RELATIVES of soldiers who died in some of the bloodiest actions of World War I are being offered a unique opportunity to visit the graves of their loved ones.
Thousands of Warwickshire men were killed or wounded during the battles of the Somme and Ypres – key battles during the 1914-18 conflict.
And this year’s visit by Midlands-based Battlefield Memorial Tours will coincide with the 101st anniversary of the infamous battle of the Somme that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The Somme has become a byword for the suffering of a generation.
On the first day of the battle – July 1, 1916 – more than 20,000 British soldiers lost their lives.
It went down in history as the blackest day of the British Army.
John Phillpott, Battlefield Memorial Tours press spokesman, said: “Many men of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment were heavily involved in the fighting at Ypres and on the Somme.
“The 17th Royal Warwicks were part of the 48th Midland Division which linked up with the Australians during the gallant attacks to the north west of Pozieres.
“This culminated in the taking of a vital position during the Somme campaign.”
Ypres was the scene of three great battles.
The third, better known as Passchendaele, has come to symbolise the suffering and waste of trench warfare.
Mr Phillpott added: “Battlefield Memorial Tours takes relatives to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried.
“This special service is included in the price.”
The trip will run from June 29 to July 4.
Visit www.battlefieldmemorialtours.co.uk for further information.
