Updated: Crowds Gather To Remember Those Who Died in Conflict

Published on: 9 Nov, 2026
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2026

Poppy wreaths laid at the Guildford War Memorial in the Castle Grounds on Remembrance Sunday.

By Tom Brown with additional story by David Rose

At least a thousand people gathered yesterday to remember Guildford’s war dead.

During the church service at Holy Trinity Church, Council Leader Julia McShane and Mayor Jane Tyson read selected gospel readings. Lieutenant Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE made a poignant speech on the past and continuing sacrifice of British forces and the importance of remembrance – recalling names of Guildford locals who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1.

Remembrance procession in Tunsgate.

Crowds then lined the High Street yesterday to watch the procession, led by the The Friary Brass Band, from to the war memorial in the Castle Grounds where the traditional parade and ceremony took place.

Among those taking part were forces veterans, cadets, St John’s Ambulance, St Nicolas 9th Scout Group, Hon Freemen, Aldermen and Councillors and representatives from the Police and Fire Service.

A two minute silence commenced following the sounding of Last Post and the ceremony concluded following the National Anthem.

Service of Remembrance in Charlotteville

Charlotteville residents and others from further afield, gathered at the war memorial in Addison Road for the annual Saturday Act of Remembrance and laying of poppy wreaths.

Charlotteville remembers its fallen with a at the war memorial in Addison Road on Saturday, November 7.

The service was conducted by the Revd Rod Pierce of Holy Trinity Church with Last Post and Reveille played by bugler Brian Cohen.

Bugler Brian Cohen.

Anthony Jacques recited the Ode of Remembrance and The Kohima Epitaph was recited by the young son of the house manager at Addison Court.

Relatives of those on the memorial and others laid wreaths, including Val and Suzanne, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Frederick Newman.

Ian Nicholls and Julie Howarth reflected on the war directly impacting the residents 85 years ago when bombs fell in Cline and Addison Roads resulting in the death of Herbert Washington of Cline Road.

Also, in 1941, the death of Ronald Durbridge of Addison Road who died when his Whitley aircraft crashed on approach to the No. 612 Squadron’s base in Scotland.