In honour of the fallen

Hundreds lined St Giles, in Oxford, and at services across the county to pay tribute to servicemen and women who have given their lives in the two world wars.

But they were also urged to remember victims of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mike Henderson, county chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “We remember the fallen in not just World War One and World War Two, but all the conflicts in between and those that have taken part in this time.

“We have lost dozens in Iraq and Afghanistan in just the last few months, and a lot of younger people know those who have taken part, or are relatives of those who have taken part.

“Consequently, we have had a wonderful Poppy Appeal in Oxford city and a lot of young people have donated more than they have ever done before.”

Mr Henderson said some of the servicemen fighting in today’s conflicts were “very young men” and some of those injured would need looking after for the rest of their lives.

The Rev Hugh Lee, City Rector, led the service at the war memorial in St Giles as residents, servicemen, and veterans gathered to remember the victims of the two world wars and more recent conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The choir of the Church of St Giles was accompanied by the Salvation Army Band, and the Bugle and Drum Detachment of the Oxfordshire Battalion Army Cadet Force played the Last Post and Reveille, before wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Representatives from organisations across Oxford took part in the service, including Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel and Oxford University Vice Chancellor Dr John Hood.

Hymns sung at the multi-faith service included Abide With Me and O Valiant Hearts, Who To Your Glory Came.

John Olding, 83, from Cowley, Oxford, who took part in the Normandy landings with the 21st Army Group, said: “I come every year to remember fallen comrades. There are fewer veterans here every year.”

Frederick Smith, 86, from Milton Common, near Thame, served with the RAF 89th Nightfighter Squadron, and was once shot down while serving in El Alamein in North Africa.

He said: “Today’s servicemen are still sacrificing their lives and getting injured.”

In Kidlington, a remembrance service was held at St Mary’s Church, followed by wreath laying at the war memorial.Elsewhere in the county, people gathered in towns and villages to pay tribute to servicemen and women who have taken part in past and current armed conflicts.

As hundreds of poppy wreaths were laid at war memorials and monuments, crowds of people – young and old – bowed their heads in silence to remember Oxfordshire’s war dead, just two days before the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

In Abingdon, war veterans, accompanied by a marching band, and personnel from Dalton Barracks, as well as members of local Scout, Guide and Cadet groups, paraded through town, applauded by crowds.

The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Alison Rich, the principal cornet player in Abingdon Town Band, who has played at Remembrance services for the past 16 years.

Sisters Jean Stanley, 75, and Ivy Stone, 80, attended.

Mrs Stone, of Larkhill Road, Abingdon, said: “Our father and our brothers were all in the forces and my nephew is out in Iraq. The turnout was exceptional.”

Katie Webb, 17, of Hogarth Place, Abingdon, was with her friends, Leia Wilkinson, 16, and Christina Wilkins, 22. She said: “It’s the least we could do to get out of bed and pay our respects.”

Similar services took place throughout the day at Wallingford, Witney, Didcot, Carterton, Charlbury, Chipping Norton and Banbury.

Wantage had two acts of Remembrance; one at Charlton and the other at the parish church, led by Canon John Salter. Joyce Hutchinson, of Letcombe Regis, attended the parade with her husband Philip, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who laid a wreath in Wantage Parish Church.

She said: “There were a lot more people than usual and I noticed a lot more people buying poppies this year.”