Remembrance Parade 2014 – Wincanton Pays Tribute VIDEO

Remembrancetide this year was very poignant, this being the Centenary of the Great War. During the period many wreaths and crosses were laid at graves and memorials throughout our area. The Remembrance Parade this year was very well attended, including many youth groups, Legion Members, Civic Dignitaries and Veterans. The weather was perfect with a lovely blue sky; a mild autumn afternoon.

Legion members, Civic Dignitaries and Veterans

Once again Wincanton Silver Band led us as we marched down the High Street to music, mainly from the Great War.

Wincanton Silver Band

We also had a very good reception from the public lining the street, and many attended the church service.

Lining the Street and showing the Flag

As usual the very youngest members of our community, from the Brownies, Guides and Cubs placed a cross at the War Memorial for every person from the town who was killed in the two World Wars.

Brownies, Guides and Cubs placing the Crosses

We were also proud of our affiliated Army Cadets, who were extremely smart and provided the standard bearer for the Union Flag alongside the Branch Standard at the head of the Royal British Legion.

Castle Cary Army Cadet Force

Our soon to be affiliated Sea and Marine Cadets were also exceptionally well turned out. Our standard bearer, Martin Holmes, carried the branch standard and Lt. Colonel Brown, Royal Marines, Deputy Commander, of The Commando Helicopter Force, took the salute.

We were very pleased to welcome our new mayor, Cllr. Martin Russell, to his first Remembrance parade as mayor. We are extremely sad that it is the last parade for our MP David Heath, as he is standing down at the next election.

Seven wreaths were laid at graves in our cemetery to commemorate our local fallen war heroes.

One of the seven War Graves in our cemetery

In addition to wreaths being laid at our town memorials, wreaths were also laid at Beech Clump near Zeals. On 19th February 1945, a Dakota aircraft, serial number TS436, crashed into the wood known as Beech Clump. The crash was attributed to "pilot error" and ironically only the pilot, Flt/Lt. M. Mackay RAF DFC, survived. On board were 20 Royal Air Force personnel who were all killed. Next February will be the 70th Anniversary of the crash.

Beech Clump Memorial

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