THEIR medals glistened in the autumn sunshine as they joined at Bournemouth war memorial yesterday (November 14) to honour comrades who lost their lives in the fight for freedom.

Some of the more frail veterans came to the Remembrance Day service in wheelchairs while others relied on walking sticks and unstinting family support.

But their pride shone through their pain as they united in dignified silence to remember the fallen of two world wars and more recent conflicts.

All ages and denominations took part in the touching Cenotaph service attended by representatives from various local youth organisations, civic dignitaries and servicemen and women.

The Rev Canon Jim Richardson, team rector of Bournemouth town centre, opened the service and the Mayor Cllr Emily Morrell-Cross laid the first of many wreaths.

Only a baby's startled screams pierced the chilled November air as the guns fired to signal the two minutes' silence.

Six-year-old Natalie Godfrey had travelled from London to lay a wreath in memory of her grandfather Brian Lee who served with the Royal Signals.

Her mother Linda Lee said: "Dad served with the Signals for 12 years and died last year. This is a very special day for us."

Hundreds gathered around the war memorial in Poole Park in the sunshine to hear the morning's remembrance service after the parade from the cricket pavilion.

People of all ages turned up to watch the parade with the Salvation Army, civil dignitaries, St John Ambulance, Royal Marines from Hamworthy and Poole's sea, army and air cadet cores.

Music was provided by Poole Sea Cadets' Band - which were carrying their colours for the first time.

Standard bearers for the organisations walked around the memorial as those who had gathered sang the hymn "O God Our Help in Ages Past".

Some stood with tears in their eyes after a bugler sounded The Last Post and the two-minute silence. The Rev R Bayldon led the service and the first wreath was laid by HM Lord Lieutenant, Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson.

He was followed by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Les Burden and Sheriff, Cllr Lou Knight.

The service in Lady St Mary Church in Wareham was well attended and led by the Reverend Bill Blakey.

Groups including scouts and brownies were there for the start of the parade in East Street near the town hall.

Music was from Wareham town band and two Royal Marines were there to escort the Royal British Legion standard.

The afternoon parade in Swanage started from the Mowlem Theatre and ended up at the war memorial on the recreation ground for the service.

First published: November 15