Services remember forces war dead

Remembrance day ceremonies were held across Berkshire and Oxfordshire

Ceremonies have taken place across Berkshire and Oxfordshire to remember the servicemen and women who lost their lives in past and current conflicts.

War veterans in Reading gathered at Brock Barracks for a ceremony and two minutes silence at 1100 GMT.

This year's events fall just two days before the 90th anniversary of the armistice at the end of World War I.

Alan Hicks, from Finchampstead, was honouring the memory of his son who died in fighting in Afghanistan.

Captain David Hicks was fatally wounded in August 2007 but refused morphine so he could continue to lead his troops.

The 26-year-old from Wokingham was posthumously awarded the Military Cross in March for his actions.

They deserve not to become simple footnotes in history Alan Hicks Father of Captain David Hicks

Mr Hicks told BBC Radio Berkshire: "These men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice and they deserve not to become simple footnotes in history.

"We must remember them, we must honour them and recognise the contribution they have made.

"The two minute silence is very difficult because we had David for 26 years and it's really a panoramic view of all those very happy years."

Mayor of Reading, Councillor Peter Beard, joined troops and the Band of the 7th Rifles at the ceremony at Brock Barracks.

In Twyford, a parade organised by the Scouts and led by Maidenhead Concert Band was held before a service at St Mary the Virgin Church in Station Road.

In Helmdon, on the Oxfordshire border, a memorial service was held for 10 US airmen who died when their plane crashed in a local field 65 years ago.

Details of the crash were only recently divulged and the ceremony was attended by representatives from RAF Croughton, the local US airbase.

In London, the Queen led Remembrance Sunday tributes at the Cenotaph in Whitehall and thousands of veterans marched past the memorial.