Pilgrimages to scene of WW1 tragedies

AN association dedicated to the commemoration of the fallen of the First World War has invited Derry City Council to participate in pilgrimages to two iconic battlefields of the conflict.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2010, 11:46 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2010, 20:03 BST

The Somme Association has written to the local authority inviting it to send representatives on pilgrimages to the 94th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and to the Dardanelles strait in Turkey to commemorate the Gallipoli campaign.

The Somme pilgrimage takes place in June and July and follows the route taken by both the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) Division during their service in the First World War.

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The Gallipoli pilgrimage departs in March 2010. The Somme Association notes that it has not had a pilgrimage to this area for a number of years but has maintained formal relations with the Governor and Mayor of the Province of Cannakale in Turkey.

During the pilgrimage, a foundation stone will be laid for the new Memorial to the 10th (Irish) Division at Chocolate Hill.”

Derry City Council was due to decide on the matter at its monthly meeting as the Sentinel went to press yesterday afternoon.

Related topics:TurkeyUlster