IT'S a small but symbolic gesture just as the peace process in Northern Ireland is in danger of unravelling.

A group of pupils at St George Catholic Boys School in Southampton are laying a wreath to mark a shared sacrifice by men from both traditions in the troubled province.

They are making a history field trip to a battlefield in northern Belgium, where Protestants and Catholics fought side by side in the First World War.

A peace tower has already been built nearby with a foundation stone laid by Irish president Mary McAleese.

Stephen Whelan, deputy headteacher at St George, said pupils went on annual trips to the Belgian battlefields as part of their war studies.

But this year's journey will have added significance with the current crisis surrounding the efforts to make peace.

After they have laid their wreath, the boys will hold a special service of remembrance including prayers of hope for the future.

Mr Whelan said: "It is hoped that this simple act of dedication to the men of both sides of the divide in Ireland today can do something to exemplify the principles and aspirations in the Good Friday agreement."

In the run-up to the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, the British secretly dug 21 mines below German positions on the Messines Ridge, a high strategic position.

At 3.10am on June 7, 600 tons of high explosive were detonated simultaneously over a distance of several kilometres.

Under heavy artillery cover, 19 army divisions mobilised to attack. Opposite a place called Spanbroekmolen, Irish Catholic soldiers of the 16th (Irish) Division advanced alongside Protestant Irishmen of the 34th (Ulster) Division.

It was the first time in history that men from the two traditions had been united. The battle eventually led to more than 310,000 casualties.

The rivalry between the Catholics and the Protestants was cordial.

The Times of June 8 reported: "Of late there has been swearing of the utmost rivalry as to which would get to the top of the ridge first.

"I do not yet know which did, but I have no doubt that both were first in good Irish tradition."

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