WEST Dorset fell silent to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hundreds gathered in Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis to mark Remembrance Sunday, while hundreds more attended events in villages and parishes across west Dorset.
Under the direction of Brigadier John Dean, Rtd President of Bridport’s Royal British Legion (RBL), and parade marshalls Captain Nik Taylor and Sgt Major Ian Tindall of The Rifles, the parade formed up in East Street and was then inspected by the Mayor, Cllr Ros Kayes.
Led by the Wessex Military Band, the parade marched down South Street to the memorial, where words of commemoration were said and the silence was observed.
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Cllr Kayes said: “I’m so pleased we had a magnificent turnout and particularly want to thank all the young people and children who attended.
“Bridport always does this event proud and it was a pleasure to lead the town in remembering those who made the supreme sacrifice.”
Following a service at St Mary’s Church, led by Canon Rev Andrew Evans, the parade returned to Bucky Doo Square where Cllr Kayes took the salute.
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In Lyme Regis, wreaths were laid at the Polish War Memorial on Anning Road on Saturday. On Remembrance Sunday, the annual parade left from Langmoor Gardens and on towards St Michael’s Church for the service, led by Rev Jane Skinner.
The mayor, Cllr Owen Lovell, and mace bearers and councillors, joined the main parade as it passed the Guildhall. Following the service, the salute took place at the Square, with the Last Post played by Denis Bye.
David Manners, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of the RBL, said: “It is vital that we remember the sacrifice that was made.
“The motto of the RBL is ‘Lest We Forget’ and we must never forget what people gave up.”
He added: “We had a great turnout, and I think the weather helped with that. It was especially nice to see the youth of the town coming out to pay respects.
“On the Saturday, we always have one member of the Polish community who sings the national anthem at the Anning Road memorial - and this year we had even more people take part, which was really nice.
“We must never forget that one in eight pilots in the RAF during the Second World War was Polish, which is truly remarkable.”
In Beaminster, the procession set off from the fire station in Clay Lane and passed through the Square on the way to the Remembrance service at St Mary’s Church.
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