Dignitaries from across Worcester came together on Sunday to pay respects on the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt.
On October 31, 1914, The 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment prevented a British collapse during the pivotal battle.
An event to commemorate the victory is held is annually at 11.30am on the final Sunday of October at the Gheluvelt Park Memorial in Worcester.
The service was organised through the combined efforts of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association's Worcester branch and Worcester City Council.
Wreaths were laid by Worcester MP Walker, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Mrs Beatrice Grant, High Sheriff of Worcestershire Louise Hewett, Chairman of County Council Mr Kyle Daisley, and the Mayor of Worcester, Louis Stephen.
Representing the Mercian Regiment was Captain Luke Boxall of the 4th Battalion who read the thirty-four names on the Roll of Honour.
The reverend Colin Butler MBE conducted the poignant service.
It concluded with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem and a speech by the Mayor of Worcester, who echoed the brave deeds of the local regiment in the thick of battle, their pivotal role in securing the allied front line, and the sacrifices made by local individuals.
The attendance numbers at the ceremony have been gradually returning to pre-pandemic figures, and a favourable weather saw a good turnout.
Meticulous organisation behind the event comes from the dedicated Worcester branch of W.F.R.A.
They actively encourage new membership and meet regularly throughout the year on the last Tuesday of January, March, May, July and September and the second Tuesday of December each year.
The significance of the battle to the county emanates from the 2nd Battallion, Worcestershire Regiment, who stood as the last line of British defence after 10 days of battle while other regiments retreated.
They robustly resisted the advancing German forces until the enemy was eventually driven out, preventing a catastrophic collapse of the British defence by the Menin Road.
The battle came at a heavy cost for the 2nd Battalion, with one third of their forces, 187 people, killed or wounded in the battle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel