MORE people than ever gathered at Crediton Town and Hamlets War Memorial on Thursday, November 11 at 11am, with members of Crediton branch Royal British Legion and civic leaders, to mark Armistice Day.

A few minutes before the maroon went off at 11am to mark the beginning of the silence, Cllr Bob Deed (Leader, Mid Devon District Council) invited people to pause to remember those who gave their lives in two World Wars and in more than 70 other conflicts since then “so that we can enjoy the peace and freedom obtained at such a high price.”

He then gave the Exhortation. After the second maroon to mark the end of the silence, Cllr Deed read the Kohima Epitaph and the dipped Standards were raised back up.

The only vehicle to stop was a double decker bus which paused at the bus stop until the second maroon, a much appreciated mark of respect. Some vehicles slowed, most just carried on, sometimes drowning out Cllr Deed’s words.

A group of children from Pippins Pre-School and Nursery laid a wreath, four of the Year Six Hayward’s School pupils laid one, watched by other members of their year group. They have been studying World War Two and had thought about what to write with their wreath.

Also at the War Memorial, wreaths were laid by council heads, Mrs Pam Dobson, chairman Crediton branch Royal British Legion and others.