A POIGNANT memorial service was held by Wiltshire Army Cadet Force at Trowbridge Cemetery on Tuesday to mark the 60th anniversary of a Trowbridge cadet’s death.

The Trowbridge detachment organised it in memory of Corporal John Gumm, who died from a head injury when travelling in an army vehicle during training in July 1954.

The 16-year-old, who lived in Trowbridge with his parents and two brothers, was buried in Trowbridge Cemetery. The cadets were alerted to the whereabouts of his grave by air cadets looking for RAF graves.

Sergeant Glenn Bence of the Army Cadet Force then contacted Cpl Gumm’s cousin Christine York about holding a memorial service.

Sgt Bence said: “I know Christine quite well and we got talking about what happened to John and said we’d like to do something to remember him.

“We were joined by the Royal British Legion and marched from the cemetery entrance to his grave of John before the service.”

The service was led by Wiltshire ACF Padre Alan Jeans and Cpl Gumm’s younger brother Roger, who lives in Whiterow Park, Trowbridge attended Mrs York, 70, said: “I can’t express in words how wonderful it was. It was the most fantastic thing they did for Kevin. They marched through the cemetery to his grave and then the service was absolutely lovely.

“I’m very grateful to them for what they have done.

“It was very special to me and Roger and we both got quite emotional. It is something that I will never forget.”