Colchester Remembrance Sunday ceremony sees big turn-out

Troops joined civic dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst and Colchester mayor John Jowers, veterans, cadets and thousands of residents for a Remembrance service at Colchester's war memorial.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

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 Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

After the service, an 800-strong parade along the High Street saw soldiers from the city’s 16 Air Assault Brigade and reservists of 36 Signal Squadron and 161 Medical Squadron march alongside veterans and youth organisations.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

The soldiers, based at the city’s Merville Barracks, were headed up by Brigadier Mark Berry, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

Lt Col Rankin said: “It is of vital importance and a huge privilege for the military to join with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday.

LBdr Mills, British Army (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

"The military is drawn from society, and Remembrance is a powerful demonstration of the deep bonds between us.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

"From veterans proudly wearing their medals to young people in youth organisations and serving soldiers to members of the public, all were there for different reasons, but all stood together in shared silence to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

Mayor John Jowers said: “As always, Colchester showed its best colours for Remembrance.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

"It was impressive to see the sheer number of people in attendance – soldiers, veterans, young people – and the emotion and respect on display.

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

“I think it’s very important for us to take a pause and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by others over the years to allow us to exist in peace and freedom.”

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Colchester (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army)