HUNDREDS of people arrived at Blaenavon’s cenotaph to remember the horrors of Mametz Wood, on the 100th anniversary of the battle.

In a moving ceremony, people from across the country and relatives of those that died went to pay their respects to the 4,000 fallen Welsh soldiers.

From 7.45pm to 8.45pm the bottom end of the High Street to the Church Road junction was closed for veterans, relatives, cadets and members of the public to congregate and take part in the service outside the Workmen’s Hall.

Organised by the Blaenavon Branch of the Royal British Legion and led by minister David Miller, the service was opened with the national anthem before Blaenavon Male Voice Choir sang.

Rev Miller spoke movingly of the acts of sacrifice by the 38th (Welsh) Division and the close connection Blaenavon has with the battle when 17 of its sons died on July 7, 1916.

In his speech, he said: “To forget would be an offence, and to not remember would be like them dying a second time.”

Mametz Wood was the first major battle for many Welsh soldiers in the war and one of the most tragic episodes from the Battle of the Somme.

The 38th (Welsh) Division attacked Mametz Wood between July 7 and 14 1916, with more than 4,000 of them killed or injured.

Andrew Smith, Pontypool branch member of the Royal British Legion, read the touching poem "The battle of Mametz Wood".

Wreaths were laid by Blaenavon mayor Alan Jones, Lynne Neagle AM, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Torfaen mayor Veronica Crick and a representative of the Gwent Volunteer Police Cadets.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said: “It’s absolutely incredible seeing the support in such a poignant service.

“Blaenavon has a particular place to remember because of the number of people that lost their lives. To hear the words they wrote the night before was moving, as they spoke in the bravest of circumstances.”

Seventeen candles were then placed around the cenotaph by relatives of those that lost their lives, led by David Kennard in memory of his great uncle Maurice Nickle.

Female members of the Blaenavon legion also laid candles in memory of the mothers, wives and girlfriends who lost loved ones in the battle.

Blaenavon’s Town Band played the Men of Harlech before the Benediction.

Gwent Royal British Legion vice-chair Mike Jones, said: “It’s been an excellent service and a wonderful evening, Blaenavon always well support these events and the legion do a tremendous job.”

Blaenavon mayor Alan Jones added: “It is very touching to have so many people come to remember and the legion have done us proud.”