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Commemoration of the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele
The Welsh National Service of Remembrance allowed the people of Wales to commemorate the loss of the 3,000 men killed or wounded during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). The service took place on 31 July 2017 at the site of the Welsh Memorial in Langemark, Flanders.
This marked the centenary of the engagement of the 38th (Welsh) Division in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge. The date was also the centenary of the death of Hedd Wyn, who died near the site of the Welsh Memorial. The commemoration followed the UK service at Tyne Cot cemetery, and was attended by HRH the Prince of Wales, the then First Minister Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, the Minister-President of Flanders with dignitaries from Belgium, Germany and Ireland. Over 1000 members of the public were present, including many local people from Langemark. Wreathes were laid at Hedd Wyn’s grave in Artillery Wood, and at the grave of Francis Ledwidge, the Irish poet who died on the same day. During the service Chris Coleman, the then manager of the Welsh national football team, read a pledge from the sportsmen and women of Wales.
In the name of the sportsmen and women of Wales, From our different fields of play, We remember those who toiled on these fields. In the name of all who have struggled to compete against the elements We remember those who endured the harsh wind and rain of these fields. In the name of all those who have upheld the honour And dignity of our nation on different fields, In peace and in war, We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on these fields. Remembering their suffering and sacrifice, We pledge together as a modern and diverse nation In life and in sport, To honour them.
Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae. The Rev Canon Aled Edwards OBE
Above: Passchendaele Service 2017 © Welsh Government
