A RECENT email made us aware of the North Dorset link with the Battle of the Somme and enquired about a local commemoration for the Royal Naval Division (RND), which used Blandford Camp as its training depot.

The division played a key role in the battle's last action, the Battle of the Ancre, Jeremy Thomas of Portsmouth pointed out.

So we are pleased to report that Martin Willoughby, chairman of the Wessex Branch of the WFA, got in touch to let us know that an annual service is held close to Pimperne in honour of the RND.

He wrote: "A RND memorial near Blandford was mentioned. This memorial commemorates the Collingwood battalion of the RND, which sustained many casualties during an attack on June 4e 1915 ( 3rd Battle of Krithia) on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

"The battalion was effectively wiped out and each year on the Friday nearest June 4 a memorial service is held at the Collingwood Memorial which is located at Collingwood Corner on the Blandford to Salisbury road just north of Pimperne village.

"All RN and RMLI battalions on the RND at Gallipoli are also remembered at this service."

Anyone who wants details on the Friends of Collingwood Memorial and how to attend the annual service should email Martin at Cambrai@eastcote.go-plus.net