Next Tuesday 30 June marks the 110th anniversary of “The Day Sussex Died”, the disastrous Battle of Boar’s Head in France during World War One. A ceremony outside Rye Town Hall at 1pm will honour the occasion and the 366 local men who died and over 1000 who were injured or captured.
The battle in 1916 saw the Royal Sussex Regiment sent over the top as a diversionary attack intended to draw German attention and troops away from the Somme offensive, which was to begin the following day.
For Rye Town Crier Paul Goring, who will be leading the ceremony, the Royal Sussex Regiment has a very personal connection.
“Both my grandfathers served with the Royal Sussex,” he said. “Indeed my maternal grandfather narrowly avoided being sent to Boars Head because he was in a different division of the regiment. My father did his national service with the Royal Sussex Regiment and was very proud of the family connection, as am I.”
He said it may seem a long time ago but it was still vital to remember. “It was a very important day in Sussex military history and many Rye families still have connections to the brave men who fought there.”
Image Credits: RSLHG .