The Battle of the Boar’s Head

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 Commissio...

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...

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, hundr...

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 tra...

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.