Battle of the Somme Commemoration
It was an honour to be part of Friday's tribute as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. I've written a blog entry below to accompany my photography from this moving event.
A Battle of Attrition
The Battle of the Somme, fought in northern France, was one of the bloodiest of World War One. For five months the British and French armies fought the Germans in a brutal battle of attrition on a 15-mile front. On the first day alone, nearly 20,000 British soldiers lost their lives.
The aims of the battle were to take pressure off the French Army fighting at Verdun and to weaken the German Army’s defences. However, the German lines were inpenetrable. In total, there were over one million dead and wounded on all sides.
In a magnificent piece of modern art involving National Theatre Scotland, the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, was commemorated. In a surprise, unpublicised event, thousands of men across the country dressed in World War I uniforms, quietly interrupting our daily routines to give a moving and poignant reminder of the sacrifice these soldiers made, all those years ago.
The idea was the brainchild of artist Jeremy Deller (see artist film below) who won the Turner Prize in 2004 (Memory Bucket) but is best known for The Battle of Orgreave - a re-enactment of the 1984 Miners’ Strike battle, which featured almost 1,000 people. Deller worked with National Theatre director Rufus Norris to bring his idea to reality.
Northlink Ferry Terminal
I arrived at the Northlink Ferry Terminal at 0730 just as the ferry was docking. Dispersed around the terminal lounge were thirteen young men dressed as World War I soldiers creating a quiet presence as passengers disembarked the M.V Hjaltland.
#Wearehere tribute cards
Deller’s inspiration for the tribute partly came from the recount of tales told during and after the First World War by people who believed they had seen the ghosts of loved ones they had lost.
None of the soldiers engaged vocally with members of the public if they were approached. Each participant who took part was given the identity of one soldier to represent and handed out cards (see examples below) bearing that man’s name. Norris felt this would give the soldiers a presence rather having to act as a character for a day. The lack of dialogue from the soldiers created an air of mystery allowing the public to use their own imaginations and pay their own respects.
At approximately 0815 the soldiers gathered and departed Northlink Ferry Terminal before marching towards Lerwick Town Centre. Passing vehicles slowed to witness the unfamilair sight.
Shetland Museum & Archives
The soldiers arrived at the Shetland Museum & Archives taking shelter from the heavy rain. The Shetland Museum & Archives provided a very fitting backdrop to the men in period costume.
My favourite image from the day below shows a young soldier with his eyes closed looking into the sky as the heavens opened.
Shetland Islands Council HQ
Viking Bus Station
Another welcome stop considering the weather was at the Viking Bus Station. I love the contrast in colour of the soldiers and bus shelter.
The attention to detail of this project was impeccable. Finishing touches such as cigarettes, matchboxes, knapsacks and water bottles added to the authenticity.
Lerwick Town Centre
At approximately 0920 the soldiers marched towards Lerwick Town Centre stopping at the Market Cross where more troops were waiting to congregate with their fellow comrades.
We’re Here Because We’re Here
THEN, the silence was broken as the group of soldiers began a haunting rendition of ‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’, a song sung in the Allied trenches to the tune of Auld Lang Syne following which the respectful but chilling silence resumed.
Conclusion
It was a privilege to be involved photographing the Shetland leg of this nationwide project marking those who lost their lives at The Battle of the Somme. Credit to the young volunteers who performed their roles with great skill showing empathy towards those they were representing.
The fact it was pouring down with rain during the march added to the atmosphere in my opinion. As we stood silent, the only noise being the drops of rain hitting the ground below, I found myself, along with others I’m sure, trying to imagine what it must have been like for a soldier in World War I.