THE streets stood still this morning as crowds gathered to honour the 100th anniversary of the Battle of The Somme.

Silence fell across the town centre as veterans and shoppers bowed their heads to show solidarity with the fallen of one of the bloodiest battles in history, which began July 1, 1916.

Scores of people gathered by the Cenotaph for a haunting ceremony organised by the Royal British Legion.

Dignitaries including Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Colonel James Arkell laid wreaths.

Standard bearers from the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Signals Association lowered their flags as a bugler played the Last Post.

A one minute silence before seven crosses to represent the seven Swindon soldiers who died on the first day of the battle were laid in a touching tribute.

John Woodman, who lives in Cornwall Avenue, laid a cross in memory of his uncle Private Albert Woodman, who died aged 20 on July 1 1916.

“If he hadn’t fought for our freedom, I might not be here today,” said the 82-year-old who served in Egypt and Jordan.

“I am so proud of him and everything he did. The terror he must have felt going over the top as a young man doesn’t bear thinking about. That’s why I had to come here to honour him.”

The Kohima epitaph read by Korea war veteran Corporal Ernest Quince of Kingshill Road followed.
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today,” he said.

Friends from the Royal Signal Corp veterans Derick Dowdeswell and Terry Reynolds who live in Stratton said the sacrifices of the young men had paved the way for future generations.

For Derick, 85 a family connection inspired him to pay his respects
“My father Private Albert James fought in World War One and the Somme. He was wounded in the arm but survived. He was very proud of having served. They fought so we could have a future. It’s important to remember that in this day and age,” he said.

Terry, 79, added:
“We are so proud of all of them. So many soldiers lost their lives and it is only right that we are here today remembering what they fought for at such a young age.”

Mayor Eric Shaw said he was delighted to pay his respects.
“I am honoured to be here today and to see so many people from our town come out to attend the service,” he said.

“It was such an awful battle where so many lost their lives and a light must be shone on the sacrifices of the fallen.”

The Legion’s Regent Street centre then provided hot drinks and cakes and an opportunity for people to honour the fallen.

The Battle of the Somme, fought in northern France, raged for five months and was one of the bloodiest of World War One. The British and French Armies bravely fought the Germans but the Allies were unable to break through their lines. In total more than 1m died and were wounded.

More than 100 soldiers from the town lost their lives in the Battle.