"Our gratitude will never fade": Richmond and Twickenham fall silent on Remembrance Sunday

War veterans came together with community groups, councillors, MPs and residents to lay wreaths of red poppies at the borough’s war memorials.

Residents in their thousands took part in a two-minute silence to remember the British and Commonwealth military servicemen and women who lost their lives in battle in the two world wars and later conflicts.

Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and north Kingston, attended the Richmond service at Whittaker Avenue’s memorial and said: “It is always incredibly moving to see so many people, from the very young to the very old, gather together to honour those who fought and died in the wars.

“Our gratitude will never fade.”

Councillor Benedict Dias paid his respects at the 9am service at St Stephens Church in East Twickenham.

He said: “It was a lovely service and a privilege to be there.

“We owe those who fought for us a great deal of gratitude, and it must never be forgotten what they gave up.”

Cllr Stephen Knight attended the service at Teddington War Memorial in Hampton Road and said: “It was an extremely well attended and moving service.

“The Teddington service is normally well attended, but this year there was an especially impressive gathering, particularly with children’s groups and young people.

“The service was especially moving given the 100 year anniversary of the Great War.”

Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts presented a colour party at St Peter’s church, and Coun Sarah Tippett laid a wreath at the newly refurbished war memorial.

East Twickenham Village will be remembering the four Belgian Soldiers who died whilst serving at the Pelabon Munitions Works during the First World War at a ceremony at Twickenham Cemetery on November 11 at 10.45am with an ambassador from the Belgian embassy in attendance.

For all of our coverage on the WWI centenary visit www.richmondtimes.co.uk/ww1