MORE than 100 residents gathered at Colchester war memorial for the traditional two minutes silence to mark Armistice Day.

Just before 11am, traffic down Colchester High Street was stopped by a bus driver with an estimated 150 people gathering around the memorial for the silence.

During a short informal ceremony, Colchester Rotary Club’s Ian McMeeken read the traditional recitation ending with the words “We will remember them”.

John McCrae’s famous poem In Flanders Fields was read by Peter Ward, Colchester Remembrancer, who was dressed in a uniform in the style of those worn during the First World War.

Wreaths were laid by some of those present, adding to the dozens which were placed at the memorial on Remembrance Sunday, when 400 people gathered for an informal ceremony.

Also at 11am Colchester mayor Robert Davidson and Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus, Commander of Colchester Garrison, gathered outside the town hall to mark the silence.

A bugler played from the town hall balcony.

To mark Armistice Day one member of Colchester Military Wives choir has also been involved in recording a new single.

To commemorate the 100 Year Journey of the Unknown Warrior, members of Military Wives Choirs from across the country have re-recorded a hymn sung at the funeral itself in 1920.

The version of Abide with Me was sung by 70 members of choirs across Britain, including Jessica Cook from the Colchester group.

Conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton, one of Britain’s most distinguished conductors, and produced by Sean Hargreaves, each singer involved was recorded individually due to coronavirus restrictions.

Julia Hudson, music and performance manager for Military Wives Choirs, said: “Our choir members have come from all over the country during challenging times, to produce something that fittingly commemorates the centenary of an event that brought people together during the most difficult times this country has ever faced.”

The song is available via all digital platforms now.