IT WAS a momentous day in Watchet as the town unveiled and dedicated its long awaited memorial to the Watchet men who lost their lives during WW1 and WW2.

The memorial depicts the sandbags and barbed wire, poignant to the men who fought during WW1.

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Reverend David Cooper, who served during the Falklands conflict, dedicated the memorial.

The guest of honour was General Sir Michael Rose during the ceremony on Saturday (June 28).

The design of the monument evolved from a drawing by Roxy Towells, and the children of Knights Templar School.

Roxy presented a posy of flowers to Lady Angela Rose.

An inspection on the 6th Battalion Rifles Guard of Honour by General Sir Michael Rose started the ceremony.

All other military services as well as civilian services were represented and laid wreaths to remember the fallen.

The West Somerset Brass Band, Jess Scott and Mark Pearce provided music and the children of Knights Templar School read a poem and sang Let there be Peace, accompanied by Carl Smethurst on guitar.

Major Robert McDonald, chairman of the Watchet Remembrance Project Group thanked the town for the support and help the group had received.

After the General had addressed the people, he was invited to cut the ribbon and unveil the monument, this he did with the help of Robert and members of the Royal Warwickshire fusiliers.

A minuets silence was observed, reveille was sounded, and the Kohima Prayer was read by Dr Glinn Court, a Burma Star Veteran.

Additional wreaths were laid by cllr Stewart Dowding , chairman West Somerset District Council, Town mayor Loretta Whetlor on behalf of the people of Watchet, Josh Crockford on behalf of the youth of Watchet, and Sara Summers on behalf of the Watchet Remembrance Project Group.

A number of white doves were released to symbolise peace. A spokesperson added: “All in all it was a very emotional and moving day for the people of Watchet.

“There was a fantastic turn out of people and we’re very grateful to everyone who came and to the Watchet Phoenix Group and Glenmore Bakery.”