The South Hams fell silent over the weekend as all those who have died in recent wars and other conflicts were remembered. Communities commemorated Armistice Day on Saturday, November 11, marking the armistice signing between the Allies of the First World War and Germany. Then on the Sunday, many services and processions were held in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the First and Second World War and other more recent conflicts.

Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which will be commemorated by a unified ringing of bells across the whole country. Many communities have already started planning for this celebration next year.

In Kingsbridge, residents met on Remembrance Sunday at 10.30am at The Town Square before a procession was led down to the War Memorial. The Town Crier’s bellow for order on the square was followed by Mark Lamble’s firm authority over the silent parade. At 11am, the cannon sounded, signalling the two minutes of silence across the whole of Kingsbridge.

Kingsbridge Town Councillor, Robin Griffin who had the privilege of reading out the names of some of the young men who lost their lives, said: “I don’t remember a more utterly silent two minutes between the maroons.”

For him, the most moving aspect of the day were the ranks of children from many of the clubs and organisations who were lined up respectfully behind the standards.

After which, a service led by the Rev Jackie Taylor took place before the congregation paraded back towards The Town Square. Members of the towns societies were present including MP Sarah Wollaston alongside representatives from the armed forces..

“Carol and Leon from the British Legion had every reason to be proud as our townsfolk and our youngsters played their part in the script they had designed over the last six months.”

“Kingsbridge is more than a town-it’s a community that pulls together at times like this. A day to remember.”

Around 100 brownies and guides took part in the Remembrance Sunday. Imogen Stephens and Rebecca Shea from 1st Kingsbridge Guides laid a wreath along with three brownies from 1st and 2nd Kingsbridge brownies and Stokenham brownies.

Sarah Stephens, District Commissioner said: “This is a very important day and we are so pleased that we can take part in the morning along with all the other organisations.”

“It is very important to the girls that they can show their respect and remember the fallen.”

Salcombe kept to their traditional format this year, meeting at Whitestrand car park at 10.30am before they embarked on a procession up the hill to the war memorial. The Rev Daniel French conducted the service while organ music was played over loud speakers for the congregation to overhear.

When the canon sounded at 11am at the War Memorial steps on Remembrance Sunday, rowers lifted their oars to the morning sunshine in remembrance of those who had lost their lives.

Representatives from different organisations such as Salcombe Town Council and the Regatta Committee lined up along Cliff House Road before laying their wreaths at the War Memorial.

In Loddiswell, there was a Remembrance Parade taking place involving the newly formed Loddiswell Scouts, Cubs and Beaver Groups. The War Memorial, called The Courtledge has just been awarded Listed Building Status by Historic England.