Lyneham Remembers
11th November 2007
Rows and rows of villagers of all generations, congregated in Lyneham's Parish Church to mark Remembrance Day and Armistice Day with a Two Minute Silence to evoke all those who have died in war and conflicts. This year Remembrance Sunday falls exactly 89 years after the ending of World War I, Armistice Day.

The Two Minute Silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month represents the moment when the guns fell silent in November 1918 at the end of the First World War. As Big Ben chimed in London at 11am, a lone Corporal of the Royal Air Force, piped the Last Post from the belfry of St Michael and All Angels Church as a packed church of all generations, stopped in thought, to honour those who have fought and perished for this country.

Across the county towns and villages came to a stand still while local radio and television paused to reflect too. Britain's oldest veteran, 111-year-old Henry Allingham, travelled to France to lay a wreath at the first permanent memorial to British air personnel who served on the Western Front.

The Last Post was played after the moment of reflection as a ray of sun beamed through the southern windows of the church onto the Squadron Standards of the serving units at Royal Air Force Lyneham, joined with flags from the local youth organistaions, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

The morning light radiated onto the vibrant colours of the flags and standards and emphasised the braided 'Battle Honours' embellished on the standards. The Battle Honours reflect what dedication these units have displayed in serving for their country hoping to bring world peace.

The numer of honours accumulated between the squadrons only outlines just how busy the Armed Forces are and RAF Lyneham has been actively tied into dangerous theatres of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sadly over the past year many have fallen and been repatriated through Lyneham.

The two minute silence is the single biggest annual demonstration of public support for any cause in the country. Wreaths of poppys were laid at the altar during the service and later positioned in the War Memorial Hall, the village library, to mark the years since the end of the Wars as well the tragic loss of life in recent times.

The Day that changed Lyneham as a Community.
Sunday 30th January 2005, a peaceful winter's afternoon as the Iraqi people were voting for the price of freedom following the capture of tyrant Saddam Hussein, we heard the news that would change the community and indeed the world in many ways.

Reports across the internet and international news feeds were being flashed of a Lyneham based Hercules that had crashed and all the crew on board were lost. This tragedy sent shockwaves around the world as the aircraft and crew was one of the Wiltshire airbase finest. A sense of numbness and disbelief verberated around the country as this has been recorded as the biggest single loss of life to hit UK forces since military action in Iraq began. more..

Nation and troops honour war dead
Thousands of war veterans have marched past the Cenotaph memorial in London to mark Remembrance Sunday. After the commemoration of Britain's war dead began with a gun blast and two minutes' silence on Whitehall, the Queen laid the first wreath of poppies.

Senior Royals followed suit, including Prince William for the first time, then the PM and other leading politicians. Other remembrance events were also taking place around the country and in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Afghanistan ceremony
In Afghanistan, servicemen and women have already held a service overlooking the Kajaki dam Helmand province, a site they have been fighting to protect from the Taleban. At 1100 local time - 0630 GMT - a two-minute silence was held.

This was followed by the laying of a single wreath at the foot of a wooden cross by the youngest marine present - Robert Worth, who turned 18 two days before he was deployed. And with 42 British soldiers having died since the last Remembrance Day, a roll of honour was read out.

Memories
British soldiers in Iraq and other countries also held services and parades. The Chief of the Defence staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup, sent a message to members of the armed forces. "For the great many of you who have served or are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the memories of the price paid will be all too fresh."

" We have lost friends and comrades. Families have lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents. We remember those families today; they bear a heavy burden, and the nation owes them a debt that it can never fully repay."