The significance of dates in history sometimes start to wane as the years flow past. I have little doubt that most people will remember the year 1914 – the first year of the First World War. It is also worth remembering the impact that war had all those years ago, and how very different the world was compared with now. It also bears some time to ponder on how the world would have changed if the result of that war was different.
The type of clothing was so different from today as were the methods of transport, communication, diet and food, equipment, weapons in war – the list goes on. So some things change yet the impact and history does not.
Why is this so important today – quite simply 31 October 1914 is a date of significance for the Worcestershire Regiment and that was exactly 100 years ago today. The Regiment played the critical role in the Battle of Gheluvert which had such a significant impact on stopping the advances of the German invasion.
In Worcester, England, there is a lovely park that bears the name of this battle. An ongoing record to the fighting that played a part in changing the course of history. It is there that the soldiers who fell are remembered, those that were wounded are remembered, those who survived are remembered. It is there that people gather with current day dignitaries to remember and pay tribute to the brave men who created the bitter sweet tension between ‘price and pride’. It is there in silence, and unnoticed, people remember – not just on 31 October. There is no ‘lest we forget’ for them – they will always remember.
The history of the battle can be found elsewhere and well worth a read.
100 years on – we all have much to be grateful for and acknowledge those who fought on that day.
My best wishes,
Peter
