Take part in the commemorations
- 25000 visitors
- 1stJuly : first day of the battle
- 6ceremonies
The ceremonies
in the Somme
Over twenty different nations fought in the Somme during the five years of war. One hundred years later, we remember these men at many international ceremonies held throughout the year.
From the ANZAC Day ceremonies held on and around the 25th April at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and the New Zealand memorials in Longueval, to the services of remembrance held at the local war memorials of every village of the Somme on 11th November, visitors are encouraged to join the local residents and help keep the memory alive.
Remembrance is Everyday.
Lest we forget
ANZAC DAY
April 25
ANZAC, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, was formed during the First World War. These troops saw their baptism of fire in Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. They were then sent to the Western Front from 1916 where they fought with extreme courage and determination, especially in Villers-Bretonneux, when they helped stop the German Spring Offensive on 25 April 1918, three years to the day after Gallipoli.
Each year on the 25 April, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day in remembrance of their servicemen and women who have served in various wars and peace keeping missions.
A poignant Anzac Day Dawn Service is held every year at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.
Others ceremonies in the Somme
April 7 : Qingming Ceremony at the Noyelles-sur-Mer Chinese Cemetery.
April 20 : ANZAC Day Ceremony at the New Zealand Memorial, Longueval.
The Battle of the Somme was New Zealand’s first major engagement on the Western Front.
July 7 : Ceremony at the South African Memorial, Longueval.
Delville Wood is well known in South African military history; it represents the national symbol for bravery and sacrifice as it was here that the 1st South African Infantry Brigade accomplished one of the finest feats of arms of the First World War in July 1916.
Ceremonies
of the 1st July
The 1st July marks the beginning of the Battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest battles of the First World War. It is now a poignant date for commemoration in the Somme.
Every year, thousands of visitors gather here in remembrance of the men who fought and died during the battle of 1916. Come and be a part of this memorable day charged with emotion.
- 7.28 am : Lochnagar Crater, La Boisselle
- 9.15 am : Contalmaison
- 12 pm : Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
- 2.30 pm : Ulster Tower
- 4 pm : Newfoundland Park Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel
- 5.30 pm : German Cemetery, Fricourt
(currently being updated)
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