All Pals Together

A First World War soldier’s story

Year 9 students spent time in the company of Private Henry Fairhurst via an online workshop created by The National Archives.

Henry was a soldier in the First World War and was nearly 30 when he joined up. Having prepared by reading and discussing some key documents, students questioned the actor playing Henry about many aspects of the war: How did his mother feel about him joining up? What did he think of conscientious objectors?  What did soldiers eat in the trenches? What was in his kitbag?  Why was he admitted to hospital?  What training did he receive before being sent to the front?

Based on the original War Office files of Private Fairhurst, this was a great opportunity for students to examine a soldier’s life in the trenches during the Great War.