Bringing History To Life

Bringing History To Life: Flames Of War Meets Amaroo School History Students with Ken Snell. Recently we had a chance to take Flames Of War into the classroom here in Canberra, ACT (Australian Capital Territory), Australia. Year 10 history students (including my own son – a pretty competent player in his own right) at Amaroo School have been studying the Second World War; causes, implications, campaigns and politics.

As part of their learning, we determined to see if Flames Of War could provide a unique ‘hands-on’ or immersive learning outcome to support their studies. The choice of Operation Market Garden was determined when we discovered one of the teachers Grandfather was a member of the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment as the Technical Sergeant Major, D Troop, No. 2 Battery. He survived the battle and was taken prisoner by the Germans until war’s end. This brought a personal touch to the afternoon that wasn’t lost on students.

Members of the Canberra Group that facilitated this activity were Ken Snell, Robert Mun, John Crispin and Larry Wood. Following a central historical brief delivered by Ken Snell, students were divided into three groups to play out a series of battles: Battle One: XXX Corps Breakout led by Guards Armoured. Battle Two: 82nd Airborne Division attempts to hold open the road between Grave and Nijmegan. Battle Three: The 1st Airborne Division fight for Arnhem Bridge.

In understanding the implications of the action and the single road getting to Arnhem, students on Battles One and Two were under pressure to ensure XXX Corps could advance. At the end, British Airborne were able to hold Arnhem Bridge, and the 82nd Airborne opened up the road to Nijmegan; but the German troops held XXX Corps on the first battle ensuring further delay to the link up. This gave students much to ponder about the real action 70 years ago.

Mr Richard Powell, Principal Amaroo School, noted in his weekly newsletter: “The Year 10 History students had a fabulous learning experience by taking part in a hands-on experience re-enacting Operation Market Garden from World War II. Following a brief discussion the students were divided into three groups to play out three scenarios under guidance using a miniature war gaming system. The activity was overseen by war-gaming enthusiasts from the Canberra Flames Of War Group. The students really enjoyed this powerful learning experience and were some of the most motivated learners I have had the pleasure to observe.

They thought carefully about their plans of action and showed good spirits and team work when results favoured or did not favour them. Congratulations to the students on a powerful learning experience and thanks to the teachers of History for bringing their learning to life for our students. We would like to acknowledge Ken Snell for his contributions in organising and staging this excursion. Ken presented our school with a book, ‘The Words of War’ which are personal letters and diaries from the Imperial War Museum put together by Marcus Cowper.” I’m particularly grateful to Larry Wood, Robert Mun and John Crispin who joined me in running this history activity. Judging by the mirth around the tables, they had as much fun as the students. Some observations:

Larry Wood: “My allied commander, a girl who turned into a pretty real impersonation of Major Julian Cook with very little prompting, took a very aggressive approach and had her whole team on the offensive from the get go.” “One student didn't want to command any men who might die but agreed to take over the Typhoon air support.  Her first attempt called in three Typhoons which destroyed two StuGs, bailed another, destroyed the pioneer supply cart and a stand of pioneers and pinned them and the 105s (which stayed pinned for three turns despite being Fearless SS!) She was quite surprised!! And the German players who had ignored my advice to spread out suddenly were very keen to listen!!”

John Crispin: “Fantastic event, great fun.  XXX Corps is still trying to push through the swampy ground and were surprised by the tenacity of the German defence; we had burning Panthers and StuG's on one side, and burning Sherman’s and Cromwell’s on the other.” This activity was highly successful, and plans are being prepared for a return to the classroom late in the year. We’d strongly encourage this at other schools - Flames of War has much to offer from an educational sense – not to mention we may have picked up some new players for the Canberra Group!! ~ Ken.