This coming weekend we step back and reflect on
Remembrance Day.
This year is particularly moving as we commemorate
the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
The Battle of the Somme took place between 1 July
and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the upper reaches of the River Somme in
France. The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies and was the
largest battle of the First World War on the Western Front. More than one
million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in
human history.
On top of this, the futility of the trench warfare
tactics was readily apparent here. Although it was initial cast as an allied
victory, in fact the British and French had advanced about 6 miles and the war
would drag on for another two years.
As I wrote last year, Captain
Agar-Robartes, the sitting MP for mid-Cornwall when he died on 30th September
1915 as a result of injuries sustained in battle. Born 20 years after the
end of the Second World War, I can only imagine what it must have been like to
live through conflict, either as a combatant or at home, waiting for loved ones
to return.
Of course it isn’t just about
the Great War. Like many people my grandfather served in the Second World War
and experienced the horrors of war in the Navy. My thoughts are always drawn to
him on Remembrance Day as I recall the few occasions he told us about his
experiences.
The men and women of our armed
forces also continue to serve and protect to this very day. With extremists
such as ISIS in the Middle-East, it is a shame that global peace still remains
distant.
I am very aware of the
responsibility being an MP brings, to make the right and at times difficult
decisions when it comes to the defence of our nation and protection of others
in an ever more dangerous world. The decision as to when and how to deploy troops
is brought home on Remembrance Day.
This is a responsibility I intend to take extremely seriously.
As usual many communities will be marking Remembrance Sunday this
weekend with parades and services. My team and I will be honoured to join
the parades and then to lay wreaths across Mid-Cornwall.
This weekend is about
remembrance. Let us remember the men and
women who gave their lives for us in the past and honour those who continue to
risk their lives today.
As always, my team and I are here to serve the
whole constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of
everyone needing support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the
constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
