A MOVING ceremony has taken place to remember the 64 men who died in Rochford during the Battle of the Somme to mark its 100th anniversary.

Organised by the Rayleigh branch of the Royal British Legion, and held next to the Royal British Legion Memorial Wall, London Hill, Rayleigh, the Chairman of Rochford Council, Carole Weston, attended the moving Whistle Blowing ceremony.

Part on a nationwide event, branches across the country blew whistles in unison at 7.30am to mark the start of the Battle of the Somme, which began on July 1, 1916.

The Chairman of Rochford District Council, Carole Weston, said: “The passage of 100 years can erase many memories, but not this one. On July 1, 1916, 19,240 allied troops gave their lives.

“Over the next 141 days tens of thousands of husbands and sons would die as part of the Battle of the Somme.

“Today we remember their sacrifice and thank them for the freedom they gave to future generations.”

Three men from what is now the Rochford District’s boundary died on the first day of the battle including Corporal James Hoare. 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment, who was killed at Serre.

Also, Signaller James Hepburn, 14th Battalion London Regiment, was killed at Gommecourt and was from Rayleigh, as well as Private Thomas Hedgley, 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers, who was killed at Beaumont Hamel.

The Rayleigh branch of the Royal British Legion will be organising a further event on Friday, November 18, to mark the end of 141 days of battle and the sacrifice of the fallen.