Hundreds of people lined the streets of Nuneaton as the Band of 121 {Nuneaton) Squadron led the towns annual Remembrance Day parade from the Town Hall to the Riversley Park War Memorial for the civic service of Remembrance.

The Cadets of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps had a central part to play in a moving Remembrance Service and parade as the people of their home town turned out in record numbers to pay their respects to servicemen and women past and present who have fought and died for their country.

Poppy-wearing youngsters stood alongside war veterans with their medals as they gathered around the Riversley Park War Memorial for the civic service. An honour guard formed by Sea, Army and Air cadets and commanded by 121 Squadrons Warrant Officer Jim Taylor, stood in silent vigil at the War memorial during the wreath laying ceremony, which was led by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and other civic leaders, service representatives and members of ex-service organisations.

During a dignified outdoor service, the Rev Helga Cornell said: “The figures of those who have died are too large to comprehend but we must also reflect on those who face great dangers on the battlefield today on our behalf. Almost weekly, we are reminded of the cost when we see the repatriations of servicemen from Afghanistan.”

Following the service the Air Cadet Band of 121 Squadron formed up for the march past. The parade was a stirring sight, with the cadet band leading and a forest of Royal British Legion, ex-service Association and Cadet Standards fluttering in the autumn wind as they marched in procession along Coton Road and past the saluting base at the Council House.

Parade marshall, Warrant Officer Murray Richards, of the Royal Fusiliers who was in his final week as a serving soldier said,, "We were so pleased to see so many young people at the service, including those from the Cadet Forces and I want to say that it was a pleasure to march behind the Air Cadet Band, they did an excellent job."

Flt Lt Paul Hincks of 121 Squadron said, “Once again our cadets have taken a leading role in the towns Remembrance Day Parade and I would like to thank every one of them for helping to make the parade such a success. I would also like to say how pleased we were to see one of our town’s most recognizable figures back on parade again this year, former parade marshal, ex Royal Marine, Jesse Owen, who was too ill to attend last years parade. I'm sure I speak for everyone on parade today when I say that it was good to see him rejoin the ranks again this year.”

121 Squadron Tribute to the fallen

More photographs from Nuneaton's 2011 Remembrance Sunday

The Royal British Legion was created to preserve the spirit of fellowship and service to others formed by all ranks and to maintain, in a strong, stimulating, united comradeship, all those who have served in H.M. Forces, or Auxiliary Forces or who are still serving so that neither their efforts nor their interests shall be forgotten; and that their welfare and that of the dependants of those who died in the service of their country may be safeguarded; and that just and equitable treatment shall be secured to them in respect of the difficulties caused in their lives as a result of their service.