News / Society
Soldiers haunt streets of Bristol
Bristol has become home for a day to a haunting memorial for those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago.
A group of silent soldiers left Bristol Old Vic this morning, and marched along the pavements to Temple Meads, where they loitered listlessly between the hum of commuters before marching through Queen Square to the fountains and into the city centre.
They stopped only to hand out simple cards with names and battalions of people who died on July 1, 1916, the bloodiest day in British military history when 60,000 lives were lost.
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More than one million people died during the Battle of the Somme, fought in northern France over five months.
Similar tributes are taking place across the country, with images being shared on social media via #wearehere, and some groups have been recorded breaking into powerful song.
Lily Barton, a florist at Temple Meads, saw the soldiers appear. She said: “They broke into song and gradually all of them joined in. It was very moving, everyone stopped and stared.”
In the city centre, their silence created an unusual stillness. Each soldier represents a man who lost his life 100 years ago today, and as curious onlookers asked what they were doing, they simply smiled sad smiles, and gave out their cards. A lot of people took photos, whilst others sat with the soldiers and told them their stories.
For some, the experience was deeply personal. Graham Street’s father left Bristol for the Battle of the Somme and never came back. “It’s wonderful to see these soldiers here, reminding us of those we’ve lost,” he said. “I’m very touched.”
Spectacular tribute in remembrance today – just left the waterfront in #Bristol. #wearehere #Somme100 pic.twitter.com/UuNM0kzs7w
— Rosie Ladkin (@rosieladkin) July 1, 2016
Soldiers in #Bristol today #wearehere pic.twitter.com/Sj9JbWfa7C
— Amy (@MrandMrsTplus3) July 1, 2016
if you approach the soldiers in Bristol they give you a card – paying respects to the men that fought #wearehere pic.twitter.com/GruKZ5YtlS
— chloe kitching (@_ckitching) July 1, 2016
soldiers congregate at the water front in Bristol. commemorating the battle of the Somme #wearehere pic.twitter.com/u3M3T3oCa3
— chloe kitching (@_ckitching) July 1, 2016
Private Sidney Pooley’s life cut short 100 years ago today. Dead at 20. #wearehere pic.twitter.com/cxpyQW2iOY
— David A Sproxton (@SproxtonAardman) July 1, 2016
Top picture by Alastair Campbell