Thousands gather at Weymouth Remembrance service and parade

As the clock turned to 11am, the sun broke out from behind the grey clouds to bathe the Esplanade in sunshine as the Remembrance service got underway at the cenotaph war memorial. 

Conducted by the mayor's chaplain, Neil Biles, the Act of Remembrance was followed by a two minute silence marked by canon fire. 

(Image: Finnbarr Webster) The sounds of waves crashing against the shore was the only noise as thousands of people took a moment to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in war. 

Following the service veterans, scouts and cadets marched along the Esplanade to US memorial to round of applause.

One veteran taking part in the parade was Clive Thorne, a former Army Air Corps pilot from Weymouth.

He was using the day to remember a friend he served with who tragically passed away unexpectedly last year. 

Veterans Clive thorne and Chris Richards at Weymouth's Remembrance parade (Image: Andy Jones) Mr Thorne said: "I am remembering a fried who died last year, I served eight years with him and I am here for him.

"I am the only Army Air Corps representative in the parade but I know there are a few others here in the crowd.

"I do it because I have always wanted to do it and to remember the friends I lost in the Falkland War."

Mr Thorne also said that seeing so many people at the event was 'fantastic' gave him 'a lump in his throat' and when people clapped during the parade it made him 'well up'.

Another veteran at the service, Chris Richards, who served in the RAF was remembering his grandfather who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

His grandfather was protecting convoy's in the north Atlantic and was awarded a medal for his service.

Mr Richards said: "I do this for my granddad who was in the navy in the Second World War, he was out protecting ships.

"I am ex-military as well as it is a family for life so we remember them."

It is not just those who have lost their lives in war time that are remembered though. 

Royal Engineer veteran Jim Hoyland at Weymouth's Remembrance service (Image: Andy Jones) Jim Hoyland, from Portland, served in the Royal Engineers for 28 years, dedicating a significant part of his life to service in the Armed Forces. 

Not only was he remembering his fallen comrades in battle, but also those who lost their lives after leaving the service. 

He said: "It is about remembering our brothers and comrades.

"those who have died in conflict are when they have left the service, we have to remember them and keep the faith for those that stills erve and remember them."

Jim was also 'very pleased' to see so many people turn out for the event as well.

He added: "When you look around you can see all the veterans and people who are not veterans who feel they ought to remember those in all conflicts, not just the First and Second World Wars and those who died in accidents.

"I have had friends die in and out of conflict so we remember them.