There was a large turnout from the people of Warminster yesterday for an emotional Remembrance Day procession through the town, which saw the laying of a wreath for former 3 Yorks soldier Gareth Thursby.

Sgt Thursby, 29, and Private Thomas Wroe, 18, both Warminster-based wtih the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) were gunned down by a rogue Afghan policeman inside their checkpoint last September.

And widow Louise and her two children yesterday laid a wreath in his memory during the ceremony.

 The Band of the Royal Gurkha Rifles led the procession, marching alongside the town crier and the 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment as the parade made its way from Station Road to the war memorial in Portway.

Mayor Paul Batchelor said: “We were very lucky to have The Band of the Royal Gurkha Rifles performing and there was a huge turnout from the town, as there always is.

“Many people followed the procession and it was so full around the war memorial that not everyone could get close enough for the service.

“There is a strong connection in Warminster with the army and it’s important to remember the role that the army plays in the town, with the Yorkshire Regiment actively involved in the service.

“It’s always a very touching service, especially following the losses that 1 Yorks suffered during their last posting.

"It was very emotional and one of the widows laid a wreath with her two children.”

  • See this week's Wiltshire Times for full report.