Thousands gather across the West to mark Armistice Day

A number of people in military uniforms are holding wreaths and are gathered on a train platform.
Image caption,

Wreaths were placed on GWR trains from Gloucester to London Paddington

  • Published

Events have taken place across the West of England to mark Armistice Day.

A two-minute silence was observed in offices, schools and shopping centres at 11:00 GMT to mark the time and date when the World War One Armistice came into effect.

It was also the sixth anniversary of The Veterans Charity and Great Western Railway joint "Poppies to Paddington" Remembrance memorial.

Poppy wreaths were collected from stations including Gloucester and laid at the war memorial at Paddington Station in London.

Mel Rudge from the Gloucester City Royal British Legion placed one of the wreaths on the GWR train when it stopped at Gloucester this morning.

He said its "very important, we must remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice".

The train stopped at several station on its way including Kemble and Didcot before arriving in London where the wreaths were laid at the War Memorial to mark Armistice Day.

A women is stood in front of the new war memorial garden in Dursley. She is looking at the camera and smiling. She is wearing a poppy on the left collar of her brown coat and beige scarf.
Image caption,

The Dursley and Cam branch of the Royal British Legion secretary Julie Campbell was at the first Armistice Day commemoration at the new war memorial garden

In Dursley, it is the first year the day of remembrance has been held at the new war memorial garden, built to give veterans "ringside seats" during services to honour the fallen.

The Dursley and Cam branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) helped the community raise £3,800 for the garden.

RBL secretary, Julie Campbell said she felt "immense pride and joy that we are able to give this to Dursley".

A war memorial with a small garden behind it which is lined with poppies and a white low chain fence. The memorial itself is made of cotswold stone and has a large black plaque on it with the names of 44 soldiers who died in World War One and World War Two.
Image caption,

The new memorial in Dursley features a plaque with the names of 44 soldiers who died in World War One and World War Two

The Bath Branch Grenadier Guards led the service at the First Field War Memorial in Combe Down, Bath.

Around 400 school children from Combe Down Primary school along with their teachers and parents plus members of the local community gathered to pay their respects.

Penny, a local 13 year-old schoolgirl played the last post.

Military veterans and personnel are gathered at the Burma War Memorial in Taunton which is covered in a blanket of poppies.
Image caption,

People gathered at the Burma War Memorial in Taunton for a a two-minute silence

In Bristol, Simon Bennett was at the service held at Arnos Vale cemetery.

He said he felt "more than any time in history, this is the the perfect opportunity to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country".

"I've got ancestors who fought in the First World War and Second World War. So [I am] very proud of what they did for this country," added Mr Bennett.

A poppy wreath is propped up against a wall at Arnos Vale cemetary for Armistice Day.
Image caption,

Wreaths were laid at Arnos Vale cemetery

In Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, military veteran Alister Cheesewright said seeing "everyone line the streets" in the town "means a lot".

There is a "proud history here," he added.

A man is playing the last post on a trumpet wearing a military style blazer which is navy blue with red and gold detail on the sleeves and colour. He is in front of a large crown who are gathered for Armistice Day commemorations in Royal Wootton Bassett.
Image caption,

The last post was played in front of crowds gathered in Royal Wootton Bassett

Get in touch

Tell us which stories we should cover in Bristol

Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, external, Gloucestershire, external, Somerset, external and Wiltshire, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.