Salute to lost forebears as Island marks WW1 centenary

The Isle of Man is marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One in a series of events throughout today and tonight (Monday 4 August). 

Young people will gather at the Grandstand at lunchtime to join two vehicle convoys, which will tour the Island's parish war memorials north and south, laying a wreath at each stop.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the local tributes as the party moves around, details below.

The event, organised by forces veteran Hector Duff, will culminate in an afternoon tea at St John's village hall, where the children will gather to swap stories, before attending a short vigil in the fair field in memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict, from 7pm.

Later, communities around the Island will join a Europe-wide 'All Lights Out' commemoration.

A candlelit vigil will be staged at the National War Memorial at St John's at 10.15pm, while similar events are planned at Peel cathedral, at the newly-refurbished war memorial in Onchan and on Douglas Head. 

Douglas council will turn off its decorative lighting through the capital and street lighting on the headland, for an hour from 10pm.

Archdeacon Andrew Brown will lead a short service from the viewing platform once the lights are out, at which point two large-scale images of poppies will be projected on the promenade war memorial.  

The Manx Royal British Legion is staging its own centenary event, reflecting the march by young Manx conscripts to their departure point - to boat and battlefield - 100 years ago.

Led by a band, military and veterans' groups will be joined by representatives of the Steam Packet Company in a parade leaving the  Legion Club in Market Hill at 7.15pm to Victoria Pier at the Sea Terminal, where a wreath will be laid.

A blast on the ship's whistle will start and end a two minute silence, followed by the playing of Last Post and Reveille.  

The wreath will be taken aboard tonight's SPC sailing and thrown to sea from the Ben-my-Chree by its captain, in honour of those who served in the three forces and merchant navy during WW1. 

The parade will return to the Legion Club for an evening of WW1-themed entertainment and refreshments.

War memorials tour

NORTH ROUTE

Location/arrive/depart:

Start at TT Grandstand 12.45 13.00

Lonan Church 13.20 13.35

Maughold 14.00 14.15

Lezayre 14.40 14.55

Bride 15.15 15.30

Andreas 15.45 16.00

Jurby 16.15 16.30

Ballaugh 16.45 17.00

Kirk Michael Church 17.15 17.30

St. Johns 17.45

Travelling Time 4 hours 45 minutes

SOUTH ROUTE:

Arrive Depart Route

Start at TT Grandstand 12.45 13.00

Onchan 13.10 13.20

Douglas 13.35 13.45

Kirk Braddan 14.00 14.10

Marown 14.20 14.30

Santan 14.45 14.55

Malew 15.10 15.20

Castletown 15.35 15.50

Arbory Church 16.00 16.10

Rushen Church 16.25 16.35

Patrick Church 17.00 17.15

Glenfaba 17.25 17.35

St. Johns 17.45

Travelling Time 4 hours 45 minutes

Refreshments at St. Johns Village Hall

Service at War Memorial Starts at 19.00 hrs. until 19.30 approximately.