“Every family in this town played a part in the First World War in one way or another...and this plaque will be here forever to remind people the significance of this event.”

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

The words of the Duke of Gloucester as he unveiled a memorial made out of knitted poppies at St Augustine’s Church in Wisbech this afternoon.

The Duke attended a service of dedication at the church before having a private lunch with veterans.

It followed on from his visit to the Oasis Community Centre and planting of a tree on Lynn Road.

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Revd Cannon Matthew Bradbury led the service as hymns God is Our Strength and Refuge and I Vow to Thee My Country were valiantly sang.

A memorial plaque was unveiled at the back of the church by HRH, with the names of those who lost their lives during the First World War in Wisbech.

“I am delighted to unveil this plaque and congratulate those who played their part,” he said.

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

“Every now and then we like to look into the past and remember what our predecessors have done for us.

“Although there are many different wars and battles that we commemorate, these last few years have reminded us of the total shock of the First World War.”

Rev Cannon Matthew Bradbury said: “It is a huge privilege to receive a Duke here.

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

“Not only to celebrate the memorial and today’s event but to remember those who lost their lives for us.”

Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Peter Human, added: “It is wonderful that the Duke has taken the time to be with us on this wonderful occasion.

“This is very special for Wisbech.”

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTERHRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Parish Church of St Augustine in Wisbech unveiling a Great War memorial and having a tour of the building. Picture: HARRY RUTTER (Image: HARRY RUTTER)