A GARRISON city has unveiled its plans to commemorate the fallen this Remembrance Sunday.

Colchester Council will be conducting its annual remembrance service and wreath-laying ceremony at the city’s war memorial, in High Street, from 10.45am on Sunday, November 12.

The service will result in road closures throughout Head Street, High Street and St Nicholas Square from 8am till 1pm on the day.

For the solemn event which remembers the soldiers who fought in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts, there will be a parade by the city’s 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Gazette: Annual event - Each year the crowds turn up to watch the Remembrance Sunday paradeAnnual event - Each year the crowds turn up to watch the Remembrance Sunday parade (Image: Steve Brading)

The 16 Air Assault Brigade, based at Merville Barracks, in Circular Road South, will be accompanied during the parade by the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor John Jowers, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst.

The event will also include a 105-millimetre light gunfire from the 7th Parachute Regiment, which will mark the beginning and end of the traditional two-minute silence which starts at 11am.

Mr Jowers said: “This Remembrance Sunday, as we pay our respects to those who have fallen in conflict, we do so in the shadow of war in Europe and conflict in the Middle East.

“It is a reminder that peace is fragile and must be cherished. 

“We remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve, and we pledge to uphold the values for which they fought.

“We also remember the innocent victims of war, and we pray for peace. 

Gazette: In memory - Veterans remembering the dead during 2021's Remembrance Sunday ceremonyIn memory - Veterans remembering the dead during 2021's Remembrance Sunday ceremony (Image: Steve Brading)

“I encourage everyone to join me on the steps of the Town Hall on Armistice Day and at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who have given their lives for our freedom.” 

Colchester Garrison’s Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, also expressed that it is vital importance that “we join together” to remember the fallen soldiers.

Once the remembrance ceremony ends, the mayor will take the salute at Colchester’s town hall, in High Street, as the city's British Army Band leads the parade.

Colchester’s Remembrance Sunday Order of Service is available to download via colchester.gov.uk/orderofservice.