Llanelli - Somme Commemorations Programe

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Plas Llanelly House Commemorates Centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

On the 1 July 1916, 19240 men lost their lives in the first 4 hours of the Battle of the Somme, a number that remains the worst casualty figure for one day in British military history to date. Welsh soldiers played a crucially important part in each stage of the battle, most importantly of all at the battle for Mametz Wood. The death toll of the 38th (Welsh) Division between the 7 – 12 July 1916 was unprecedented marking the Battle of Mametz Wood as the blackest day in Welsh history. As part of the nation’s commemorations to mark its Centenary, Plas Llanelly House will be staging a series of commemorative events to mark the Service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in battle. Reflecting upon the human cost of conflict through: informative talks, a fact finding artefacts roadshow and celebratory tribute dinner with entertainment provided by the Great War tribute band ‘Trench Foot’ with a number of displays on loan from The Tin Shed Experience in Laugharne. Claire Deacon, CEO of the Cambrian Heritage Regeneration Trust1 said: “ It’s entirely appropriate that we in Llanelli should remember and mark this defining event in our history. As a centre of industry the town was heavily involved in producing crucial war material, but also its burgeoning population was not backward in volunteering for the war. The young people of a century ago showed remarkable courage and sense of duty that deserves to be remembered, and we hope that the public will support and join us in tribute.”

Tue 28 June 10:00 – 15:00hrs - ‘Medals and Artefacts Roadshow’ – An opportunity for the public to bring in items of family Great War medals and memorabilia to be informed and assessed by a team of experts, led by Robert Pugh and Mark Collins.

Fri 1 - 30 July 11:30hrs - Battle of the Somme Film Screenings , Plas Llanelly House – Daily screenings throughout July. In collaboration with Imperial War Museums (IWM) and members of the First World War Centenary Partnership.

Fri 1 July 18:00hrs – Lecture – ‘The Great War 1916 – Wales and Llanelli’ (in conjunction with Llanelli Town Council) – Given by Lt Col (Retd) DA Mathias DL. Sun 3 July 11:00hrs – Service of Remembrance - Llanelli Parish Church.

Fri 15 July 18:00hrs – Lecture: ‘The 38th (Welsh) Division at Mametz Wood’ – Given by Lt Col (Retd) DA Mathias DL. Fri 29 July 1900hrs – Battle of the Somme Tribute Evening - Prose, poems, readings and music by the celebrated Great War tribute band ‘Trench Foot’. Dinner and drinks included. Tickets only, available from Plas Llanelly House. ENDS

[Keith Jones 989]

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