Press release: Battle of Messines Ridge Centenary

Events took place in Belgium today to mark the centenary of the Battle of Messines Ridge. The battle has considerable historic and symbolic significance for Ireland and Northern Ireland, as it was the first time that the 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) Divisions fought alongside each other during the First World War.

The UK and Irish Governments, in partnership with the Messines authorities, hosted a shared commemorative event at the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines. The Peace Park was opened by Her Majesty The Queen and then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, in 1998 and is a memorial to all the soldiers from the island of Ireland who died in the First World War.

The Duke of Cambridge, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Princess Astrid of Belgium attended the ceremony and laid wreaths at the foot of the Round Tower memorial, before meeting invited guests including descendants of those who fought at the Battle.

The Act of Remembrance included readings by members of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Defence Forces, and musical interludes performed by the Royal Band of the Belgian Navy.

Speaking ahead of the commemorations, where he laid a wreath on behalf of UK Government, Lord Dunlop said:

We have seen all too well how history can divide, but our ambitious goal throughout this decade of centenaries is to seek to use history to bring us together.

This shared ceremony is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought at Messines Ridge, as well as to further strengthen the important relationship that exists between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Following the main service at the Island of Ireland Peace Park, a short, private service was held at Wytschaete Cemetery where over 1,000 servicemen of the First World War are buried, including many from the Battle of Messines Ridge. His Royal Highness, the Taoiseach and Princess Astrid, alongside representatives of both governments, paid their respects at the 16th Irish Division Memorial Cross before meeting family members of servicemen buried in the cemetery.



News story: Autonomous last mile resupply network event – information pack

The autonomous last mile resupply innovation network event was held on 23 May 2017.

At the event in London, a series of presentations provided details of three challenges that make up the Defence and Security Accelerator competition Autonomous last mile resupply.

Event slides

To set the scene, Accelerator Innovation Partner Mark Darvill opened the event by giving an update on the Accelerator and an overview of proof-of-concept research funding opportunities for innovative science and technology providers.

Challenge context and overview

Lt Col Peter Hale and Peter Stockel, Dstl’s Autonomy Innovation Lead gave an overview of the competition and outlined it’s strategic importance.

Challenge purpose and scope

Lt Col Mark Stuart then briefed the audience on how autonomous systems would help British Army supply front line troops with vital supplies and gave examples of the types of environments the system would have to cope with. Mark Emerton, Dstl’s technical lead shared scenarios which brought the challenge to life. Details were provided from a military and technical perspective.

Competition process and overview

Information on the competition’s scope, process and key milestones was briefed by Rebecca Varney, Accelerator Competition Manager.

Graham Farnsworth, Dstl’s Intellectual Property Manager outlined the new short form contract.

How to work with the Accelerator

The Accelerator team then outlined how organisations can work with the Accelerator and gave advice on how to submit good proposals for funding.

The competition closes at noon on 21 June 2017.

All queries will be answered by email. Send queries to our competition DSTLLastmile@dstl.gov.uk and Accelerator accelerator@dstl.gov.uk email inbox.



Notice: IP6 0JB, S Sacker (Claydon) Limited: environmental permit issued

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