WIRRAL's links to one of the First World War's bloodiest battles are revealed in a new exhibition that opens next month.
More than 1.5m people lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme, which started on July 1, 1916, ending 141 days later on November 1, 1918.
To mark its centenary, The Wilfred Owen Story in Argyle Street, Birkenhead is holding a unique exhibition which opens on July 1.
Resident historian Lucy London has compiled what is believed to be the definitive list of writers and war poets who witnessed first-hand life on the frontline, many of whom perished in the hell to which they gave voice.
Birkenhead-educated poet Wilfred Owen experienced the horrors of The Somme himself, inspiring some of his most graphic poems.
Somme posters that will feature in the exhibition
Born in Oswestry in 1893, Wilfred was brought up in Birkenhead and is recognised as one of the greatest voices of the First World War.
He also has a road named after him, on the former site of Birkenhead Institute, which is now a housing estate.
In 1915, he enlisted in the British Army and was killed, aged 25, on November 4, 1918, during the battle to cross the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors in Northern France.
Serving alongside Owen was Cecil Lewis, who was one of the founders of the original BBC.
Cecil, who was born in Radnor Place, Birkenhead, on March 29 1898, survived WW1 serving as a pilot in The Royal Flying Corps.
He actually flew over the explosion of mines that signalled the start of the Somme Offensive, and was awarded the MC for his bravery.
Cecil Lewis' birth certificate features in the exhibition
The commemorative panels also feature Merseyside poet Percy Haselden.
Percy joined The King's Liverpool Regiment, and was posted missing in action on 30th July 1916 during the First Battle of the Somme.
The exhibition includes the most detailed account of casualties with a Wirral connection.
Curator of the exhibition, Janet Holmes, said: "Lucy's attention to detail is staggering.
"It is a monumental work of research and may represent the most complete anthology of poets of the Somme."
The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of the First World War.
Fought between July 1 1916 and November 1, 1918 near the Somme River in France, it was also one of the bloodiest military battles in history.
On the first day alone, the British suffered more than 57,000 casualties, and by the end of the campaign the Allies and Central Powers would lose more than 1.5 million men.
The Wilfred Owen Story is interested in any stories regarding local peoples' relatives who may have fought at The Somme, so these testimonies may be added to the archive.
They can submit them to info@wilfredowenstory.com.
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