War and the Canadian Experience in France and Flanders was an outstanding professional development course. Under the leadership of Dr. Brown, Mr. Seward, and Dr. Windsor, we acquired the historical thinking skills that will enable us to teach and learn History through practising the Historical Thinking Concepts, asking Powerful Questions, and studying Big Ideas. During the two-week study tour, we participated in inquiry-based learning activities and examined history education topics, all the while visiting historically significant sites. We built strong friendships and a professional network of historical thinkers.
On the second day of the tour, we brainstormed characteristics of high quality professional development, one of which was Teacher Reflection. In the weeks following the tour, some participants submitted a photograph and a reflection of their most memorable experience in France and Belgium.
On the second day of the tour, we brainstormed characteristics of high quality professional development, one of which was Teacher Reflection. In the weeks following the tour, some participants submitted a photograph and a reflection of their most memorable experience in France and Belgium.
Abbi
"My most memorable moment was visiting the Vimy Ridge Memorial. I had never imagined that I would have the opportunity to actually see it myself, so it was a very special moment. The discussions we had surrounding the Vimy narrative, visiting the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, and learning more about the Canadian contributions made the Vimy day exciting and a valuable learning opportunity."
Blake
"I always enjoy Dieppe. The city is beautiful. Lee, Cindy, Ben and I find this day challenging because of the various controversies and themes that can be explored inside the classroom and out. The big six concepts swirl around this event in Canada's history. Textbooks are also controversial in how they interpret the Dieppe Raid and the German photographs they use to visualize the attack. The Dieppe Raid is rich in teaching opportunities.
This year the work at Dieppe was particularly significant for me. The grandfather of participant teacher- Abbi fought at Dieppe. While on the beach she was emotional but wanted to learn more about the day and explore the controversy. The day was a combination of personal and professional, emotional and educational. It was a perfect day."
This year the work at Dieppe was particularly significant for me. The grandfather of participant teacher- Abbi fought at Dieppe. While on the beach she was emotional but wanted to learn more about the day and explore the controversy. The day was a combination of personal and professional, emotional and educational. It was a perfect day."
Cindy
"My most memorable photo is of Janelle and Joel’s presentation at the Moulin Morin. It was significant for me because it showed us all the power of enabling voice in others – whether it be our students, our friends, or our colleagues. And to give voice means that you must stop to listen. Joel did this so beautifully with Janelle. Enabling the voice of others is something I strive to do in my daily interactions and this moment inspired me and reminded me how important it is."
Emily
"I took this in Dieppe at sunset when the tide went out. I was breathless the whole time that I was walking along the beach. I don't think my heart stopped racing once that night just because of how beautiful it was. I think it was so memorable because of how vividly I remember standing there at a loss for words and oxygen."
Janelle
"Being at the grave of Jack Scott Cox, the solider that I researched in grade 10, was one of the most memorable parts of the tour. I will remember this because I spent so much time doing research on his life and then I was finally able to see the place he is buried. This is something I thought would never happen."
Lee
"This was our last night in Normandy, 21 June. Joel, a fellow Royal Canadian Armoured Corps veteran, asked our Rocquancourt friends if they would take he and I for a ride in an open 1940s Wileys Jeep, south across the Operation Totalize battlefield.
We drove down the same dirt track I first used 17 years ago as a way to introduce Canadian visitors to the August 1944 Normandy Campaign climax. This year our friend Dennis Viel, the mayor, explained how Germans built the road as part of a dummy air strip in 1943. Even though it is now used as a farm track, locals still call it the 'German Road'. I'd driven around that area dozens of times over the years with different groups, but racing across it with this new local French insight, in an open jeep, through the lengthening shadows of early evening revealed so much more of the infamous Verrières Ridge on which so much blood was shed.
My mind and heart went back to 2004 when Mike Bechthold, Ron Reid, and I visited Rocquancourt with Lieutenant Colonel John Edmondson of the South Saskatchewan Regiment. John was a Dieppe and Normandy veteran who led the South Sasks into Rocquancourt to liberate the shattered ruins once and for all. It wasn't his first time on Verrières Ridge. He survived the hell on earth that erupted there on starting on 21 July 1944. But by 8-9 August, John, the South Sasks, and the whole of the multi-national First Canadian Army could finally make it safe for the inhabitants to emerge from the mine shafts below. John has long been one of my heroes. In the last two years, my memory of him has been joined with that of Dennis' grandfather, the mayor of Rocquancourt in 1944 and a French Resistance cell commander who helped coordinate the evacuation of villagers into the mines, unbeknownst to the German garrison on the surface. Courage takes many forms and shines brightest when joined with compassion for others.
During that drive south along the German Road towards the Cramesnil Spur and back north along a track linking to Fontenay-le-Marmion, we met a thousand ghosts, all at peace and warmed by the late summer sunshine.
Je me souviens."
We drove down the same dirt track I first used 17 years ago as a way to introduce Canadian visitors to the August 1944 Normandy Campaign climax. This year our friend Dennis Viel, the mayor, explained how Germans built the road as part of a dummy air strip in 1943. Even though it is now used as a farm track, locals still call it the 'German Road'. I'd driven around that area dozens of times over the years with different groups, but racing across it with this new local French insight, in an open jeep, through the lengthening shadows of early evening revealed so much more of the infamous Verrières Ridge on which so much blood was shed.
My mind and heart went back to 2004 when Mike Bechthold, Ron Reid, and I visited Rocquancourt with Lieutenant Colonel John Edmondson of the South Saskatchewan Regiment. John was a Dieppe and Normandy veteran who led the South Sasks into Rocquancourt to liberate the shattered ruins once and for all. It wasn't his first time on Verrières Ridge. He survived the hell on earth that erupted there on starting on 21 July 1944. But by 8-9 August, John, the South Sasks, and the whole of the multi-national First Canadian Army could finally make it safe for the inhabitants to emerge from the mine shafts below. John has long been one of my heroes. In the last two years, my memory of him has been joined with that of Dennis' grandfather, the mayor of Rocquancourt in 1944 and a French Resistance cell commander who helped coordinate the evacuation of villagers into the mines, unbeknownst to the German garrison on the surface. Courage takes many forms and shines brightest when joined with compassion for others.
During that drive south along the German Road towards the Cramesnil Spur and back north along a track linking to Fontenay-le-Marmion, we met a thousand ghosts, all at peace and warmed by the late summer sunshine.
Je me souviens."
Lorelei
"Meeting Mme Bouvier was for me the most memorable part of the study tour. Her inner beauty and the compassion she showed was heart-warming. Although she has suffered much (she lost two sons and lived through the Second World War), she continues to not only live but to thrive! She spoke warmly of her 67 year old daughter with whom she lives, as well as of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had visited the library prior to coming to meet her Canadian cousins! At 91 she is an avid reader wanting to learn more about the world! For me, she symbolizes hope....and I'm so grateful to have met her!"
Lynzee
"The most memorable moments of Canada and the War Experience France and Flanders tour were as follows:
I was honoured and excited to visit John Bernard Croak's cemetery in Hangard Wood, France. I was immediately put to ease when I saw how beautiful this cemetery was and the peaceful and serene surroundings. I was grateful to have researched John Bernard Croak and to have the opportunity to present his biography to the participants. It was such an emotional and meaningful experience to share my perspective of his life story. I had a ladybug land on me afterwards and I am a believer in symbols and signs. I would like to think it was John's spirit welcoming me.
I was also filled with much emotion when visiting Givenchy. The town chose to designate 2017 as the Year of Canada. It was very gratifying to see the Canadian flags displayed on every home and business in this area. I was delighted to see a banner from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality displayed in the town centre. Speaking with Benoit and seeing our city emblem on the library made me feel a very real connection to this town. To walk up the street named after the Nova Scotia Highlanders who helped liberate the town was very powerful.
Another moment that took my breath away was visiting the Abbey Ardenne. I was overcome by emotion when I learned that so many of the men murdered by the Hitler Youth were from my area of Sydney, Sydney Mines & Membertou. It made me think of them, their families, their feelings, &experiences. I thanked them for our present freedoms and felt such a sense of loss and disappointment in humanity. There deaths as prisoners of war seemed so brutal and unnecessary. They were young, vibrant men whose lives were taken too soon.
I was very grateful to meet the ladies that survived the war and hear their stories and points of view. The fact that the town had a celebration for us to thank us for their liberation made me again think of my current freedoms and feel gratitude. I enjoyed making a connection with the women in their 90's and hearing about their fears and resilience.
Lastly, I value the human connections made on this tour. The people on this tour have made me a better person, educator, Canadian and friend. We were pushed and challenged physically, mentally and for some spiritually. I am thankful for the support given to me when I needed help on difficult days. We have learned together, lived together, grown together, laughed and cried together. This was a truly unique experience that opened my perspectives and abilities. I have built skills that will help me grow in my profession and as a person. I am thankful for the Sponsorship of the Royal Canadian Regiment Trust, The Gregg Centre and to Cindy, Lee, Blake ,Ben & Joel for being passionate leaders and a wealth of knowledge. This is an experience that will forever be held in my heart!"
I was honoured and excited to visit John Bernard Croak's cemetery in Hangard Wood, France. I was immediately put to ease when I saw how beautiful this cemetery was and the peaceful and serene surroundings. I was grateful to have researched John Bernard Croak and to have the opportunity to present his biography to the participants. It was such an emotional and meaningful experience to share my perspective of his life story. I had a ladybug land on me afterwards and I am a believer in symbols and signs. I would like to think it was John's spirit welcoming me.
I was also filled with much emotion when visiting Givenchy. The town chose to designate 2017 as the Year of Canada. It was very gratifying to see the Canadian flags displayed on every home and business in this area. I was delighted to see a banner from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality displayed in the town centre. Speaking with Benoit and seeing our city emblem on the library made me feel a very real connection to this town. To walk up the street named after the Nova Scotia Highlanders who helped liberate the town was very powerful.
Another moment that took my breath away was visiting the Abbey Ardenne. I was overcome by emotion when I learned that so many of the men murdered by the Hitler Youth were from my area of Sydney, Sydney Mines & Membertou. It made me think of them, their families, their feelings, &experiences. I thanked them for our present freedoms and felt such a sense of loss and disappointment in humanity. There deaths as prisoners of war seemed so brutal and unnecessary. They were young, vibrant men whose lives were taken too soon.
I was very grateful to meet the ladies that survived the war and hear their stories and points of view. The fact that the town had a celebration for us to thank us for their liberation made me again think of my current freedoms and feel gratitude. I enjoyed making a connection with the women in their 90's and hearing about their fears and resilience.
Lastly, I value the human connections made on this tour. The people on this tour have made me a better person, educator, Canadian and friend. We were pushed and challenged physically, mentally and for some spiritually. I am thankful for the support given to me when I needed help on difficult days. We have learned together, lived together, grown together, laughed and cried together. This was a truly unique experience that opened my perspectives and abilities. I have built skills that will help me grow in my profession and as a person. I am thankful for the Sponsorship of the Royal Canadian Regiment Trust, The Gregg Centre and to Cindy, Lee, Blake ,Ben & Joel for being passionate leaders and a wealth of knowledge. This is an experience that will forever be held in my heart!"
Marshall
"This picture is important to me because it shows how even 75 years after the Canadians' liberation of Roqancourt, the people of Rocquancourt still celebrate and honour Canadians. We did not liberate the town; it was our brothers of three generations past who did. Yet, the townspeople treated us like celebrities thanking us and throwing us a party. It was honouring and humbling, and two weeks later, I'm still struggling to find words to describe it.
I also enjoy this picture because it shows our group's unity. At the start of the tour, nobody knew each other. Yet, by the end of the two weeks, we were all great friends and acted as if we had known each other for years. I'll always remember each and every one of our tour members and I am grateful to have met them."
I also enjoy this picture because it shows our group's unity. At the start of the tour, nobody knew each other. Yet, by the end of the two weeks, we were all great friends and acted as if we had known each other for years. I'll always remember each and every one of our tour members and I am grateful to have met them."
Riley
"One of my favourite moments on our tour was the mock defense of a French village. From the role-playing reconnaissance pictured to the the actual planning of the defense based on actual historical evidence, I found this activity extremely engaging and relatable. In particular, the fact that my group had the chance to talk to not one, but two, survivors of the Canadian liberation of the town was awe-inspiring. This made an activity that was already very interesting to me absolutely amazing. I will always remember it."
Ronda
"The most memorable part of the tour was my soldier biography. This was by no means the only memorable part but this is what really stuck out in my mind, both through the research and then during the presentation. This soldier became more than a name, Andrew Gunning now feels like part of my family. I don't know who he had in his life. His fiancée very likely married someone else, she may never have spoke of him again, he had no children, I have no idea if he was close to his family. Putting together the pieces made him a person. I cried as I read his biography and the tears were genuine. I'm tearing up as I write this. He isn't a nameless soldier, he is Private Andrew Gunning who left Ireland to come to Saskatchewan where he chose to enlist. His life was given so that others may live in peace. Learning about him and seeing his gravestone will stay with me forever. My genuine emotions around this is something that I hope will inspire and encourage my students to discover the men who fought."
Simon
"This is a picture of me sitting in reverence in front on my soldier’s grave. When I saw the word ‘’The REV’’ (reverend) on the tombstone, it reinforced the idea of the inhumanity of the murder of my ‘’non-combatant’’ soldier. This made the presentation even tougher to complete…"
Vanessa
"When we were at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Lee pointed out how big the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's Caribou commemorative monument is in comparison to the monument that commemorates the 29th British Division. Despite having worked at Beaumont-Hamel for a summer, I had never thought about the commemorative monument of a regiment outsizing that of an entire army division. When I look at this picture of the 29th British Division monument, I get increasingly excited about my Master's thesis, which will challenge the dominant (victim) narrative of the Newfoundland Regiment's advance at Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916. My thesis will require me to study the contributions of the many regiments that fought on the Somme and this will allow me to situate the Newfoundland Regiment's contributions in the Allies' strategic and political objectives on the Somme. This in turn will (hopefully) enable me to demonstrate that the Newfoundlander casualties of July 1, 1916 did not die in vain and were not victims."
