Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘We must never forget what
The Lord Mayor of Canterbury has spoken movingly of his own family losses following a service to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.
The ceremony was on Friday in Canterbury cemetery where there are almost 200 Great War graves – 15 of those believed to be men who returned from the Somme battlefield but died from their injuries.
The battle raged for 141 days. It left 19,240 soldiers dead on the first day – the biggest loss in one day in British military history.
Lord Mayor Cllr George Metcalfe and the president of the Canterbury branch of the Royal British Legion, Gerry Ferrett, laid wreaths.
Cllr Metcalfe said: “Like many people, I’m aware of the sacrifices made in the First World War.
“My maternal grandfather commanded the second Battalion of the Buffs at the Battle of the Somme. He survived that but died of gas poisoning at the age of 56. My paternal grandfather was a gunner general and I suppose must have been responsible for a great deal of destruction.
“My two great uncles – a pilot and an engineer – were both killed. So like thousands of people, we all have links to the First World War. It is absolutely vital to commemorate days like this. Vital for us as old people and vital for young people to remember.”
The service was organised by the Canterbury branch of the RBL and was led by its chaplain Canon Paul Kerr.
He told the gathered veterans and supporters: “The Battle of the Somme left a deep mark on millions of families across the Commonwealth. It is important that we never forget what happened on the battlefields and honour the memory and bravery of those who fell for generations to come.”
Two minutes’ silence was observed and Mr Ferrett recited the Ode of Remembrance, which was followed by Last Post sounded by Salvation Army bugler Edward Neeve.
Mr Ferrett said: “There are an awful lot of servicemen who gave their lives on the Somme who have tended to be forgotten as the Second World War came along.
“The families of the men who were killed and injured also suffered badly. Certainly this week they have not been forgotten, even at this simple ceremony today. It is vitally important that young people remember too. We had a young bugler today who sounded Last Post, which I thought was really relevant.
“We will remember now right through to 2018, but even after then we will carry on.”