Remembering all those who gave their lives in war

Published: 14 November 2025

This year we reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Commemorations began at Rochester Cathedral with a Royal British Legion concert, led by Eynsford Concert Band, the Ghurka Pipers and the Military Wives Choir. It was a moving mixture of music, poetry, readings and accounts of Dunkirk, the role of the Medway queen, and the Battle of Britain, ending with a short service of remembrance led by the Dean of Rochester.



A week later, Eynsford Concert Band played for us in Sevenoaks on Remembrance Sunday for the Town Council’s service on The Vine, led by Rev Angus MacLeay. There were hundreds of local people there in brilliant sunshine. After the two minutes silence, I was privileged as Mayor to lay the first wreath on behalf of the Town, followed by 35 local representatives and organisations. We were joined by the MP and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent for an impressive march past.

On November 11th, 50 local people met at Greatness Cemetery to recognise the sacrifice of 52 soldiers, sailors and airmen from both World Wars who lie buried there. Father Robin from St John the Baptist Church led a short Remembrance Service, after which we placed crosses provided by the British Legion on each grave. Recognising each individual one by one was a moving experience. Because of Sevenoaks' position in the Battle of Britain, many of the fallen are from the RAF. What I wasn’t prepared for is how many were in their 20s.

 

Cllr Tony Clayton

Mayor of Sevenoaks