REMEMBRANCE: Shoppers, soldiers and dignitaries show respects on Armistice Day at Westgate Centre

Observing the two-minute silence for Armistice Day, the city centre came to a halt at 11am and Oxford Bus Company services pulled in at the nearest stop.

Sheila Hemshaw, 78, shopping in Westgate, said: “It’s so important we remember those that gave their lives for us, particularly 100 years on.”

Anne Richardson, 75, from North Oxford, added: “If we don’t remember them we will keep perpetuating the same mistakes.”

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A small ceremony led by Lord Mayor Mohammed Abbasi was held at Town Hall, attended by about 100 people.

City rector the Rev Bob Wilkes said: “It is something I do every year and although the biggest service was on Remembrance Sunday, I am always grateful for today’s ceremony because it marks the actual moment of ceasefire.

“There is a poignancy about that. I am glad that people still take a break from their daily routines, just to pause for that moment. We have to remember what happened back then so we think about what we are doing now.”

Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Abbasi hangs a wreath during a service in Oxford Town Hall.

In Iffley a wreath was laid by Lieutenant John Lee at the Iffley War Monument and bugle player of the Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force Ian Rae sounded the Last Post.

The 22-year-old said: “There was a very sombre mood, it was quite emotional this year.”

Ian Rae, Army Cadet Force instructor, plays the bugle at the Iffley War Monument.

In West Oxfordshire, a service was held in the parachute training hangar at RAF Brize Norton. It was led by the station’s chaplaincy for military and civilian personnel. Group Captain Polly Perkins said: “It is 100 years since the First World War – ‘the war to end all wars’.

“As we continue to strive to bring peace and security to the world, it is vital that every year on Armistice Day we pause, reflect and honour those that have given their lives in the service of their country.”

Standard bearer Maurice Warsaw from the Carterton branch of the Royal British Legion at RAF Brize Norton’s service.

A service was also held in the Puma Force hangar at RAF Benson involving all servicemen and women not on essential duty, the station’s Military Wives Choir and representatives from RAF Benson Primary School.

Wing Commander Andy Baron, 230 Squadron commanding officer, said: “It was a very poignant and very respectful service.”

• Reporting by Matt Oliver, Dan Robinson and Callum Keown.

Pupils across the county pay their respects to the dead.

SCHOOLS across the county joined in yesterday’s Armistice Day commemorations.

All 970 students and 150 staff at Abingdon’s John Mason School took part in a special assembly.

They were invited to remember all the heroes who have served their country over the past century.

Headteacher Di Mashiter gave an opening address reminding staff and students of conflicts past and present and their toll on human life.

Year 13 pupil Holly Evans read Aftermath by First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon and head boy Adam Lowe spoke about the impact of war on so many lives.

Olivier Jaudun, of Year 12, said: “These special assemblies are incredibly moving.

“Each year we remember and reflect upon war and its impact. I think it is something that we should continue to honour.”

The school was joined by members of Abingdon Royal British Legion and governors.

Pupils at St Nicholas Primary School, in Marston, Oxford, attended their own Armistice Day service while pupils from St John’s Priory School, in Banbury, attended a service in the town’s People’s Park.

Students at Faringdon Community College and Larkmead, Abingdon, are creating Remembrance gardens in their school grounds.

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