ABERYSTWYTH ex-service personnel have visited Belgium in an “emotional and moving” trip to commemorate the centenary of one of the First World War’s bloodiest battles.

On 31 July 1917, the Battle of Passchendaele - also known as the Third Battle of Ypres - began, and would, over the next three months, claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Cllr Paul Hinge, an ex-soldier who is now the Armed Forces Champion for Ceredigion council was joined on the trip by 15 members of the Aberystwyth Welsh Fusiliers Association to mark the occasion.

Joined by another 200 people from Wales representing Welsh regiments that fought during the battle, the Aberystwyth contingent visited graves and joined the Welsh National Service of Remembrance at Langemark on 31 July.

Cllr Hinge told the Cambrian News the trip was “very moving”.

“It is very important that we remember those who gave their lives and pay respects to those who fought.

“Everyone paid tremendous respect at all the ceremonies.

“It is important to remember these soldiers, for the families as well as for the soldiers who still serve.

“It is also important to commemorate events like this for everyone to understand the devastation war can cause.”

Ceredigion’s Assembly Member Elin Jones AM laid a wreath as the Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales at the Welsh Memorial near Langedoc, Ypres, in honour of the fallen at Passchendaele

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