Region pauses to reflect on heroes of war

Nov 15 2010 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

THE North East paused as one to reflect on fallen comrades in poignant scenes of remembrance yesterday.

Hundreds lined the streets of cities, towns and villages across the region in honour of those who died in conflict in defence of their country.

Remembrance Sunday services attracted veterans, their families, dignitaries, and well-wishers to pay respect to those who gave their today for our tomorrow.

In Newcastle, the sombre toll of bells at St Nicholas’ Cathedral marked the start of the city’s moving commemorations.

Veterans old enough to recall lost friends, and children too young to remember stood quietly at Old Eldon Square during an emotional ceremony.

Gunfire from 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery began a two-minute silence at 11am as the Union flag was lowered to half mast and regimental standards fluttered in a cool Autumn wind.

Dignitaries including the city’s Lord Mayor Brenda Hindmarsh and Northumbria Police’s temporary chief constable Sue Sim laid wreathes at the cenotaph to music from the Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Also paying tribute was six-year-old Molly Frazer, who planted a cross in honour of her great-great uncle, Matthew Frazer, who died in the trenches at the harrowing battle of Ypres in the First World War.

Molly’s father Mark, from Durham city, said: “We make sure that every year we take time to thank Uncle Matthew for what he and his comrades did for us.

“He was only 19 when he died fighting for Passchendaele in Belgium and it’s hard to imagine what he went through.” Following the wreath-laying service the Lord Mayor moved to a platform at Grey’s Monument where he took salutes from the various service groups which had taken part in the parade.

Among the veterans gathered to pay their respects was Alan Lowson, a former engineer with the Royal Air Force. Mr Lowson, 78, from Ryton Gateshead, was a warrant officer who saw conflict in the Battle of Suez and Aden.