By Rebecca Hannant
The people of Hornsea came together to remember the fallen at Remembrance commemorations in the town last week.
At 11am on Armistice Day, Friday, November 11, about 50 people joined members of the Hornsea branch of the Royal British Legion in a short service at the Memorial Gardens in New Road before a two-minute silence.
On Remembrance Sunday, November 13, St Nicholas Church in Hornsea was the venue for the civic service, which was followed by the first parade through the town in two years.
About 400 people paraded down Newbegin, including members of the Beavers, Scouts, Air Cadets, Army Cadets and forces veterans. Representatives of Hornsea Town Council were also in attendance, while many visitors watched from the sidelines. At 11am there was the period of silence, followed by the laying of wreaths in another service of Remembrance conducted by Rev Tina Minett Stevens. Steve Mason was also chosen as the official photographer for the weekend.
Organiser Keith Twigg said: “It was quite inspiring to see so many people there to honour the fallen, including the representative of His Majesty King Charles, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Patricia Dalby. Also present were the mayor and deputy mayoress of Hornsea, Stephen Prescott and Laura Embleton, and members of so many local groups. It was wonderful to witness the presence of so many young people and children.
“It was also the pleasure of the local branch of the Royal British Legion to welcome many serving military personnel, veterans, and families.”
The event was also poignant for the Lyles family of Hornsea who have served in the armed forces over four generations, with more than 104 years of military service from 1914 to the present day between them.
Derrick Lyles, a retired Sergeant Major of 34 years in the British Army and 22 years in the Coldstream Guards, wore his great-uncle Harold’s medals from the Great War. Harold was killed in action and is buried in France.
Derrick was accompanied by his son Jack, who is a member of the Yorkshire Regiment. He was also joined by his nephew Lieutenant Sam Cole of the Royal Signals, the grandson of Major Patrick Cole, also of the Royal Signals, who died a few years ago. His widow Valerie Cole, daughter Lorraine Lyles, great-granddaughter Isla, 13, and seven-year-old great-grandson Jude were also in attendance alongside Jack’s fiancée Maisie Smith.
Derrick’s younger son Harry Lyles, 17, who is currently in his basic training in the British Army, also attended the event alongside his family. After completing his training, he hopes to join his brother Jack in the Yorkshire Regiment in September 2023.
After the service in the Memorial Gardens many attendees met at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club for light refreshments provided courtesy of Hornsea Town Council and the committee and members of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
Mr Twigg added: “The branch would like to thank all involved in the organisation and management of the services and parade. They really are too numerous to mention but they know who they are, and they played their part in ensuring that the fallen were honoured and remembered in Hornsea.”
