Graham Stewart read a very poignant piece that he had written on behalf of Utkinton and Cotebrook Parish Council and the villagers at a small gathering at Utkinton War Memorial;

“The Somme battle started at 7:30 am on the 1st of July 1916 – 100 years ago.

A long time passing.

On that sunny morning the troops of ‘Kitchener’s Volunteer Army’ went over the top, into battle.  It was the ‘Pals’ Regiment’ who went forward at the call of the whistle …

On this day 19,240 young British soldiers died. By day’s end there were 57,470 casualties.

It was the worst day in the history of the British Army.  By the time the Somme ended 4 months later some 300,000 had died on both sides.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM“