Derbyshire does our WW1 heroes proud during commemorative events

Proud residents shared heartfelt reflections for our World War One heroes as commemorative events began in earnest this week with a lights out campaign to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Aug 2014, 16:00 BST

The Royal British Legion urged everyone to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on Monday, to echo British statesman Sir Edward Grey’s prophecy that “The lamps are going out all over Europe”.

Villages and towns had their communities torn apart by heartbreaking losses after Britain’s declaration of war against Germany on August 4, 1914.

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The same places have already begun to remember those who fought on the frontline and the home front with events this August.

War erupted after the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian which led to Austria’s invasion of Serbia and Austrian ally Germany’s invasion of France and Belgium which pulled Great Britain in. Serbia was also supported by Russia.

Derbyshire communities were torn apart with massive losses until the Armistice of November 11, 1918, when the war officially ended with Germany defeated.

Stories of heroism have since shown how our proud region continues to remember those who fought for peace and they will never be forgotten.

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A service was held at S.S. Augustine’s Church, on Derby Road, on August 3, to honour those from the parish who fought including 72 from the Bryan Donkin firm who were killed.

Bakewell’s Royal British Legion memorial garden in the Bath Gardens hosted a service on Monday remembering the 73 from Bakewell who died.

Alfreton Town Council also held an event on Saturday, at Firs Garden. Pinxton hosted a parade on Sunday which was filmed and is attached to this story as a video.

Barlborough also hosted two days of activities and displays on Saturday and Sunday.

Related topics:Royal British LegionDerbyshireSerbiaEurope