Madame the mayor

Distinguished guest

Ladies and gentlemen

 

 

 

 

It is with great emotion that i am here with my friend teddy colligan the guardian of the Ulster tower at Thiepval.

I knew there was history around the village when i started my research on Achiet.

Achiet-le-grand was freed twice

The first time in March 1917 and in August 1918

One man in each battle gained a VC

A stretcher bearer named Christopher Cox in March 1917 and of course Daniel Beak in August 1918

they both survived the war.

In commemorating the bravery of Daniel Beak today we honour as well the supreme sacrifice of the men who will lie in my country for ever.

In Achiet-le-grand British cemetery 1424 men are buried including 36 airmen.

The Somme remembrance association aims to do its best to maintain the remembrance of the men who fought during the First World War in France and especially on the Somme.

This period of history should never be forgotten and will be passed on to the future generation

 

We will remember them