This year marks the centenary of The Battle of the Somme, recognised as one of the bloodiest battles in human conflict with over 1 million casualties over a 4 month period. At the beginning of the War the British Army was a relatively small force and was increased rapidly by volunteers with often whole streets and villages seeing every available man enlist. 100 years on people today are the last that will have spoken directly to those that fought on the Somme.
Today cycling is a wide ranging leisure activity but in 1914 times were very different. Throughout the UK there were 15 designated cycling battalions who were absorbed into the Army Cycling Corps. Many stayed in the UK as part of home defence while others, and their bikes, headed to France and the frontline. Less expensive than motorbikes and used by most people in ordinary day life, the cycle was an everyday reconnaissance and communication weapon in the fight against the enemy.
Of the 15 battalions one was from Wales:
The Welsh Regiment
Many of the Welsh Cycling Battalion were transferred to the Welsh Regiment and a key destination on the final day will be the Mametz Woods and the Welsh Memorial. The memorial, erected in 1987 by Welsh sculptor David Petersen, is a Welsh red dragon on top of a three-metre stone plinth, facing the wood and tearing at barbed wire. In July 1916 The Welsh Regiment cleared the Wood of the enemy but at a high price with about 4,000 men killed or wounded.
Private John Lamont of the Army Cycle Corps, wrote home on 15th October 1915 from France about some terrible scenes that he had witnessed.
He began politely with thanks:
Your welcome parcel received today … The cakes were in excellent condition, and you can depend they were enjoyed, more so as we just returned from the trenches this morning about one o’clock, where we have had some hard times. Since last Saturday we have been continually on the go, biking here, marching there, back to the bikes, then off again to some other part of the line, a few hours there, then off again to some other part, and so the time has gone in, with hardly a warm meal, very little sleep, until today we have been left to ourselves.
Indeed, it has not been much of a rest, as we have all our clothing, equipment, rifle and bicycle to clean, but we don’t take that into account, and just smile through it all. By the time this reaches you I suppose you will be reading some details of the titanic battle which is raging here. We have taken our share in it, and now, as I have time to think, I am actually surprised to find myself with a whole skin. However great the British losses are, the German losses are bound to be twice the amount, not to say anything about prisoners of which I have seen hundreds in these last three days. The scenes were awful, too ghastly for description, but they will remain forever stamped on the mind.”
Ride to the Somme is a 3 day cycle over 200 miles which will culminate by paying respects at The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme at Thiepval which lists the 72,195 missing British and African soldiers that have no known grave. We will also pay specific respects to members of the Army Cycling Corps who are commemorated at the nearby cemetery in Pozieres.
When riders enlist they will be asked to report on the 31st August to the “recruiting centre” which will be the Imperial War Museum and from there will cycle in Northern France and in particular, on the last day, visit locations where their ancestors will have fought.
Such an event is an ideal opportunity to raise money for an appropriate charity and we will be working with SSAFA who played a crucial role in World War I supporting families and soldiers upon their return home.
SSAFA are the longest serving national tri-service military charity. For 130 years, they have provided lifelong support to those who are serving or have ever served in our Armed Forces.
Today nearly five million people living in the United Kingdom are estimated to have served in the Armed Forces at some point in their lives. Every year, around 20,000 servicemen and women leave the services and return to civilian life.
Their support covers both Regulars and Reserves in the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served. Every year they support 50,000 people.
We are liaising closely with the Imperial War Museum London and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Further details can be seen at www.ridetothesomme.org.uk
Contact Andrew Jones 07882 562405
Email [email protected]
