Armed forces veterans took part in a special service at a church in Fulham to remember the sacrifice that people made during the Battle of the Somme.
Stoll, the charity based in Fulham which is the leading provider of support and housing for the Veterans’ community , organised the event at St John’s Church on Friday (July 1) - the brutal battle’s centenary anniversary .
Father Simon Brandes led the service and read the Act of Remembrance.
In a Prayer of Commemoration he urged people to never forget the bravery and courage of those who experienced the Battle of the Somme and faced the daily pounding of artillery, gun fire and shrapnel.
Among those attending was Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands . He said: “I am moved to be here today at St. John’s Fulham with Stoll to commemorate 100 years since the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
The traumatic events of that day should remind us of our need and obligation to look after our wounded and disabled Veterans.”
The service also included readings and Major Roy Clarke from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Association (Corp of Drums London) played the Last Post and the Reveille.
Stoll resident Ian Paul Belcher, who served in Northern Ireland and on UN peacekeeping missions, said: “Thousands of young men were killed on this very day. They believed in a just cause and they died for it.
"It’s important we remember them. Wives lost husbands, mothers lost sons, sisters lost brothers.”
