A Ceremony has been held at the Lochnagar Crater every year since 1979, organised by Richard Dunning. The first Ceremony was attended by 6 people. It was a very simple affair and, of course the Cross was absent, the first cross being installed in 1986, in time to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Somme Battle.
Over the years the Ceremony has grown and developed, attracting up to an estimated 1,500 people to the tiny French village of La Boisselle. The Ceremony commences at 7-28am. Far too early for any but the most dedicated of pilgrims.
Although no two ceremonies are the same, over the years they have developed, and conform to a recognisable format. But ceremonies such as the Lochnagar Crater Ceremony do not 'just happen', and much time and effort is expended in planning and preparation. Many people generously give their time and expertise to ensure that each one is a unique and moving experience.
What's needed? - a few of the 'ingredients' fireworks, pipers, whistles, standard bearers, singers, programme distributors, a sound system, wreath layers, the Chaplain, poppy petals, a coordinator, and of course the site has to be prepared beforehand.
For Richard, preparation for the next Ceremony commences very soon after the end of the current Ceremony! But for most of the 'Friends of Lochnagar', preparation starts in earnest in late May. For a few days around the late May bank holiday, those of the 'Friends' who can make the journey over, spend a few days 'gardening', keeping the foliage down to ensure that the Crater looks at its best for 1st July.
The day before the Ceremony sees much activity in the setting up process:
Temporary cordons are erected to ensure that the wreath layers can get to the Cross easily
The sound system has to be set up and tested
Wreaths have specially printed labels attached
Wreaths are carefully numbered in the order to be laid
Boxes of poppy petals and petal baskets for the children are prepared
Trimming of foliage is ongoing
The Ceremony lasts about an hour, commencing at 07-28am with the firing of a maroon and the blowing of whistles (whistles were blown in the trenches to signal to the men that they must 'go over the top' to face the machine guns). As soon as the maroon is fired, a lone piper, from the far side of the Crater, walks towards the cross playing 'The Battle of the Somme', accompanied by the Somme Battlefield Pipe Band.
At the end of the Ceremony everyone is invited to scatter some poppy petals into the Crater, and to join hands around the rim to form a complete human circle. To read more about the Ceremony click on the links below.
