Fallen heroes remembered in Chichester

More than a thousand people gathered in the rain at the city’s war memorial in Litten Gardens for the service this morning.

Representatives from 47 Regiment Royal Artillery from Thorney Island joined air, navy, and army cadet forces, The Royal British Legion, the guides, cubs, scouts, St Johns Ambulance, the police, and many residents in what is thought to be the biggest attended service for years.

The Mayor of Chichester Michael Woolley was joined by city councillors, and guests, the leader of Chichester District Council John Ridd, and the Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex Margaret Johnson in laying a number of the 20 or so wreaths.

The Chichester city band also played on through the pouring rain.

Cllr Woolley said: “I’m always impressed by how many people turn out in the rain, it was very good.

“It was very good to have a group from Thorney Island Baker Baracks. It was very good to have all the ages represented.

“I think it’s important to remember because in a town like this the town really comes together.”

Vice chairman of the Chichester branch of The Royal British Legion, Chris Ainsworth said: “It’s very important to still remember. It’s not just to remember the first and second world wars, we have got to remember the troops who are continually fighting for peace.

“We were boosted by 55 regular soldiers from Thorney Island, which was a welcome addition.

“I would just like to say thank you to everyone who turned up considering what the weather was like.

“In Chichester the public are very into the remembrance side of because we have been a military city in the past, a lot of these people here have served or know serving personnel and people they lost as well.

“People are slowly realising it’s not just the main wars.”