A hundred years ago yesterday Lord Kitchener inspected First World War troops during a blizzard on Epsom Downs.
A re-enactment this Saturday will pay tribute to the soldiers reviewed on the Downs before they marched off to the Western Front. Many died in the trenches within months.
On January 22, 1915, Kitchener, whose face was depicted on a famous recruitment poster saying "Your Country Needs You", inspected 20,000 volunteers of the 2nd London Division.
On Saturday a group of re-enactors will march from Ewell Village through Epsom and onto Epsom Downs Racecourse for a remembrance service.
Organiser Tim Richardson, whose great uncle took part in the review 100 years ago, said he laid a poppy cross on the Downs today.
Of the re-enactment, he said: "I feel privileged and honoured to be able to remember him and other men from that day."
At midday on Saturday, January 24, the men in period uniform will follow a military band as they march into the Grandstand complex to be inspected, followed by a service of commemoration.
Timetable 10.00am - A group of re-enactors will leave Bourne Hall in Ewell and march to Epsom town centre via East Street
11.15am - Re-enactors set off from Epsom Town Hall
12.05pm - Marchers meet a military band at Derby Arms
12.15pm - Marcher are joined by army cadets and reservists at the parade ground About
12.30pm - Service of remembrance
Before the march arrives at the Queens Stand it will be open for spectators with a café and toilets. There will be free parking at the Grandstand.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel