Monthly Archives: July 2011

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Somme Association, I would like to to thank you for your welcome here at Wijtschate, as well as for the generous hospitality you have given us. Our Belgian friends have always … Continue reading →

Votre Altesse Royale, Monsieur le Ministre irlandais, Monsieur le Secretaire d'Etat pour Irlande du Nord, Monsieur le Premier Ministre d'Irland du Nord, et toutes les autres personalites ici aujourdhui, Bienvenue a notre Ceremonie à Guillemont. Monsieur le Maire de Guillemont … Continue reading →

Votre Altesse Royale, Monsieur le Secretaire d'Etat pour Irlande du Nord, Monsieur le Premier Ministre d'Irlande du Nord, Monsieur le Ministre irlandais, Monsieur le Sou-Prefet de la Somme et Peronne et toutes les autres personalites ici aujourdhui, En ce même … Continue reading →

Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops … Continue reading →

From 28th June until 2nd July 2011, I led a Battlefield Tour Group to Flanders and Northern France consisting of 57 MLA'S, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Aldermen, Councillors and members of the General Public from Northern Ireland. I was accompanied by … Continue reading →

   Owen Paterson and Peter Robinson in France, where they laid wreaths and remembered those who lost their lives at the Somme.   COMMEMORATION of the 95th ANNIVERSARY of the BATTLE OF THE SOMME JULY 1916-NOVEMBER 1916, 1st July 2011 … Continue reading →

Today, 1st July 2011, as High Sheriff of Belfast and Chairman of the Somme Association, I attended the Commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of The Battle of the Somme. The Somme Association Order of Divine Service Ceremony at the Ulster Memorial … Continue reading →

‘They went with song to the battle, they were young, straight of limb,true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the endagainst odds uncounted. They fell with their faces to the foe.They shall grow not old as we … Continue reading →