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World War 1 Commemoration Events

Falmouth commemorated the First World War on Sunday 3rd August with a short Service at Kimberley Park War Memorial and Picnic in the Park followed by an evening Great War Service at King Charles the Martyr Church organised by Falmouth Churches Together. The Town Mayor Councillor John Body and Falmouth’s Local Member of Parliament Sarah Newton attended the services along with Councillors, Veterans and Service Personnel.

During the Kimberley Park service led by the Mayors Chaplain Father Mark Mesley the Town Mayor laid a white wreath with one single red rose and red poppy wreaths were laid by representatives of the combined armed forces represented by Gunnery Officer Olly Hazeldine from HMS Severn, the combined veteran organisations and the Royal British Legion. After the service Falmouth Community Gospel Choir followed by Pendennis Brass Band entertained the crowd including performances from the First World War. The Royal British Legion Bikers were in attendance with an information gazebo to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal and members bikes were also on show. Members of the public were also able to view names of the fallen on a display board sited at the War Memorial.

To view the War Memorial Names.

To commemorate the actual start of the First World War on Monday 4th August flags throughout the Town were flown at half mast and a service at the Cross of Sacrifice at Falmouth Cemetery took place which the Town Mayor attended and laid a wreath. The Town Mayor also opened a Century of the Great War Exhibition at the Arcs of Fire Gallery on Killigrew Street which is free to attend and is displaying many items of interest including rare pictures of Falmouth during the war years.

Councillor David Saunby who chaired the organising Committee for the commemoration was responsible for making the arrangements for displaying the 20ft x 12ft image of a World War One Tank and Crew on the Moor Piazza which was taken from the painting ‘Time for Thought’ by local artist George Queen to commemorate the Centenary of The Great War. A real tank stood on the Moor after the War presented to the Town for its wartime efforts.

Town Mayor Councillor John Body said ‘I was honoured to attend the commemoration services and represent the Town. They were fitting events for the Town to honour the sacrifice made by so many. Councillor Saunby has worked tirelessly to ensure that the First World War was appropriately remembered and he should be proud of what he has achieved’.