Colchester honours the fallen in Remembrance Sunday service

Veterans, serving officers, cadets, and children laid wreaths as part of the Remembrance Sunday ceremony which was opened by Jim Burgoyne, the Colchester branch chairman of the Royal British Legion.

At 11am, attendants observed a two-minute silence which started and ended with the firing of a 105mm light gun from the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

Emotional – veterans lay wreaths at Colchester war memorial (Image: Steve Brading)

The ceremony, which honoured the fallen and recognised all those serving in the armed forces, took place without a marching band because soldiers are currently stationed in Iraq training armed forces musicians.

But the sense of solemnity and importance was still shared by all those who attended the service, which was concluded with the national anthem before the parade marched down the High Street.

Respectful – a two-minute silence is observed at 11am (Image: Steve Brading)

Colchester mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell took the salute.

Speaking about the absence of the army band this year, MP Pam Cox said: "As ever, this was a moving and uplifting occasion.

"There was a great turnout from across Colchester to remember and pay tribute to those who serve - and have served - in our armed forces.

Salute – a member of the sea cadets at the ceremony (Image: Steve Brading)

"We know the army band was out of the country so unable to be there this time but it be wonderful to see them back next year."

Leader of Colchester Council, David King, said: "It was great to see so many, across Essex, come together in Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday.

"This is a garrison city and we have a great pride in the armed forces and how they mark this special day.

Service – hundreds turned out at the Remembrance Service, which is always well attended in Colchester (Image: Steve Brading)

"It is personal for me, having family in the forces and having served myself alongside them."

The Parachute Regiment was also honoured in a special military ceremony which involved the retired colours of 2 Para and 3 Para being laid at St Peter’s Church in North Hill.

The Colours were presented to the parachute regiment shortly before 2 Para and 3 Para moved to Colchester in 1998, with new Colours being presented in 2021 by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

Together – young and old stood together to remember the fallen (Image: Steve Brading)

Major Glenn Hobbs, adjutant of The Parachute Regiment, described the service as “a respectful, special occasion”.

He said: “The laying up of the Colours of the 2nd and 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment signifies over 25 years of operational history.

“In that time, deployments to Eastern Europe, Western Africa and the Middle East have involved a vast number of paratroopers, some of whom unfortunately did not come home.

“The Colours signify battles fought, lives saved, lives lost, and injuries sustained in service of the Regiment, the Queen, the King and the country.”

Tribute – wreaths were laid by members of the armed forces as well as community groups (Image: Steve Brading) Colchester High Steward, Sir Bob Russell, added he too hoped a full-sized army band will return for Remembrance Sunday 2025.

He said: “Remembrance Sunday in Colchester without an army band this year was not the same.

“I trust by next year we will have a full-sized marching army band back in Colchester, stationed here full-time.”