Tributes to Hereford soldiers at Raperie British Cemetery

On November 9, Kelvyn Jenkins, who is originally from Hay-On-Wye,  travelled to the Raperie British Cemetery to honour and remember the 52 fallen members of the Herefordshire Regiment. This solemn occasion was marked by a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in service.

Crosses were laid on each individual grave, symbolizing respect and remembrance and wreaths were placed on behalf of family members and The Regimental Association, a gesture of enduring love and honour. The Regimental collect was read, and the evocative sound of the Last Post resonated through the cemetery, a poignant reminder of the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice.

In a show of deep respect, the standards of The Herefordshire Royal British Legion and the Welsh Guards Pilgrims dipped, acknowledging the valiant efforts of the fallen. Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, ashes from the 800 crosses laid in the memorial garden at Hereford Cathedral in 2023 were scattered, linking past commemorations with the present.

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Speaking of the momentous moment, Mr Jenkins said: “As we gathered, we reaffirmed our commitment to remembering these heroes.

"Gone but not forgotten, their legacy lives on in our hearts and minds, inspiring future generations to honour their memory and strive for a better world.”

Mr Jenkins was a member of the Welsh Guards for 35 years, and since leaving has been involved with organising events and commemorations. Alongside this, Mr Jenkins also plays the bugle at veteran funerals, to mark their final send-off.