SOLEMN onlookers lined the streets of Colchester yesterday as the town commemorated Remembrance Sunday.

Soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark the day which pays tribute to service personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The High Street was awash with people as military personnel paraded through the streets before commemorations culminated at the war memorial near Colchester Castle.

Troops from the Colchester 16th Air Assault Brigade joined civic dignitaries including the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst and the Mayor of Colchester Robert Davidson, veterans and cadets and thousands of residents for a Remembrance service and silence at the memorial.

The British Army Band Colchester played and a 105mm Light Gun from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery fired to mark the beginning and end of the two minute silence at 11am.

The soldiers, based at the town’s Merville Barracks, were headed up by Brigadier Nick Cowley, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison.

Lt Col Rankin said: “It is a huge privilege to join with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday, and a demonstration of the strong bonds between the town’s military and civilian communities. From veterans proudly wearing their medals to young people in youth organisations and serving soldiers to members of the general public, all were there for different reasons but all stood together to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Speaking after the Service of Remembrance, Mr Davidson added: “I am immensely honoured and humbled to have led today’s Act of Remembrance on behalf of the borough.

“It was wonderful to see so many people of different ages, faiths and communities gather once again at the war memorial to remember the fallen and all the other victims of conflict.

“We give thanks for their bravery and sacrifice, which shall never be forgotten.”