The Ross-on-Wye branch of the Royal British Legion held commemorative services to honour local soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme, 100 years ago.

Today, Friday, July 1st marks the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Somme Offensive. On this day, there were almost 60,000 British casualties. The fighting lasted five months, and the Battle did not end until November 18th 1916.

A vigil was held in St Mary’s Church in Ross-on-Wye, on Thursday, June 30th. Prayers were read and candles were lit to remember the men who gave their lives during the conflict.

On Friday, July 1st, members of the Royal British Legion, local residents, Reverend Sarah Jones, and the Mayor of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft gathered at the Market House to mark a two minute’s silence. Mary Sinclair Powell and Parade Marshal Ian Hedges, of the Ross branch of the RBL, raised the flag, and Mary blew a whistle at 7.30am. 100 years ago, on Saturday July 1st 1916, a whistle was blown at this time as a signal to the troops to go over the top of the trenches.

There was no running as troops had been ordered to walk towards the enemy lines. They were met with relentless machine gun fire and thousands of men fell within minutes.

When the flag was at the top of the pole, and the flag unravelled, poppy petals were released, which caught in the wind.

Ross Royal British Legion have also organised an exhibition, which is in St Mary’s Church until Monday, July 4th. This gives visitors an opportunity to find out more about the local men who fought in the Battle of the Somme.