Remembrance Day: Marine who died in Afghanistan among those commemorated at Wanstead service
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
The names of fallen soldiers of the two World Wars are etched onto the Wanstead War Memorial, so their sacrifices can be commemorated in years to come.
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
But they are also joined by another serviceman, who died in a conflict which is still fully in living memory.
Royal Marine Tom Curry, from Wanstead, was killed in 2007 in Afghanistan, at the age of just 21.
His name was inscribed on the memorial after his death and he was in the community’s thoughts again today during a Remembrance Sunday service.
Antoinette Bach, 69, is a friend of the marine’s family. She said: “I always came before, but now it is more poignant.
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
“My neighbours lost their son and it is hard to put it into words.
“We should definitely remember the losses in Afghanistan and I think coming to Remembrance services is the least anyone can do.”
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The ceremony, in High Street, included the singing of hymns and the National Anthem, prayers and the laying of wreaths by figures such as Cllr Linda Huggett, Redbridge’s deputy mayor.
The wreaths were placed close to a photograph of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, which had been left at the memorial.
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
Young Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts also laid their own poppy tributes.
Laura Koutsoumbi’s son Ethan, seven, was one of the Beavers who took part.
The 32-year-old from Wanstead, who was joined by husband Danny and daughter Erin, four, said: “It has been good. I don’t come every year, but I have come in the past.
“It’s important to remember.”
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
Lisa McDowell’s son James, 15, was one of the Air Cadets who attended,
He has been in the 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Squadron for two and a half years.
His mother, 43, from Woodford Green, said: “It goes without saying that you should pay your respects and it is special this year because it is the centenary.
“Also, my grandparents were in the Second World War, so it is the right thing to do.
Brownies and Guides with their poppy tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service at Wanstead War Memorial - Credit: Archant
“I know my grandfathers were in the Army and some of my aunts were in the Land Army. I do it for them.”
