Look back: How Great Dunmow marked this year’s VE Day and WATCH the Cry for Peace Around The World

A wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion. Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)

A look back at how Great Dunmow marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day earlier this month. These pictures and information have been kindly sent in by Dunmow and District Royal British Legion. Includes VIDEO: A Cry For Peace Around The World filmed by Taryn Search, the Dunmow and District Poppy Appeal oganiser.

At the war memorial, at 11am a poppy wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal British Legion, a two minute silence was observed, and 25 crosses were placed on the memorial, one for each WW2 serviceman.

Each cross stated the servicemans name, rank, date of death and age.

Andy King from the Dunmow Town Band played The Last Post at the War Memorial. Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)

At 3pm, Andy King from Great Dunmow Town Band played The Last Post at the war memorial.

Jan Johnston on bagpipes played Battle’s O’er, a traditional air played at the end of battle.

At 7pm the town crier read out A Cry For Peace Around The World.

The day before VE Day 2020, crosses were placed on five of the seven memorial benches that commemorate a crew member lost when the Sterling Bomber LK 276 came down.

Twenty-five crosses were placed on the Great Dunmow War Memorial, one for every WW2 serviceman.Each cross stated the servicemans name, rank, date of death and age.Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)

Two of the benches are inside the school grounds.

The Bomber from 190 Squadron was making preparations for operations over the continent.

On its third practrice circuit, the aircraft came down in Newton Green. All seven crew members were lost.

As well as these events to mark VE Day 2020, Great Dunmow and surrounding villages had flags, bunting, and photos of family members who served in WW2 on display.

Jan Johnston played Battles Oer, a traditional air played at the end of battle on the Bagpipes. Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)

People had Stay At Home Garden Parties, and raised a glass from the safety of their own homes for the 3pm toast.

There was also an impromptu socially distanced singalong in New Street at 7.15pm when piano teacher and poppy collector Pam Warren opened her windows and played music including We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, and God Save The Queen.

A cross was placed on five of the memorial benches (two are in the school grounds), each commemorating a crew member of the Sterling Bomber LK276. Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)

Great Dunmow and surrounding villages were decked out with flags, bunting and photos of family members who served in WW2. Picture: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion (Image: Dunmow and District Royal British Legion)