Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade lay wreath at Menin Gate, Belgium

Senior boys and leaders of 1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade visited First World War battle fields and laid a wreath at the Menin Gate on behalf of The Boys’ Brigade. (Image: Archant)

The group was invited to by the Last Post Association, Belgium to lay a wreath on behalf of the organisation.

The ceremony, which includes the playing of Last Post and Reveille, has been played every evening since 1928 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies, who died in the Ypres Salient during the Great War. It was only suspended for a few years during the Second World War.

Andrew Turner of the Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade said it was “a great honour” to be invited to take part in the ceremony.

The group also got the chance to see First World War battle fields during their three-day trip. They visited Talbot House, Poperinge, Essex Farm, Tyn Cot Cemetery and the German Cemetery at Langemark in the Flanders/Passchendaele area and the Lochnagar Crater, The Thiepval Memorial and the Newfoundland Memorial Park Beaumont-Hamel in the area of the Somme.

They also laid of a wreath at the church at Authuille in memory of the 16th Battalion (Boys’ Brigade, Glasgow pals) of the Highland Light Infantry where many very young men lost their lives in the first Battle of the Somme.

A visit was also made to Warlencourt British Cemetery where the great-great uncle of one of the seniors was buried.

The Boys’ Brigade caters for boys from five to 18 years in three different age groups. Whilst most groups are full there are vacancies for those in school Years 6 and 7. Anyone interested should contact Mike Turner on 01799 523905.