Young and old remember war dead in Sheffield

Sheffield schoolchildren and war veterans today paid their respects to those killed while serving their country.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.

A crowd of several hundred gathered at Barker's Pool on Armistice Day to lay wreaths and observe a two minute silence at 11am.

Christine Spencer, chairman of the Sheffield and Districts Joint Council of Ex-Service Association, led the service.

Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
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She said: "Here today we remember all who made the supreme sacrifice in all wars.

"Particularly this year, those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme, which affected many, many families in this area.

"It lasted a great number of days, and we have people going to the Somme next week to mark the end of that battle.

"I'm sure they will take the thoughts of Sheffield people with them."

Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
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Pupils from St Theresa's Catholic Primary School in Intake and Oasis Academy Fir Vale were invited to take part in the service.

Patricia Godfrey, teacher at St Theresa's, said:"It's really important to get the children involved, because it's part of our heritage, part of our culture.

"We have done a whole week around Remembrance. The children spotted the soldiers today - we have talked about them and now they are here."

The children also designed tissue poppies to sell in school. They raised £40 toward the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. They made crosses and wrote poems, some of which Mrs Godfrey described as 'heart-rending'.

Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
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It was a particularly special day for veteran Frank Yates. The 95-year-old from Intake was proudly displaying his recently-awarded Légion d'honneur medal.

Frank, an anti-aircraft gunner who was one of many to land on the beaches of Normandy during the Second World War, said: "It's very important for the Remembrance tradition to continue.

"It's delightful to see the schoolchildren here."

Frank has published his memoirs online, after being persuaded by his son to write down his experiences of the war.

Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.
Armistice Day service in Barker's Pool, Sheffield, November 11, 2016.

"My arm was twisted, so I went to PC World and bought a computer," he said. "It took me eight years typing with one finger."

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More Remembrance events took place across the city this morning, and another service will be held at Barker's Pool on Sunday.

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