REMEMBRANCE 2018: Spilsby community rallies to honour war sacrifices

The Remembrance Day parade in Skegness. Photo: Bradley Rockliffe ANL-181211-163914001

An '˜overwhelming' tribute was paid in Spilsby to those who gave their lives in war in the name of freedom.

Sunday saw a vast number of people attend a Remembrance Day event in the town on what was the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

A parade to St James’ Church featured representatives from a wide range of groups: the Spilsby Branch of the Royal British Legion, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, the Scouts and Guides, King Edward VI Academy, Spilsby Primary School, and more. It was followed by a service at the church, which was left standing room only by the attendance, and wreath laying at the war memorial.

Youth organisations at the Remembrance Day parade in Spilsby. Photo: Bradley Rockliffe

Mayor of Spilsby Mark Gale, a veteran himself, said: “The turnout was overwhelming. I have never seen anything like it in my life.”

The day also saw wreaths laid at RAF Spilsby, the former station at Great Steeping.

In addition, the town council organised an afternoon tea event at Franklin Hall and the lighting of a beacon on Shamfields – an area used during the First World War for training in trench combat – as part of a nationwide tribute.