THE people of Alcester came together last weekend to officially mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and remember those who fell.
At 7.30am on Friday (July 1) residents met around the war memorial at St Nicholas Church to observe a two minute silence before whistles were blown by those present to signify the order given 100 years ago for troops to go over the top.
On Saturday morning (July 2) veterans, townspeople and around 100 British Legion members gathered on the church green where the official Somme 100 Flag was raised by Warrant Officer Jolliffe of The Royal Signals and a memorial service for those who fell in the Battle was held.
Organiser and branch secretary of the Royal British Legion, David Malin said:”It is our duty to remember those who served and recognise those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.
“As Reverend Adrian Guthrie began to read the names of the Alcester men killed in the action at the Somme, the clouds opened and it poured with rain. At the sound of the Reveille bugle, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
“In Alcester we are always honoured by the support we get and this weekend has been no exception. Many local families lost loved ones during this Battle and we remember them too.”
A poppy and cornflower wreath was laid at the war memorial along with a cross for every Alcester man that was killed in The Battle.
