Leeds commemorates the centenary of the Battle of the Somme

Bugles will sound across Leeds city centre to commemorate the exact moment troops went over the trenches at the start of the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.

The poignant tribute to the fallen will take place on July 1 at 7.30am and is part of a programme of commemorative events organised by Leeds City Council and a host of other organisations and groups across Leeds to mark the centenary of the battle.

The buglers will be stationed at a number of city centre locations, including Victoria Garden’s war memorial, Civic Hall steps, the top of Briggate, Leeds Minster, Dortmund Square and City Square.

The Battle of the Somme resulted in the worst losses of British Army personnel during the First World War, and was one of the bloodiest battles in human history.

The battle included soldiers from Leeds serving with a number of units. In particular, the local volunteer battalion the Leeds Pals was hit especially hard.

Of the 750 members of The Leeds Pals who fought that day, just 72 were uninjured by nightfall.

Elsewhere on the day, units of the Leeds Rifles took part in action which led to Corporal George Sanders being awarded the Victoria Cross

The city-wide commemoration programme will start on the June 5 and run until late September and includes exhibitions, plays, concerts, poetry readings, films screenings and talks, with many memorial services taking place locally.

The events will take place as part of wider commemorations taking place across the country.

Last year, Leeds announced a range of events to commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a focus on enabling communities to pay tribute in their own way.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This programme of events offers people a chance to reflect on a battle which irrevocably changed the face of European history and had a profound impact on the city of Leeds.

“It is important that we pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our country a century ago and when the buglers sound on July 1, it will be an opportunity consider the great sacrifices they made. I encourage communities across Leeds to get involved with the events programme and explore the history of our city.”

ENDS

For more details or to arrange picture of filming opportunities on the day of the commemoration, please contact:

Becky Solomon

Project Support Officer

Communications and Marketing

Leeds City Council

T: 0113 24 75769

E: Rebecca.Solomon@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk