AS heads bow in silence at war memorials in towns and villages throughout Teignbridge on Sunday to remember those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts, Remembrance Day takes on a special significance as Britain continues its commemoration marking the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war.

It was a war that had a devastating death toll estimated at around ten million military personnel and more than six million civilians, while it is believed the number of casualties amounted to some 20 million.

The horrendous trench warfare as the British and German armies fought daily battles in France and Belgium, took its toll on nearly every family in Britain.

There was a constant fear that the next knock on the door would bring news that no-one wanted to hear.

Daily messages filtered through from the Front of those who had lost their lives, those listed as missing and the wounded.

They were brave, brave men, as were those who fought in the second world war, the Falklands and more recent conflicts.