Ulster's Slain Remembered

On 1st July 1916, over 20,000 Allied soldiers lost their lives in the most disastrous battle ever fought, the Battle of the Somme. The gross ineptitude of the armchair generals was in sharp contrast to the courage of those who died on that terrible day. The 36th Ulster Division suffered over 5ooo casualties on the first day of the Battle and the flower of Ulster was dealt an almost fatal blow.

Although all those who died were not Ulster Scots, a significant number were. It is fitting that a memorial service is held each year on the Sunday nearest 1st July in Dervock in the heart of Ulster Scots country. The wreath laying ceremony and service is organised annually by Derrykieghan LOL 995 and this year there was a huge turnout of Orange Brethren from throughout North Antrim. The picture above shows part of the wreath laying ceremony, prior to the church parade in St Colman's Parish Church.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.