The Royal British Legion Somme Branch

09/05/2026

Please be aware due to the time restraints of the services on the 1st July 2026.
The RBL Thiepval commemoration 1200hrs
The Ulster Tower 1400hrs
The Newfoundland memorial 1500hrs
The public can only attend one of the three main events.

Royal British Legion Somme 110

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110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme 1200hrs 1st July at the Thiepval memorial France

This year we commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Please note the service will start at 1200hrs. Limited seating is available and we request you are seated no later than 1130hrs.

A security area will be enforced by the Gendarme, no private vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles will be allowed within the security area or events.

All attendees will need to pre-register using the link below.

On the 1st July all private vehicles must park at Méaulte Airport ( Co-ord 49°58'12"N 002°41'33"E) located 2 miles (4Km) from Albert.

The airport security park and ride will be open from 0730hrs, the first shuttle will depart at 0830hrs.

The last shuttle for the Thiepval service will depart Meaulte airport at 0945hrs

Once at the airport you will be directed to your relevant car park, you will then walk through a bag search area, issued a wrist band for the Thiepval event and you be transported (free of charge) to and from the Thiepval memorial.

For private or organised coach companies, each individual needs to be registered. This can be done by a third person ( ie a travel company, group leader or family member) but each individual must bring with them their named registration ticket.

Any baggage will be searched so you are requested to pay particular attention to the prohibited articles listed below. No large bags or backpacks will be allowed past the search area.

Any individual without a registration ticket will have to register on site prior to boarding the shuttle service which will cause a delay and may result in you missing the service.

Once at Thiepval you will find a living history collection of WW1 replica Tank and historical vehicles on display, the Thiepval visitors centre, and refreshment areas where you can purchase food and drinks.

You will be required to be seated no later than 1130hrs, for the introduction and music by the 'Orchestre du Amiens', and singing by Emma Brown.

The service will commence at 1200hrs and conclude at 1245hrs.

At the conclusion of the service a WW1 replica aircraft will drop notes upon which are poems written by British French and German Children, each note is impregnated with seeds of poppies, cornflower and forget-me-knots, the remembrance flowers of Britain France and Germany. You are encouraged to take these home and plant them in remembrance.

Please be aware that departure from Thiepval will require some patience, as priority will be given to those proceeding to the Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park for the afternoon service.

Please also be aware the 1st July often blesses us with wind, rain or extreme sunshine.

Tour and private coach groups should contact Jackie Bedford on [email protected] for detailed instructions.

This is a free to attend ticketed event, if you wish to attend, please register here. https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/thiepval-somme-110-tickets-1985142511691

08/05/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thiepval-somme-110-tickets-1985142511691?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

The Royal British Legion110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme commemoration, at the British Memorial to the Missing, Thiepval, France

01/05/2026

On January 29, 1974, William Baggley, a constable with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, was shot and killed by IRA gunmen on Dungiven Road in Londonderry during The Troubles.

He was serving in one of the most dangerous environments of the time—where police officers and security personnel faced daily threats simply for doing their duty. His loss was deeply felt by those who knew him and by the community he served.

His story did not end there.

His eldest daughter, Linda Baggley, chose to follow in his footsteps. Despite the circumstances of her father’s death, she joined the same force—carrying forward his sense of duty and commitment.

But tragedy struck again.

On May 23, 1976, she was shot by IRA gunmen and later died from her injuries on June 2, 1976.

Within just over two years, both father and daughter were lost to the same conflict.

Their story reflects the personal cost of violence during that period—felt not only on the front lines, but within families.

William and Linda Baggley are remembered for their service, their courage, and the lives they chose to live in the face of risk.

Their legacy remains a reminder of what was lost—and why it should never be forgotten.