RECORD numbers of people flooded the streets of Warminster to witness the annual Remembrance Day parade and pay their respects to those who died in conflict.

Over 2,000 people lined the pavements of the garrison town as the parade made up of Royal British Legion members, veterans and current servicemen and associated groups made their way to the war memorial in Portway for 3pm.

Mayor of Warminster, Paul Macfarlane, welcomed the onlookers before giving his speech to start the service.

“We are at this service today to remember those who lost their lives in the great wars and those in service more recently. On this certain year we remember those who fought in the Battle of the Somme and the losses by so many families. This service gives us the opportunity to commemorate those who sacrificed themselves to give us the freedom we cherish,” Cllr Macfarlane said.

Before the first hymn and a reading of The Gospel of St John, reverend Jacques Desrosiers gave a speech on the people who return from war as well as those who don’t.

“Lets not forget those who come back with injuries both visible and invisible, not all the names are read. We need such virtue of courage, courage to lay down one’s life for another,” said rev Desrosiers.

After the Act of Remembrance and the Last Post the crowd stood silent in respect of the dead soldiers. As the wreaths were laid at the monument, Claudia Eeles and Joshua Haines of Warminster School read the 164 names of the soldiers from the town who died fighting in the First World War until today’s conflicts.

John Boswell, 91, a former paratrooper the Second World War, said: “I was in the parachute regiment from 1942-1947. I was dropped in Holland, Arnhem, I was wounded three times. I was also kept prisoner but I managed to escape. I got home in time for V Day.”

Cllr Macfarlane described the service as touching, also thanking everyone for turning up and joining the council and servicemen.

Andrew Murrison, MP for South West Wiltshire, said: “Both here and in Trowbridge the turnout has been unparalleled. This year I’m struck by how many people came here. It seems that more and more people are touched by the Service of Remembrance.”