WHEN soldiers of No 1 Siege Company of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) (RMRE (M) marched to Troy Station 101 years ago, many would not return following service on the Western Front.

Members of the Royal British Legion joined the Monmouth Walkers are Welcome (MWAW) and soldiers from the regiment for a commemorative march on Sunday 2nd August, to trace the steps the soldiers took on their way to Ireland, and the killing grounds of France.

On 6th August 1914, the soldiers were deployed to Ireland where they were doing coastal fortifications, and marched from Castle Hill to Troy Station (which has since been rebuilt in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire by railway enthusiasts).

At the time, it was believed that the war would be over by Christmas, but in October that year, they were sent to the Western Front via train from Fishguard. The train travelled through Newport and Cardiff and was due to be met by families of the soldiers, but the Company Commander was so concerned that he might lose most of his company, the train never stopped, and many of them would never see their families again.

Monmouthshire County Council, signatory to the Armed Forces Community Covenant, was represented by Councillor Jim Higginson (MCC Deputy Chairman) and Councillor John Prosser (MCC Armed Forces Champion).

The Royal British Legion Standard was carried by Caroline Bright, accompanied by Gerry Bright, a town councillor and also president of the Monmouth Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Following the Last Post, played by Monmouth School pupil Owen Thomas, a minute’s silence was held in memory of those who left, never to return.

RMRE (M) Commanding Officer, Lt Col Neil Whitcombe then thanked Brian Ramsey of MWAW for organising this activity and submitting a successful bid, in partnership with the town council and the regiment, for an Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant. This will be used to mark the route with poppies, artwork and an information board telling the story of the Royal Mons’ involvement in The Great War so that the activity is not forgotten.

During the First World War the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers provided 76 officers and 2,113 enlisted men for service on the Western Front, and in Gallipoli, the Middle East and Italy.

Medals awarded included five Distinguished Service Orders, eight Military Crosses, 12 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 16 Military Medals.