A FILM documenting the tragic deaths of over 19,000 soldiers during the Battle of the Somme will be screened as part of centenary commemorations in Redbridge.

This Friday (July 1) will mark 100 years since the first day of the Battle of the Somme, which saw the British and the French take on German forces near the River Somme in France.

It is considered to be the bloodiest day in British military history, with 19,240 killed and 38,500 injured.

Commemorative events will take place across the borough over the next two weeks, including four screenings of a film called The Somme, which has been provided by the Imperial War Museum and documents part of the battle.

Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “The Battle of the Somme led to a horrendous loss of life that was felt across the nation and also here in Redbridge.

“We know at least 150 men from the borough lost their lives in the Somme with around 1,200 killed during the Great War.

“They like so many others stood up and fought for our country when she needed them most and it’s important that we take the time to recognise their sacrifice.”

Screenings of The Somme will take place at Wanstead Library in Spratt Hall Road at 6.30pm and 7.30pm on July 7, and at 6pm at Gants Hill Library in Cranbrook Road on July 1.

There will also be a daytime screening at Redbridge Museum in Ilford from 11am on Saturday July 2.

For more information, see the Redbridge Council website.