Worcester: Events to mark Gheluvelt Park centenary
- Published
Image source, Worcester City CouncilWorcester's Gheluvelt Park - created as a permanent memorial to those lost in World War One - reaches its centenary on Friday.
The park was opened by 1st Earl of Ypres, Lord French, on 17 June 1922.
It was given its name in honour of the bravery of the 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment in October 1914 in Gheluvelt, Belgium.
The memorial has since honoured all locals who have fallen in subsequent conflicts.
Some of the events planned for Friday and Saturday include a presentation on the Battle of Gheluvelt, explaining its importance in the early stages of the War, as well as council officials talking about the history of the park.
Image source, Trustees of the Mercian Regiment MuseumWreaths will be laid as well as a minute's silence being held, with a tree also planted to mark the occasion.
Battle of Gheluvelt, 1914
- The battle was part of the First Battle of Ypres - a key early conflict of the War as Belgian, British and French forces tried to repel the advancing German armies
- On 31 October about 370 men from the 2nd Worcestershire Regiment were instructed to retake the village of Gheluvelt, Belgium, which had been taken the day before
- At 14:00 the regiment began the counter-attack, barraged by German artillery
- The infantrymen charged and retook Gheluvelt
- 187 men were killed or wounded but they stemmed the Germans' progress
Source: Worcestershire Regiment Museum
Image source, Worcester City Council
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- 31 October 2014
- 30 October 2010