A Peal for the Somme
The Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland is inviting cathedrals, churches and communities across the Island of Ireland to participate in ‘A Peal for the Somme’ – an event to help mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
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’ and, or alternatively, at 11.00 am to coincide with the start of the international ceremonial event at the Thiepval Memorial in France.
The Royal British Legion’s Head of Remembrance, The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO, said: “This year we are asking communities to host or take part in events to commemorate those who fell at the Battle of the Somme, which has come to symbolise the tragic scale and futility of modern industrialised warfare.
The President of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland, Major General David O’Morchoe CB CBE, endorses this view adding that the sacrifice of these young men, 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.
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.
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.
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 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 contribute in the “Peal for the Somme” can register their participation here.