A memorial to soldiers from Dorset who died in the First World War is being created following a three-year fundraising campaign by members of The Western Front Association and their supporters. The WFA Branch raised some 10% of the total funds required.
The memorial will be located in the village of Authuille which was the location of the 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment's attack on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916.
Committee member Major Nick Speakman commented: "The memorial is to commemorate all those who fell with the Dorsets in the First World War on the Western Front. We raised £23,000 which will see it completed and more is required for maintenance and insurance costs.
"The local branch of the Dorset and Wiltshire Western Front Association raised money through its members, relatives and people of Dorset. We had money from all over the country including grandsons of people who served in the First World War. It was touching.
"It's going near the Lonsdale Cemetery, which is about a kilometre from the Thiepval Memorial, which is one of the biggest memorials there marking the soldiers who have no known grave. It's in an emotional and appropriate spot."
If you wish to make a donation to the fund please send a cheque payable to 'The Dorset Memorial Fund' to The Keep Military Museum, 1 Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RN.
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