THOUSANDS of people filled Trowbridge Park for the annual service of Remembrance to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives whilst fighting for their country.

Members of the Royal British Legion lead the parade through the streets of Trowbridge this morning (Sunday November 13), starting from St James’ Church in Church Street and making their way through Silver Street where the deputy lord lieutenant William Wyldbore-Smith and Mayor of Trowbridge Linda Self saluted the decorated marching group.

Upon arrival in Trowbridge Park a two-and-a-half thousand strong crowd stood in a circle around the war memorial, with poppies on their jackets, waiting for the two minutes silence.

Reverend Rob Thomas said: “We remember all of those who have died for their country and all of those who have lived through their service for mankind.”

After the silence, members of the forces began to lay wreaths at the memorial, led by deputy lieutenant Wyldbore-Smith. Followed by Linda Self on behalf of the town of Trowbridge and Graham Payne on behalf of the Wiltshire Council.

The service continued with the hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save and the closing prayer. Before the blessing by rev Thomas, the large crowd all took part in a recital of the national anthem.

 Bob Conway, 90, a former soldier who landed in Normandy, said: “When I was 18 years old I landed in Normandy. I carried on my service until 1946. I think the service was the best one I have been to, it has been lovely. This is just something else, it shows how much respect everyone has for the soldiers who died in battle and who have survived war.”

Mayor of Trowbridge Linda Self also commented on the large turnout, describing the service as a lovely tribute.

“It makes me feel proud that so many people have turned up this morning. The spontaneous applause at the end was lovely, we have never had that before,” Cllr Self said.

People of every age made their way to the war memorial to say their prayers of thanks to the British soldiers.

Geoff Whiffen, a fomer member of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, attended with his daughter Lisa Hartley and twin four-year-old boys Noah and George.

“I was in the RAF for about a year before being medically discharged and I was in the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry for 20 years. My uncle was a Mosquito pilot so it is a big family history with the armed services,” said Mr Whiffen.