Going to France was an experience like no other.

We went to many museums, many cemeteries and visited the neighbouring country of Belgium. We learnt a lot about trench life and trench warfare.

A thing that really surprised me, was how close the opposing trenches were to each other.

We managed to visit a few of the grave sites of the soldiers from the Manning Valley area and we took a number of photos of headstones, that we will be providing to the Manning Valley Historical Society in Wingham.

Related reading: Wingham cadet to represent at Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day

The trip overall was very moving. It gave me a whole new perspective on both of the world wars.

The enormity of the conflict is mind blowing, and one I have a greater understanding of.

I think the thing that gave me the most gut wrenching moment is when we found a grave of a soldier that was only 14 years old. It shocked me that they let children that young fight for our freedom and the suffering that their parents would have had to go through is devastating.

One highlight was whilst at Ypres, we had the honour of forming the Honour Guard at Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony. After that ceremony we placed soil at the name of a fallen indigenous soldier. The soil was from his traditional homeland.

It was also interesting the high respect the Australian Military is regarded with in these areas. We were constantly asked who we represented, and on stating we are from the Australian Airforce Cadets, we received handshakes and cheers.

The service on Anzac day was amazing. There were many people in attendance to help commemorate the fallen soldiers; it was a huge turnout. The stories that were told and the emotions that were shared amongst the crowd moved me.

I even ended up with a selfie with the them Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull.

In conclusion, the trip was very memorable for me and it is an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life.