The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
City falls silent to remember The Fallen
Services were held across Peterborough on Remembrance Day and Armistice Day, as residents of all ages paid their respects.
Veterans were among those who attended civic services at the War Memorial in Bridge Street in Peterborough city centre.
They were joined by serving personnel, cadets and dignitaries, as poppy wreaths were laid on both Sunday and Monday.
Royal British Legion standards were on display for the services, which both included a two minute silence.
Wing Commander Nick Maxey, Officer Commanding Operations Wing at RAF Wittering, was the official Royal Air Force representative.
He said: “It was a heartwarming sight to see the number of people who had come out to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives. Every section of our community was represented and overall Remembrance Sunday is a humbling experience.”
The Mayor of Peterborough Councillor Gul Nawaz said: “It was lovely to see so many people turn up and pay their respects. The service was very poignant and I would like to thank everyone involved, and those who came along.
“Armistice Day is an important annual event for us all to pay our respects to those who lost their lives serving for our country and also to thank the Armed Forces for the sterling work that they do.”
On Sunday, the event on Bridge Street was followed by the annual Service of Remembrance at Peterborough Cathedral.
Earlier in the day, Wing Commander Maxey had also laid a wreath and joined the service at St Peter’s church in the Cambridgeshire village of Maxey. It is likely that this is where his family originated from in the distant past.
Wing Commander Gordon Pell, Officer Commanding the Southern University Air Squadrons, laid a wreath at the village of Wittering, which sits next to the airbase. Flight Lieutenant Louise Blakemore represented
RAF Wittering at services in the villages of Warmington and Tansor, and at the memorial of the former USAF Station in Polebrook near Oundle.
Group Captain Jo Lincoln placed her first Remembrance Sunday wreath as Station Commander at Stamford’s war memorial, just outside the historic Browne’s Hospital.
She said: “Remembrance Sunday is marked as a solemn and respectful occasion. We are calling to mind the sacrifices made by people like us who wanted to ensure the freedom of future generations. We are truly grateful for the outstanding loyalty shown to us by the communities of Stamford, Peterborough, Oakham, Wittering and so many other places.”
Schools across the city also held their own services.
At Thomas Deacon Academy, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), pupils, staff, Academy Committee members, Thomas Deacon Foundation members, old Deaconians and military dignitaries were all in attendance.
Principal Rick Caroll said: “We hold The Festival of Remembrance every year because it is important to us and our community that we pay our respects to those who gave their lives to this country.
“Our students are a big part of the service and I have been amazed at their level of involvement and respect for this important event.”