Remembrance Sunday: 9th November 2003

Remembrance Sunday was marked with services held at war memorials the length and breadth of the country, as well as the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, and services held by military personnel deployed overseas.

As usual, Her Majesty the Queen led the ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to remember and honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded the Last Post after the single gunshot, which signalled the end of the two-minute silence, and the Queen laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph.

The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, joined senior British political figures in laying wreaths - he will join Queen in unveiling a new memorial in London to Australian Servicemen on 11 November.

Around 10,000 ex-Servicemen and women took part in the march-past in Whitehall, along with more than 1,500 civilians. Among the groups represented were the three Armed Forces, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy, along with prominent civilian organisations such as the emergency services and the Bevin Boys – those who worked down the mines instead of serving in uniform. Members of the War Widows’ Association marched with the ex-Service contingent. It is believed there are only 27 surviving veterans who served in the Great War.

Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, personnel must confirm details through the chain of command or with their Administrative Office before taking any action or making any commitment. Last Reviewed: 12 Nov 03