A POIGNANT event to commemorate the centenary of the beginning of World War One took place at Christchurch Quay yesterday.

The Tribute to the Fallen, organised by the Christchurch Royal British Legion and its band, with support from Christchurch council, was visited by hundreds of people throughout Sunday afternoon.

The military tattoo saw performances from wind and brass bands including Hyde Band, the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band and Christchurch Royal British Legion Band.

And a 100-year-old ‘J’ type military lorry, which has been restored, was also a key attraction.

Stalls representing the different sectors of the armed forces lined the arena, with cadets and veterans also turning out.

There was also representation from the Red House Museum and Friends of New Forest Airfields.

The afternoon culminated in a drumhead service led by Reverend Richard Partridge, assistant curate at the Priory church.

Gerry Nunn, chairman of the Royal British Legion Christchurch, said the day was a chance to remember those servicemen and women who lost their lives, not just in the First World War but other conflicts too.

“At the Legion we are the custodians of remembrance and we have to bring that to the people of Christchurch for all the generations to remember”, he said.

“We billed this deliberately as a tribute to the fallen rather than World War One specifically because of the significant anniversaries this year. It remembers everyone who gave their life for their country.”

He said around 123 people from Christchurch were lost in World War One.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, said: “I think events such as these are so important, especially to remember the sacrifices that were made.

“Christchurch was so much smaller in those days and everybody knew someone who was affected by the war.”