AT THE end of a week where the weather was doing its best to replicate the conditions that were experienced towards the latter half of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, over 180 O's supporters and members of the Leyton Branch of the Royal British Legion will set off from the Matchroom Stadium in four coaches early Saturday morning to make their way over to the Somme battlefields of northern France.

This historic trip has been arranged by Les Bailey on behalf of the Leyton Branch of the Royal British Legion and O's Supporters' Club deputy chairman Steve Jenkins as a result of popular demand, following the succesful inaugural trip in July 2006 when over 120 people travelled over.

The focus of their visit will be the resting places of the three Clapton Orient footballers killed during the conflict at the Somme, the story of which is now well documented following the publication of Steve's book They Took The Lead. Over six years' research led Steve to getting his book printed, and as a result along with his numerous interviews on BBC London, it is not only Orient supporters but also the wider public who are now aware of the O's sacrifice and major contribution to the 'Footballers' Battalion' during the Great War when 41 Clapton Orient Players and Staff enlisted into the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment - the first Football League side to join up en masse.

BBC London reporter Chris Slegg is booked to travel with the party so look out for news coverage as they pay their respects to the fallen. BBC London has given Steve much support over the past few years, and it hoped that the interest now now being shown in the O's WW1 story will lead to still further exposure to this proud time in Orient's history.

Orient legend Peter Kitchen who is very interested in the Great War, has visited the Somme battlefields on many an occasion and indeed was over in northern France last week to pay his respects. In 2005 one of his most poignant visits was to the grave of Clapton Orient striker Richard McFadden.

Somme Trip Itinerary:

Saturday July 12

Authuille church - memorial tablet to the 16th Highland Light infantry (Boys' Brigade)

Thiepval - Memorial to the 73,000 British and South African soldiers who have no known grave. It is here that Clapton Orient centre-forward William Jonas is commemorated.

William joined the O's from Havanna Rovers in 1912

Clapton Orient career details:

23 goals
73 appearances

Private William Jonas F/32 killed July 27 1916

Delville Wood - The site of some of the heaviest fighting during the war and where William Jonas was killed.

A.I. F. Burial Ground - General visit.

Sunday July 13

Monchy-Le-Preux - Resting place of L/Cpl Steve Whittington 9th Battalion Essex Regiment, he is the Great Grandfather of Les Bailey.

St Souplet - Resting place of Clapton Orient defender George Scott.George joined the O's in 1908 after playing in the Sunderland district league.

Clapton Orient career details

34 goals
213 appearances

Private George Scott F/1583 Died of his wounds August 16 1916

Ocean Villas Tea Rooms - A place of interest and more than just a 'Tea Rooms' (it will have to be to cater for over 180 people)

Couin - Resting place of Clapton Orient Goal Ace Richard McFadden. Richard joined the O's from Wallsend Park Villa in 1911.

Clapton Orient career details:

68 goals
142 appearances

Company Serjeant Major Richard McFadden MM F/162 Killed October 23 1916

CSM McFadden was awarded the Military Medal for 'Bravery In The Field' (bravery that was to ultimately cost him his life)

The coaches are expected back in Leyton Sunday evening between 8 and 9pm

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM