Exhibit marks Day Sussex Died
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The event is open to the public, with free entry, at the Worthing Town Hall foyer from 9am to 5pm until Friday, July 1.
On June 30, 1916, during the First World War, the Sussex Southdown Brigade lost 366 young men and officers in the Battle of Boar’s Head in Richebourg, Northern France, including 23 soldiers from Worthing. It has become known as the Day Sussex Died.
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Hide AdThe exhibit includes artefacts from the First World War, such as live ammunition, fish bone tea cups whittled by a British prisoner of war and biographies of the Worthing men who died in the battle.
Wayne Batchelor from the Great War Society, which organises First World War reenactments, donned his army uniform to bring the history to life on Tuesday.
On the war memorial in Chapel Road, only 22 of the fallen men are named.
But due to research organised by borough councillor Major Tom Wye and carried out by the Friends of Broadwater and Worthing Cemetery, they have identified a 23rd soldier from Worthing who died in this battle.
Major Wye said his name will be added to the memorial.
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Hide AdHe has also organised a service for those who died at the Battle of Boar’s Head. It will take place outside the Town Hall on Thursday at 5pm.
He said: “The 30th June 1916 was the worst day of the entire First World War conflict for Worthing.
“While other towns and cities commemorate the 1st of July, the start of the Battle of the Somme, it is fitting that Worthing commemorates and remembers those young men who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“We will remember each as an individual and will read out details of their all too short lives.”
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