WIRRAL will mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme with a poignant early morning vigil at the War Memorial on Grange Hill in West Kirby next week.

The monument, standing high above the peninsula looking out to Wales and across Liverpool Bay, is a fitting site for the vigil.

It was designed by Charles Sargeant Jagger, the son of a miner, who gave up a scholarship in Rome and Venice to join the Army when war broke out in 1914.

His experience of war, including service on both on the Western Front and Gallipoli, along with being wounded three times and receiving the Military Cross for gallantry, has influenced much of his work.

Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Pat Hackett, will lead the vigil which starts at 7.30am on Friday, July 1.

This is exactly the time that soldiers begin going 'over the top' at the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.

In total, more than one million men were wounded or killed, including many from Wirral.

The Service will be taken by the Bishop of Birkenhead, the Right Reverend Keith Sinclair, and will include a reading by Nicola Chavasse, the great great niece of Captain Noel Chavasse - one of only three men to have twice received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry, and the most decorated soldier in WW1.

Cllr Pat Hackett, Mayor of Wirral, said: "On Friday morning we will join people across the UK to remember the terrible events that took place at the Somme exactly a century ago.

"We will remember the young men from Wirral and across the country who fought and too often died together, the terrible injuries and trauma they suffered, and the families that were torn apart.

"You are very welcome to join us at West Kirby or visit your local memorial and take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice they made and the bravery they showed in the face of unimaginable conditions." 

As well as the Civic Vigil at Grange Hill, whistles will also be blown at 7.30am by cadets at a number of Wirral's war memorials including (depending on availability) the following:

  • Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
  • Christ Church, Kings Road, Bebington
  • St Bernard's Church, Bromborough
  • St Oswald's Church, Bidston
  • St Peter's Church, Lower Heswall
  • Pasture Road and Maryland Lane (Junction), Moreton
  • Magazines Promenade, New Brighton
  • Osmaston Road / Prenton Lane (Junction), Prenton
  • The Library, Ford Road, Upton
  • Port Sunlight Village
  • Thornton Hough