Air Cadets lead Nuneaton's Remembrance Day Parade

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Nuneaton as the Band of 121 {Nuneaton) Squadron led the towns annual Remembrance Day parade from the Town Hall to the Riversley Park War Memorial for the civic service of Remembrance.

The Cadets of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps had a central part to play in a moving Remembrance Service and parade as the people of their home town turned out in record numbers to mark the 70 th Anniversary year of the start of World War II and pay their respects to servicemen and women past and present who have fought and died for their country.

This year's service took on an extra meaning following the deaths of Fusilier Louis Carter, from Nuneaton , and Sergeant Simon Valentine, from Bedworth, who were killed within 24 hours of each other while serving with the 2 nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in Afghanistan.

An armed honour guard formed by Army and Air cadets and commanded by 121 Squadrons Warrant Officer Jim Taylor, stood in silent vigil at the War memorial during the wreath laying ceremony, which was led by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and other civic leaders, service representatives and members of ex-service organisations.

Following the service the Air Cadet Band of 121 Squadron formed up for the march past. The parade was a stirring sight, with the cadet band leading and a forest of Royal British Legion , ex-service Association and Cadet Standards fluttering in the autumn wind as they marched in procession along Coton Road and past the saluting base at the Council House.

Parade marshal, ex Royal Marine, Jesse Owen, Said, "I want to say a very big thank-you to the people of Nuneaton who attended I was especially pleased to see so many serving members of the armed forces on parade today, many of whom have seen service during recent conflicts."

He went on to say, "We were so pleased to see so many young people at the service, including those from the Cadet Forces and I want to say that it was a pleasure to march behind the Air Cadet Band, once again they did an excellent job."

121 Squadron Tribute to the fallen

More photographs from Nuneaton Remembrance Sunday

The Royal British Legion was created to preserve the spirit of fellowship and service to others formed by all ranks and to maintain, in a strong, stimulating, united comradeship, all those who have served in H.M. Forces, or Auxiliary Forces or who are still serving so that neither their efforts nor their interests shall be forgotten; and that their welfare and that of the dependants of those who died in the service of their country may be safeguarded; and that just and equitable treatment shall be secured to them in respect of the difficulties caused in their lives as a result of their service.