The Battle of the Somme was fought from July to November 1916 and was among the largest battles of the First World War. With more than 1.5 million casualties, it is one of the largest recorded service personnel loses in military history. The Allied forces attempted to break through the German lines along a 12 mile (19 km) front north and south of the River Somme in Northern France.
The Training Major with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, Major Tim Rogan. attended yesterday's commemoration in Belfast:
"This ceremony is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that Irishmen have made and continue to make during times of conflict," he said.
"Servicemen and women from both sides of the border are on operations worldwide with all three services as regulars or reservists – most notably the Royal Irish Regiment in Helmand province, Afghanistan."
After the moderator of the Presbyterian Church Reverend Dr W Donald Patton read the prayer, wreaths were laid as the band of the Royal Irish Regiment played.
The resolution was read out by Councillor Margaret McKenzie, High Sherriff of Belfast City Council:
"That we, the Lord Mayor and Citizens of the City of Belfast, on this Ninety-second Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, desire again to record our feelings of gratitude to the brave men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, who, by their glorious conduct in battle, made an imperishable name for themselves and their province, and those who heroism will never be forgotten so long as the British Commonwealth lasts." |
