Liverpool Pals battalions - centenary today

[daggers]

One hundred years ago today a convoy of special trains left Prescot station carrying the four Pals battalions (17th, 18th, 19th & 20th) of the King’s Liverpool Regiment which had been training at Knowsley Park, Prescot Watch factory and other places since they were formed in August 1914. They left for Grantham for more training before their eventual arrival on the Western Front, from where many did not return.

Last Saturday (25th April) this centenary was marked by a ceremony at Prescot station when a plaque was unveiled by Lord Derby, grandson of the Earl who had been responsible for recruiting over 6000 men from the businesses of Liverpool and district immediately after the declaration of war.

The well-organised programme included an act of remembrance, songs of the period and a symbolic march-off by men in uniform through a crowd of well-wishers waving flags.

My camera did not do the event justice, but if you use Google and search on ‘Liverpool Pals Prescot’ you will find plenty of views of the event.

Daggers

[MaryA]

Thanks for painting us a picture of the day.