BLAENAVON is set to come to a standstill tomorrow to commemorate its 17 soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Mametz Wood.

Led by the Royal British Legion’s padre David Miller, the High Street is set to be closed from 7.45pm to 8.45pm for the vigil marking the 100th anniversary of one of the Somme’s bloodiest operations.

Taking place by the Workmens Hall and the town’s cenotaph, Blaenavon’s Town Band and Male Voice Choir will be performing with relatives of the lost soldiers being the first to pay their respects.

There will also be candles laid for the mothers, wives and girlfriends of the soldiers who lost their lives.

Padre Mr Miller, said: “Not to remember and honour people is testament to killing them a second time.

“When you look at the age of those that died as youngsters and in their early 20s, it brings it home to you they were very brave individuals.”

After the musical performances, wreaths will be laid and candles lit.

Descendants of those that lost their lives will be coming from all over the UK to be led by David Kennard from Dorset and the great-niece of Edward Albert Birchall, Blaenavon’s youngest soldier to die at just 19.

Also in attendance will be Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and Lynne Neagle AM.

The Battle of Mametz Wood, which began on July 7, 1916, saw thousands of Allied and German soldiers killed and wounded.

The British attack was led by the 38th (Welsh) Division.

Cyril Turner of the Blaenavon legion is one person who will not be in the town as he travels this morning to France to be one of only three Welsh representatives to pay tribute to Wales’ lost boys this week.

This will include paying respects at Mametz tomorrow as a standard bearer.

Mr Turner, of Eigan Avenue, said: “It’s a great honour, I have been nearby a few times before in my 20 years with the legion but never to Mametz.

“I’m taking a wreath from Blaenavon Town Council as we look to remember all those that lost loved ones in the area.”

Last Friday Mr Turner represented Blaenavon outside Manchester Town Hall with Abertillery’s legion representative Geoff Nash in a service led by HRH the Duke of York.

Mr Turner, 68, added: “It was a brilliant ceremony, lining up in Manchester with the Duke. Me and Geoff have travelled a lot together and to be in the Duke of York’s commemoration with him was somethi