Northumberland remembrance service marks 110 years since Battle of the Somme
A special service of remembrance is to be held to honour Northumberland soldiers who lost their lives 110 years ago.
On July 1, 1916, the British and French armies launched the Battle of the Somme in northern France, resulting in the bloodiest single day in the history of the British Army.
There were more than 57,000 British casualties on the first day of the battle and 19,240 men were killed in action or died of their wounds.
The Northumberland Fusiliers suffered the highest number of casualties of any regiment on that opening day.
To mark the 110th anniversary, Northumberland Fusiliers, current veterans and dignitaries will be attending a service of remembrance at County Hall in Morpeth – organised by Northumbria Veterans Network and the County Council.
The service will include The Last Post, a time for reflection and remembrance, poetry and the laying of wreaths.
The council is also working with Northumberland Archives to highlight some of the personal stories and sacrifices.
A new display will run in County Hall, a special website is being created, and there are plans for a touring library exhibition over the coming months.
Among the many stories told are that of Captain John Evelyn Carr who fought in the Somme and was a Northumberland County Councillor between 1913 and 1916.
He kept a diary throughout the war, and on July 1 1916 wrote: “A lovely summer day and one I shall never forget for many things.
"One principal thing was that my Battalion (as good as any in the British Army) was almost entirely demolished, only two officers that were with it got back unwounded.
"Captain Hudson and Lt Hayes, all the rest were either killed or wounded. The Colonel was badly hit in both lungs, the Adjutant was wounded and many of my dear pals were killed.”
Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “July 1st 1916 was a day of huge sacrifice for many nations, and a day that has special resonance for this county.
“The stories and memories we have found from that day show us a snapshot of the bravery and stoicism of thousands of young men, and we look forward to paying tribute to all those who fought for our freedom.”
The ceremony will be held from 9am to 9.40am on Wednesday, July 1.