Watford honours armed forces at 2024 Remembrance services

The proceedings were well attended, with the town's main remembrance event on Sunday afternoon (November 10) described as an “exceptional showcase of respect” by attendees.

It began with a short service at St Mary’s Church followed by a parade to the Peace Memorial led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor spoke at the Peace Memorial. (Image: Simon Jacobs) Once it reached the memorial, by Watford Town Hall, there were readings from Watford mayor Peter Taylor and council chairwoman Dawn Allen-Williamson as the crowd paid their respects and observed a two-minute’s silence.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “It was wonderful to see Watford’s diverse community come together to pay tribute to those from across the world who have fought to defend our rights and freedoms in two world wars and other conflicts.

Watford MP Matt Turmaine laid a wreath. (Image: Simon Jacobs) “The memorial service reminded us of our shared duty to strive for peace and unity, reminding us of the current conflicts happening across the world.

"It’s a privilege to join with residents every year as we pay tribute to these remarkable individuals.

“These commemorations have a special poignancy in our town, as we remember two Watford fallen in Afghanistan, Captain Tom Sawyer of the Royal Artillery and Corporal Chris Harrison of the Royal Marines. The Sawyer family were among those present to lay wreaths on this important occasion.

The Parade in Watford High Street. (Image: Simon Jacobs) “Our remembrance event would not have been successful without the cadet, guide, scout, and community groups that were involved. It was particularly great to see the number of young people who were taking part to commemorate the service people to whom we owe so much.”

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Watford MP Matt Turmaine described the event as "naturally a very sombre, solemn and poignant occasion".

For the first time, two ex-service members of Proud Watford, a project working to support the LGBTQ+ community, lay a poppy wreath in honour of all those who would in today’s society identify as LGBTQ+.

Bryan Timberlake, who served in the RAF during the 1950s, said: “Not only did the LGBTQ+ community serve in the armed forces - even though it was illegal - they had their own battles to fight. It's not an easy life.

The Oxhey Village service was attended by the Bushey Guides and the 29th Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. (Image: Dylan Nolte) "They died the same as anyone else.”

The 91-year-old added: "If we didn't have any armed forces we'd be in a terrible state.

"They're pretty depleted even at the moment. We might need our defences in the not so distant future."

A wreath was laid by Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Patrick Moriarty, during the Oxhey Village event. (Image: Dylan Nolte)Elsewhere in the area, more than 200 residents joined the 10th annual community walk following the Oxhey Village Remembrance Service, HMS Wildfire (Northwood) led the St Albans proceedings, and schools including Woodhall Primary School in South Oxhey held their own events to show their respect.

Woodhall Primary School Remembrance service. (Image: Woodhall Primary School)

Andrew Filer, who organised the Oxhey Village service, said: “At events like this it’s a time to reflect and think of those who served their country but also given so much to their community.

“We are living in uncertain times, so maintaining a strong community spirit is important.”

Council chairwoman Dawn Allen-Williamson spoke at the Peace Memorial. (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs) Oxhey Village photo. (Image: Dylan Nolte) (Image: Dylan Nolte) (Image: Simon Jacobs) (Image: Simon Jacobs)