Unique 'Lamplight of Peace' Honours WW1 Heroes in Spectacular Ceremony
A one-of-a-kind Lamplight of Peace will be lit at Westminster Abbey on August 4th, 2018, to commemorate the brave WW1 tunnellers and the millions who died across the forces and merchant navy during the Great War.
Starting the Final 100 Days of Remembrance
The lighting ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior will take place at 6:20pm, marking the first day of the last 100 days leading to Remembrance Sunday on November 11th. This poignant moment is part of Battle’s Over – A Nation’s Tribute, organised by international pageantmaster Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, commemorating the centenary of WW1’s end.
Tunnellers’ Lamp Symbolises Courage and Sacrifice
The Lamplight features an original Bonnetted Clanny (Meusler) Lamp, historically used by miners and wartime tunnel diggers. The wooden base is decorated with:
- German and British WW1 barbed wire
- Coal from Britain’s last major mine
- Soil and trench remnants from Ypres battlefield
- Ballast from the railway line where the Armistice was signed in Compiegne
- A replica Victoria Cross
Bruno Peek said: “The tunnellers are some of the great unsung heroes of the Great War. They fought underground in complete darkness and danger, digging explosive tunnels beneath enemy lines. Their bravery has often been forgotten, but this event shines light on their incredible work.”
Tour Across Military Charities and Historic Sites
The Lamplight of Peace embarks on a 100-day journey, spending 25 days with each military charity involved: The Royal Naval Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, and the Merchant Navy Association.
Air Vice-Marshal David Murray of the RAF Benevolent Fund added: “All three services and the Merchant Navy made huge sacrifices during WW1. This tribute reminds us of the darkness they endured and the hope that followed.”
After the Westminster ceremony, the lamp will sail to Portsmouth, arriving at the Historic Dockyard on August 5th. It will be displayed beside the 4-inch gun of HMS Lance, which fired the first shot of WW1 at sea.
Final Journey and Nationwide Tribute
At the end of the 100 days, the Lamplight will return to London, moving from All Hallows’ by the Tower to Westminster Abbey for the Battle’s Over events on November 11th. Positioned by the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, a lone piper will play the haunting tune “Battle’s O’er” to honour the fallen.
That evening, the Dean of Westminster will use the lamp’s flame to ignite the first of over 1,000 WW1 Beacons of Light across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and overseas territories as part of the national tribute.
