A CEREMONY will take place at Jubilee Barracks on Prescot Road, St Helens, on Saturday, February 14 as the 5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment commemorates the centenary of its entry into the First World War.

The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Geoff Pearl, will join veterans and guests.

The Territorial unit, then based at Mill Street barracks, St Helens (today’s TS Scimitar), was sent to France on February 13, 1915 - landing at Le Havre. They moved on to the front line the following day – Valentine’s Day.

During the conflict men from the 5th saw action across the Western Front including Ypres, the Somme, Menin Road Ridge and Cambrai – where they suffered heavy casualties during a German counter attack in November 1917.

The regimental dinner and reunion akes on added significance this year as veterans mark marks the 100th anniversary of the 5th Battalion’s deployment to France.

One of the organisers, Ron Phelan said: “Everyone was very aware of last year’s commemorations marking the centenary of the outbreak of hostilities, but 1915 is the year that many young men from St Helens set off for war – never to return. This event is dedicated to their memory and helps to ensure they will never be forgotten.”

A display of memorabilia and a performance by the Royal Artillery Band will feature Contact organisers Jimmy Williams or Ron Phelan on Call 07982 2566122.