War veteran’s salute at Mayor’s Remembrance Sunday service
9th November 2017
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A World War Two veteran, who earned three campaign medals from wartime service, will attend this year’s Remembrance Sunday service in Basingstoke.

As the borough remembers the fallen, Reg Bryant, a 94-year-old former Royal Artillery soldier who now lives in Popley, is looking forward to attending the Mayor’s Remembrance Service on Sunday 12 November at Basingstoke’s war memorial outside the Civic Offices, London Road.

After the service Reg will meet Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Cllr Paul Frankum, Mayoress Cllr Jane Frankum and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

Reg served as a gunner and a driver during conflict in North Africa, Italy and Palestine. He was also deployed to prisoner of war camps in Austria and Germany when the Allies were seeking out SS troops.

The Remembrance Sunday service will begin with a parade of the Mayor’s party at 10.45am, including the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Rev Arthur Botham, who will lead the service.

A flypast from RAF Odiham will precede the Last Post and Exhortation, followed by two minutes’ silence at 11am.

The service will feature wreath laying by the Mayor on behalf of the borough, Deputy Lieutenant Lady Portal, Rt Hon Maria Miller MP, representatives from the armed forces, police, fire service and many other local associations, schools and organisations.

Any member of the public wishing to place their own tribute on the memorial is welcome to do so after the service.

Near the war memorial, an area of consecrated ground is marked, where people can add their own poppy crosses in remembrance of relatives or friends. Poppy crosses are available from outlets in the borough or from the Royal British Legion at the event.

The Mayor Cllr Paul Frankum said: “We are proud to pay tribute to our armed forces who fought and gave their lives in conflicts by marking Remembrance Sunday with this annual service at Basingstoke’s war memorial.

“The sacrifices that have been made ensured that our future generations are able to live in peace and freedom.

“Anyone who would like to come along and pay their respects is indeed very welcome and I would always encourage people to show support for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal by buying a poppy and wearing it with pride.”

As in previous years, there will be a temporary road closure order in place to allow the parade to march safely down New Road and London Road to the war memorial; and then from the war memorial onto London Road, New Road and into the War Memorial Park via the entrance near the bandstand.

The traffic will also be stopped in London Road at 11am for the two minutes' silence. The temporary road closures will take place between 10.30am and 12 noon for approximately 15 minutes at a time. The public’s patience during this time is appreciated.

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