A MEMORIAL to 86 Gwent men killed in one day in the First World War has been installed using soil from the battlegound where they fell.

Belgium’s Battle of Frezenberg Ridge, on May 8 1915, was the heaviest loss Newport has ever suffered.

Historian Shaun Maguire and the Royal Welsh Comrades City of Newport branch project wanted to mark the soldiers’ sacrifices and began collections for a memorial overlooking the Transporter Bridge.

After generous donations from city residents, they installed a grove of trees and a stone monument.

This has with a dedication saying: “At this battle (during which the German army used poison gas for the first time on the Western Front), the three battalions of the Monmouthshire Regiment held the front line. The Monmouthshires’ heroic stand against great odds helped prevent the Belgian city of Ypres from falling into enemy hands and the German army advancing to capture the vital Channel ports.”

In the years following the war, may trees were planted in Belle Vue Park in their memories. But over the years, the trees disappeared and were not replaced until now, 100 years after the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium. In total, 526 men from the Monmouthshire Regiments died in Ypres between April 22 and May 25 1915.

Co-chairman of Newport Civic Society Nick Webb said: “It has been a privilege for Newport Civic Society to be involved with this commemoration. Shaun’s determination to mark the sacrifice of the men of the Monmouthshire Regiment is a tribute not just to those who lost their lives 100 years ago, but also to the people determined to keep the memory of their bravery alive. Along with Shaun’s vision, Charles Ferris’s irrepressible fundraising helped turn an idea into reality and John Briggs collecting soil from the battleground at Frezenberg Ridge to use in the planting of the may trees added a real poignancy.”

Cllr Charles Ferris said: “It looks very impressive as you walk over from the Blaina Wharf pub towards the river. It’s nice to know that 100 years on, the Newport public are still willing to commemorate those who died.”

A dedication for the memorial will be held on May 8, the anniversary of Frezenberg Ridge.