British soldiers, civilians and representatives from a variety of service organisations, gathered in Normanday Barracks to honour and remember those that are injured or have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Some 500 people attended the Drum Head Service, which Padre Steven Whiting lead, with touching words on reflection, courage and honour to those that have served and are currently on operations.

He said: “Our thoughts are with those that are far away in Afghanistan and we also think of those that are lying injured in Selley Oak and in rehabilitation at Headley Court.  We remember with pride and dignity and also with emotion, the cost of warfare past and enduring” 

German colleagues, the British Legion, as well as the Scouts and Brownies attended the parade, alongside older veterans, family and friends.

A wreath was also laid at German war memorial at the front gates by the Commander, Brigadier Patrick Sanders.  With him was Major Wolfgang Mann, the German Military Representative who made a point about the British and Germans being ‘brothers in arms’ in Afghanistan and at home.  He said:” It is very important to remember those that have fallen, as we (Germany) will also do next week at Boeddeken.”

Among the troops standing in a hollow square formation, facing the wreaths, were a number of soldiers who had not yet experienced a Remembrance Parade before.

While only completing her training five weeks ago, Danielle McCartney from 3 Close Support Battalion REME, said she felt: “Very proud to be part of this, to honour all those that have sacrificed their lives.”

Sapper Craig Grist, 35 Engineer Regiment, whose uncle has recently completed 22 years service, also in the engineers, remarked: “I am happy to be chosen to honour and remember those that have come before me, and if there is one weekend I don’t mind giving up in the year, then this is the one.”

Pte Graham Thurston from 1 PWRR noted that the guys were all ‘proud to be here and that we do the job as good as we can, while Rifleman Luke Wells- Bradley (5RIFLES) said: “We have a lot to live up to and hopefully we will be able to do that.”

Another soldier, Trooper Edward Langston (QRH) said his Grandad had also served in the military and would be proud of him.  He commented: “It means a lot to me to be here – to reflect – and maybe one day I will be thought of in the same way.  Days like this are an opportunity to stay strong for the future, together.”

The organiser of the parade, Capt Dave Glenn (QDG), said the event was very special for a lot of people and thought the words spoken were: “Poignant and well received by all the people that attended and those representatives that laid the wreaths.”

20th Armoured Brigade’s progress can be followed online at: http://www.twitter.com/theironfist.