Memorial tree planted as Otterton’s fallen are remembered
Scout standard bearers at Otterton, with Scout leaders, Alan and Ann Lowe - Credit: Archant
Otterton marked the centenary of the end of World War One by planting an oak tree to commemorate the 15 young men from the village who gave their lives for their country.
Steven Mears at Otterton war memorial - Credit: Archant
The ceremony began at the village war memorial, where representatives from the British Legion, local dignitaries, Scouts and residents, laid wreaths.
A Light Infantry bugler, Darran Wilson, who travelled from Shropshire, sounded the Last Post and Reveille.
Tim Gorman planting the memorial tree in Otterton - Credit: Archant
After a church service, the congregation of around 100 people moved to Stantyway recreation ground to plant the commemorative tree.
The ceremony was introduced by the chairman of the parish council, Councillor John Fudge.
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Cllr Tony Bennett and his wife, Jane, gave a brief synopsis of the background of each of the fallen; they have launched a book, Otterton Remembers, detailing each individual on the war memorial.
The Last Post. Otterton - Credit: Archant
Tim Gorman, the grandson one of those listed, Private John Gorman, planted a memorial tree, dedicated by Canon Pusey.
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A spokesman for the ceremony said: “It is intended that the tree will be surrounded by a circular bench bearing the names of each of the village heroes, so that in the years to come villagers will be able to sit and reflect upon the sacrifice of their forebears.”
