Hundreds of residents braved cold weather to pay their respects for Remembrance Day at Hendon war memorial on Sunday.

The parade, led by the band of the Sea Training Ship Broadsword from West Hendon, wound its way towards the Watford Way memorial from Hendon Town Hall.

Community leaders, politicians and veterans laid their wreaths before a large crowd.

Even passing motorists switched off their engines at 11am as a mark of respect.

You could've heard a pin drop during those two minutes. Veterans, some more than 90-years-old, raised their voices skywards for the singing of the National Anthem.

Arthur Rogers, 81, was among veterans at the service. Summing up the atmosphere, the five times decorated former ground crewman said: "Today makes me think back to wartime and remember the ones who died for their country."

Alfred Rawel, 82, a former member of the Middlesex machine gun battalion and D-Day veteran, said: "Today means two things: thinking of people who didn't come back and being grateful I am still alive and pleased of our victory."

Ninety-year-old veteran Tommy Cooper, who joined the RAF in 1931 and served for 24 years, said the Afghanistan conflict made this year's service especially poignant.

Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Anita Campbell, council leader Alan Williams and Hendon MP Andrew Dismore were among those laying wreaths.

Mr Dismore said: "Remembrance Day is important because as time has gone by we tend to focus on the troubles of the day.

"This day makes it very difficult to forget the suffering of people back in time and think of those who may be suffering bereavement or injuries today."

The Salvation Army's Hendon branch brass band were under fire this week after blaming a "prior engagement in Hull" for their non-appearance at Sunday's service.

The band of Sea Training Ship Broadsword from West Hendon stepped in at the last minute to save the service from musical disaster. Hendon MP Andrew Dismore said: "I was extremely surprised that they weren't there especially as November 11 is something which appears pre-printed in every diary.

"It wasn't as it should be as the band is part of the institution of the day. But the Hendon Sea Training Corps did a splendid job standing in at the last minute."

Sea cadets even played on when one of their young members fainted.

"They did their best although one of our boys suddenly fainted as he was overwhelmed by the sense of the occasion but he is fine now," said Commander Gerald Beck.

A Salvation Army spokeswoman said: "The Royal British Legion were told some months ago that they could not attend and it's unfortunate they were attending another memorial service in Hull instead.

"Hendon are very sorry if any offence was caused and that wasn't their intention. If invited next year they will gladly be there."

November 13, 2001 11:09

SARAH MILLS