At the Lochnagar Crater, we strive to conserve this unique Great War site as well as remembering
and honouring the men and women of all nations who have suffered in war – and those who suffer
still. Once the bloodiest square mile on the Western Front, it is now a hallowed place dedicated to
actively promoting Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation.
At the Lochnagar Crater, we
strive to conserve this unique
site and honour all the men and
women who have suffered in
war – and those who suffer still.
Lochnagar - Helping heal the wounds of war The Lochnagar Crater was formed by a massive mine detonated beneath
the German front line at the beginning of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
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the wounds of war
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The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine detonated beneath the German front line by the British Army’s 179th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, at 7:28am on July 1st, 1916. The explosion marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme and was the largest of 19 mines, placed beneath the German front line to assist the British infantry advance. It is the largest man-made mine crater from the First World War on the Western Front.

Lochnagar Facebook Livestream – 2024

On July 1st every year, for over four decades now, people have joined together for a unique ceremony to remember the events of that fateful Saturday in 1916. Folk from all over the world can see the commemorations at Lochnagar Crater and join in our acts of remembrance for all the men and women affected by war and conflict and the suffering it brings.

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Peace and Reconciliation

We remember all the men and women who were denied their future, never achieving their potential, with their hopes and dreams unrealised.

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Conserve

We seek to maintain and preserve the site for future generations and invite people to join The Friends of Lochnagar.

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Commemorate

There are two annual remembrance ceremonies, in July and November. We always seek to involve the local community as well as welcoming visitors from around the world.

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