To mark 100 years since the Battle of the Somme, fifteen memorials across the country, including 6 in Yorkshire, which commemorate those killed in one of the worst battles of the First World War have been listed or upgraded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
The first day of the battle, 1 July 1916, is known as the worst day in the history of the British Army as nearly 60,000 British men, all volunteers, were killed, wounded or listed as missing. The Somme ended on 19 November 1916; by then there had been over 400,000 British casualties for a maximum advance of only 8 miles.
The battle affected communities large and small across the land and our war memorials remember these terrible losses. Among the seven newly listed and eight upgraded memorials are several in Yorkshire commemorating the bravery of Pals Battalions. These were formed of men who signed up together and fought together, having been promised that they could serve alongside their friends, neighbours and colleagues. Most of the Pals Battalions didn’t see major action until the Somme where many suffered heavy casualties. Towns and cities, even particular streets, lost large numbers of men, which had a huge impact on communities across England.
Among the newly listed memorials is a memorial to the Leeds Pals (15th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment), Colsterdale, Breary Banks, Healey, West Yorkshire, Grade II listed- this rugged cairn commemorates the many men of the Leeds Pals who trained at Colsterdale Camp in 1914. The Pals were ordered to advance at 7.30am on 1 July and were quickly decimated. Only 47 soldiers were left uninjured.
First World War and Heritage Minister David Evennett said: “These memorials are a poignant reminder of those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago and an important part of our heritage. It is only right that they are protected to ensure that we continue to remember the sacrifices made during the First World War.”
Roger Bowdler of Historic England said: “Important as it was for wearing down the enemy, the battle of the Somme demanded a terrible price in lives lost from across the land. Alongside the Thiepval Arch on the battlefield, newly listed and upgraded memorials remind us of how communities at home paid tribute to those they had lost.”
For a full list of upgraded and listed memorials visit;
www.historicengland.org.uk
