The Battle of the Boar’s Head

CWGC

One battle, a failed plan and the loss of a whole generation. This is the story of the day that Sussex died, told by the voices of the next generation. Discover the story of the Battle of the Boar’s Head from the First World War, meet the men from towns like Worthing who signed up and fought as part of the Southdowns Battalions and learn how they’re being remembered today. Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, SHINE Worthing and the Lawson Trust. Produced by Sheeran Media.

Episodes

  1. Jun 29

    Special interview with Military Historian Paul Reed

    2026 marks 110 years since the Battle of the Boar’s Head, a battle which had a huge impact on the history of Sussex and the town of Worthing. In this special interview with Military Historian, Paul Reed, discover why it’s important to still tell the stories of the men who lost their lives and how they are being remembered today. Discover more about the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission: www.cwgc.org Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Lawson Trust. With thanks to Homefield Primary School, Bramber Primary School and SHINE Worthing.

    15 min

  2. Jun 29

    Commemoration: The day Sussex died

    The 30th June 1916 would become known as the day Sussex died as more than 350 men from the county lost their lives and over a 1,000 were wounded or taken prisoner in the Battle of the Boar’s Head. An entire generation of men from the same street, club or workplace in the town of Worthing disappeared overnight. Leaving children without fathers, parents without sons and wives without husbands.  Many of the men who lost their lives had no known grave, which meant memorials became the only way to commemorate their sacrifice. Discover more about the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission: www.cwgc.org Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Lawson Trust. With thanks to Homefield Primary School, Bramber Primary School and SHINE Worthing.

    22 min

  3. Jun 29

    The Battle: A planned diversion that failed with huge human cost

    On the morning of 30 June 1916, the Southdowns Battalions launched what they thought was a surprise attack on a German position near the village of Richebourg in France. The plan was to create a diversion, drawing German soldiers away from the Somme before a major offensive was launched.  However, as the men from Sussex approached they were met with a heavily defended position. Within hours, hundreds of them had been killed or wounded, forcing the soldiers into a hasty retreat. Discover more about the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission: www.cwgc.org Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Lawson Trust. With thanks to Homefield Primary School, Bramber Primary School and SHINE Worthing.

    13 min

  4. Jun 29

    Joining Up: The creation of the Southdowns Battalions

    In 1916 the First World War was raging across Europe. Millions of men from across the UK and Commonwealth signed up to fight. Pals Battalions were created to encourage recruits to sign up with people they already knew, like friends, brothers and neighbours. In Sussex, they became known as the Southdowns Battalions. This included the town of Worthing, which saw hundreds answer the call. The men trained together for many months, learning how to shoot, march and become soldiers. By early 1916, they were sent to France to fight. Discover more about the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission: www.cwgc.org Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Lawson Trust. With thanks to Homefield Primary School, Bramber Primary School and SHINE Worthing.

    17 min

  5. Trailer

    Introducing The Battle of the Boar’s Head

    One battle, a failed plan and the loss of a whole generation. This is the story of the day that Sussex died, told by the voices of the next generation.  Coming soon in June 2026. Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Lawson Trust.

    1 min

Trailer

About

One battle, a failed plan and the loss of a whole generation. This is the story of the day that Sussex died, told by the voices of the next generation. Discover the story of the Battle of the Boar’s Head from the First World War, meet the men from towns like Worthing who signed up and fought as part of the Southdowns Battalions and learn how they’re being remembered today. Brought to you by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, SHINE Worthing and the Lawson Trust. Produced by Sheeran Media.

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