Members of Hythe and Saltwood RBL Branch travelled to Berck-sur-Mer, Northern France, a twin town of Hythe to take part in Armistice services.

Our first early morning stop was at Etaples Military Cemetery.   A small service was held by Revd. Barry Knott of St. Peter and St. Paul Saltwood, with the Kohima Epitaph read by Branch Committee Members Joe Moran.  Piper Chris Mcnealy played a moving Last post, which echoed throughout the cemetery.  Wreaths were laid on behalf of RBL, Hythe Town Council and Hythe Twinning Association.

Additionally, we paid our respects to 2 Hythe men, Private L.V.Jeffries and Staff Sergent H.J.Dungay buried in this cemetery.  The group then moved on to Berck-sur-Mer to be part of their Armistice parade.  Deputy Mayor, Councillor Pauline Curran, accompanied the Mayor of Berck Mr. Bruno Cousein, accompanied by Colette Martel, President of Berck Twinning, Shirley Moberly, Chair of Hythe Twinning and Joe Moran. All parties laid wreaths at the main memorial. Committee member Barry Vincer had researched the history of the Hythe fallen and it was this work that prompted Hythe Twinning Association to include some of these names in our French and Belgian acts of remembrance. The tradition of this annual visit, organised by Kevin Howell, Vice Chair of Hythe Twinning Association, was appreciated by all who took part.

Some returning for many years and others their first visit but all moved by this act of remembrance in the land of the Somme, Picardy and Flanders.

In addition, another party went to Poperinge, Belgium, The other twin town of Hythe. They also took part in wreath laying ceremonies at the town’s memorial and in the town cemetery. Hythe men were remembered at the Town memorial and their details read out as part of the ceremony.