The Prince of Wales meets First World War veterans at The National Archives

The Prince of Wales visited The National Archives at Kew, West London, on Tuesday 8 April to meet veterans of the First World War, gathering together for the last time. The veterans, aged between 102 and 108, attended an educational event organised jointly by the Dark Horse Venture charity and the World War One Veterans Association.

The veterans spent the day sharing memories and experiences. They met His Royal Highness and talked to schoolchildren (in Year 10, aged 14-15) from Tring in Hertfordshire, who took part in a World War One workshop organised by The National Archives. Other schools from Newcastle, Merseyside and Dublin participated in a live videoconference link to the workshop, with a veteran and an actor playing the part of a Great War soldier.

Sarah Tyacke, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:

"I am delighted that The National Archives is hosting this momentous event and especially honoured that the Prince of Wales is visiting us today" (8 April)

The National Archives which brings together the Public Record Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission - seeks to safeguard the nation's memory for present and future generations to enjoy. Today's meeting of World War One veterans and Year 10 schoolchildren is a marvellous opportunity to show how archives and oral history can bring history to life.

Tom O'Leary, head of The National Archives' education department, said:

"Today's event is just one example of the many opportunities which The National Archives offers for pupils of all ages to work as real historians, investigating original sources from the past through the technology of the future"

The National Archives holds a considerable amount of material about the First World War. Many records of individual soldiers were destroyed or damaged by enemy action in the Second World War. Those that survived - the so-called "Burnt Documents" have now all been microfilmed and are available for viewing at The National Archives in Kew.

Roger Kershaw, historian at The National Archives, said:

"Anyone interested in the First World War will find a wealth of material preserved here at The National Archives. The records ranging from high level policy documents to files covering the careers of millions of men and women are available to any member of the public"

Steve Goodwin, Director of The Dark Horse Venture, said:

"The Dark Horse Venture is a national charity that operates the UK's largest award scheme for retired and older people helping them to put their work and life skills to practical and creative use. It doesn't campaign on behalf of older people but helps them to speak for themselves through the things they aspire to and achieve. The ethos of the charity is to focus on what is right with older people rather than what is wrong with them"

The event at Kew, so appropriately hosted by The National Archives, will highlight a new project of the charity which will turn oral history material into the latest virtual reality technology to create a learning resource for future generations.

Dennis Goodwin, Chairman of the World War One Veterans Association, said:

"After 15 years of organising reunions and pilgrimages for the veterans of the Great War, the World War One Veterans Association is choosing to go out on a high note, rather than fade away. We are using our long- standing collaboration with The Dark Horse Venture to create a unique inter-generational event where veterans hand over their own archive recordings and memorabilia to launch a new resource for learners of all ages which will use the latest technology. The Association's focus has not been to look back but to look forward and this seems a fitting way to leave a legacy for the children of today"

For further information please contact The National Archives Press Office