Service to mark historic Armistice Day

Wed Nov 11 2009 09:50:12

A poignant memorial service will take place at Westminster Abbey later to mark the passing of the First World War generation.

The last three remaining First World War veterans living in the UK - William Stone, Henry Allingham and Harry Patch - all died this year.

A Union Flag used to cover the bodies of the fallen during the conflict will hang in the Abbey.

Meanwhile, British soldiers serving in Afghanistan commemorated Armistice Day with a two minute silence.

At Camp Bastion a gun marked the beginning of the silence. From the cook house to the postal centre to the training ground, soldiers took a moment to remember the dead.

Lt Col David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Operations here in Helmand must continue at full tempo despite it being Armistice Day."

Later at Westminster Abbey, relatives of some of those who served in the war will give readings. Anne Davidson, the daughter of Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer William Stone who fought in both World Wars but died in January aged 108, will deliver a passage from the Bible.

Andrew Orr Ewing, whose great-great grandfather Captain David Orr Ewing fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and whose father Lieutenant Colonel David Orr Ewing is currently serving in Afghanistan in the Black Watch, will also give a reading.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will give the address.

ers it will be business as usual."

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