Longhill CCF: War Memorial Rededication & Service

Longhill Cadets were kindly invited by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove to take part in the Rededication of the newly renovated War Memorial at Stein Gardens.  This was initiated by Paul Tilley of our premises staff who is also the chairman of the Brighton and Hove Veterans. We thank Paul for his support of the contingent and proposing us for this honour.

This was of particular importance to Longhill CCF as we are currently the only uniformed unit to still wear the Royal Sussex Regiment cap badge.  We were given this honour back in 1986 by the Royal Sussex Regiment Association and one we are very proud of. The service was also attended by members of the Royal Sussex Regimental Association.

The Battle of Boar’s Head, often overshadowed by the more infamous Battle of the Somme, was a tragic and significant event during the First World War, particularly for the communities of Sussex.  Fought on 30 June 1916, it served as a diversionary tactic aimed at drawing German forces away from the Somme, set to commence the following day. 

The Battle of Boar’s Head was disastrous: 366 soldiers were killed, and over 1000 were wounded or missing, many of whom were later confirmed as prisoners of war.  This calamity had a profound impact on Sussex, with 70% of those killed being natives of the region. The heavy losses led to the day being remembered locally as “The Day Sussex Died.”

The communities of Brighton, Hove, and Portslade were particularly hard hit, with over 850 men from these areas enlisted in the South Downs Battalions.  The grief permeated through entire communities, affecting not just families but friends, colleagues, and neighbours.  Areas such as east Brighton, the Hanover area, and Poets’ Corner in Hove were especially impacted.

The event was hosted by The Right Worshipful Mayor of Brighton and Hove Councillor Theresa Fowler and the Service was conducted by Archdeacon of Brighton & Lewes; The Venerable Martin Lloyd Williams & The Mayor’s Chaplain; The Reverend Tom Holbird.

Also in attendance was Major General John Moore-Bick CBE DL on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.

After the service, wreaths were laid by Major General John Moore-Bick CBE DL, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, members of The Royal Sussex Regimental Association, together with other invited dignitaries and members of the public.

The ceremony culminated with the Exhortation, the playing of The Last Post, the Kohima Epitaph and a blessing.

Afterwards we were invited by the Mayor for tea and cake in the Mayoral Chambers.

The next day we received some kind words from the Mayor:

“We received many positive comments about how smart, professional, and dedicated the cadets appeared, and it was especially appreciated to see them join us, given the strong connection with the Royal Sussex Regiment. Major General John Moore-Bick was also highly complementary”.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Brighton and Hove Councillor Theresa Fowler

Major Ali Pringle

Longhill CCF Contingent Commander.

Read more from Longhill High School: https://longhill.org.uk/news/

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