About

The Ancre Somme Association Charity was born out of a trip to the battlefields of France and Belgium in 2006. The Association was officially formed in 2009 at the graveside of Lt Col Sir William Allen KBE DSO. Sir William Allen was a Linen manufacturer, politician and a Soldier. During the Great War he served with the 36th (Ulster) Division, ending the war as a battalion commander.

The majority of Co. Armagh men who fell on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme served with the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. These men were buried where they had fallen, thus creating what became the Ancre British Military Cemetery, a place with resonating significance for those from Co Armagh, indeed the Commonwealth, hence the name chosen for the charity.

As interest in the Great War has grown  so the membership. The range of projects undertaken by the association have grown far beyond the expectations of the founder members.

It quickly became apparent that others shared the same views and permission was granted to establish a branch in Scotland. The Scottish Branch has complimented the Ancre Somme Association Charity as they honour all Scots who served in the Great War, and all Subsequent Conflicts.

The Ancre British Military Cemetery represents the sacrifice of all parts of the United Kingdom, indeed the Commonwealth, and the Ancre Somme Association, which takes its name from it, provides a vehicle for remembering that sacrifice.

Membership of the Ancre Somme Association is open to all, there are no restrictions. All we ask of our membership is that they support the on-going study and research of the historical findings derived from the events preceding, surrounding and following the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916, as well as all other subsequent conflicts, battles and wars.

In 2022 the Ancre Somme Association Charity opened their new Headquarters in the historic setting that is Brownlow House, Lurgan. The house has a rich history as it housed British and American troops during WW1 and WW2.

If you are interested in joining please click here for further information.

Mark Jameson

Chairman
Ancre Somme Association

Lt Col Ant Maher

Patron

David Martin

Honorary President

Carla Lockhart MP

UK Ambassador

Andy Allen MBE MLA

UK Ambassador

Graham Dodds MBE DL

UK Ambassador

Gregg Savage

Education Outreach Officer

Stephen Moutray

Honorary Member

Mark Smyth

Honorary Piper

Rev Derek Kerr

Honorary Padre

Lexi Davidson

Community Development Officer

Ancre Somme Association

Strategic Plan

2019 -2025

VISION

“To maintain and respect those who served and continue to serve, home and overseas, securing the freedoms we all enjoy today”.

MISSION

“To educate, commemorate and continue to raise awareness on the events preceding, surrounding and following the Battle of the Somme including subsequent conflicts, battles and wars.