June 26 2014.


This Saturday, the 28th of June, is the 100th anniversary of one of the most far reaching incidents in history. On that date in 1914 in Sarajevo, Bosnia, the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot dead by a young Bosnian Serb. No-one realised at the time that these were the first shots in a conflict that would spread across Europe, cost around 16 million lives and become known firstly as the War to end all Wars, and then, when that proved to be wrong, the First World War.

The anniversary of this day will be marked by all vessels in Newhaven harbour sounding their sirens at 5.00pm. All vessels have also been asked to fly their flags at half-mast all day.

Further events to commemorate the anniversary are planned as follows:

• 10th August 11.30am Commemoration Service at St Michael’s Church

• 21st-23rd August – Newhaven Fort – recreation of an original World War 1 play “The Better ‘Ole” (or the Romance of Old Bill)

• Two giant poppies have been installed at Newhaven Fort, one facing the sea, one facing the town