Wester Ross Battle of the Somme soldier remembered as war graves drive flagged up
THE tragic tale of a young Wester Ross soldier who died of injuries after the World War I Battle of the Somme is being recalled as a plea goes out for communities to remember their fallen in the conflict.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has launched a new initiative to encourage folk to visit graves from the First World War and discover the stories behind them.
It is asking that “the forgotten front” – the 300,000 war graves and commemorations in British cemeteries – be honoured to mark the centenary of the battle.
It points out there are 30 war graves and commemorations in Ross and Cromarty to those who died during WW1, and more than 55 in total, including those from WW2.
And the CWGC highlights the case of Private Angus MacLennan, aged 25, who died of his wounds inflicted during the Battle of the Somme after arriving home to receive medical treatment.
The son of Donald and Margaret Murchison MacLennan, of Wester Alligin, Torridon, he died on November 8, 1920, and is buried in Annat New Burial Ground on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon.
The CWGC says Angus is just one of many soldiers who should not be forgotten and is a perfect example of someone who deserves to be remembered by the local community.
Hugh Dennis, the well-known actor/writer, teamed up with the CWGC at the launch.
He said: “I have a very personal connection with the First World War as both my grandfathers fought at the Western Front.
“My great uncles also fought and one, my great uncle Frank, died and is commemorated by the CWGC in Gallipoli, Turkey.”
He added: “I’d urge everyone to get involved in this initiative so we never forget those who died during the Great War and are buried and commemorated so close to us on the home front.”
The CWGC’s Living Memory Project is looking for 141 UK groups, to hold 141 events, to mark the 141 days of the Somme offensive.
Any community group interested can register now by emailing livingmemory@cwgc.org or visiting www.cwgc.org/livingmemory.
For more information, contact: Samantha Daynes on 01628 507102 or by email sam.daynes@cwgc.org