Service in Belgium will honour Welsh 3rd Ypres victims of a century ago
A SERVICE to remember the thousands of Welsh soldiers who died or were injured at the bloody 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, with First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones opening the proceedings.
The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) was one of the most horrific episodes of the First World War, remembered as a remorseless slog through the 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 Pilkem, but suffered a huge number of casualties.
Today Mr Jones will stand alongside Alain Wyffels, Mayor of LangemarkPoelkapelle and Minister-President of Flanders, Geert Bourgeois.
During his address, the First Minister will pay tribute to all those who took part in the battle, as well as read a passage from the Bible in Welsh.
He will speak in front of the Welsh National Memorial – the 9ft dragon sculpture, which honours the Welsh men who fought bravely in the conflict.
He will 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.”
Monday’s 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.
Before that, the First Minister will represent Wales at the UK Government Service of Remembrance at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
A number of other projects have been launched in Wales to remember the conflict and those who died.
They include a play by the Ceridwen Theatre Company, 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.
Welsh language channel S4C are also screening a week of drama, music and factual programmes including a documentary about the life of poet Hedd Wyn, from North Wales, who was killed on the first day of the battle.