Film pays tribute to the fallen in Somme battle
A SPECIAL film is due to be screened in Ormskirk to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.
July 1 marks 100 years since the start of the bloodiest battle in the history of the British Army.
On the first day of the battle alone 19,240 British soldiers lost their lives - making it the worst day in British army history.
The battle continued for five months and left more than a million soldiers dead and wounded on both sides.
On July 7, a special film compiled by the Imperial War Museum for the First World War Centenary Partnership will be screened at Ormskirk Civic Hall.
The film The Battle Of The Somme gave its 1916 audience an unprecedented insight into the realities of trench warfare, controversially including the depiction of dead and wounded soldiers.
It shows scenes of the build-up to the infantry offensive, including the massive preliminary bombardment, coverage of the first day of the battle and depictions of the small gains and massive costs of the attack.
For the 100th commemoration, Laura Rossi has composed a new score for the digitally restored film.
West Lancs Borough Council’s heritage and environment department and Ormskirk Bygone Times have organised the event.
A display of local military history will also be showcased alongside the film.
The screening will begin at 7pm on July 7.
There is no admission fee, but donations to cover the cost of the room hire are welcomed.
Demand is expected to be high so people are urged to register their interest to help organisers gauge the numbers expected.