Battle of the Somme Commemoration Held at Knockagh War Memorial
Sunday 28 June 2026
The bravery and sacrifice of those who lost their lives during the Battle of the Somme were honoured at a poignant Remembrance Service and Parade held at the County Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh Hill on Sunday 28 June.
Veterans, members of the Armed Forces, civic representative, service organisations and community groups came together to pay tribute to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the First World War's most significant battles.
His Majesty's Vice Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon DL, was joined by representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as well as civic leaders from councils across County Antrim. The service of commemoration to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was led by Pastor Jonathan Grant.
The Battle of the Somme, which lasted from July to November 1916 claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers, including many from County Antrim serving in a number of regiments, particularly the 36th (Ulster) Division.
Knockagh War Memorial, the largest war memorial in Northern Ireland, was erected in memory of the men of County Antrim who lost their lives during the First World War. Its foundation stone was laid in 1922, and the monument was completed in 1936. Following the Second World War, it was rededicated to commemorate those from County Antrim who also died in that conflict.
The annual commemoration was organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on behalf of the County Antrim councils, including Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving the memory of those who served and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.