Wales has paid tribute to its soldiers who fell in fighting for control of Mametz Wood during the opening days of the Battle of the Somme.
Hundreds of people gathered for a centenary memorial service on July 7th 2016, attended by First Minister Carwyn Jones and the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan.
Wreaths were laid at the memorial statue of a Welsh dragon overlooking the scene of the battle.
Mr Jones said: “Today’s commemoration gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the 38th (Welsh) Division who fought here, and the many others like them who fought in the First World War.”
“I am honoured to attend today’s service to pay tribute to this brave Welsh Army made up of men from right across Wales. We have them all to thank for fighting for our futures.”
The commemorations, organised by the Western Front Association, took place on the 100th anniversary of an attack aimed at clearing dense woodland of German troops.
More than 4,000 Welsh troops were killed or wounded in the battle to capture Mametz Wood from July 7-12th 1916.
For more on the Welsh WW1 Centenary programme, see the Wales Remembers website.
Source: Welsh Government
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: CN Editorial Team