29.06.2016
A Peal for the Somme – An Irish Remembrance of All Who Fell at the Somme
Cathedrals, churches and communities across the Island of Ireland are being invited to participate in ‘A Peal for the Somme’ – an event to help mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme – this Friday morning. Cathedrals and churches of all denominations are invited to toll a funeral bell for 10 minutes on July 1 commencing at 7.30 am, marking 100 years to the minute that officers blew their whistles ordering their men to leave the safety of their trenches and cross ‘no–man’s land’. Alternatively they may toll their bells at 11.00 am to coincide with the start of the international ceremonial event at the Thiepval Memorial in France.
The international commemoration of the battle will take place at the Thiepval Memorial in France (the site of the battle) at 11.00 am on Friday July 1. Political leaders and military representatives of all nations involved in the conflict will participate in a major televised commemoration. Among the participants are the UK, France, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, West Indies and Germany. The 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards will represent the United Kingdom, in whose Armed Forces over 200,000 Irishmen served.
A Peal for Somme is being coordinated by the Royal British Legion. Among the churches taking part in Dublin and Glendalough will be Christ Church, Bray, where bells will toll at 7.30 am on Friday.
The President of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland, Major General David O’Morchoe CB CBE, said that the sacrifice of the young men who fought, and that of so many communities across this island, is as relevant today as ever but in this centenary year we pay special tribute to their service and their sacrifice.
Lt Col Ken Martin, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland said that “The Peal for the Somme” is intended as a community event to promote remembrance of those of all nations who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is also an important opportunity for an inclusive reflection on the cost of war and the price of peace, and for Ireland to show solidarity with other nations in acknowledging our common losses”.
The Battle of the Somme took place from 1 July to 18 November 1916 and has come to symbolise the enormous losses and dreadful conditions of the First World War. As a principle custodian of Remembrance in Ireland, The Royal British Legion is encouraging the country to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fell at the Battle of the Somme by holding their own Remembrance event.
Almost every community across the 32 counties of Ireland was deeply affected by the loss of men who had gone to fight at the Battle of the Somme, especially those areas which saw heavy losses from the ‘Pals’ battalions. The Pals battalions were groups of friends, teammates in sports clubs and colleagues, who had joined together, fought together and often died together. The Royal Irish Fusiliers and the rugby players of the 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers were key examples.
The British Legion was established in Ireland in 1925 by Irish veterans returned from the Great War and for over 90 years has acted as the principle custodian of Remembrance for Ireland’s fallen of both World Wars. The charity provides care and support to all British Armed Forces veterans and their families in Ireland who are in need and preserves the memory of those who did not return.
Churches wishing to take part in the “Peal for the Somme” can register their participation at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-peal-for-the-somme-tickets-21477944109
For more information about the Somme commemorations contact ROI@britishlegion.org.uk