Falmouth commemorates 100th anniversary of World War One: PICTURES

On Sunday, a short service, led by the mayor's chaplain Father Mark Mesley, was held at the war memorial in Kimberley Park when the mayor, John Body, laid a white wreath with one single red rose.

Red poppy wreaths were also 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. The names of the local men who never made it home from the war were displayed on boards next to the memorial.

That evening a Great War Service, organised by Falmouth Churches Together, was held at King Charles the Martyr Church. The service was attended by the mayor along with Falmouth's MP Sarah Newton, councillors, veterans and service personnel who had also paid their respects at the War Memorial in the morning.

To mark the actual day Britain declared war on Germany - Monday, August 4 - flags throughout the town were flown at half mast and an Act of Commemoration was held at the Cross of Sacrifice in Falmouth Cemetery, again led by Rev Mesley.

This was attended by the mayor, town clerk, Mark Williams; sexton, Lee Mitchell; Ron Burdekin and Ian Hewson from the Falmouth branch of the Royal Navy Association and bugler Bill Bishop, among others. The mayor and police cadet Sam Passmore laid a wreath.

Ahead of Monday's service, Mr Body officially opened the Century of the Great War Exhibition which is on display at the Arcs of Fire Gallery in Killigrew Street until August 23.

The exhibition includes many paintings and prints, including those by gallery owner Mark Littlejohn, along with photographs taking locally and artefacts which include items of trench art, a silver war badge, commemoration mug, a German trench knife, air darts, bayonets, a Colt .45 pistol, hand grenade and information on local families and their role in the war.

Councillor David Saunby who chaired the town council's organising committee for the commemoration, attended all events and was also responsible for making the arrangements for the 20ft by 12ft image of a World War One tank and crew which has gone on display on the Moor piazza The giant image was taken from the painting Time for Thought by Falmouth artist George Queen which was specially commissioned by Mr Saunby. Mr Queen, 74, of Lambs Lane, was present when the image was pieced together by staff and students from Falmouth Marine School on Friday.

After a busy three days, Mr 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.”

All those who attended the Act of Commemoration at the Cross of Sacrifice in Falmouth Cemetery