At the Lochnagar Crater, we strive to conserve this unique Great War site as well as remembering and honouring the men and women of all nations who have suffered in war – and those who suffer still. Once the bloodiest square mile on the Western Front, it is now a hallowed place dedicated to actively promoting Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation.

The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine detonated beneath the German front line by the British Army’s 179th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, at 7:28am on July 1st, 1916. The explosion marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme and was the largest of 19 mines, placed beneath the German front line to assist the British infantry advance. It is the largest man-made mine crater from the First World War on the Western Front.

We remember all the men and women who were denied their future, never achieving their potential, with their hopes and dreams unrealised.

We seek to maintain and preserve the site for future generations and invite people to join The Friends of Lochnagar.

There are two annual remembrance ceremonies, in July and November. We always seek to involve the local community as well as welcoming visitors from around the world.