Servicemen and women who laid down their lives for their country were honoured in memorial services across Wandsworth on Remembrance Day on Sunday.

Former service personnel, local dignitaries and members of the public joined thousands throughout the country who came together to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the two world wars and more recent conflicts.

Military personnel involved in the current conflict in Afghanistan and those who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attacks in America were also remembered.

In Battersea Park, council leader, Councillor Edward Lister and Labour leader, Councillor Tony Belton, laid wreaths at the park's war memorial along with other councillors, representatives of service organisations and members of the public.

A special tribute was paid to the Wandsworth residents who lost their lives including the 119 officers and men of the 13th battalion of the East Surrey Regiment who were killed in the First World War.

At 11am, those present observed a nationwide two-minute silence to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the moment when the First World War ended. The silence was broken by three buglers from the London Regiment playing the Last Post.

At a service at St Mary's Church, Battersea, the Last Post and Reveille were played on the bugle by Battersea MP Martin Linton.

Mr Linton was joined by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Ron Smith and a congregation of some 500 people including scouts and cadets from units across the borough who stood side by side with war veterans.

In Putney, ex-servicemen and women and private mourners took part in a parade starting at the headquarters of the Royal British Legion Club, in Upper Richmond Road.

The contingent, which included scout groups from Wandsworth and members of the TA transport division in Merton Road, was accompanied by the Sutherland pipe and drum band as it made its way up Putney High Street to a service at St Mary's Church at the foot of Putney Bridge.

November 16, 2001 12:01