The Accrington Pals is probably the most famous battalions raised in the early months of The First World War, in response to Kitchener's call for a volunteer army. In 10 days over 1000 men from Accrington and surrounding towns were accepted. In February 1916, their division was ordered to France to take part in a Brittish/French attack on the Somme. On the first day of the attack, 1st July 1916, of the 700 men from the regiment who took part 585 became casualties, with 235 killed and 350 wounded within half an hour. This had a devastating effect on the town and a rumour spread there were only 7 survivors, leading to an angry mob surrounding the mayors house demanding information. Basil Arthur Horsfall won the Victoria Cross , (posthumously) the highest and most prestigious gallantry award in British and Commonwealth Forces.