On the 13th November 1916, in one of the final engagements of the Battle of the Somme,after which the 51st (Highland) Division advanced on and finally captured Beaumont Hamel, which had been a first-day objective on the 1st July.
Ceremonies will be held at Beaumont Hamel on 13th November 2025 to mark the 109th anniversary of the second blow of the Hawthorn Mine that signaled the start of the attack. The first event, organised on behalf of the Scotland (North) Branch of the Western Front Association will commence at the 51st (Highland) Division flagstaff in the center of Beaumont Hamel at 10.30 a.m. Thereafter everyone is invited to proceed to the craters for a second ceremony held by the Hawthorn Ridge Crater Association, before returning to the village for refreshments. All are welcome.
Image: Lt Ernest Brooks. This photograph is © IWM Q 2005 from the collections of the IWM - Working parties of British troops in the Hawthorn Ridge Crater near Beaumont Hamel, November 1916