Four Montgomeryshire men are heading to Mametz Wood in northern France in memory of the 1916 Somme offensive in the First World War.
The four, who have headed off from Berriew, were waved off by Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies.
Mametz Wood was the scene of a bloody five-day battle in which 3,993 Welsh soldiers were killed, were declared missing or injured, and formed part of the Somme Offensive during the First World War in 1916.
The visit was organised by Mr Davies' neighbour, Peter Stevens. Peter is being accompanied by Keith Ellis, Paul Jones and David 'Sam' Robertson.
Commenting as he saw the four men begin their journey from Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies MP said: "No-one visits the battle fields of the Somme Offensive without being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the horror that occurred there.
"It was probably the most brutal battle in human history, with over a million men killed or injured. Almost 20,000 men were killed on the first day. It was carnage on a scale, the horror of which has inspired poets trying to capture the sheer awfulness of what happened there 100 years ago."
He added: "Welsh soldiers suffered great losses during the Somme Offensive. Peter, Keith Paul and Sam are visiting Mametz Wood, where stands a Red Dragon to commemorate the losses suffered by the 38th (Welsh) Division. Over 500 men killed, 600 men missing and 2800 wounded - such bravery and sacrifice.
"In a few weeks’ time we will stand in silence to remember those who gave their yesterdays to ensure our freedom from tyranny today. Remembrance Day is our annual opportunity to recognise the sacrifice of past generations, and is always an emotional occasion.
"I can barely imagine how Peter, Keith, Paul and Sam will feel as they stand before the Mametz Wood Monument, thinking about the men of the 38th (Welsh) Division who fell there."
Photo: Glyn Davies MP with Peter Stevens, Keith Ellis, Paul Jones and David ‘Sam’ Robertson as they set off for Mametz Wood
