ONE hundred years ago this month a group of trainee teachers arrived at the frontline in Ypres.

Just four days later they would be sent into battle, having never before fired a shot in anger.

Historian Harry Moses will tell the story of the students from the Teacher Training College of the Honourable Bede, Durham, when he visits the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery this weekend.

Students enrolling at the college were expected to join Bede Company, the 8th Battalion of the Durham Light Brigade, which had traditionally been made up of volunteers.

Along with members of college staff, they undertook volunteer and territorial training, attended an annual camp and took part in drills, during their two-year training course.

Following the declaration of war, a number of ex-students re-joined the company. The men travelled to France in April 1915 with the Durham Brigade of the Northumbria Division and within days were thrust into the 2nd Battle of Ypres.

Their first and only action was at the Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge at Ypres Salient on April 25 and 26.

Almost 100 years later, County Durham-born historian Harry Moses will talk about the formation of the company and their experiences on the frontline.

His talk, part of the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery’s Military Talks programme for 2015, will be held at 2pm on Saturday April 18.

Tickets for the talk are £3.50. Normal museum admission charges also apply. To book in advance, visit the museum shop or call 03000-266-590.