Hearts was this morning represented by marketing and communications director David Southern and former captain Alan Anderson at the annual remembrance service to commemorate the first day of the Battle of the Somme in the northern French town of Contalmaison.

Taking place at the Cairn built in memory of the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives 94 years ago today it was a typically poignant service.

On that fateful date, 1st July 1916, 20,000 soldiers died, including three Hearts players.

Eventually seven lost their lives, and as a club Hearts never forgets them, embarking on a number of special projects in recent years to promote and respect their memories.

At today's service Hearts was joined by serving personnel, supporters and representatives of the City of Edinburgh.

And as usual, city rivals Hibs were represented, on this occasion by Anthony Ostrowski. Raith Rovers and Falkirk, were also represented.

Commenting shortly after the service David Southern said: "It was an honour to be with Alan Anderson representing Hearts.

"The event was very well attended with the local village out in great numbers. It was a very moving occasion and befitting of the sacrifice of our players in the Great War."

Hearts became the first football club to have its team sign up for the Great War in November 1914, at a time when popularity in the conflict was actually waning. In total 16 players signed up for 16th Royal Scots, which became affectionately known as Sir George McCrae's Sporting Battalion.

The players' actions were said to have entirely changed public opinion in the war, and in the end thousands voluntarily conscripted.

The Cairn, a beautiful and peaceful monument was built in Contalmaison following several years of fundraising by The Great War Memorial Committee, who also tend to the club's own War Memorial at Haymarket, on its behalf.

The seven Hearts players who lost their lives were: Sergeant Duncan Currie, Sergeant John Allan, Lance Corporal James Boyd, Corporal Tom Gracie, Private Ernest Ellis, Private James Speedie, and Private Henry Wattie.

Supporters can view more pictures from today's service on Facebook where they can also leave their own tribute on this special day - click here.