Big Ben lights up with the faces of World War One heroes for Remembrance Day

Faces of World War One heroes lit up Big Ben on Sunday night to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme offensive.

Chosen to represent all UK nations, the brave group's photographs were projected onto the Elizabeth Tower as part of Remembrance Day Commemorations.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, who arranged the display in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Foundation, said: 'Seeing the faces of these brave people from the Somme on one of the most iconic landmarks in the country is incredibly moving. Faces of ordinary folk who had a future, only for it to be cut short by war.

'It is why we instigated the Elizabeth Tower illuminations - so that the lives of the fallen are remembered, their stories told, and the sacrifice made is never forgotten.'

Those featured in the projection included Lieutenant The Hon Vere Harmsworth, son of Daily Mail publisher the 1st Viscount Rothermere, and a member of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

The Sussex-born officer, 21, was killed on 13 November 1916 during the Battle of the Ancre, in the final stages of the Somme offensive.

During the attack, Vere - who previously served at Gallipoli - reportedly continued to lead his men despite being wounded twice, before being killed by a shell. His commanding officer later praised his courage and endurance. 

Vere Harmsworth, 32, who watched the projection, featuring his great-great-uncle, with his wife Alexandra and mother, Lady Claudia Rothermere, said: 'It was incredibly moving to watch, and incredibly sad. 

The faces of World War One heroes were projected on to Big Ben to commemorate Remembrance Day

Lieutenant The Hon Vere Harmsworth was killed aged just 21 on 13 November 1916 during the Battle of the Ancre, in the final stages of the Somme offensive

Members of the Harmsworth family, including Vere Rothermere, watched the presentation

Ex-Scottish rugby captain Lieutenant Eric McIlroy was one of the soldiers shown on the landmark. He was reported missing believed killed on 18 July 1916

Another face beamed onto the tower was that of Welsh international rugby player Edward John Richard 'Dick' Thomas, who was killed in action on 7 July 1916 in the assault on Mametz Wood

Barbara Esmée St. John, a volunteer nurse who initially served in hospitals in Sussex and Southsea before going to France, also featured in the display

The Battle of the Somme, which lasted between July and November 1916, is remembered as one of the bloodiest episodes of the Great War

'As a family it was lovely to be here and a real privilege to see a relative projected on to the Elizabeth Tower and to be part of our country's history.

'I am extremely grateful to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Speaker for making this happen.'

Another face beamed onto the tower was that of Welsh international rugby player Edward John Richard 'Dick' Thomas, a policeman before being called up, who was killed in action on 7 July 1916 in the assault on Mametz Wood.

Also commemorated was Scotland rugby captain Eric Milroy, reported missing believed killed, on 18 July 1916 during the assault on Delville Wood.

The Edinburgh University maths graduate had won 12 caps for Scotland, captaining the national side twice in 1914.

His mother continued to hope that he would return, leaving a light on in the front room of the family home so he could find his way back at night.

Barbara Esmée St. John, a volunteer nurse who initially served in hospitals in Sussex and Southsea before going to France, also featured in the display.

Following the opening of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, she managed a 35-bed surgical ward, working thirteen-hour days with only a young orderly to assist her, before dying of scarlet fever.

Representing Northern Ireland in the display was Belfast-born engineer Captain James Samuel Davidson, killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916.

Commanding the machine guns of the Ulster Division's 108th Brigade, he continued fighting despite a knee wound and was killed while seeking reinforcements.

The Battle of the Somme, which lasted between July and November 1916, is remembered as one of the bloodiest episodes of the Great War. On the first day alone, 18,500 British and empire servicemen were killed or missing.

Over the entire six months of the campaign, it is estimated over 1.2 million were killed, missing or wounded on both sides.

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