Royal British Legion chairman Alex Light predicted yesterday that, contrary to the forecasts, the weather would hold for this morning’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and he was spot on – the drizzle did not start until the wreaths had been laid and the band struck up Edward Elgar’s Nimrod.
Hundreds of poppy-wearing spectators, young and old, lined Marlborough High Street to watch mayor Margaret Rose and her councillors, in full civic regalia, parade from the Town Hall to inspect the men and women of Marlborough’s adopted battalion, Tidwoth-based 4 Military Intelligence.
Flanked by her mace bearers, the mayor wore full regalia with ceremonial gold chain and traditional tricorn hat, which prompted one small child to to be overheard asking “is she a pirate?”
Standards were raised, and members of the Phoenix Brass Band led the parade along High Street to the war memorial, with traditional, lively marching music.
Many servicemen and women from 4MI had seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Behind them were members of the Royal British Legion, including veterans from World War II and later conflicts.
Following the veterans were the standards of Marlborough’s cadet forces and the boys and girls of the scouting movement.
At the war memorial, marches turned to hymns. The Last Post was played as the mournful bell of Marlborough Town Hall signalled the 11th hour. Heads were bowed for two minutes silence before The Rouse was sounded, and the bells of St Mary’s Church began their peal.
In total, 19 wreaths were laid – a fitting tribute to the men and women of Marlborough who lost their lives in World War I and World War II, and who continue to serve their country in times of conflict to this day.
A video of the parade can be found on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarlboroughNewsOnline/
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