Commemoration Held for 110th Anniversary of Pivotal World War One Battle

Hundreds of army veterans assembled to observe the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt, a crucial World War One engagement secured by 300 soldiers from Worcestershire. Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jackson stated that the commemorative event for the 110th anniversary was significant for highlighting the “amazing feat” accomplished by the regiment. The ceremony, conducted on Sunday, honored the members of the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment who prevented the capture of Ypres, Belgium, in 1914. Lt Col Jackson remarked: “The battle is so important. It is unique in military history because a small group of 300 to 400 men actually altered world events.” He added, “If the Worcesters had not counterattacked, the British forces may have been ejected from Belgium and we may well have lost the war in 1914.” Lt Col Jackson holds the position of president of the Worcestershire Foresters Regimental Association. During the battle in the Belgian village of Gheluvelt, over 300 men charged across open fields before German forces ultimately retreated. The Worcestershire Regiment served as the final available reserve for the British defense, engaging the Germans independently. This engagement resulted in 187 Worcestershire men being either wounded or killed. Annual events to remember the battle have taken place every year since 2010, with attendance from veterans and the high sheriff of Worcestershire. Lt Col Jackson expressed: “It means an awful lot to me and my fellow comrades that we should respect and commemorate the amazing feat of arms done by our forbearers.”