Was your family affected byThe Battle of the Somme in 1916?

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When the offensive was halted on November 16th after the Battle of the Ancre more than 1 million BritishEmpire, French and German servicemen had been wounded, captured or killed. During the 141 daysof the Battle, men from every part of Britain fought as part of the British Army.

The Act of Remembrance is being organised by Grenville Jones as a mark of respect for his own grandfather,Lance Corporal William Henry Jones, who died in the first days of the battle aged 24.

The short ceremony will be led by the Rev. Ken Madden who also has a close interest in the history ofthe Great War. It will take place at St Michael’s Church, in the centre of Bath from 6-7pm. Everyone iswelcome and there will be a retiring collection for the Royal British Legion. There will be appropriate readings and music, including a reading by Ben Howlett, MP for Bath and The Mayor of Bath, Cllr PaulCrossley, and The Bath Male Choir will perform.

The previous weekend Bath Male Choir will be singing at The Menin Gate, Last Post Ceremony in Ypres,on Remembrance Day, Sunday November 13th.

There will also be a reflection on the life of Fred Weatherly who lived in Bath in 1916 – a celebrated song-writer of his time and whose song ‘Roses of Picardy’ was the biggest-selling sheet music song of theFirst World War. It will be performed as part of the reflection.

All local families are invited to attend the service, which offers an opportunity to remember those whoserved during the 141 days of the Somme, 100 years ago.

Everyone is invited to attend the commemoration

A retiring collection will be taken for the Royal British Legion

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