OLD comrades, serving soldiers, councillors and residents came together to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War on Monday (August 4).

Services were held across the county, with large crowds gathering to pay their respects.

At Wales’ only Military Cemetery in Llanion, a parade by Pembroke Dock Sea Cadets, troops from 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), Pembroke Borough Silver Band and the Posaunenchor Grossenritte Band from Germany, which is visiting the town, was followed by a service of remembrance, led by town vicar Rev Nicky Skipworth.

District parade marshal David Boswell read the Kohima epitaph and the exhortation was read by Royal Navy Reserve commander Tony Mason.

“It’s a one-off, 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War – none of us is going to see the next 100,” said Mr Boswell.

In Haverfordwest, wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, and prayers were lead by Rev Marcus Zipperlen.

He told the crowd to remember all those from the community who were caught up in the tragic events, including those killed in action or by disease, the injured, those left waiting anxiously at home and those haunted by unspeakable memories of war.

At Hubberston Memorial Hall, Rev Andy Bookless led the tribute to the ten local men who lost their lives.

Rev Bookless said: “I suspect all of us have family who were living 100 years ago, whose lives were deeply affected by the First World War.

“It’s part of our common history, it’s part of what made our nation what it is and in a sense it’s part of what’s made us who we are."

County councillor Viv Stoddard reminded those gathered that, despite its small size, 76 men from the parish answered the call to arms, and that the Memorial Hall had been built by the community in tribute to the ten who died.

The service concluded with The Last Post, two minutes’ silence and the dedication of poppy crosses.

A special First World War commemorative supplement will be published in the Western Telegraph on Wednesday, August 21.