West Ham All Saints Remembrance Sunday 2026 (& Later water outage walkabout)

 

This morning I attended the historic West Ham All Saints Church to take part in the Remembrance Sunday service. I was there as a local West Ham Ward Councillor and Deputy Statutory Mayor, representing Newham Council and our Mayor, Forhad Hussain.

It was a privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council and the Mayor, who was attending the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Central Park.

Newham's Corporate Director for Housing and Inclusive Economy, Paul Kitson, also laid a wreath on behalf of the Chief Executive and all Council staff. My colleague, Cllr Simon Rushton, laid a wreath on behalf of our local MP, James Asser, who was attending another Remembrance event elsewhere in Canning Town.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Territorial Army 7 Rifles, Royal Navy Sea Cadets and, of course, the Royal British Legion also laid wreaths, alongside the Church and several other local organisations.

All three recently elected West Ham Ward Councillors were present: myself, Cllr Ibrahim Alom and Cllr Adjoa Kwarteng, who gave a beautiful reading during the service.

It was a wonderful and moving occasion. Many thanks to Maria for leading the service, as well as to the choir, organist, volunteers and everyone who helped organise and support the event.

I have also asked whether, for next year's Remembrance Sunday, all stakeholders might explore opportunities to involve other faith communities in our Newham commemorations. Remembrance belongs to us all, and it would be fitting to reflect both the traditions we cherish and the diversity of the community we serve, while honouring the memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

(Bottom left photo from Newham 1st Scouts outside my surgery yesterday in Vicarage Lane)

Lest we forget.

Following the service, Paul and I had to leave in order to visit nearby Council housing blocks affected by a significant water outage. We met local councillors, Newham Council staff on site and residents to discuss the situation and the ongoing response.

I had indicated that, should the matter not be resolved, I would return first thing tomorrow morning. However, I understand that the water supply has now been restored. Nevertheless, I have requested a full review of what happened and will be visiting the blocks again on Thursday to speak with residents and follow up on the lessons learned.

West Ham Ward Panel AGM & Meeting 4.6.26

Yesterday evening myself and my Labour & Co‑op Councillor colleague Adjoa Kwarteng with Green Councillor Ibrahim Alom attended the meeting of the West Ham Ward Panel, alongside local residents and four officers from our Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

The session opened with the panel’s AGM, where residents re‑elected the Chair and confirmed all existing panel members for another year. Only residents can stand or vote, which keeps the panel firmly rooted in the community it represents.

The main discussion focused on crime and anti‑social behaviour across the ward. Residents raised a number of concerns, and councillors and the SNT were able to agree several areas of joint action — including issues on Council estate land and properties managed by local housing associations. We also received helpful guidance on what can be done to address a safety hazard at the Portway entrance to West Ham Park.

A recurring theme from residents and Councillors was the impact of a local betting shop which appears to attract ASB to the surrounding area. This will be followed up as part of the wider partnership work.

Councillors also asked for closer links with the West Ham Volunteer Police Cadets, and for details of plans for the annual PC Nina Mackay memorial event later this year, as well as the Remembrance Sunday service at All Saints Church. It would be excellent to see the cadets and local schools involved in these important community moments.

Overall, it was a constructive meeting with strong resident leadership and a clear shared commitment to improving safety and wellbeing across West Ham.

Remembrance Sunday in Portsmouth 2025

 

Early on the Sunday morning I went to a Royal Navy service at the Memorial in Southsea remembering the 25,000 sailors killed during World War One and World War Two, who were buried at sea and had no known grave. My Taid (maternal Welsh Grandfather) Frederick Matthews, MC RNVR, served in the Royal Naval Division 1915-1918. It was a very moving service. 

Afterwards I finished off my visit to the historic dockyard in Portsmouth (see earlier post) during which I visited HMS Warrior (built in 1860 by East London Iron workers, who later formed what became West Ham FC). See the photo in bottom right of collage of the pay differentials between the Captain of the Warrior and ordinary seaman.  It was about 20x as much per day. 

Pretty shocking but certainly a lot less than the current West Ham FC football player gets today compared to average Newham residents wages nowadays. 

I then toured the bombardment ship HMS M33 (centre) which is one of only 3 British ships to survive from World War One. It first served in the Gallipoli campaign, which my Grandfather, also took part in and as I clambered over the ship, I wondered if at the time he had seen it or heard its guns in action. 

Next I visited the National Naval museum followed by another boat tour to the Submarine museum at Gosport and did a quick tour of the second world war sub HMS Alliance, the first ever British sub HMS Holland and the museum.  

I missed out on the Explosion and Firepower Museum and boat trip. Next time... 

West Ham Remembrance Sunday 2024

 

This morning I joined the Congregation at the 12th Century All Saints Church in West Ham with my fellow Councillors, for the Service of Remembrance.  As well as local residents and veterans, there were Council, Police and Fire Brigade Officers as well as soldiers from the local Army Reserve unit, The 7th Battalion, The Rifles. 

The service was led by Rev'd Farida Pashi and was, as always, very moving and thoughtful. The choir are particularly good. Councillor Winston Vaughan, who served in the British Army (in a conflict zone) recited in full the Ode of Remembrance ("For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon). 

This year I had been asked to lay a Parliamentary wreath on behalf of the new MP for West Ham and Beckton, James Asser, who was at Silvertown Remembrance service. 

Afterwards I had a chat and catch up with colleagues and residents and then a brief look around this amazing and historic church. 

Remembrance Sunday at All Saints West Ham (and visit to the bells)

 

This morning I attended the historic All Saints Church in West Ham for the Remembrance Sunday service. Our MP, Lyn Brown was there, as was soldiers from our local Territorial Army unit, 7 Rifles, Police, Veterans, church members, other Councillors and a senior Council manager.  

It was as always a moving service. We were reminded of the plaques on the walls of the church that remember the 700 named dead from West Ham parish who died in World War One. An incredibly high number. 

Also, the banner of the West Ham "Old Contemptibles", who were survivors of the First British Expeditionary Force, formed from the regular army, which served in France and Flanders between August and November 1914. 

"Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, who was famously dismissive of the BEF, allegedly issued an order on 19 August 1914 to "exterminate ... the treacherous English and walk over General French's contemptible little army". Hence, in later years, the survivors of the regular army dubbed themselves "The Old Contemptibles". No evidence of any such order being issued by the Kaiser has ever been found".

During the service prayers were said for peace in Gaza and thoughts for the innocent victims of the violence, Israeli and Palestinians. 

Afterwards my Councillor colleague John Whitworth and myself were able to climb the narrow church tower stairs to see the bell ringing room and then the bells. An amazing site. The "ringers" will welcome anyone interested in finding out more about being a West Hammer bell "ringer". 

Where to mark Remembrance Sunday 2023 in Newham

 Each year, Newham Council remembers those who lost their lives during the two World Wars as well as in more recent conflicts.

Armistice Day – Friday 10 November

Service at East Ham Cenotaph in Central Park, E6

The service commences at 10.55am, guests are asked to assemble for 10.45am.

This is a special service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Central Park which is aimed at young people, with children from several Newham schools taking part. The service will commence at 10.55am. Guests are asked to assemble for 10.45am. At the end of the service, as in previous years, local historian Lee J Skeggs will give a talk to school children and young people.

Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 12 November

Service at East Ham Cenotaph in Central Park, E6

The service commences at 10.55am, guests are asked to assemble for 10.45am.

This is the main Remembrance Sunday service taking place in Newham. Members of the Royal British Legion parade from Newham Town Hall on High Street South to Central Park. The parade departs at 10.30am and arrives at the Cenotaph in Central Park where the ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10.55am. The service will be led by The Reverend Canon Fred Ashford-Okai, and is attended by LBN Councillors, the King’s Representative, past and present members of the armed forces, uniformed services, St. John’s Ambulance, and young people representing various Scouting, Guiding and Cadet organisations. As part of the service there is a two-minute silence which is followed by the laying of wreaths.

Order of service

Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 12 November

Service at All Saints West Ham Parish Church, Church Street, West Ham, E15 3HU

There will be a service led by Reverend Simon Nicholls which will commence at 10am. Guests are asked to be seated for 9.30am.

 

Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 12 November

Service at St Luke’s War Memorial, 89 Tarling Road, Canning Town, E16 1HN

The service led by Carole Davidson commences at 10.45am, guests are asked to assemble for 10:30am.

 

Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 12 November

Service at St. Mark’s Memorial, Factory Road, North Woolwich, E16 2DA

The service led by Monsignor John Armitage and Canon Ann Easter commences at 10.45am. Attendees are asked to gather at The Brick Lane Music Hall by 10.30am.

West Ham Remembrance Sunday & When the Guns Fell Silent

This morning I attended the Remembrance Day service at All Saints Church in West Ham, the ward I have represented as a Councillor since 2010. It was a marvellous and moving service, attended by our local MP, Lyn Brown, our local British Army TA unit, G Company 7 Rifles, Metropolitan Police, Parishioners, Royal British Legion and my Newham Council Councillor colleagues. 

Many thanks to Revd. Simon Nicholls (and his "West Ham team") for the service. I was particularly struck by the playing during the service of the above audio soundtrack of an authentic recreation of the actual end of the First World War at 11am on 11th November 1918. The artillery shells stop - and the birds start singing. 

Remembrance Sunday at Wickham Market

 

Off message but this weekend Gill and I were away in Suffolk for a special family wedding. Normally on Remembrance Sunday, we would have attended the service today at All Saints, West Ham, with local Councillors and our MP, Lyn Brown. 

This morning, after packing up at our holiday cottage, we went to the local service in (by coincidence) All Saints, Wickham Market, Suffolk. 

It is also a beautiful ancient church (although at "only" 700 years it is not as old as All Saints, West Ham). 

The service was respectful, well delivered and thoughtful. What was most striking to me was that a British Army officer in full uniform, read out all the names of the villagers killed in World War One and World War Two. 

While as dreadful as the World War two casualty list was, the huge and staggering number of dead from the conflict 1914-1918 must have simply decimated the numbers of young men in this rural village. How many more who survived must have suffered life changing injuries both physical and mental? 

After the service, wreaths were laid at the war memorial outside the Church followed by refreshments at the British Legion club. 

Remembrance Sunday - Remembering the Fallen and the Claxton Family

 

This morning at 11am I was at East London Cemetery with my West Ham ward  colleague, Cllr John Whitworth, to lay a wreath to remember the fallen. 

Usually we would have attended the Remembrance Day Service at the West Ham All Saints Church with our local MP, Lyn Brown. Due to Covid this was cancelled although Lyn was joining an online service and reading a lesson. 

John and I decided to go and lay a wreath and show our respects at the nearest cemetery to West Ham Ward with a war memorial, East London Cemetery. Our ward colleague Cllr McLean was at another wreath laying event in Forest Gate. 

There was one other wreath already on this memorial dedicated to some ones Great Grandfather "Albert Childs" who was killed in action on 31 October 1918 (less than 2 weeks before the end of the War)

Compared to other remembrance services it was very quiet and despite there being only the 2 of us it was quite moving.

I noticed at another war memorial another small group had gathered around it for the 2 minute silence. 

Afterwards I reflected on a picture that had recently been sent to us by local historian, Alan Regin, of the Claxton family who lived at 46 Hampton Road, Forest Gate. See the picture below. Out of the five boys pictured four of them died due to the first world war and only the youngest Jonathan survived since he was too young to fight. 

West Ham Parish Church (All Saints) Remembrance Sunday 10th November 2019

This morning I attended yet another beautiful Remembrance Sunday service at the historic 12th Century West Ham Parish Church. I am a local West Ham Ward Councillor but I was there today to represent Newham Council as Deputy Mayor together with Deputy Cabinet lead for Children Service's, Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe (who had brought her delightful 11 year old daughter) and our Council's Chief Legal Officer, Daniel Fenwick.

There was soldiers from our local regiment 7 Rifles present and other voluntary groups with a number of former military veterans proudly wearing their medals including Cllr Winston Vaughan,  who served in the British Army during the Aden Emergency.

The Rev’d Canon Alex Summers conducted the service and gave a moving sermon during which he mentioned how he and his young family had visited the graves of his relatives who died in battle during the first world war. He made an important point that will future generations with the passage of time forget what has happened in these Wars?

We all hope not. If we forget how horrible and wasteful war is then it is more likely to occur again (and again).

Remembrance services to be held across Newham Sunday 11 November 2018

"Residents are invited to join Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz and the Royal British Legion at remembrance services to commemorate those who have lost their lives while serving their country.​​

Services are taking place across the borough and will include a Cenotaph parade in East Ham and an unforgettable and haunting art installation at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

This year has added significance as it is the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the agreement in which Germany surrendered to end fighting in Europe during the First World War.

On Sunday 11 November, Mayor Fiaz and Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell will attend a service of remembrance at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the Shrouds of the Somme art installation. This art installation by Rob Heard depicts more than 72,000 people who were killed in the Battle of the Somme. The shrouds have been hand-stitched and will be laid shoulder to shoulder in hundreds of rows on the park’s South Lawn. The service starts at 10.30am and open to the public. Residents planning to attend should arrive at the park no later than 10am.

On the same day, Newham councillors will join residents and the Royal British Legion to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the armed services and civilians in conflicts past and present.

The Royal British Legion will parade from Newham Town Hall, High Street South to Central Park at 10.30am ahead of the remembrance ceremony which will take place at the Cenotaph at 10.55am. The service will be led by Rev Fred Ashford-Okaim. Deputy Mayor Councillor Charlene McLean and Councillor Terence Paul will be in attendance.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: “It is important in this centenary year marking the end of the First World War that we remember all those men and women in our armed services, and civilians, who gave their lives to protect us in conflicts past and present. It is their sacrifices that inspire those who serve today and we must never forget them.”

Other services will be taking place on the following dates and locations:

Friday 9 November

A service of remembrance will be observed at 10.45am at the Cenotaph in Central Park, East Ham. A two-minute silence will take place at 11am. Schools invited include St Joachim’s, St Antony’s Primary, St Michael’s Primary, St Winefride’s Primary, St Bonaventure’s and St Angela’s Ursuline. Councillor Julianne Marriott will attend.

Saturday 10 November

The East Ham branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a service at Woodgrange Park Cemetery, off Romford Road, Forest Gate, E7, from 11am to 11.45am.

Sunday 11 November

All Saints West Ham Parish Church, Church Street, E15​ - The service will commence at 10.45am. Guests are asked to be seated for 10.30am. The service will be led by Rev Alex Summers and will be attended by Councillor Joy Laguda and Councillor John Gray.

St Luke’s Memorial, Tarling Road, Canning Town, E16 - The service will be led by the Venerable Emeka Ejinkonye at 10.45am. Councillors Susan Masters and Julianne Marriott will attend.
St Mark’s Memorial, (grounds of Brick Lane Music Hall), Factory Road, North Woolwich, E16 - 

There will be a parade to St Mark’s Memorial departing from the Royal British Legion Club in Constance Street, Silvertown at 10.15am. An olive tree will be planted and the service, led by Canon Ann Easter, starts at 10.45am. Councillor Rachel Tripp will attend.

East London Cemetery, Hermit Road/Upper Road, E13 - There will be a short service at the cemetery from 10.45am to 11.10am led by Rev Ben Atkins, vicar of St Matthias Church, Canning Town.

Rye Remembrance Sunday 2015

This Remembrance Sunday I was in the ancient town and port of Rye in East Sussex. Picture is from the service this morning outside the. 12th Century, St Mary's Church.

I watched beforehand the procession into the Church led by the Gold Mace bearer, the Lady Mayor in full regalia, followed by the town Councillors, wearing traditional robes, gloves and hats (female Councillors wore tricorn hats with three sides, men wore bicorns).

I waited outside with other onlookers.  At 11 am the 2 minutes silence was marked by an unexpected loud cannon or gun shot which was also fired again to mark the end.  This is always a poignant moment, spoiled somewhat by a thoughtless women, who talked throughout the silence.  She was thankfully drowned out by the cry of seagulls loudly protesting against the cannon shots.

At around 11.45 the Church service finished with "God Save the Queen" (In the meanwhile I had gone and had a look around the excellent nearby Rye Castle also known as Ypres Tower)

The service outside was led by the local Vicar. Wreaths were laid by the Mayor, Conservative MP Amber Rudd, the British Legion, cadets, guides, scouts, emergency services and many other local organisations and schools.

A young sea cadet read out the list (a long one) of men on the memorial who had been killed in 1915.

In a nice gesture, cubs, brownies and other small children planted small wooden crosses each each with an individual name from the memorial.

The latest name on the memorial was Corporal John Rigby, 4th Battalion The Rifles, aged 24, who died from injuries sustained by a roadside bomb attack in Basra, Iraq on Friday 22 June 2007.

The first Indian army VC

In the run up to Remembrance Sunday this is a good time to remember the heroism of Indian Army soldiers, such as Khudadad Khan who was awared the first Indian Victoria Cross in the First World War.

In 1914 Khudadad and his out numbered comrades held off a German attack until all the others were killed and he was wounded and left for dead.

Thanks to their bravery, reinforcements were able to arrive in time and hold off the Germans.

"Despite the severity of his injuries, the hero lived to a ripe old age, dying in Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan, in 1971"

At the outbreak of war, the Indian army was 1.3 million strong, with the ranks including 100,000 Sikhs and 800,000 Hindu troops.

Of that massive force, 62,060 were killed in action".

8 Indian nationals earned the Victoria Cross during the First World War. See here for details of Remembrance events in Newham this Sunday and Armistice Day.

Lest we forget.

96th Anniversary of the Armistice - The Cenotaph, Central Park, Newham

Yesterday morning at 11am there was another beautiful Remembrance Service in Newham.

On Sunday I went to All Saints Church in my Council ward West Ham.

On Armistice Day itself I went to show my respect with many others at the Cenotaph in Central Park, East Ham.

It was very well attended and crowds of mostly school children completely encircled the Cenotaph.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms and the Mayor laid wreaths as did many local organisations and schools. Local children gave some fantastic readings and moving poetry recitals.

St. Antony's School recounting of "In Flanders Field"  by John McCrae, was particularly poignant and I am sure that I was not the only one with something in my eye by the end.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

West Ham Remembrance Sunday Service 2014

This morning I went to the Remembrance Sunday Service in the 1000 year old West Ham Parish Church of All Saints. 

It was beautiful service, well attended with representatives of the British Legion, Church, Army Reserves. Police, Cadets and Newham Council.

Our West Ham MP, Lyn Brown gave the famous Old Testament reading on how nations should ..."beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hocks"...

Afterwards I noticed on the Church memorial plaques that there were 4 men with the surname "Gray" (no known relations) who were killed in the First World War, who were from the "Parish of West Ham". I counted about 400 other names on the two plaques which is a horrendous number of dead from one parish.

There was also a planting of an Oak Tree in the Church grounds by the West Ham Sea Cadets in memory of all those who died in the First World War (see photo collage).

On Tuesday (Armistice Day) I hope to be able to show my respect at the Cenotaph in East Ham Central Park.

Remember "Britain First" is a Nazi front

Just a gentle reminder that this is the time of year that the fascist organisation currently known as "Britain First" shares seemingly patriotic posts on Facebook and twitter which appear to be in support of British troops and our Remembrance Sunday.

Please do not share these posts. A number of people have been taken in. So called "Britain First" is a fascist and Nazi organisation formed after a split in the racist BNP. 

Remember that the fascists in this Country supported Hitler during the second world war and wanted the Nazi to win who would have turned Britain into a concentration camp. 

So it is completely hypocritical of them to pretend that they are in anyway a "patriotic" party supporting our military veterans.  

The only "veterans" they will support are Nazi SS murderers of brave British commandos and prison of war escapees who were tortured and then shot in cold blood in World War two. 

Check out what a genuine British combat veteran thinks of "Britain First". 

(picture of recruiting poster for British Nazi's during World War 2)

Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day

Yesterday morning I went to the Remembrance Sunday Service at West Ham Parish Church of All Saints. This is in my Council ward  and at 1,000 years is one of the oldest buildings in Newham.

The Church is currently undergoing a major programme of restoration with scaffolding everywhere but it still retained its solemnity and dignity.

The Revd Stennett Kirby led the service and our local MP Lyn Brown gave a Bible reading. Following Reveille, the Kohima Epitaph was given by an elderly veteran whose slow, deliberate rasping voice made all of us think of those who gave their today for our tomorrow.

Wreaths were laid with respect by the dignitaries, British Legionaries, serving soldiers and cadets. The most touching was the last which was laid by a little girl of 3 or 4 who had to "persuaded" by her Mum and encouraged by others, to go up and lay her little wooden cross with a red poppy on it.  But what was lovely is once she had finally done this, she turned round and skipped her way back to her Mum across the Church.

The address was made by Rifleman Franklin Anolue, 7 Rifles, G Company, West Ham who was in his Army Battle dress.  Franklin had recently served in Helmond Province in Afghanistan with his regiment. He told us he had always wanted to be a soldier ever since he saw the film "Saving Private Ryan". He was a student studying engineering and a part time soldier with the Territorial Army. He hadn't told his Mum he was going to Afghanistan until he was there, since he knew she would try and stop him! He had gone to Remembrance services before he went on his tour of duty but it is only now that he can really understand why it is so important to remember all those who put themselves in harms way for their country.

Remembrance Sunday takes place on the 2nd Sunday of November every year. This morning I went to the out door Armistice Day Service at the Central Park Cenotaph in East Ham which takes place at the anniversary of the end of World War One, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th Month.  This was another very moving service. What was particularly important to me was the number of children from local primary and secondary schools who attended and participated in the service.

Also the emphasis on the "forgotten" Commonwealth and the absolutely vital role played in the First and Second World War by Africans, Asians and Caribbeans who defended our country and our freedoms.

The picture above is of my Taid (Welsh for Grandfather) in the trenches during the 1st World War.  He is sitting on the left and I think the picture was taken in Gallipoli where he served in Hawk Battalion, Royal Naval Division. This is a smashing photograph of my Taid. Dan Filson on FaceBook thought he looked like a 1950's teddy boy! Which I am not that sure about but having "attitude" may explain why he survived being on the front line in Gallipoli, Flanders and the Somme for 3 long years. He won the Military Cross in 1917.

Canvassing David Lee Point & Remembering Gunner John Henry Carlile

This afternoon it was raining so we decided to canvass the tower block, David Lee Point in Leather Gardens, West Ham ward.

In the block lives one of our oldest Labour Party members, Gerry Carlile (see picture top right in white shirt).

Gerry invited us in for a rest and a chat. On his wall is the picture of his elder brother John (see left) who was killed in action during the Second World War. He had volunteered to serve as a Gunner on a merchant ship which was later sunk by a German U-Boat in the brutal "Battle of the Atlantic". Below is the stark details on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

"CARLILE, Gunner, JOHN HENRY, 1797607. 3/2 Maritime Regt. Royal Artillery. 7th December 1942. Age 21. Son of John Henry and Margarett Cathrine Carlile, of Stratford, Essex".

I believe that John was on the SS. Peter Maresk, which was sunk during 7 December with the loss of all 67 crew. On that same day at least 3 other ships were sunk with a total loss of another 751 lives. I think only 4 men survived.

I imagine that on walls and mantlepieces, up and down the country, there are similar photos surrounded by red poppies. Over 800 lives were lost on that day in just one part of the War. A sobering thought.

Tomorrow, I will be paying my respects and remembering John and the millions of others who lost their lives defending our country. If you live in Newham Click here for details of the commemorations taking place tomorrow.

"to those who died in Flanders Fields and are buried forever in Flemish soil"

This morning at 11.00am I was in Ypres to watch the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Ceremony.

It was so busy that we were not able to get anywhere near to the main Ceremony taking place at the Menin Gate memorial. So we watched the parade march past in the City square outside the Cathedral and the service on the large TV screen.

It was simple, beautiful occasion during which I think everyone who took part was deeply moved. There were many thousands present from all parts of Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth.

There were a number of poignant moments to note but the one that moved me the most was the joint wreath laying by the German and British Ambassadors to Belgian, while side by side.   Afterwards we walked along the City Wall Embankments to Lille Gate and the tiny war cemetery which is just incredibly sad but also in a stunning location. Please one day visit it. 

Ypres Remembrance weekend 2012

This weekend I am in Ypres, Belgian visiting some of the First World War Battle sites, museums and cemeteries.

Picture is of the war graves at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. It is at the site of a former hospital and with nearly 11,000 graves is the 2nd biggest British and Commonwealth cemetery in Belgian.

It is incredibly emotional and moving to walk along the rows and rows of graves.

The vast majority of the dead were so young.  Their surnames remind us of friends and work colleagues. They are from every class, every part of the UK and every part of the Commonwealth. A few have their photos from real life smiling laid alongside. Gravestones of German soliders now lay side by side their former enemies.   There are red poppy wreaths on some graves from UK primary school children who came from the same towns and villages as the fallen and came to show their respect.

In the picture to my left is Rob Frisby my brother-in-law (ex-RAF), to the right his son Matthew and in the middle, Matthew's friend from his high school days, Ashley. Tomorrow we hope to visit Battlefield sites and Menin Gate.