsteps-in-europe/