LET us remember and never forget on this very day 100 years ago – July 1, 1916 – the sacrifice by British troops at the start of the Somme offensive in the First World War in France.
On this very day 40 years ago I was privileged to be with Yorkshire men who actually fought there who were holding a memorial service at Serre Cemetery on the Somme, which I was filming for a BBC Yorkshire documentary.
They were a quiet and dignified group of members of the Bradford Pals and tears came to their eyes as they remembered their friends who were killed in their youth and prime.
What bravery when they were ordered to go over the top and then walk into a hail of bullets from German machine guns – knowing if they went back they would be shot by their own.
The battle and carnage would rage until November with unimaginable losses on all sides.
Like so many, I lost my own grandfather in this war. He was a master baker with a shop in Fossgate and I would be the first member of our family to visit his grave near Ypres.
There is a memorial sculpture now in Ripon Cathedral based on the writing of First World War poet Wilfred Owen entitled The Pity Of War.
We should more than pity all those who paid such a terrible sacrifice for our freedom.
Keith Massey, Bishopthorpe, York
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here