Bonnybridge community remembers those lost at the Somme

Taking place at various locations in Bonnybridge Memorial Park today (Friday), The Somme Remembered marks the 100th anniversary of the bloodiest battle in British military history, with locals in period uniforms re-enacting events from the time.

Organised by Baillie Billy Buchanan, whose grandfather fought in the battle, the day begins just after 7am with a piper leading the group of Bonnybridge Pals into the trenches.

Baillie Buchanan will narrate events as they progress, with whistlers signalling the ‘soldiers’ to come over the top and start marching towards their objective.

Baillie Buchanan was joined by Provost Pat Reid and others at Bonnybridge Library on Tuesday to promote the re-enactment and open an exhibition on the battle in the library.

He said: “The battle symbolised the horrors of the First World War. For many of these men it was their first taste of battle as many were part of Kitchner’s Volunteer Army.

“On the first day British casualties totalled 57,470, including 19,240 killed, and by the end British casualties totalled 420,000.”

At 10am a joint service will take place in St Helen’s Parish Church with the Rev. George MacDonald and Canon Richard Holuka, and this will be followed at 10.35am with a procession to the memorial gardens for the act of remembrance.