TEARS rolled down both sides of Fred Smith's cheeks as the 94-year-old remembered his comrades who had fallen during the Second World War.

Dabbing his eyes with his handkerchief, Mr Smith, who served with the Royal Air Force in the Middle East (1941-43) and Far East (1943-45) said Remembrance Sunday always made him sad as the memories of his time in active service came flooding back to him.

He was one of more than 70 veterans who took part in the parade at St Giles in the city centre yesterday to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Thousands more across Oxfordshire fell silent at 11 o'clock to remember servicemen and women who died in conflicts around the world.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Smith, who lives in Milton Common, said: "War affects everyone.

"It is very important that we are here, we can never forget what has happened.

"I am here for my comrades who passed away and my wing commander."

Phil Morrison, who served with the Royal Green Jackets in Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Hong Kong, said he was remembering his colleague who was shot next to him in Northern Ireland.

The 59-year-old said: "I was shot in 1981 and today I will be remembering the man who was shot next to me and all the fellow green jackets that could not be here today.

"I am also remembering my grandfather who served in the Second World War.

"He was at Pegasus Bridge and after that he was injured so badly he became an ambulance driver in London where he picked up the King's Gallantry Medal."

Before Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Altaf-Khan led the service in the city centre, Second in Command Major Stuart Field of 3 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, said Oxford had a long history with the armed forces.

He added: "Today is not just a day of remembrance but it is also a day to think about the lessons we can learn from past conflicts and take them with us into the future.

"I will be remembering today Sean Birchall, a friend of mine who was killed in Afghanistan."

Veterans and residents also paid their respects at services in Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Botley, Abingdon, Witney and Wallingford.

In Wantage, Father John Salter led a service at the parish church attended by mum-of-four Laura Legate.

She formerly served in the Royal Artillery and her seven-year-old daughter Rachel was involved in the procession as a member of the 9th Wantage Brownies.

She said: "I think it's important my children get to be a part of it and understand what it's about.

"It was really nice to see so much of the community come out."

Mum-of-two Laura Hardy, of Orchard Way, also had a daughter – seven-year-old Isabelle – participating in the parade with the Brownies.

She added: "It was nice to see so many people and all the soldiers out with pride in Wantage.

"I think it's important for children to play a part."

See our full gallery of pictures from across Oxfordshire on our website oxfordmail.co.uk