Islanders gather to remember the fallen

The well-organised service included some 60 wreaths of poppies being placed at the memorial by organisations and groups in the island to remember all those who had their lives sacrificed at the expense of war.

Members of the Remembrance Day procession took part in the ‘fall in’ at the Town Arsenal before parading down to the Smith Street monument to begin the service. Among the parade were the Guernsey Sea Cadet Corps, the Elizabeth College Combined Cadet Force, the Army Cadet Force, and St John Ambulance cadets, involving many younger islanders in the event.

Laying the final wreath of the service were St Sampson’s High School head girl, Katie Luxon, 15, and prefect Alisha Pipet, 16, who were involved in the event for the first time.

‘It was a great honour to be able to do it, and I enjoyed it but it was definitely nerve-racking watching everyone else go first,’ said Katie.

‘Year 11s are given the opportunity to lay the wreath, and so we were able to do it because we’re prefects.’

Royal Guernsey Light Infantry memorial group member Martin Proudlove circled the monument twice, laying wreaths for the RGLI and on behalf of another organisation who could not attend.

‘I’ve done this for many years now and it’s always a huge honour to be asked to lay a wreath on behalf of others,’ he said.

‘I love the opportunity to be involved and represent our group.’

Bugle player Marcus Shaw performed the Last Post, which coincided with the cannon at Castle Cornet being fired to commence and close the two minute silence.

Mr Shaw then played Reveille.

While wreathes were laid, four hymns were sung – the Navy, Army, Royal Air Force hymns, and a general hymn.

The service was closed with readings from Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, and other clergy.