Remembering soldiers lost to accidents

A SPECIAL service to remember the twenty men who died as a result of accidents in World War One will be held at the Arch of Victory at 10.30am on Sunday 17 August.

The service will be conducted by the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee.

“We regularly commemorate those who were lost in major battles, but we rarely think about those whose lives were lost accidentally while serving our country,” committee president Garry Snowden said.

“Even behind the trenches these men lived and worked in extremely hazardous environments that occasionally were the scene of tragic accidents.”

During the service, the names of the 20 men will be called.

Stories will be told, including the story of Otto Davies who was run over by a horse-drawn wagon.

James McCrae and Thomas Lewis died after falling from horses and William Paisley was killed by a lightning strike.

“These men had all left their families and the comforts of home and volunteered to serve their country, and they deserve to be remembered just like those who died in battle,” Mr Snowden said.

“We are hoping for a good attendance, and anyone is welcome to leave a tribute at the wall during the wreath-laying portion of the short service.”