First World War Commemorations

Today (4 August 2014) marks one hundred years to the day that Britain declared war on Germany. This historical day is being commemorated across the country with services and appropriate events.

In Wiltshire we recognised the significance of the start of the First World War. We are a county that embraces and takes pride in our military history and connections. It was for that reason that we decided to work with our military partners and local communities to host an appropriate event to commemorate those who died protecting our country and freedom. 

Last Wednesday - 30 July - we had a county-wide day for remembrance and it was a special occasion. Hundreds of people came together at Tidworth Military Cemetery to pay tribute and to honour the 10,000 brave men and boys from Wiltshire who fought for our country during the First World War (1914 – 1918). 

Young men like Private John Burbidge, from Worton, who was just 14 when he volunteered for the Wiltshire Regiment and was sent to France in November 1914. He was killed in action aged 18 and has no known grave.

Families such as the Potters, from Trowbridge, who lost three brothers to the war – Arthur died at Gallipoli aged 18, Robert died at Jutland in 1916 and John in 1917 in Greece. 

These young boys and men died so that future generations could have their freedom. It was, therefore, fitting that we remembered them. The highlight for the ceremony was a memorial wall featuring a cross that bore the name of each of the 10,000 Wiltshire soldiers lost to the war. Each cross was made by a school child across the county and saw them research a fallen soldier in their local village or town and write their own personal message of remembrance. The wall is a very unique, special and wonderful tribute and it will tour the county as a visual exhibition to raise awareness of those who sacrificed their lives in each of our community areas.

It’s important that the young realise the impact of this Great War and through their involvement they can understand and remember. One hundred years on we must continue to acknowledge and educate and remember. 

I don’t believe there was ever a more appropriate place for us to come together to reflect on those who gave their lives for us, other than Tidworth Military Cemetery. I was both proud and moved to take part in the most poignant service and to watch as a final cross for each community was placed on the impressive memorial wall marking the scale of sacrifice and dedication. 

Wiltshire has remembered and will continue to remember…

Back by Wilfred Gibson (1915)

They ask me where I've been,

And what I've done and seen.

But what can I reply

Who know it wasn't I,

But someone just like me,

Who went across the sea

And with my head and hands

Killed men in foreign lands...

Though I must bear the blame,

Because he bore my name.