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Wirral to honour those who
fell at the Battle of the Somme
WIRRAL is to mark the centenary of the
Battle of the Somme with a poignant early morning vigil at the War Memorial,
Grange Hill, West Kirby.
The War Memorial, which stands high above the peninsula looking out to Wales and
across Liverpool Bay, is a fitting site for the vigil. It was designed by
Charles Sergeant Jagger, the son of a miner, who gave up a scholarship in Rome
and Venice to join the Army when war broke out in 1914. His experience of war,
including service on both on the Western Front and Gallipoli, along with being
wounded 3 times and receiving the Military Cross for gallantry, has influenced
much of his work. The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Pat Hackett, will lead the vigil
which starts at 7.30am, on Friday, 1 July 2016. This is exactly the time that
soldiers begin going 'over the top' at the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago. In total,
more than 1
million men were wounded or killed, including many from Wirral.
The Service will be taken by the Bishop of Birkenhead, the Right Reverend Keith
Sinclair, and will include a reading by Nicola Chavasse, the great great niece
of Captain Noel Chavasse; 1 of only 3 men to have twice received the Victoria
Cross, the highest award for gallantry, and the most decorated soldier in WW1.
Cllr Pat Hackett, Mayor of Wirral, said:- "On Friday morning we will join
people across the UK to remember the terrible events that took place at the
Somme exactly a century ago.
We will remember the young men from Wirral and across the country who fought and
too often died together, the terrible injuries and trauma they suffered, and the
families that were torn apart.
You are very welcome to join us at West Kirby or visit your local memorial and
take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice they made and the bravery they showed
in the face of unimaginable conditions."
As well as the Civic Vigil, at Grange Hill, whistles will also be blown at 7.30am
by Cadets at a number of Wirral's war memorials including (depending on
availability) the following:-
► Hamilton Square, Birkenhead.
► Christ Church, Kings Road, Bebington.
► St Bernard's Church, Bromborough.
► St Oswald's Church, Bidston.
► St Peter's Church, Lower Heswall.
► Pasture Road and Maryland Lane (Junction), Moreton.
► Magazines Promenade, New Brighton.
► Osmaston Road/Prenton Lane (Junction), Prenton.
► The Library, Ford Road, Upton.
► Port Sunlight Village.
► Thornton Hough. |
