WORCESTER residents are being invited to take part in an open air service in Gheluvelt Park to mark the 101st anniversary of a crucial First World War battle.
The city landmark will host a ceremony on Sunday (October 25) to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in one of the bloodiest battles during the conflict.
Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne Road takes its name from the small Belgian town where the battle took place, claiming the lives of 34 men from the 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.
Last year at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Battle of Gheluvelt, a special stone of Malvern granite was installed in the park to remember all ranks of the Worcestershire Regiment who served their country at home and overseas.
This year’s commemorations are being organised by the Worcester branch of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association and will be attended by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Sir Anthony Winnington Bt, Lady Winnington and Colonel Phil Kimber OBE from the Mercian Regiment.
Mayor of Worcester Coun Roger Knight will also attend the service, led by Canon Paul Tongue, along with members of the Royal British Legion and cadet forces.
The service will include the playing of the Last Post, two minutes’ silence followed by Reveille and prayers. The names of the 34 heroes will also be read out by Canon Tongue.
Maurice Smith from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association, Worcester Branch said: “We would very much welcome anyone who would like to come along to the service.
“We know there are relatives of those who served and died in that battle 101 years ago.
“The park is a memorial to the Worcestershire Regiment.
“Through changes made within the modern British Army our antecedent Regiment is the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment who are also remembered on this day,” he added.
Visit www.worcestershireregiment.com/h_gheluvelt for more information on the battle and a roll of honour of the fallen.
THE BATTLE OF GHELUVELT
In October 1914, around 400 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment fought at Gheluvelt.
Their counter-attack saved Ypres from capture and the British Army from defeat.
At the end of the day, 187 men of all ranks had been killed or wounded.
Weary from ten days’ hard fighting, unshaven, unwashed and in torn uniforms but good spirits and with plenty of ammunition, they forced the young and inexperienced German enemy to withdraw.
With the few soldiers of the battalion of South Wales Borderers who had been left behind in the retreat, they cleared the area of enemy.
The heroic success of the 2nd Battalion’s counter-attack turned the course of the war, helping Allied forces to organise a more substantial defence against the Germans.
ORDER of Events
11.20am – Regimental marches will be played as guests make their way to the feature.
From 11.30am – Welcome and prayers by Canon Paul Tongue
The names of the 34 fallen read out
Laying of wreaths
Canon Tongue will give the Exhortation
Bugler sounds the Last Post
Two minute’s silence
Bugler will sound Reveille
Kohima Epitaph, closing prayers and blessing
Call to attention and singing of National Anthem
