HORRORS OF FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLE REMEMBERED
100 YEARS ON, WALES HONOURS THE FALLEN
ASERVICE to remember the thousands of Welsh soldiers who died or were injured at the Battle of Passchendaele a century ago will be held today.
Held at Langemark, Belgium, the Welsh National Service of Remembrance will honour the 3,000 servicemen.
The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) was one of the most horrific episodes of the First World War, remembered as a remorseless fight through mud and rain, and was fought in Belgium from July 31 to November 10, 1917, lasting a total of 103 days.
The 38th (Welsh) Division played a central role in the battle, capturing key positions on the ridge at Pilckem, but suffering a huge number of casualties.
Today First Minister Carwyn Jones will stand alongside Alain Wyffels, Mayor of Langemark-Poelkapelle and Minister-President of Flanders, Geert Bourgeois.
During his address, Mr Jones will pay tribute to all those who took part in the battle, as well as read a passage from the Bible in Welsh.
Speaking in front of the Welsh National Memorial – the 9ft dragon sculpture which honours the Welsh men who fought in the conflict – he is due to say: “It is a great privilege to be back in Langemark for this important occasion. It has been three years since the memorial was unveiled and it offers us a fitting place to pay tribute and reflect on the sacrifices of all those who took part in the Third Battle of Ypres 100 years ago.
“In this peaceful spot today, it is hard to imagine the horrors of war faced by our soldiers and the agonising wait of families back home who might not know the fate of loved ones for many months.
“Some of those who lost their lives are remembered for their contribution to Welsh culture – such as poetry and sport – but, it is important we remember all those Welsh men who died during battle. Today we honour them all, for their bravery and courage.”
The service, which will be attended by the Prince of Wales, forms part of the events for 2017 in Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 – the official programme for First World War centenary commemorations in Wales.
Earlier in the day, Mr Jones will also represent Wales at the UK Government Service of Remembrance at Tyne Cot Cemetery. He will join Prime Minister Theresa May and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
Sir Michael said: “These services provide us with the time to reflect on the sacrifice not just of the thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives, but of the men on all sides who did not return home.”
Yesterday, a ceremony took place at the Menin Gate in Ypres, which is etched with the names of thousands of missing soldiers.
Among those to fight in the battle were the poets Hedd Wyn – see below – and Siegfried Sassoon, who both served in 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, plus the “Last Tommy” Harry Patch, who died aged 111 in July 2009.
A number of projects have been launched in Wales to remember the conflict and those who died.
They include a play, by Ceridwen Theatre Company and commissioned by the National Museum Cardiff, depicting the life of three soldiers cut off from their allies and cornered by enemies who must fight to survive. And S4C is screening a week of drama, music and factual programmes including a documentary about Hedd Wyn’s life.