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Gravesend and Dartford Remembrance Day services mark 74 years since the end of the Second World War

16:23, 10 November 2019

updated: 13:30, 11 November 2019

Crowds gathered upon the hillside this morning to remember those who gave their lives in armed conflicts.

A Remembrance Sunday service was held at Windmill Hill Memorial Gardens in Gravesend to mark 74 years since the end of the Second World War.

There were prayers and music before wreaths were laid beside the war monument.

A two minute’s silence was observed in honour of the country’s fallen servicemen and women.

The Gravesend Clock Tower will be lit red today and tomorrow for Remembrance Day also.

Remembrance services were held at memorials across Gravesham.

They included Bawley Bay, Meopham, Northfleet and the RAF Gravesend Memorial at Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane.

The Mayor Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar attends the Remembrance service at Windmill Hill, Gravesend. Picture: Gravesham Council (21305983)
The Mayor Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar attends the Remembrance service at Windmill Hill, Gravesend. Picture: Gravesham Council (21305983)

The Mayor Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar attended multiple Remembrance services throughout the borough.

He said: "Remembrance Sunday and the two minutes silence have been observed since the end of the First World War, but their relevance remains undiminished.

"I am extremely proud to have laid a wreath at the memorial service at Windmill Hill on Sunday and indeed to attend services that remember those that have lost their lives as well as those brave men and women that are currently serving in our armed forces.”

Members of the Sikh community joined the Mayor to commemorate the life of late Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji at his monument in St Andrew's Gardens.

The Indian born Royal Air Force fighter was one of the first Sikh pilots to volunteer during the Second World War.

He later died at Darent Valley Hospital, aged 92, after suffering a stroke in 2010.

The Mayor Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar is joined by members of the Sikh community to commemorate late RAF Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji at his monument. Picture: Jason Arthur (21349609)
The Mayor Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar is joined by members of the Sikh community to commemorate late RAF Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji at his monument. Picture: Jason Arthur (21349609)

An exhibition exploring his heroism was featured at Gravesham Civic Centre.

An additional Remembrance service will take place at the civic centre in Gravesend Community Square on Monday.

A Dakota and two Spitfires heading to the White Cliffs to drop 750,000 paper poppies flew over the service en route to the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne.

Chatham veteran Steve Craddock was one of five former servicemen on board the Second World War Da kota aircraft, which flew during the D-Day landings in Normandy in 1944.

An annual Remembrance service was also held at the War Memorial in Central Park, Dartford.

Crowds gathered as veterans joined by youth organisations led a processions from the High Street, along Market Street.

There were prayers, music and hymns before wreaths were laid beside the monument outside the park.

Speaking ahead of the the event, Council leader Jeremy Kite showed his support for those who still serve at home and overseas.

Aero Legend Spitfires and a C. 47 Dakota flew over Gravesend as part of the Remembrance Day commemorations. Photo: Fraser Gray. (21360650)
Aero Legend Spitfires and a C. 47 Dakota flew over Gravesend as part of the Remembrance Day commemorations. Photo: Fraser Gray. (21360650)

Posting on Facebook he said: "I'm very proud to know that Dartford doesn't need many reminders about Remembrance Day and the numbers of local people who take part in services and commemorations around this great borough seems to rise every year.

"In a year that has seen its share of turbulence and tetchiness in our national public discourse, perhaps events like the Service of Remembrance at Central Park can bring everyone together to appreciate the debt we all owe to those who served and those who gave when our country, and wider freedoms, were in peril.

"It's a chance too, to thank and show support for those who still serve at home and overseas. The courage and professionalism is endless."

Special needs teacher and Liberal Democrats campaigner, Kyle Marsh was also in attendance.

He said: "Acts of Remembrance have been an important part of my life, from my childhood in Canada until now, and will continue to be important to me.

"My parents were both soldiers, and many of the friends I grew up with have served their country in the Armed Forces.”

A Dakota and two Spitfires heading to the White Cliffs to drop 750,000 poppies flew over the Gravesend service at Windmill Hill. Photo: Jason Arthur (21350223)
A Dakota and two Spitfires heading to the White Cliffs to drop 750,000 poppies flew over the Gravesend service at Windmill Hill. Photo: Jason Arthur (21350223)

"Peace is difficult to attain, and lasting peace is fragile. I urge all Dartford citizens and visitors to do what they can to mark this sombre and meaningful day.”

Southeastern will be offering free travel on all of its services today for serving troops, veterans and cadets.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

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