Mayor leads Lewisham Remembrance Sunday tribute

Lewisham paid tribute to the millions of British armed forces personnel who were killed in two World Wars and other conflicts while serving their country in two ceremonies held on Sunday 8 November.

Over a thousand people joined Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, as he led the borough’s Remembrance Sunday tribute at the war memorial in Lewisham High Street.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Lewisham, Lt Col Jane Davis DL, TD, Lewisham MPs Bridget Prentice and Jim Dowd, and councillors representing all political groups on the Council joined veterans and their families, representatives of uniformed and civilian organisations and the local community to remember those who lost their lives in conflict, as well as servicemen and women currently serving their country.

The service was conducted by Father Scott Anderson of St Mary’s Church, with the choir of St Mary’s leading the hymns.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Sedgehill School Band for the hymns, Last Post, Reveille and National Anthem.

Sir Steve said: “Once again, I was heartened by the high number of people who attended Lewisham’s services. Remembrance Sunday is a time to pause, remember and honour all those who made the greatest sacrifice for their country in wars and conflict.

“It is also a time to remember our serving men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day, giving vital assistance to people in other countries.”

After the service there was a procession from the war memorial to Lewisham High Street, led by the 1475 ATC Squadron Band, based in Forest Hill. On the march-past, the salute was taken by Sir Steve and Lt Col Jane Davis DL, TD. They then inspected the cadets from the 1921 ATC squadron; the cadet and reserve forces from the 106 Regiment based in Grove Park; the 101 Regiment based in Hudson House, Catford; the St John's Ambulance cadets; Catford and Lewisham police cadets; St Dunstan’s cadets and various detachments of the army cadets in Lewisham.

Councillor Darren Johnson, leader of the Green Party group, led a separate service at the war memorial at the junction of Lewisham Way and Upper Brockley Road.

Representatives from all political groups on the Council, the Deptford branch of the Royal British Legion and other armed forces contingents also attended the service.

A two minutes’ silence for Remembrance Day will be observed at 11am on Wednesday 11 November in Lewisham Council buildings.