Old soldiers back in class
Pupils got up close to a periscope from a Second World War tank and tried on a soldier's helmet as two former servicemen gave an insight into military life on a visit to a Wolverhampton school.
Maurice Simmonds and Grenville Easterbrook shared their experiences of life during the war with pupils at St Bartholomew's School in Penn, and told why it is so important to remember those who fought and died for their country.
Mr Easterbrook, aged 78, of Wednesfield, served in The Royal Engineers, while 69-year-old Mr Simmonds, of Heath Town, is a former Territorial Army soldier.
Pupils got to try on a soldier's helmet and examine a propeller from a Gypsy Major aircraft, as well as a periscope from a tank during yesterday's visit.
Mr Simmonds told the Year 6 class: "It is through what these soldiers did that you have got the freedom to live your own lives today.
"We have to respect these people for what they have done for everyone of us."
He showed the youngsters photographs of his father Maurice senior, who served in the war, first in the RAF and latterly with The Royal Fusiliers.
The school in Sedgley Road has been selected to take part in Wolverhampton's Remembrance Day celebrations on November 1.
Pupils are being challenged to write a letter or story, imagining they are a soldier writing to their loved ones or a war child coping with their father being sent away to the front line.
