AT 7.30AM on July 1, 1916 whistles blew along the Western Front as a signal to the troops to go ‘over the top’; this was the start of one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War – the Battle of the Somme.

On July 1 at Wordsley War Memorial at 7.30am between 60 to 70 people attended a ceremony to commemorate the start of the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Jim Skidmore, organiser and member of the Royal British Legion, welcomed everyone attending and read out the programme for the ceremony beginning with a prayer followed, at precisely 7.30am, by three blasts on whistles brought along by those attending. A wreath was then laid by James Carver MEP and a wreath by Andrew Perry on behalf of the people of Wordsley. Then the Exhortation, Last Post and two minutes’ silence. Reveille was played followed by the Dedication and a blessing.

Mary Skidmore

Stourbridge