THE realities of war are being brought alive for schoolchildren - through the true story of a teenager barely older than themselves.

William Oliver Watson was just 19 when, in 1915, he became one of the casualties of the Western Front.

Now, through his tragic tale, youngsters from Richmond School are getting a key insight into the horror of the First World War.

Over the next few weeks more than 200 pupils will visit the Green Howards Regimental Museum, in Richmond, as part of their history studies.

They will watch footage of soldiers in action in the trenches and will get the chance to handle equipment including weapons, compasses, helmets and trench periscopes.

They will also hear about Private William Oliver Watson, of the 6th Yorkshire Regiment, The Green Howards.

Pte Watson lived in Albert Row, Bedale, and joined the Green Howards at the outbreak of war in 1914.

The youngsters will see photographs of him in uniform, as well as the last letter to his mother, dated August 17, 1915.

It arrived soon after it was sent, but by that time Pte Watson was dead.

The official letter to his mother, sent on January 6, 1917, told her that he had been missing since August 21, 1915, and was presumed dead.

The museum curator, Major Roger Chapman, said: "The real story of young William Oliver Watson brings home to the pupils that the battles of the Western Front were fought by real people, not much older than they are."