WITH banners held high, representatives of Royal British Legion branches from across the UK marched through Bournemouth yesterday.

They were delegates to the forces charity’s annual conference, which this year was held at the Bournemouth International Centre, and on Sunday morning they paraded from Pier Approach through the gardens to the war memorial.

There a memorial ceremony was held, with wreaths laid and the Last Post played.

Led by the Regimental Band of the Royal Logistics Corps, the parade of several hundred people featured the standards of more than 50 branches and was followed up by a large group of local veterans.

They were welcomed to the memorial by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Derek Borthwick, and many onlookers lined the route through the gardens.

Terry Whittles, the Legion’s national chairman, said: “The parade is a fitting tribute from the legion to remember all those from the area who lost their lives in conflict.

“We are delighted to work alongside BCP Council to host our conference in this beautiful coastal town.

“The conference is a fantastic opportunity to give our supporters updates on the vital work we do in providing life-long support to the armed forces community in the UK and across the globe.”

  • This week the Daily Echo launches a commemorative book in tribute to the heroes of Operation Overlord, marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day. With stories and pictures telling the tales of the soldiers, seamen and airmen who took part in the monumental military campaign, and behind the scenes insights into the planning behind it, the D-Day 75 book is packed with memories.

The book goes on sale on Friday in newsagents across Dorset. A full list of stockists will be published in tomorrow’s Daily Echo.

Priced at just £1.50, 15p from each sale will be donated to an armed forced charity.