Huge thank you to everyone who helped organise Soham’s First World War commemoration event
Soham Commemorates to mark 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany, formally entering the First World War, - Credit: Archant
I would like to put on record my personal thanks to the committee and organisers of Soham’s Commemoration of the start of the First World War.
Soham Commemorates to mark 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany, formally entering the First World War, - Credit: Archant
The ceremony at the war memorial started the day in sombre fashion with a wreath laying, a minute’s silence and the Last Post. There was a good number of people and uniformed groups with their standards.
This set the scene for the drum head service organised by the Soham branch of the Royal British Legion, held on the recreation ground. This was a very moving service when the 134 names of Soham men lost in the First World War were read out.
It was particularly appropriate that we had a contingent from the US Air Force and a standard bearer from our twin town Andrezieux Boutheon, in France, in attendance.
Following the service we were entertained during the afternoon by some appropriate songs and some comedy songs of the period which lightened the mood.
Soham Commemorates to mark 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany, formally entering the First World War, - Credit: Archant
The marquees provided a great deal of interest. There were many exhibitions and artefacts from the war provided by many individuals and groups that brought their own items of interest.
Soham Heritage and Tourism Group set up a timeline which showed when each of the Soham men died and underlined the numbers lost at specific battles.
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There was also a wonderful scale model of Soham War Memorial and one of a trench, with many artefacts directly connected to Soham causalities.
The re-enactment group was extremely interesting and very knowledgeable.
Although I am not a native of Soham (having only lived here 42 years) I felt extremely proud of Soham’s sons and their contribution to the war.
I am pleased that much of the information on display will be included in a book about the Soham men who were lost. If anyone has any family information about these men, please come forward so it can be added.
In conclusion, a big thank you to all of those who were involved either as members of the committee or those who turned up to help on the day.
It was a day of remembrance for us all to remember and give thanks to the men we lost.
CLLR ROSEMARY AITCHISON
Soham town councillor
