A Bermudian whose great-uncle died in the Battle of the Somme has spoken about the honour of attending the centenary memorial in France.

Alex Conyers joined more than 10,000 other people from across to world at Friday’s commemoration of the bloodiest battle in the First World War that resulted in more than a million casualties.

Mr Conyers, along with fellow Bermudian Paolo Odoli, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor, attended the memorial at Ulster Tower in Thiepval to pay tribute to their own relatives who fought in the battle as well as the hundreds of Bermudians who saw action at the Somme.

Mr Conyers’ great-uncle, Second Lieutenant Walter Neville Conyers, was killed in action during the battle near Bazentin-Le-Petit on August 18, 1916 at the age of 26. Mr Odoli’s relative, Corporal John Walter Drew, fought in the battle with the Bermuda Contingent — Royal Garrison Artillery and survived.

“I was honoured to attend the centenary memorial and to commemorate my great-uncle and all those who gave their lives at the Battle of the Somme,” said Mr Conyers.

“It would be inaccurate to say I was proud given the events that took place but I did feel a huge amount of respect and reverence for the sacrifices that all those who took part in the war made.

“The memorial was very moving, from the speeches to the old First World War footage, to the rereading of diary entries and letters sent by soldiers who were fighting at the front.

“With 10,000 people in attendance it was no small feat to organise this event and it was well executed on the day.

“It was also a pleasure getting to know Captain Paolo Odoli as we worked to research our relatives’ roles in the war and to attend the memorial together as representatives of Bermuda. I look forward to staying in touch.

“The Bermuda shorts were well received although I did get a fair amount of funny looks, questions and comments on the day.”

Hundreds of soldiers from the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps clashed with German troops at the Somme, while many more served in other regiments.

Many of the Bermuda contingent paid the ultimate sacrifice during the battle.

The Battle of the Somme ran from July 1 to November 18, 1916, with neither the Allies or the Germans gaining any significant advantage.

It 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.