RELATIVES of First World War heroes from Aldermaston are invited to a special memorial service to honour the men.
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) commissioned a centenary Great War memorial plaque for the village, which involved children from Aldermaston Church of England Primary School hand-writing the names of local men.
Ahead of the commemoration ceremony taking place on September 25, AWE is inviting relatives of those on the plaque to attend the event and tell their family’s story of the First World War.
Research by AWE has shown that a significant proportion of Aldermaston village men joined the 8th Royal Berkshire at the start of war.
They were sent to France in August 1915 to be placed in the elite 1st Brigade, 1st Division.
After only days in the line, they attacked the enemy at Loos alongside their more experienced comrades.
During the battle, the 8th Royal Berkshire lost 250 men and approximately three times this were wounded – effectively the whole battalion – resulting in a devastating effect on Aldermaston village.
If you think you are related to any of the men on the plaque email communityandschools@awe.co.uk with details.
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