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Bordon remembers

Wednesday 11th of November 2009

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More than 100 residents and servicemen gathered at Whitehill's War Memorial on Wednesday to pay tribute to the men and women who have fallen in defence of their country.

The service was also used to welcome home soldiers of 4 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, from operations in Afghanistan.

The Reverend Will Hughes, vicar at St Matthew's Church, in Blackmoor, led the service, urging those gathered to remember those who died for their country in war:

He recalled "those who we knew, and those whose memory we treasure and all who have lived and died in the service of mankind".

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He added: "We remember with gratitude, their sacrifice, especially the 69 servicemen from our parish listed on our roll of honour."

Children from Bordon County Junior School and Woodlea Primary School laid crosses on the War Memorial for each name read out.

Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the town and military.

The REME soldiers deployed in Afghanistan have endured long periods in isolated locations, contending with a very hot and dusty environment, extremely basic living conditions and the ever-present threat from Taliban insurgents and roadside bombs.

The recovery mechanics have deployed forward to all areas and have been responsible for recovering stricken combat vehicles from danger, often under direct enemy fire.