Sirs - The Mercian Regiment celebrate their forebears, the Worcs Regiment, with a commemoration at Gheluvelt Park, on October 31st. However, I’m amazed Worcester Council won’t send delegates to the Belgian town of Gheluvelt’s 100th year celebration, later this month.

WW1, Oct 1914: Heading for the Channel Ports, the Germans breached the British Line at the strategic town of Gheluvelt. Suffering huge casualties, we retreated. Yet 400 men of the Worcs Regiment counterattacked a larger German force and, meeting remnants of the South Wales Borderers, retook the town. The Worcesters lost 192 out of 400 men but the Line held and the Ports were saved. Gheluvelt Park was named after their bravery.

Last week, Worcester Council stated they won’t send delegates to Gheluvelt, claiming they weren’t notified by their Belgian counterparts and now it’s too late. As I understand it, a request was made by Gheluvelt Council, who still expect an attendee. The commemoration planned by the Gheluvelt townsfolk is being held out of respect for the men of the Worcs Regiment, who fought and died on their streets, 100y ago.

There was and is more than enough time to get a Worcs Council official to Belgium. It’s 1h by plane and, with a night's board/lodge, it won’t even cost £500. When our Councillors claim thousands in travel expenses yearly, can’t we send one official to Belgium to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our Army regiment?

O. Cleary

Worcester