A TRIBUTE to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of a Bradford on Avon soldier who died in the First World War took place in Bradford on Avon on Tuesday.

Town Crier from Dorset, Chris Brown, paid homage to his great uncle, Sergeant John Claude Raine, of the fifth Wiltshire Regiment, with a ‘cry’ at the war memorial in Westbury Gardens at midday.

Mr Brown laid a wreath to remember Great Uncle Jack, as he was known, who lived in Trowbridge Road, worked at the town’s rubber factory, before being killed in action in Mesopotamia, now Iraq, at the age of 22.

“I really enjoy these events, they are very worthwhile and rewarding - it gives you a warm glow. These are wonderful tributes and a fitting way to remember people,” said Mr Brown.

“I have similar proclamations for other people who have passed away and people greatly appreciate it so I thought I have to do one for my own family.

“It is very moving to talk to people who have no idea about their genealogy. People are very touched by the research that I put in and the effort I go through.”

Sergeant Raine was active in the Territorial Army and served and survived the Gallipoli campaign, before moving onto Egypt and then Mesopotamia.

“I have got hooked on researching people’s past. It is fascinating. I have tracked down a relative who has a bronze plaque of my great uncle’s and I have his medals so that will be lovely to see her,” he said.

Mr Brown gained permission from mayor Alison Craddock, as is the protocol, to carry out the tribute which involved him ringing the bell three times, saying ‘oyez’, and eulogising about Sergeant Raine.